In setting goals and striving to focus our attention on behaviors that need to change and areas we need to improve some have found a life coach is invaluable for the best results. Tests for profiles are administered and evaluations are made to determine the route needed. A program is tailor made for each individual.
Take Colt McCoy the quarterback for the Longhorns. Now I know I'm a little prejudiced being a Longhorn fan but it is amazing what he has accomplished this year for the Longhorns! I read in the Sunday paper he has a long-term 20 year (you heard me - 20 year) plan! In the spring of 2008 he wrote down his goals for the 2008 season:
Undefeated Season
National Championship
Heisman Trophy
Yikes, not too ambitious considering the Longhorns were considered a very distant second to Oklahoma in the Big 12! He had 18 interceptions last year and was still floundering trying to be the leader of his team. Lee Bason, a partner in The Flippen Group, has over the years become a friend and mentor to Colt (he says more like an uncle). Flippen's book "The Flip Side" teaches how to overcome personal constraints and making better choices. What a dramatic change in watching Colt this year lead his team. He played with his heart & mind and he treats his teammates with the attitude "it's all about them" not "it's all about me". Did he make his goals? No, but he came within striking distance and he will be back! (Don't forget the Fiesta Bowl tonight - GO LONGHORNS!!
A life coach would be beneficial to anyone in business and could certainly keep us on track and accountable. I see many utliizing their services and see marked changes and increases in their successes. However, there are many concepts we can practice on a daily basis which can make a difference in our personal and business lives! Here are just a few to get you started:
- It's not all about me.... It's all about my clients
- What is the right thing to do?
and...
via Amber Noble-Garland, Realtor in NJ for Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold & more
"People don't just care about what you know...they want to know that you care."
That's is a quote that my branch manager/broker, Barbara Berg, often repeats in our weekly sales meetings. It's also a an adage (as someone pointed out) used by the legendary trainer/speaker, Floyd Wickman. I've probably heard that quote a million times, but for some reason this past week it really sunk into my brain.
Now that I read Jennifer Allan's super "Selling Soulfully" more frequently, I've noticed her reinforce a similar theme throughout her posts. It reminds me of what Barbara had been saying all along, and suddenly everything became even clearer.
Here's how I see it:
Expertise is invaluable, education is definitely important, producing results are critical, but...
If you don't consistently show people that you actually care, all of those qualities may be exist in vain and your career could be destined for a bunch of "one-off" transactions and achievements.
Now don't get me wrong...By no means am I suggesting that one can't be successful in real estate or business, simply because they don't make a conscious effort to show clients that they care. In fact, I know of quite a few successful Realtors and other business people who don't show that they care about their clients, yet they do quite well for themselves. Actually, it's not always that they don't care about keeping in touch; some are just so overwhelmed and busy.
Regardless of why they don't stay connected, one thing I notice about that same collective of professionals is that the often have to keep generating new business leads and start from scratch to build new relationships constantly. They don't get as many referrals as they could.
I really believe it has to do with the fact that they barely keep in touch with past clients, and only reach out when they needed to make an additional sale to meet a quota, needed another commission check to pay a bill, etc.
My goal for 2009 is to make time for letting family, friends and clients how much I appreciate and care about them. I plan to do it first and foremost, because it's just the right thing to do. They deserve as much of my attention as they try to give me of theirs.
Even if it's a simple hand-written note or an occasional phone call. Something is better than nothing!
How about a surprise visit (like the one I made at my uncle Earl's home on Christmas day in Philadelphia)?
He gave me away at my wedding, July 26, 2008, because my father (who is also his brother) passed away from a battle with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) on October 25, 2007. I've been so caughtup trying to stay busy to get past the pain of losing my father, "doing my own thing," focusing on real estate and becoming adjusted to being a newlywed, that I hadn't even spoken to my uncle since my wedding.
When my husband (the handsome guy in the tux) & I showed up at his door unexpectedly on December 25th, he put his hand on his chest like he was gasping for air and told us the surprise of receiving our wedding "thank you" note a few weeks ago literally brought tears to his eyes.
