“Please be in touch with someone to let them know that we’re “pulling for him!”

– Michael Perlman

Guardian

“I don’t know if it’s for public knowledge, but I do know you’re friends.”  Michael’s message started.

It wasn’t a surprise to receive such a message from Michael Perlman.  He is a guardian.

A guardian is a protector, defender, preserver, champion, custodian, guard, keeper, conservator, caretaker.  Such words define Michael, his business and life.

“And, would you like his wife’s phone number?  That way you can text her and give her your good thoughts.”  He continued.

I say I wasn’t surprised.  That’s because over the preceding years I’ve made note of Michael’s Rules of Guardianship.

You’ve heard it said, “It’s not personal, it’s just business?”  Such a concept is completely foreign to Michael.  His first rule?  It’s always personal!  He knows that sustainable business requires a deep, abiding personal relationship.  Successful relationships are always rooted in trust.

Trust, Michael’s second rule, is something that is earned over an extended period of time.  While some people look for a quick sale, he understands the difference between one sale and building a business.  Perhaps that’s because he established rule number one, first.  Business is always personal.  That means he pays particular attention to the particular matters of life.

Pay attention to the personal details is Michael’s third rule.

“Just heard multiple times from his wife!  His son had an extra-large liver, so they were able to give him a much bigger piece (like ¾ of his son’s) so that’s great! His son is now in recovery and he’s still getting his transplant sewn in.”

Sewn in!  Michael’s fourth rule.  He has the unique ability to stitch others into relationship.  In short, he’s inclusive.  He’s so inclusive that he created a large network of professionals to allow them to learn from each other, be more successful; to grow the pie.  It’s a group that has been together for many years.  And, it continues to grow because everyone chooses to participate.

Finally, Michael’s fifth rule.  Live life because you want to!  People are in Michael’s life because they choose to be there.  He personally draws them in.  He earns their trust over time.  He pays attention to the smallest details of their lives and he binds others together.  They stay together because they want to; because of Michael!

“I don’t know if it’s for public knowledge, but I do know you’re friends.”  Michael’s message started.

It wasn’t a surprise to receive such a message from Michael Perlman.  He is a guardian.

He’s my guardian and friend.  He’s my teacher.  And, the giver of Michael’s Five Rules of Guardianship.

I hope you’ll accept his gift!