Are We Having Fun Yet?
by CEO on February 4th, 2014
Almost daily I sit down with small business owners and coach them on how to develop the networking side of their business. Our time is usually spent talking about how to make the most of their time in REO. Things like:
• how to make better referral requests
• how to present an effective showcase
• what professions to target
Of course, I cover lots of other topics depending on their need. The more receptive they are to honest feedback and the more open they are to suggestions, the better. Most are fun and inspiring to both of us.
But there are those times where I have some tough feedback. Unfortunately (way too often), I find myself asking: ‘Are you having any fun?’
Having fun in your business isn’t mandatory. However, having fun can get you through the hard times and the day-to-day grunge work too. If you’re not having fun it’s easy to get bored.
So, here are a few suggestions to add a little fun:
1) Stop taking your business so seriously! Yes, your business is serious but taking it too seriously day-to-day makes you and your business heavy to you, your clients and your prospects! Does your seriousness come across as desperation? If you’re having a difficult time attracting new clients then the answer is most probably ‘yes’. Prospects can smell desperation as a dog smells fear.
2) Learn to laugh! Laugh at your business, your mishaps, and your mistakes. Laughter is a great healer and a wonderful equalizer. Laughter and humor allows you and others to see you and your business as more approachable. Tell the embarrassing funny stories – they’re great stress relievers. I LOVE to share self-deprecating stories with my clients: it makes it easier for them to relate to me (with all my flaws). The thing is you’ve overcome those embarrassing moments and (now that you have) those stories have value. If you’ve overcome those moments, so can they.
3) Think about what you’re attracting. If you’re not having fun are you attracting clients that you’re not having fun working with? When you have fun – it gives others permission to have some fun with you.
4) Combinations Create a Charge! Combine personal interests with your marketing. Example: A financial planner years ago asked me how to differentiate herself from all the other financial planners. Her referral requests were just way too serious and bland. She’s an avid rock climber so I suggested that she combine the two. She now has fun bringing in climbing equipment to her REO team and she uses the analogies of climbing both rocks and a financial future. Aren’t they similar? Me, I love to drive and spend hours driving my little MR2 anywhere I get a chance to go. Much of my marketing and speaking is focused on road signs and ‘driving traffic’ to the small business. This one suggestion can put the spark back into your business (and keep it there) because many people have more fun in their hobbies than they do their business.
So, if you’re not having fun in your business it could be costing you money! Get out of your comfort zone and have some fun. If you’d like a little help with how to do this feel free to contact me for an appointment by emailing me: ceo at reomeetings.com
by CEO on February 4th, 2014
Almost daily I sit down with small business owners and coach them on how to develop the networking side of their business. Our time is usually spent talking about how to make the most of their time in REO. Things like:
• how to make better referral requests
• how to present an effective showcase
• what professions to target
Of course, I cover lots of other topics depending on their need. The more receptive they are to honest feedback and the more open they are to suggestions, the better. Most are fun and inspiring to both of us.
But there are those times where I have some tough feedback. Unfortunately (way too often), I find myself asking: ‘Are you having any fun?’
Having fun in your business isn’t mandatory. However, having fun can get you through the hard times and the day-to-day grunge work too. If you’re not having fun it’s easy to get bored.
So, here are a few suggestions to add a little fun:
1) Stop taking your business so seriously! Yes, your business is serious but taking it too seriously day-to-day makes you and your business heavy to you, your clients and your prospects! Does your seriousness come across as desperation? If you’re having a difficult time attracting new clients then the answer is most probably ‘yes’. Prospects can smell desperation as a dog smells fear.
2) Learn to laugh! Laugh at your business, your mishaps, and your mistakes. Laughter is a great healer and a wonderful equalizer. Laughter and humor allows you and others to see you and your business as more approachable. Tell the embarrassing funny stories – they’re great stress relievers. I LOVE to share self-deprecating stories with my clients: it makes it easier for them to relate to me (with all my flaws). The thing is you’ve overcome those embarrassing moments and (now that you have) those stories have value. If you’ve overcome those moments, so can they.
3) Think about what you’re attracting. If you’re not having fun are you attracting clients that you’re not having fun working with? When you have fun – it gives others permission to have some fun with you.
4) Combinations Create a Charge! Combine personal interests with your marketing. Example: A financial planner years ago asked me how to differentiate herself from all the other financial planners. Her referral requests were just way too serious and bland. She’s an avid rock climber so I suggested that she combine the two. She now has fun bringing in climbing equipment to her REO team and she uses the analogies of climbing both rocks and a financial future. Aren’t they similar? Me, I love to drive and spend hours driving my little MR2 anywhere I get a chance to go. Much of my marketing and speaking is focused on road signs and ‘driving traffic’ to the small business. This one suggestion can put the spark back into your business (and keep it there) because many people have more fun in their hobbies than they do their business.
So, if you’re not having fun in your business it could be costing you money! Get out of your comfort zone and have some fun. If you’d like a little help with how to do this feel free to contact me for an appointment by emailing me: ceo at reomeetings.com
