013. The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease. And All the Other Goodies.

No one wanted to be the “squeaky wheel” growing up. That’s the worst nickname a teenage boy could have. It was along the likes of rat and tattletale.

As the squeaky wheel, you were the one complaining and making a fuss. However, the saying does have merit once you realize the complaining kids were the ones getting help and their issues addressed. But that never sat right with me. You shouldn’t be rewarded for your whining. 

I see now how wrong I was and how this old saying stretches far beyond my middle school classroom. In fact, many of the positive aspects of my life have stemmed from embracing my inner “squeaky wheel.”  Let me explain. 

The first company I ever founded created all-natural supplements for fitness enthusiasts. A major aspiration was placement at Whole Foods and HEB. Top shelf product at the top shelf chains. 

We ran an aggressive grassroots marketing campaign; hitting every major trade show in the industry, sponsoring mud runs and races, and doing gym demos across the state. I spent countless hours visiting small grocery stores, supplement shops, and crossfit gyms, explaining our products, mission, and what set us apart. Simultaneously applying to become a partner of the larger stores. We were gaining traction regionally after three years of this consistent effort, Whole Foods started to take notice. 

After months of consistent follow up, and asking for the sale, we finally got the word - they would be bringing us into Whole Foods across the Southwest. 36 stores and expanding from there. It was an awesome feeling.

I realized if we had not been consistently asking for the sale, putting ourselves in front of the right customers, and explaining what makes us different, we never would have got the grease. 

Similarly, I matched with my wife online circa 2017. We messaged on the app, but I was tired of swiping and was ready to delete it. I left her my number and told her my plan, but she never called. 

A year later I’m back to my swiping ways and I keep seeing this cute, tan, athletic girl that I know I’ve matched with previously. However, I can’t seem to match with her again. She left her Instagram handle in her bio so I decided to slide in there. 

The conversation was eventually taken offline and we began to talk consistently. We agreed to meet and I won’t bore you with the details, but the proof is in the pudding. Here we are 6 years later, married and we have a whole house and dog and everything. I guess it worked out. 

Reflecting on these experiences, I've come to understand that being the "squeaky wheel" isn't about incessant complaining – it's about making yourself noticed. In a world with so much consistent noise, it can be hard to stand out, but it starts with a simple request.

So be the squeaky wheel and ask for the promotion, the sale, the date. You’ll never know without asking. 

But how do you ensure none of those things happen? Don’t ask.