$$$ or Respect?

Hey guys/gals, I have this internal battle happening and I'm hoping to get a second opinion on the issue.

Let's say I run a successful business but it's not sexy, gutters or exterior painting are what come to mind, and I'm making great money. Which is great... but no one cares. HOWEVER, when I tell someone that I sell baby giraffes to members of the Italian mob (Hypothetically) people are flabbergasted and assume I'm making a killing. The problem is that not many mafia members are interested in baby giraffes any more, miniature poodles are the new thing. Less sales = Less total profit.

That was an enjoyable rant but I'm hoping you get my point. There comes a point when you make enough money (so if your income is average / below average you are not qualified to answer this question) that you want respect.

For example, I make a great living in a brick and mortar business I have as well as a few niche ecomm sites, but recently launched an ecomm site in an industry reserved for "ballers" or "high rollers". Although the site is kinda successful (it's newer so I have a ways to go for good SERPs) I mainly keep it around so I can tell people that I work in the ____ field (legal, medical, tech - insert your dream industry)...

Am I alone in this? crazy? Just thought I'd share. Love the stuff I've learned on this site and am happy to waste two minutes of your time :amish:

I care if people I respect and know me to respect me, I couldn't care less if someone is impressed with what I do or not at this point in my life.

I'd rather make cash, take care of my family and drive a nice car than do alright and seem like I'm the shit.

If I told people how much money I make because of my music my family would be totally impressed and proud. Friends? ( well "friends" )They'd be more likely to say " Well its Marketing in general, not your actual music so?...." now thats an assumption based on the past few times Ive told others of my success. The actual beats I make aren't a completely professional product worth 1000s yet. But do you know what, they will be one day. I'm getting there.

Personally I have a growing respect for myself knowing I now earn almost twice as much as I do in my 9-5 purely on line. So my behaviour is changing and by the time I reveal to others how successful I am becoming, I am sure the respect will be there.

If its not, dont come to me when Im doing well because you sure as hell didnt care when I was down.

The respect WILL come in time as you start to become more aware of how powerful your money making skills are. Your attitude will change and people will adapt to the new you and treat you differently. Some people have a walk of power about them, I'm sure your swag is on its way!

Respect for yourself and others breeds respect from those around you. Money may or may not come from this, but respect for and from others in itself is something to be proud of.

Of course you want respect but the respect you get from people is for either what you have or for what you have done. I drive a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo and every time I go out, I get attention questions and of course respect because people consider you to be successful. But, 90% of the time, the respect you get is from what people think you have in terms of money and not because of the work you put in to getting there.

I'd rather sell shit for thousands than sell diamonds for pennies. It's all about the money

I kinda know what you mean - when I had my drivein cinema, I called myself a projectionist. It sounded much better than dirty fucking spammer

Not many people will care about how much you make because the fact of the matter is: most people only think of themselves. This is how I interpret it.

As for the question - there's no reason why you can't have both.

We all knew that guy or girl in high school who was amazing at sports/intelligent and was a nice and honest person. The sort of person who everyone respects because of talent and attitude. That can't be bought. Something to think about.

I'm thinking that this is what I'm leaning towards. People that have money usually aren't impressed with money. Good words.

themidiman said:

Respect for yourself and others breeds respect from those around you. Money may or may not come from this, but respect for and from others in itself is something to be proud of.

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$$$$..........

Tldr:

Why is swag not an option?

radarsurge said:

I'm thinking that this is what I'm leaning towards. People that have money usually aren't impressed with money. Good words.

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Spot on.

haha I'm caucasian. By definition, can I even have swag??

MermaidMurder said:

Tldr:

Why is swag not an option?

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[h=2]$$$ .[/h]

Respect doesn't feed you - money does.

Duffers5000 said:

I'd rather sell shit for thousands than sell diamonds for pennies. It's all about the money

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Exactly
It's all about the money.

But respect is a completely different thing, people respect you for who you are not how much you earn

For me, having respect for myself and having my 'loved ones' respect is more important than bling bling (don't care about other people's respect). But, for me to respect myself, I have to provide myself with a comfortable environment, and money is the only option there.. So I guess both are kind of linked.. I try to make as much money as possible, but have my own code of ethics which I wouldn't cross, such as selling drugs to kids or stealing, etc..

Why not both ? Currently my work gives only $$$ and no respect but I am working on this. It can differe from one individual to another and also in various stages of life for the same person.

You need to be more creative with your job description. Instead of being a house painter, call yourself an "exterior designer." If someone asks you what you do, explain it like this:

Respect follows where $$$ is