Hey There, Welcome back! If you enjoy this post, be sure you subscribe to my newsletter to get all my blog posts delivered straight to your inbox.
I have an issue that is weighing so heavily on me and I have to get it off my shoulders, so I decided to share a post about it. I will get to my point in a minute, so just follow along.
Over the weekend I had to attend a family function. While there, I had a conversation with a friend that I hadn’t seen in a while. But first, let me just tell you a little about this friend before I get into the conversation we had…
… About 7 years ago, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a soft ball. Apparently it was growing for the past 30 years. If unfound for another 6 months, he would have died. But, lucky for him, it affected his brain so drastically in such a short period of time that it caused him to have a car accident. When they took him to the hospital, that’s when they found the tumor. Within a week, the surgeon operated on him to remove it with almost no complications. Everyone was amazed and so thankful!
My husband calls him the luckiest, unlucky person he’s ever met.
So now, let me continue the conversation I had with him…
He’s was taking about how long its been since the tumor happened and how much the surgery cost…about $110,000. He said the insurance paid half and he refused to pay the rest…
…I thought I heard him wrong, but no, I heard him correctly…
…he refused to pay the rest of the bill. I couldn’t believe my ears…
…and this is the issue that is weighing on me.
He is standing on ceremony, refusing to pay the doctor his fee…even thought, this man saved his life! He is very well off financially so its not like he can’t afford to pay the bill, he refused to pay it because he felt the insurance should have covered the full amount. Wright or wrong, this man saved his life! I don’t know how he can live with himself. I personally, wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. I know the universe was on his side before, I don’t know how lucky he will be should another situation arise.
Remember…what you give out, you get back…
So now, take this man…the doctor. He went to school for 8+ years of his life, not to mention the college tuition and internship, all to save peoples lives hoping to make a decent living from doing so…
…and some where along the way, in steps HMO’s and health care guidelines. His world is turned upside down. His payments are cut drastically and the doctor is feeling the squeeze. He has people, like my friend, that are refusing to pay their bills, and I’m sure this happens time and time again, especially in this economy.
I really feel for this doctor and others like him that pursued their dream…are even saving lives, but are getting screwed in the end.
So this leads me to my title of this post…Book Smart of Street Smart, Which way is Better in Business?.
Not too long ago, being book smart like the doctor, was…
…people went to school then off to college in pursuit of a lifelong profession and they worked in that profession for 20+ years until retirement. Unfortunately these days, when people graduate from college, a lot of them owe loans that equate to a monthly mortgage payment, so they begin their career being in debt to either the bank or the government…
…alot can’t even get or keep a job due to the economy forcing companies to downsize and lay off their employees. I couldn’t imagine trying to start a practice in this economy.
These days, I think street smart, a survival instinct and being able to think outside of the box, has way more advantages…
Some people are foregoing college, or…
…they have given half their working years only to be laid off, and they want to take control of their own future. I’m not against college (and the irony here is that my son wants to become a doctor), I just believe if you have a no matter what attitude, you will figure out a way to be successful.
With all the technology at our fingertips, people are flocking to the Internet in search of a better way, a better life. They are embracing risks and challenges because they realize when they took a huge risk the other way, most are left with nothing in the end. They are heading down the path of uncertainty all is pursuit of financial freedom, wanting to control their life instead of their life controlling them.
I’ve lived both sides of this topic. I went to college to get an eduation for my chosen career…
…only to be laid-off. You can read more about my journey if you like.
Years ago, I made the choice to be Street Smart. I am an Internet Marketer and living a life uncommon.
My hat goes off to each and every one of you that takes a chance in pursuit of a better way!
Keep striving because you only fail…
… if you quit!
July 26th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
I agree! Street smart definitly has a bigger impact in business. They have this sense of confidence and decisiveness. They trust themselves.
I’ve known countless “book smart” people who know exactly what to do when they are being told how to do it, but don’t have the decisiveness and trust in themselves to take important steps for themselves.
