Nov 4

I love the TV show "Shark Tank". I admire all the sharks for their success and drive in life, including the "mean one", Kevin O'Leary. But when Kevin chided someone for crying when talking about his financial struggles - he said "don't cry for money; it doesn't cry for you" - he was way off the mark. I know what he was trying to say - don't look at money emotionally, be cold and calculating about it. That's generally true. But for anyone who has ever struggled and gone through hardship, you know how much it means when you finally have a financial breakthrough. When I close a big deal, I often cry. I'm a man and I admit it. They're tears of joy and gratitude, and also a reflection of how far I have come and how blessed I am. I remember pawning my laptop and having to borrow from friends to pay rent. I remember what it was like to not have money to buy a meal. Staying in a motel room by the week coz I didn't have the deposit + first month's rent to rent an apartment. I remember moving to NYC with high hopes, and then not being able to find a job. So I do get emotional in gratitude, appreciation and humility when I get a large check, and reflect on the struggles of the past and how far I have come. My friends, never be ashamed to cry for money. We all know money isn't everything, but we also know it means so much.