If It Ain't Broke. . .

There's more than one way to pour a foundation, but the ones for the job sites in this video I'm pouring later today are 100% the same as every other Remington Homes foundation poured before I acquired the company.

And there's a damn good reason for it.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they start a business is thinking they know more than they do.

It's the good 'ole Dunning-Kruger effect where we think we know more than we do. In business, that can lure us into making changes before we know what the hell we are doing in the first place.

A good friend of mine is getting into real estate investment. He's taking a class I recommended that provides step-by-step instructions on starting an investment company. I took this class and followed the instructions, so I know firsthand that they work.

Included is a script for contacting potential buyers of distressed homes. It reads, in short, "I'm Bob. I have off-market properties at a discount. If you want them, call me."

My friend sent me "his version" that he wanted to use.

"I'm Bob. I live in Georgia, where I've been a pig farmer. Now, I'm getting into real estate investing, and I might have some properties that your Realtor doesn't know about. Did you know hogs will eat about anything you feed 'em? Call me about the possible properties if you want to. Or don't. Whatever."

Imagine you're an investor who buys distressed properties. Which one are you responding to?

Pretty straightforward, right? Please stick to the script; it's proven.

But that can be hard to see when you're in the thick of something new.

It was the same when I started snowboarding. To get around on a snowboard, you "skate" sideways with your leading foot strapped in and your trailing leg pushing you along. It's awkward and takes time to get used to.

At first, I thought the bindings were all wrong. I told my instructor, "These would be much better if they rotated so you could push yourself forward, like a skateboard." Now, having advanced from beginner to novice, the idea of rotating bindings is not so great.

It's stupid, actually.

So these foundations are just like every other, even though there are some things I'd like to change, because IT WORKS. I've acquired a profitable company, and I'm not changing anything about it any time soon.

My construction supervisor wants to change some subs, and I say hell no.

My draftsman wants to modify the plans, and I say hell no.

My stager wants me to change cabinet suppliers, and I say hell no.

My estimator wants to change up a few subs, and again, I say hell no.

This business is familiar, but I still have plenty to learn. That's why I have the founder on retainer as a consultant for five years.

And that's why Remington Homes will continue to operate like it always has.

Because if it ain't broke, it don't need fixin'.