The great thing is that when empowered “book smart” people can become street smart and that combination is powerful.
Jacquelyn´s last [type] ..Home Business Smart Officially Launched!
[Reply]
May 12th, 2010 at 1:58 am
Hey Sharon,
I agree with Yossi. A combination of both book smarts and streets smarts will be more beneficial in the long haul. You need to be book smart to be able to make the right decision, but street smart to be able to think on your feet.
Great article..
Have a great day
Hector Cuevas
.-= Hector Cuevas´s last blog ..5 Ways To Improve Conversion Rates On Your Blog =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
The combination is very powerful in life!
Thanks for sharing Hector
Sharon
[Reply]
May 7th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Hi Sharon,
I believe that a combination of book smarts and street smarts is the perfect mix needed here.
However, as Ron Sherwood mentioned here:
“People that are highly skilled in an area often times can’t cope if they had to make a change. Street smart people are always ready and looking for change.”
All I can say is that I totally agree with that.
As one who came from the Book Smart side of the coin, I sadly found myself in this situation while I saw others (Street Smarts) who skilled to achieve much more and in shorter amount of time.
But anyway, that’s not what will stop those who strive
to do what their passion is all about.
Because only this will fuel the person to keep up and
do whatever needs to be done to make the passion become
a reality.
Thanks Donna for remind me this and Thank you Sharon for this post.
.-= Yossi Steinblatt´s last blog ..How to add Facebook Like button to your blog =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Hi Yossi,
I too, believe a mix of both will prove to be a powerful and perfect combination. I also agree with
you about striving for one’s passion because that will be the fuel to keep them going…without it,
they will stay stuck in an unhappy situation or worse, they will give up and quit. Its been my
experience that ‘street smart’ people tend to have a no matter what attitude and that allows
them to better deal with changes and obstacles that come their way.
To following our passions!
Sharon
[Reply]
May 7th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
I grew up in a family of “book smart” people. My parents are doctors, so is my brother-in-law, and another brother-in-law is an attorney.
I have aunts and uncles that are in the medical field and engineers.
Being “street smart” really is the way to go if we want a faster way to create wealth. Most of what I’ve learned in the business world was certainly not taught to me in school.
Great post!
Eddie
.-= Eddie Espiritu´s last blog ..Ready, Fire, Aim! =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Hey Eddie,
I have to agree with you…being in control of our lives and futures, is definately the way to go. We make our own choices instead of someone making them for us.
Its funny (well, not really), how after so many years of college, people are never really prepared for working in the real world. The knowledge we gain from being in the real world is …priceless.
To Success
Sharon
[Reply]
May 7th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Wow Sharon! Wow! This post is why I love being your friend. It was very powerful. I agree with you that street smart is better, but I believe that book smart also opens up some doors that wouldn’t be available the other way.
Again, super great post Sharon!
Sincerely,
David Haines
.-= David A Haines´s last blog ..Why Are All of My Prospects Broke? =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Hey David,
The combination will prove to be very powerful. Both have advantages and disadvantages…like most things in life.
Thanks so much David
Sharon
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
I’ve known far too many people that are brilliant in the classroom and clueless in the real world.
Many of them are “successful” in doing a routine job for many years, accomplishing little and earning outrageously.
I don’t measure success in dollars, nor do I measure intelligence in terms of how much force-feeding you can regurgitate without ever questioning the Authority that masterminds the feeding.
Kudos Sharon, for making the distinction between education and intelligence. I always wondered what sort of convenient propaganda associated the two in the first place.
.-= David Merrill´s last blog ..Can You Be A Successful Blogger By Following Just These 3 Steps? =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
I always love reading your replys to my posts David, you give me alot of food for thought…
Success is measured differently by each and every one of us. I believe that the person that goes to school and gets an education isn’t any more or less better than the person who is uses life as their teacher and follows their passion. There is no better teacher than life itself.
In my eyes, if they are both persuing their dreams, they are both successful.
