This past weekend I had the opportunity to watch the Womens U.S. Olympic Volleyball Team play an exhibition match at Irvine Valley College, and as a volleyball coach, I was impressed with the incredible talent that was displayed. But, sitting there, I couldn't help but think of all of the years of hard work and sacrifice that brought each and every player to the court that day. Lou Holtz, one of the most successful college football coaches of all time, said this, "I can't believe that God put us on earth to be ordinary." The idea that all you have to do is show up, doesn't create greatness, not in sports, career, marriage, or anything else that matters. I have owned and managed many businesses throughout the years and if I am being honest, there have been times that I have just showed up and hoped things would work out. Fortunately, I have learned from those mistakes and now realize that there is no substitute for hard work, dedication, and perserverence.
Here are three simple strategies that I have implemented in my daily business to be more than "ordinary".
1. Deal with it and be done with it - One of my first bosses shared this with me many years ago and it just stuck. He would always tell me that the best way to stay on top of things is to deal with issues as they arise. Don't let emails, phone calls, or anything else pile up. You are more likely to answer two emails than to play catch up and try to answer 30!
2. Never stop learning - With all of the free information flowing through the internet, there really is no excuse not to continue your education. Webinars, books, articles, and most importantly (IMO), the information of those who have already blazed a trail before you.
3. Make opportunities happen - This may be a tough one for some, but I believe that some of the best opportunities come when we make ourselves available. This can be as simple as striking up a conversation with someone in line at Starbucks. The point is this...real estate is a people business. The internet is great, but there is nothing like the personal interaction of two people to create a lasting relationship.
Best Wishes,
Mike
