Co-Contributors Go Above & Beyond

During our first development project, our team was highly nervous. Even though my partner comes from a residential construction background, we were all anxious in every aspect of this new project. This was our first commercial real estate construction and development. We were putting together our team as we were doing the work. We had a steep learning curve.

One of the areas that we were highly anxious about was our construction financing. We were not certain whether we will get approved or not, and even if we did, we were not sure if we could keep up with the requirements. The situation got into nerve-racking, considering that we borrowed from one of Canada's major financial institutions.

We would like to believe that a miracle happened while working with a gentleman, named Bryceson Dodge, at the bank. Like any other bank representative, he helped us go through the process and the paperwork requirements. What made him a saviour for us was his commitment and willingness to go above and beyond. He took a sense of ownership in our project and our success.

He literally led us by holding our hand and guiding it in the right place for the right reason at the right time. For instance, due to shortage of labour and our scheduling mismanagement, we had our structural steel prepared to be delivered, but we were not ready to receive it. On one hand, we were going to pay a very high stocking and storage fee and on the other hand, the steel manufacturer was demanding their payment. Our problem was that we were not eligible to receive the funds from the bank, as we were yet to install the steel on our ground.

Long story short, our man at the bank, Bryceson, figured it out and we moved the steel to our grounds. Somehow the funds were processed and as a result we didn't have to pay the high fees. This was not only a big saving, specially considering for a new developer, but more importantly avoiding legal and financial headaches. This was one of, many examples of Bryceson going above and beyond which he didn't have to.

Of course, during our project we were delighted that he accommodated us, but we appreciated him even more after the project was completed. We worked with other financial institutions and we didn't have the same level of service. For that matter, we did business with the same bank, different people, but the experience was not the same. We realized that Bryceson was our man at the bank.

It is not the organization, but rather the people in the organization that makes or breaks people's experiences. It is true that staff come and go and the institutions remain. It is equally true that each individual gives different experiences no matter how organized and systemized the institution is. It is the characteristics of personalities that define their level of commitment. It is the nature of people that transcends through the paperwork.

People with contributing nature try to offer their best no matter where they are.  It is in their DNA. They could be an employee or an entrepreneur. They position themselves so that they can offer the best they can. As a result, they connect and surround themselves with the best people possible. They are blessed to attract people that align with their values and principles.

Keeping the best interest of others in mind is the ultimate way to position ourselves. This is how real connections are formed. This is how relationships are deepened. This is how we find our Co-Contributors. A person who goes above and beyond eventually lands on relationships that are meaningful and life changing. It might take time, but it definitely happens.

A Co-Contributor contributes into someone else's life with full desire. There is no expectation. It is just out of a heart full of abundance. It is a sense of fulfilment that moves and motivates a Co-Contributor to keep on giving. It just happens that the universe works in some mysterious ways and a giving person receives back in multiple folds. It is just the nature of how the world works. It might sound naïve, but it is true.

Co-Contributors just enjoy the journey of contributing into each others' projects. Nothing can replace the joy of a Co-Contributor seeing the success of his fellow Co-Contributor. A Co-Contributor is delighted if they know that they have moved a needle towards solving a problem, for a fellow Co-Contributor. The reward to receive anything in return is just a bonus, not a motivator. Contributing is the return!