Thanks David
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Sharon,
What a fantastic post! Isn’t it amazing how those moments in life hit us and make us think so deeply about our own values and beliefs?
This is a conversation to be had over dinner with a good bottle of wine and even better friends!
Christy
.-= Christy Dutilly´s last blog ..The Ultimate Success Secret! =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
It sure is Christy!
And yes, a great conversation to have with friiends!
Regards,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Hi Sharon!
I totally get your point. I guess there is an ethical component that at the end defines the kind of person we are… these norms conform a convention that we didn´t chose, but that control our lives as part of a society. But, is your friend´s position actually “street smart” or does it go beyond that point in terms of ethics?
Confusing… maybe my English?
I think that in business and in professional careers, probably a combination of both “smartness” usually works better
Saludos
.-= Omar Estrada´s last blog ..Notas sobre el genio y el método. =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Hi Omar,
Actually my friends position was neither. His choice of not paying the fee was what prompted me to thinking about the doctor and then making the connection between street smart or book smart.
I agree with you…a combination of both will prove very powerful in life
Thanks Omar
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Hi Sharon, Streets smarts is great, but you need more to really survive. I know, I grew up in a single parent home is a rough neighborhood. Street smarts has definetly made me a good people reader,and given me an edge, but I always felt like I was trying to catch up to everyone else. I educated myself, but it took a lot longer. Read the book Outliers. It’s a great book that deals with some of these issues and how people become who they are.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Hi Raina,
Having both is a winning combination…some people only know one way. I believe life is our greatest teacher and anything else is a plus!
Its funny that you mention that book. A friend gave it to me some time ago and I never read it…Now, I’m going to read it.
Thanks so much
Sharon
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Hi Sharon,
On these days maybe those things happens more frequently.
But I think you can’t be only Book Smart, you won’t survive if you are not “street smart” also.
But as you said “what you give out, you get back”….
Cheers
Raisa
.-= Raisa Garrido´s last blog ..Invertir en Educación ¿Crecer o no Crecer? =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
True Raisa,
The combination of both will prove to be very powerful!
Regards,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Hi Sharon,
I believe that a combination of book smarts and street smarts is the best all-around approach to a well-lived life! Like so many others in the Unified Tribe, I am a product of a long education…all the way to a Masters Degree. Like Rodney mentioned above, for people who want certain careers, a degree is their only ticket to such careers. But, I also believe in the power of entrepreneurship and think all young people should at some point in their growing years, have to sell something to learn what it’s like to hustle for dollars.
Great post! It got a lot of your readers thinking!
Mary Lou
.-= Mary Lou Kayser´s last blog ..Earning A Living with Your Passion: A Letter from Monterey =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Hi Mary Lou,
I agree with you 100%. I believe that there is no greater teacher than life itself, anything added to that learning is a plus.
The combination will prove itself to be very powerful in the business world.
As long as people follow their passion, either way, that passion will be the fuel to help them strive for success.
Regards,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
This is great Sharon!
What a great example of why network marketing is an answer for so many people, not to mention the whole “what you give ( or don’t give ) comes back to you!
Thanks for Sharing this great info
Many Blessings,
Karla Setchel
.-= Karla Setchel´s last blog ..Can I Earn Additional Money While I’m on Social Security Disability? YES!!! =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
So true Karla, Network Marketing is a great Vehicle for anyone!
Regards,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Hi Sharon,
thanks for sharing this story with us. I think your friends fails to see how blessed he is and how grateful he can be, doesn’t he ? That is neither school nor street smart. When it comes to the distinction of the both, I think it’s OK and possible to be both. A person who is only or mainly school smart may have a hard time realising that being school smart has its limitations that can’t be overcome with being school smart. So he needs to learn being street smart, too. And Internet Marketing is certainly a great course for it !
Have a blessed day and take care
To a prosperous life
Oliver
.-= Oliver Tausend´s last blog ..What is the best MLM Opportunity ? Revelation of an Anti-Secret II =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Hey Oliver,
I also agree that the combination of both can be a great asset and prove very powerful in the business world.
