Principles – Success and Ambition 3 – Kinko’s – 17/6/2014

In the previous article we discussed the first element of success: setting a goal and putting a plan to achieve it. Goals are crucial for igniting one’s tenacity to achieve success. Working with no objective will lead to nothing. Since young age, putting goals should be taught to children. We also related a story of a father who encouraged children to take care of their study thus he took them to see the Ferrari which they are dreaming to get. On the next day he took them to a public library to make three lists that contained the jobs they may do to get an efficient income to buy this car, the qualifications needed to get these jobs and the universities that offer them those qualifications.
Since that day; the two kids gave more attention to their studying and their father kept encouraging them till they achieved brilliant results and joined the universities of their dreams. One of them became the manager of one of the most famous chain of restaurants. The other kid got a high position at a prestigious company in the Middle East. They have bought the car of their dreams as well.
Thus, it can be indicated that the way of success cannot be walked without a goal you seek at the end of the road and motivation to walk that road too. It is noteworthy, goals should be suitable to the qualifications and talents of each person.
Paul Orfalea, the owner of Kinko’s chain, is the best example of this. Kinko’s was chosen by American people to be the best place you can work in for 3 years consecutively.
He was suffering from dyslexia and failed twice in his second year at primary school. His parents and their friends helped him by writing his assignments and likewise. They were keen on making him feel he is a normal child. They helped him to retain knowledge in way that does not contrast with his disability.
Paul was a business genius; he managed to start up his first business that many expected its failure. However, he proved them wrong and achieved a great success. The profits of his company reached more than 2 billion dollars a year. It expanded to include 1700 branches and thousands of employees all over the world. It had not been easy for Paul; however his love for business, employees and clients helped him to succeed.
He began with a minor retail for selling stationary, copy materials and making paper copies. He was capable of delivering the tools students needed to their place. His efforts were paid off; he founded the 24th branch in California. Paul cannot read till now, however he loves those who read for him. He thinks that man should focus on the points of his strength not weakness. He said that if you cannot read, you can master another skill…To be continued