**Yes it took me 5 months to write & mail all 170+ thank you notes, but I say "better late than never!"**
If I am rewarded with new or additional business as a result of my efforts to reconnect with people, then that's a cherry on top! If I don't get a single piece of business from it, I'll feel good knowing that I put good karma out into the universe.
Like Barbara always says, "People don't just care about what you know...they want to know that you care."
What are some ways you show clients and your sphere of influence that you care?
and...
via Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth :
You are headed toward a New Year island. It has a hammock for you between the Palm trees. No, 2009 will not be easy street for you. BUT, commit in your mind this visual that it will be one of the BEST ever for you. But
Banish The Three I's From Your New Year Island.
These i's are the first letters of words that you DO NOT need to bring with you in the new year. Others may have them but you are leaving them behind back at the dock before you go on your voyage to this new year island.
1. Don't be an "Idiot." OK, I'm not insulting you. But we all have idiot tendencies from time to time. We don't work smart. We work inefficiently. We can at times be unorganized. We make poor choices and kick ourselves for them. BIG STOP SIGN here. STOP being an idiot. Grow up. You're not perfect but YOU ARE better than ten years ago. Hopefully you've learned a lesson or two along the way. Why don't you take your own great advice? Be a smart cookie, not an idiot, in 2009. It's necessary to have that best year ever.
2. Stop "Ignoring" people and things. Relationships count. Attention to yourself, health and happiness, count. Pick up that phone. Quit being a baby about contacting people and supporting them and taking care of yourself. Again, grow up. Be the initiator in caring about others. Don't wait for them to cry out so loud it hurts your ears. Big tip in the not ignoring department. Ask others, how are you doing?
Finally,
3. Quit being "Insensitve." People in life really do want you to tune into them. Take into account their feelings when you choose your words to them. DO NOT neglect others particularly with your time. What is important to others? Do they like quietness in the morning? Hello? Stop being a boorish loud person around them in the morning. This isn't rocket science. Does someone enjoy watching reality shows at eight o'clock at night. Maybe even if it is not your "thing" be sensitive to the interests and cares of others and show them some kindness in doing "what they want to do."
By banishing being an idiot and not ignoring others or yourself and eradicating any kind of insensitivity you have to the world, amazingly YOUR world and YOUR 2009 year will become VERY bright for you. As a matter of fact it could be one of your best ever.
Be a better YOU. It turns out by doing that your New Year Island that you have found yourself in will be one of the most pleasant experiences you will ever have. Enjoy that hammock. You've left that old baggage that wasn't working at a place far, far away.
Do you know by the way where they keep the fruity drinks around here?? : )
and...
via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul:
I SO wish I could take credit for this idea... But alas... someone else beat me to it and I suppose it's the soulful thing to do to acknowledge her brilliance...
I read an article in one of my local neighborhood newspapers (the North Denver News) written by a Denver wedding officiant named Maureen Thomson (www.memorableceremonies.com).
Here's the introduction to the article:
"Several years ago, I eschewed the traditional New Year's Resolution (which I failed to maintain 100% of the time anyway) in favor of a theme for the year. As opposed to a list of "will do's" that the resolutions stipulated, the theme was a gentler way of turning my attention toward the areas in my life that were most in need of attention.
I had no idea what I was in for when I started this tradition. My themes have turned into manifestations that are beyond coincidence. My theme for 2005 was "Unthinkably Good Things Can Happen" and that was the year that I met my future husband, Jeremy. This was followed by my 2006 theme of "Build the Dream" which was the year my business took off, growing into a multi-state operation. And we mustn't forget 2007's theme of "Do the Never" whereby I did all kinds of things I swore I'd never do - not the least of which was to marry again.
But nothing prepared me for the events surrounding my theme of this year: "Simplicity." Even its one-word title was a deviation for me. Back the beginning of the year, I had no idea how much this theme would change me..." Read the Rest...
I love this idea of identifying a big picture goal for your year and letting nature takes its course. I'm tossing around ideas for my 2009... and I keep coming back to "The Year I Found Peace." Whaddya' think?
How ‘bout you? What might your theme be for 2009? Please share...
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