Regards,
Shaorn
[Reply]
May 6th, 2010 at 12:27 am
I think that it may not have to be such a dichotomy. A person can spend many years in school and still come out none-the-better. And a person can live on the streets and come out none-the-better. In fact, even the person who goes to school lives on the streets and has the same opportunity as anyone who is street smart. I think real smarts that have real practical applications in our lives can come either way – the street or the class room. There are many great professors who integrate their street smarts with their book smarts. So to me, the key is in LEARNING something that we can use to help us succeed in life, and both books and living can teach that, the streets and the campus can teach that – so its not so much the venue, but the person who LEARNS and uses that learning to make positive changes in their lives – Based on this philosophy, I would love to see more street smart people who also are college graduates and more college graduates who are also street smart – in life, lets take advantage of all opportunities, for therein lays real success.
Dr. Chuck
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I couldn’t agree more with you Dr. Chuck! We must learn from it all! There is no greater teacher than life itself.
Like you said, the key is in the learning…
… that people learn from both sides and use that learning to make positive changes in their lives…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
To taking advantage of ALL opportunities,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 5th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Hey Sharon,
Great question but I would have to add to that is what do you want to do in your life? Some careers require a college degree so there really is not debate. As you stated you son wants to be a doctor and what about teachers. I don’t think either one of those professions would do well if folks didn’t go to college thinking they could learn it on their own.
Now with that said, I want my kids to go to college but not just for the education. I know and understand that college is a lot more than that but on the other hand, I’m talking to them regularly about entrepreneurship as well so they know that they might have a “job” just starting out but eventually being your own boss and getting your hustle on is the way to go.
.-= Rodney Gainous, Jr.´s last blog ..Do Your Friends Call You Weird? =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Yes, its very true that some professions require a degree…
…but if we learn to take advantage of ALL opportunites in life, both book and street, we will be all the greater for doing so.
I too, want my children to experience college but, also want them to own their lives! I want them to know they have choices in life.
Regards,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 5th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Hey Sharon!
This is a topic that makes my brain itch. I see both sides of the coin but all in all I’d have to agree that street smarts takes the cake. However, it seems like in either situation the personal development and education is ultimately the trump card. The more you know the more you can give back.
Insurance or no insurance…I can’t believe he’s not paying the bill!
Cheers,
Nick
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Hey Nick,
The person that can learn from both sides of the coin will prove to be very powerful.
We need to keep learning from life for there is no greater teacher!
Cheers,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 5th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Sharon,
Good points and I believe your right, street smart is better.
People that are highly skilled in an area often times can’t cope if they had to make a change. Street smart people are always ready and looking for change. I love the personal stories they really bring out the point.
Ron Sherwood
.-= Ron Sherwood´s last blog ..How Daily Base hits fuel the start of your Network Marketing and Home Business Success? =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
So true, sometimes people that are highly skilled in an area have a hard time with change, unlike street smart, who are always looking for change… We must keep changing to keep growing.
Thanks for sharing Ron.
Regards,
Sharon
[Reply]
May 5th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Although book smart always comes in handy, in this economy, it is every man for himself. Street smart will get you further in today’s world.
Let’s face it, Everything is topsy-turvy. There are hardly any students studying to be Doctors, Lawyers, etc. These once great professions have been taken over by big brother. Even insurance companies are shaky.
So what do we do? Rely on ourselves. It is a great time to jump into your passion in life. When I get a client that complains that they can not get a job, I always ask: what is your passion? Then coax them into directions to take action and living their dream.
Thumbs up for street smart.
.-= Donna Merrill´s last blog ..What does Barbizon have to do with Internet Marketing? =-.
[Reply]
Sharon Hartman Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Hi Donna,
Yes, these are very shaky times and we must learn to rely on ourselves.
If would be wonderful to see more people following their passions, and living their dreams!
Regards,
Sharon
[Reply]