Reforestation

Ross Romberg died in early 2010.  He was 58.  You probably have heard the name as he was principal owner of Rumor's Comedy Lounge and a very funny guy.  The comedy world is one of those boom or bust businesses and he managed to keep Rumors going.  I know it was important for him to keep Rumor's going but I also think he didn't care too much about how much money he made.  Don't get me wrong.  He wanted to make money, but he also thought it was his responsibility to nurture local talent.  When he couldn't find local talent to open his shows, he was more than prepared to go on stage.  He had one particular joke that makes me laugh out loud whenever I think of it.  It went something like this........

If you have been to the casinos, you have likely sat in a bathroom stall and seen the signs for the phone numbers of Problem Gambling.  I just want to tell you that that service is of no help whatsoever.  I have phoned them several times and gotten no help.  I phoned them and said, "ok, I'm holding 10, Q in my hand and it is a rainbow flop and I have an open ended straight.  Someone three bets the flop, should I should go over top, or just call?"   The Problem Gambling people offered no help !!!

I changed the joke a little.  His joke was about blackjack and I don't play it so I modified it, but the sentiment is the same.

Everytime I heard that joke, I laughed until I cried.  I heard that joke a lot.  Ross was a really great guy.  In addition to being a successful businesss owner and comedian, he was also involved in reforestation.

Reforestation refers to the practice of lumber companies to plant seedlings when they harvest trees.  They probably have to do this by law, but I think they would do it regardless.  It only makes economic sense.  It is long-term thinking.  If you plant seeds or participate in reforestation, you are likely to be able to harvest the same land again in a couple of decades.

When I was in University, that was the plum summer job.  Reforestation.  You were paid by the seedling.  It was hard and difficult work but young guys in shape could make a heck of a lot of money.  Although you could make some serious money, there was no short cut to success.  It was hard work.

Owning a small business is hard work.  There is an old joke about being self-employed.  You only have to work half days.  Yes, it is true.  You get to pick which 12 hours you work.

However, there is another aspect that I have observed about successful entrepreneurs.  They participate in reforestation.  They mentor.  They feel that mentoring is a strong part of their business plan.  They are not worried about competition, in fact, they welcome this to grow themselves.

I used to be involved in comedy.  Ross Romberg tried to mentor me.  I wasn't a good mentee because I didn't want to spend the time necessary in order to be successful, but I appreciated him deeply and saw what he did for other Winnipeggers.  A class act.  There was one Amateur Night a month.  I don't know how much he made on those nights but I think he felt that this was part of his obligation to the Winnipeg comedy scene.

I have occasion where I see the current Owner/Manager (I am not sure) about once a week.  I have decided I want to devote some time into comedy again.  I asked about Amateur Night.  No, I don't do that anymore.  And, that was the end of the conversation.  Not a question of if I did this before or what my schtick was or anything.  Just a no and moving on.

You have no idea what will grow when you scatter seeds.  Maybe weeds.  Maybe beautiful flowers.  Maybe trees that will provide a habitat to a whole ecosystem.  You take risks when you scatter seeds, but if you scatter enough, you are bound to grow something amazing.

Do you have opportunities for reforestation that you are not taking advantage of?