June 21st, 2016

Acres of Diamonds

Todays Education moment is about your own personal “Acres of Diamonds”.

Over a century ago, Russell Conwell was famous for his traveling lecture in which he
encouraged listeners to find the “acres of diamonds” in their own backyards.

At the heart of the book, was a parable Conwell heard while traveling. The quick
summary goes like this:

“There was once a wealthy man named Ali who lived not far from a
River. “He was contented because he was wealthy, and wealthy because he
was contented.” One day a priest visited Ali and told him about grand stories
of diamonds.
Ali heard all about diamonds, how much they were worth, how big
and shiny they were, and went to his bed that night a poor man. He had not
lost anything, but he was poor because he was discontented, and
discontented because he feared he was poor.
He sold his farm, left his family, and traveled to Europe searching for
diamonds. He did not find them. His health and his wealth failed him.
Dejected, he cast himself into the sea.
One day, the man who had purchased Ali farm found a curious
sparkling stone in a stream that cut through his land. It was a diamond.
Digging produced more diamonds — acres of diamonds, in fact. This,
according to the parable, was the discovery of the famed diamonds of
Golconda.

The point of the story is that we often dream of fortunes bigger and better to be
made elsewhere. Or that the green grass on the other side, or the bigger and better
salaries that await us in faraway places.

We instead should be open to the opportunities that those fortunes are right around
us or under our feet. Or even in our own local BNI chapter…

Now Russel Conwell wasn’t literally suggesting to go physically labor and start
digging up your backyard, however the question looms, how can you find the acres
of diamonds in your own backyard? Here’s a few tips to start recognizing your own
acre of diamonds:
1. Maintain a ready mind. Be open to the possibilities around you. Don’t let
preconceived notions cloud your judgment. We often overlook the value of
something because we think we already know it.
2. Look at the familiar things in new ways. Conwell lists some important
inventions — the snap-button, the cotton gin, the mowing machine — and
notes that these were created by everyday people who found new
approaches and new uses for commonplace objects. Keep an eye out for
 June 21st, 2016

those everyday things and how you can improve them. Even in your own
industry.
3. Learn what people want, then give it to them. Discover a market, and then
provide a good or a service. Too many people do this the other way around.
As business people, we can see this firsthand. In turn we can act immediately
to bring that want or need directly to the marketplace.
4. Knowledge is more important than capital. Lack of capital is a common
excuse for not starting a business venture. How often have you heard, “I need
money to make money.” Nonsense, says Conwell. He gives anecdotes of
wealthy people who started with nothing but an idea.
5. Don’t put yourself down, and don’t belittle your environment. Don’t compare
yourself with others. “Believe in the great opportunities that are right here.
Not over in that city or across the country, but here — for business, and for
everything that is worth living for on earth. There was never an opportunity
greater.” Find the best in what’s around you.

It reminds me of the saying, “ No matter where I go, there I am.”

Recognize that the opportunity and the resources you currently have could be your
own Acre of Diamonds. Make the most of what you have and don’t fear taking new
steps towards your goals and ultimately your destiny.