“This version removes:

• Concept language
• Framework tone
• Motivational rhythm
• Artificial contrast
• Coaching phrasing”

ChatGPT said as it finished the post with “You don’t need perfect English.

You need one clear offer and one clear conversationn.”

This was the moment that made me disenchanted with the new toy.

Instead of getting better and better, it has progressively deteriorated the past weeks and months. And I’m getting tired of seeing the formulaic BS everywhere.

So, as one of my mentors says, it’s time to get back to real.

Yes, I’m talking about Ryan Levesque.

Getting back to real for us at Leficomp means implementing a content system that works for us and who we are. And it all starts with our co-founder, Anna, and her love of books.

In a nutshell, our content going forward will be based on the latest book Anna reads.

Starting with today and “The Story of Us” by Catherine Hernandez.

Note: Read at your own discretion. Spoiler alert!

Lesson 1: Money is not everything

This was the last realization from MG’s story but maybe the biggest one.

See, MG is a Filipina and the main character in “The Story of Us.” Well, at least the narrative follows her life path.

She left her husband and loved ones to become an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). Her first assignment was in Hong Kong for two years.

Then, she went to Canada, where she wanted to be for two years, and then sponsor her husband to come, so they could be together and build a life for themselves.

Spoiler Alert: By the end of the story, her marriage had failed. She was in Canada on her own with a newborn baby.

Maybe this is not what the book is all about. Given the other main topic in the story. But, for me, as an immigrant here in Canada, this stood out.

MG focused on the money and the financial aspect of life. Yet, she forgot why she wanted the money.

While the story doesn’t tell us whether she lived happily ever after, this reminded me that so often, especially when it comes to business, we see entrepreneurs focus on the money.

Yes, a business is in business to make money. Otherwise, it would be an NGO.

But the money is rarely the ultimate goal.

We business owners often want what money buys, whether this is freedom of time or location, or any other benefit that comes with being financially wealthy.

And, a lot of the time, what we want is for our families to prosper together with us. Yet, there are countless examples of business owners paying the ultimate price for the success of their company.

So, as you are reading these lines, pause for a second and think about:

1. Is the ladder you climb against the correct wall?
2. What price are you paying to make your business a success?

Sometimes money and the promise of a better future blind us to the small joys of life. Such as being with our loved ones. Even if it means a less prosperous life.

Yes, build your business. And make sure you also remember who you are doing it for and why. Before it’s too late.

Lesson 2: Culture eats strategy for breakfast

Initially, I wanted to share this one first.

I see a lot of similarities between successful companies and countries.

As an immigrant myself, I know that we would all rather be in our home countries. Where we were born and raised, and where our loved ones and friends are.

Yet, like companies with toxic cultures, sometimes our home countries don’t leave us a choice but to leave.

So, if you are at a stage where you are starting to hire, read this carefully.

Your company culture will eat your strategy for breakfast. People will run away from your business if your culture is toxic.

If you already have a team, this message is even more important.

A destructive culture forces people to leave. It also destroys prosperity.

What you want instead is to build a business with a constructive culture. One that empowers and enables.

Lesson 3: Accountability is key to success

It’s interesting that I’m writing this blog post today. When the Darren Daily topic was all about personal accountability and accountability to others.

If you go to our About page, you’ll see that Accountability and Responsibility are two of our values.

Very, very key. And, unfortunately, missing in today’s predominant victim mentality and blame culture.

There was a point, towards the end of the book, when MG’s marriage failed. And she blamed him because he was the one who was cheating.

Yet, she didn’t take any responsibility or accountability for the situation.

It takes two to tango.

It’s easy to see the fault in others. And way harder to admit to our own shortcomings.

So, here are two lessons:

1. As the business owner, you’re the one to demonstrate responsibility and accountability
2. Hire people who are accountable and responsible

You need both if you are to make your business even more successful. As the leader, you showcase these desired attributes. Then, when you hire people, look for the ones who already exhibit these two traits.

Final thoughts

I love reading books. Various genres. Fiction & non-fiction.

And now that we’ve decided to shift our content strategy, I feel so much more aligned and in flow.

I was surprised that I saw business lessons in a fiction book about a Filipina nanny/caregiver and a trans elderly with Dementia.

Yet, here it is. Our first blog post inspired by a book I just finished.

This is not a review of the book. Yes, I know I probably revealed a couple of things about the story. Yet, the main purpose is two-fold.

First, I wanted to connect the insights from the book to the journey of building a successful business and give you food for thought.

Second, I wanted to explore and showcase a new way of creating content. One that’s aligned with who I am and what our business is all about.

I personally haven’t felt so good about a blog post in months. Maybe since before ChatGPT took the world by storm.

As I’m wrapping up these first attempts at our new content creation, here’s a final recommendation.

If you’re leading a team, or about to hire, highly recommend taking the ELI Assessment. It’s one way to measure culture and see whether you are building a constructive or destructive environment.

Check it out here and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.