Becoming part of the elite.

I have been around quite a number of years, and throughout this period, I have met people starting small companies. The person started energetically and willing to talk and discuss all aspects of his new found interest. These people were approachable and eager to get together. Their offices were small and their staff limited to two or three people. They handled their own mail and they were willing to sweep the floor. I could tell that they had sleepless nights.

Then started the expected growth and the profits trickled in. The old car with scratches here and there was replaced with a more luxurious model. Why the car first? Well, the prospective customers needed to be impressed. Wife and children were still living in the original apartment. Yes, then came the first move into a roomier house in a pricier neighborhood.

This pattern of growth and expansion continued with some of these (mostly) men. The familiar office became too small, and if I wanted to speak to this "successful" individual, I needed to report to the secretary and make an appointment.

Now, twenty-plus years later, this person seems remote, his secretary shields him from "unwanted" intruders, his voice recorder exudes an air of superiority and mail send to his home address is diverted back to the office so as not to have to "waste" time.

That's what happens to people who become "successful". By virtue of becoming part of the business elite, they become disengaged from everything beneath them. It may not become so intentionally, but it happens, and unless told, they will get lost in the clouds of money and the nouveau riche.