“Don’t try” is the two-word suggestion engraved on the headstone of Charles “Hank” Bukowsky. Charles was a writer and artist with the ability to condense complex ideas into simple sentences. He was NOT asking us NOT to try. In fact, just the opposite. He’s one of three inspirations for how we help Global Chamber® members every day.
Number one for me is the memory of my grandparents Joseph (Pops) & Emma Brings, who became entrepreneurs at age 50 by starting their own machine shop in Queens, New York. My Pops became the “go to” person for motor problems in NYC, because he would solve any problem. He did it by getting up early and doing whatever it took. I think about those two “get it done” leaders every day.
Number two for the global tribe is focus on member success. It’s not about us — it’s about YOU. That’s the way my Pops thought, too. I had the additional experience of living and working in Japan and in other demanding markets. Our global team thinks similarly. Deliver value to members and clients, and the rest takes care of itself.
Number three is Charles Bukowsky, an author who published from the 1940s through early 1990s. Perhaps like Charles, my Pops never told someone, “I’ll try,” when they came to him with a problem. Pops just asked questions and then got it done. So it is with our daily efforts. Member needs, typically centered on finding new clients, are listened to and then fulfilled, often involving extra effort, whatever it takes.
Most exporters underperform, so make your life a little easier with Global Chamber. Our team and members are available every day to give you the advantage you need to succeed everywhere. And do or don’t do. If you’re an exporter, invest in the three T’s for global success: Time, Talent and Treasury. If global business matters to your business, then make sure your activities and investments are aligned with your growth priorities, not with what’s always been done. Don’t try.
Doug Bruhnke is founder and CEO at Global Chamber®.
