The cocky artist, the critical engineer, the skeptical lawyer & the manipulative salesman

John-Luke Laube
Jul 20, 2017 · 3 min read

Ties that matches the hat.

This morning, I had breakfast at this wonderful French Restaurant called Cafe Patachou.

It was delicious. It surpassed my expectations and my tastebuds are still grateful even now and it’s 3 in the afternoon. I met with a Christian business owner.

“Look, think through what the mission is that God gave you, and go for that.”

“I know, I know, but I just want to make things right. You know? It’s sucks to suck.”

“You know, you don’t need to apologize for who you are.”

“Well, if it’s character flaws then you should!”

“You’re assuming it’s character flaws. Maybe this is what makes you great. Ever think of that?”

While being reflective, I sip my cappuccino and finish my delectable dish. I notice a man with an Italian nose and tailored suit sitting inside directly next to the window next to me. The man must of been in his 60’s.

I point at him with my left pinky finger.

“You see that?”

“What?”

“Money. This guy, whoever he is… he’s a big deal. It’s sad to say but I bet you he is.”

“Hmm… is that because he looks Jewish?”

“Haha, I thought Italian… but yes. That’s why.”

A few minutes later our conversation continues and we start talking about other business ideas. I currently have 9. I realize that the person I was engaging also was sitting on 10 different ideas. So then we shared ideas. We saw problems and talked about potential solutions. We dreamt about the future and this breakfast right here was one of the most enjoyable conversations I’ve had in such a long time.

Then the Italian/Jewish man stood up. Both him and the person he was having a rendezvous with and made their way towards their cars.

Fitted Pants. Polished Shoes. Cuff Links.

On his way out I made sure to make a remark.

“Nice shoes.” I stated.

He said, “Thank you, nice suit”.

“May I ask for your name?”

He answered. I then responded;

“Great name, it’s slightly better than mine. Mine’s John Luke.”

He laughs,

“Your name is okay.”

“Thanks, take care man.”

Man walks over to his maserati and gets inside.

“I knew it. Let’s google him.”

“Chairman of {insert big important bank name here}”.

I do a little more hunting only to find that this man donated 35 Million to a University for them to establish a law department. It turns out they actually named the Law school after him afterwards.

I check the time.

“Crap, it’s already 10 a.m. I need to get some work done by noon. Let’s go.”

“Sure, want to check out a new co-working space?”

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

I met the Experience Manager we chatted for a half hour and talked about everything we wanted. We vibed.

I then plugged in my laptop and sat down.

I worked for only two and half hours and in the back of my mind I’m just pondering this week’s events.

I finish the design and Skype it over to a friend for feedback.

This coworking space has beer on TAP.

I grab a glass, fill it and sit back down.

I then decide to meet who I was sitting next to.

At my table was an engineer, a lawyer, and a salesman.

After conversing after a few minutes I realized something.

Your tie should match your hat.

An engineer shouldn’t be cocky or he won’t be trustworthy.

A lawyer shouldn’t be critical or he won’t retain the customer.

A salesman shouldn’t be skeptical or he won’t build rapport.

I’m a cocky artist and at that moment…

It was okay.

)

John-Luke Laube

Written by

Branding Designer & Communicator. www.johnluke.com

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