Do you know how to find both success and fulfillment? For most entrepreneurs the answer, sadly, is a resounding “no.” The host of The Deep Wealth Podcast and post-exit entrepreneur Jeffrey Feldberg speaks with entrepreneur and best-selling author, Ken Rusk. Ken passionately believes in the power of blue-collar careers to bring comfort, peace, and freedom. Let’s explore how Ken’s lessons can help shape your own path to success!
Ken Rusk started digging ditches at the young age of 15. Now, he runs a thriving construction company and has shared his wisdom in his book, “Blue Collar Cash.” Ken’s story teaches us that you don’t need a fancy degree to find happiness and success. “When you have visions for your future, that’s when you’re successful,” Ken says.
One of Ken’s key messages is the importance of having a vision. He explains that people who know what they want from life tend to work harder and reach their goals. According to Ken, “You need to know why you’re working and what you want your life to look like.” This focus is what drives success!
As Ken moved into his career, he observed a common trait among successful people. He says, “The people that had visions for their future were always successful.” Ken emphasizes the importance of knowing why you are working towards your goals. It’s not just about having a job but having a purpose and a vision.
Jeffrey, our podcast host, echoes this idea, stressing how a business can’t rely solely on one person. “Does the business run without you?” he asks entrepreneurs, nudging them to ensure their business can thrive even if they’re not there 24/7.
Becoming Irrelevant to Succeed
This might sound surprising, but Ken believes that a great entrepreneur must become irrelevant to their business as quickly as possible. He explains, “Entrepreneurs should offload work to stay in a visionary role.” By trusting a team to manage daily tasks, you free yourself to guide your business toward growth and innovation.
Ken’s advice might surprise you: make yourself irrelevant to your business as soon as possible. What? Yes, you heard that right! Ken suggests this because leaders should focus on big-picture visions, not doing everything themselves. “Entrepreneurs are people that put themselves and others in position to win,” Ken explains. This means trusting others to take the reins so you can guide your company to new heights.
The Power of Intrapreneurs
Ken highlights the value of intrapreneurs—team members who act like entrepreneurs within your company. They take ownership of their work and feel responsible for their success. Ken says, “They run a division, responsible for input, output, and their financial gain.” Encouraging this entrepreneurial spirit within your team can drive your company forward.
When hiring, don’t toss out resumes from those without a degree. Ken points out, “Apple Computer hired 50% of their staff without college degrees.” Why? Because potential is found in passion and problem-solving abilities, not just diplomas.
Ken further elaborates on the idea of ‘intrapreneurs’—individuals who love leading and taking charge within a company without the risk of owning one. They are vital because they drive innovation and success from within, without needing to run everything.
Using Goals to Drive Success
Ken is a big believer in setting clear, specific goals. He promotes using “timed pathway goals,” detailing steps and timelines for achieving milestones. For example, a vague goal like “playing golf in Europe someday” becomes a strong plan with specifics like, “I am saving $50 a week to golf in Scotland by September 2026.”
Ken believes in powerful, specific goals. He shares an anecdote about earning more by focusing on precise objectives. “It’s January 1st, 2025, and I am saving $50 a week…” Instead of vague dreams, create timed pathways for your goals. This strategy fuels motivation and ensures progress.
Jeffrey adds how visualizing achievements, like writing a big check for himself, kept him motivated. Visualization isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling the excitement and working towards it with purpose. This is a key step in turning dreams into reality.
In Ken’s story, everybody is motivated to reach personal and business goals, creating a culture where team members push themselves. “They miss less work, they work harder, they’re more positive,” Ken notes. It’s all about knowing what your team members dream of and helping them achieve those dreams.
Dealing with Doubts and Fears
Sometimes, team members face self-doubt. Ken encourages starting with small, achievable goals to build confidence. He recalls how helping one employee erase a $2,500 debt empowered her to achieve more. “Start small, gain confidence, and then get out of their way,” Ken advises.
Ken’s approach to motivating teams involves recognizing individual dreams and working towards a shared vision. He breaks it down: “People live really great in a lot of different ways, and you get to respect and trump every one of those ways.” Understanding what truly drives your employees, whether it’s time off, bonuses, or recognition, builds a strong and loyal team.
Ken reminds us to focus on what truly matters to us individually, rather than comparing ourselves to others. “You know your favorite color, car, vacation,” Ken says. “Why are you giving so much power to the world to decide who you are?”
Your Success Journey
Ken Rusk teaches us that we each have the power to create a rewarding life and business. By setting clear goals, encouraging intrapreneurs, and focusing on our unique paths, we can achieve both personal fulfillment and business success. Remember, as Ken puts it, “Allow the powerful side of your brain to work for you.”
So, embrace your vision and watch your world transform as you step forward with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re starting out or looking to elevate your business, Ken’s lessons remind us that success is within reach—if you dare to dream and seize the opportunity!
Ken’s final piece of advice is to harness the incredible power of your mind. Don’t compare yourself to others on social media. Instead, focus on what truly makes you happy. He states, “Please allow the free, no-cost, powerful side of your brain to work for you called vision.”
It’s not always about having the most money or the best job title. Success is about being happy with your life choices and feeling fulfilled with your work and goals. So remember, build your vision, trust those around you, and never underestimate the power of your mind to chart your path to prosperity.
So, dear readers, with Ken’s insights, let’s gear up to take control of our future, work hard, and achieve wealth on our own terms. As we like to say, “May you continue to thrive and prosper while you remain healthy and safe.” Here’s to your success!
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