By Jeffery McNeil

I have been many places. I have lived in swank suites and also lost everything many times. In retro­spect, I believe that if I had man­aged my life responsibly I would have been a millionaire twice.

I have been selling newspapers for a long time, and now I must pass the torch to someone else. I will give you my game book on what I have accom­plished and how I did these things, so that other people can learn and profit in the same ways that I have.

It Started with a Desire for Steak

There are many factors when it comes to homelessness. Some are psychological, mental, physical and social. So I learned not to judge; we all have crosses to bear.

However, I got sick and tired of being homeless. I didn’t want to eat in soup lines, wait for a free meal or accept dirty blankets. I didn’t want to eat bologna and cheese sandwiches or half eaten food. The homeless life was not what I wanted on my epitaph. I wanted to eat a steak and a home-cooked meal. So I made a plan to get out of the shelter, and I was willing to work for a long time.

Many people have special talents, but if they are not mo­tivated, they are wasting their full potential. Feeling hungry and thirsty will ignite a motivation within you, as it did for me.

Set Up a Game Plan

Being from New Jersey, I have learned about generating income. Whether I had a job or not, I asked questions, read books, went to classes. I did whatever it took to make a little money until things got better.

Making excuses will make you broke. There are many un­expected ways to make money in Washington. You can sell newspapers, pick up cans or junk, send out business cards and work in the library.

In my opinion, making a game plan proves that a person has the ambition that is necessary to change a bad living situation.

Little Things Lead to Big Things

I started selling newspapers because I had nothing left. I was unemployed and to most, unemployable. I was broke and desperate with no friends and no prospect of finding relationships.

Street Sense was a chip and a chair for me: one last shot to earn income. I took advantage of that opportunity.

I always showed gratitude when selling papers. I didn’t complain about receiving small donations or being ignored. I wanted to get out of the shelter, so I just kept selling.

Save Your Money

I was an ex-gambler before I came to Washington. This habit actually helped me learn about saving and investing. You can’t move out of the homeless mentality unless you save money and get a bank account. Saving money gives you an advantage over competitors who are borrowers; you don’t have to be a slave to a creditor when you have capital. I am frugal and diligent about profit margins. I don’t shop at Macy’s. I am a bargain hunter. I don’t believe in lavish waste of money.

Stay Away, I Really Mean Stay Away, From Vices

Nothing destroys a bankroll more than partying, drinking and the temptation of women. I’ve seen many men lose their bearings double dipping, drinking, smoking and partying. Every time I fell and went broke was because I was chasing after flesh. This mistake led to depression and drunkenness, so I learned to abstain from these actions. This behavior can put your whole bankroll in jeopardy. It’s good to have a woman and a little wine, but keep it in moderation and you will be a lot more prosperous.

Magnetism and Attractiveness

Growing up in the I-95 corridors, you have a lot of compet­itors. You must stand out to win. You’re not going to sell much looking pitiful and standing like a statue. I create curiosity by wearing nice clothes, bathing and knowing my customers. I like to wear bright colors and signs to get people to stop. It takes time to be a brand– you can’t become one overnight. You have to bring flair. If your fastball has no zip, take a day off, because you have to be enthusiastic to be successful.

Competition Ruins Profits

Nothing destroys a bankroll more than a competitor. They are the parasites of business. They water down profits, steal customers and dirty up good areas. Some even try to bully and intimidate other people, and some are just plain vulgar. You have to wipe out competitors before they cut into sales.

Tactics and Strategy

When I see a weak vendor, one trick is the buyout. Never fight or argue. Be friendly. Most of the time they want money, so give him a few bucks, buy their papers, and they will be happy to make a few bucks.

Panhandlers

This strategy always works when you see a lot of panhan­dlers, and it is also potentially lucrative: Don’t be threatening. Instead, give him a couple dollars and start asking questions; squeeze information for what’s a good time to sell. They will gladly tell you. All is fair when it comes to competitors.

Never Show Your Hand

The reason I am so detailed about competition is because of experience. I keep selling areas a secret because many go to the same areas like the Metro Center, Whole Foods, Far­raugut North or Eastern Market. They line up, crowd areas, swarm and are aggressive with customers. I keep a good area quiet so these problems don’t destroy my work. Selling is easy when you take the quiet stream and it stays pristine and profitable.

Last But Not Least, Show Some Progress

People do not buy newspapers to flash around their mon­ey and feel good about donating. People buy the paper to see you get out of your bad living situation. If you are making money, you should have something to show for it, like new shoes and new clothes.

If you are not selling papers, you are doing something wrong. You wear out your welcome when you stand on the same corner looking filthy and like you came out of hiberna­tion. I never have a problem because I show buyers that I am a good product. I don’t come out sloppy and raggedy. I don’t waste what customer a gives me.