Jay-Z Example Follows What I've Always Said... Show Me

Forbes put out their issue with the top billionaires in the country. Always a good read. More interestingly was a meeting, hosted by Steve Forbes, with Jay-Z and Warren Buffett (not to be confused with Jimmy Buffett for those who are less in the know). The two men compared notes on what has driven their success.

Jay-Z highlighted a sixth grade teacher who saw something in him and paid extra attention to him (not in a creepy way I suppose). She took the children on a field trip to her home (must be some home). He was enamored with the ice machine on the face of the refrigerator (I too have had this intrigue, mine was more so with the water than the ice). He decided that he wanted to have an ice machine on the face of his refrigerator one day. Good call. (Although keep in mind that room temperature beverages are better for your health Jay!)

His story illustrates something that has been close to my heart for many years now. SHOW people what exists out there rather than just talk about it. Don't just tell you kids to go to college. Introduce them to people who have. Take them to college campuses. Investigate how to get there (together) and make it happen. Tell your children what a big world out there it is, but show them too! Give them a map and learn about other countries together. Find a pen pal for them across the globe. This goes for adults too. If someone has an addiction, it's one thing to tell them to stop or tell them you know they can do it. It's an entirely different thing to help them by introducing them to people who have, places they can get help or a book filled the people's stories who have been there.

Do more than just talk. Show people what you are talking about. You may learn a thing or two in the lesson.

For the full article: http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/1011/rich-list-10-omaha-warren-buffett-jay-z-steve-forbes-summit-interview.html