I attended a large regional event today. It was wonderfully planned and very organized and well run by all involved. The facility was outstanding and even included plenty of “after hours” activities for attendees. There were more than 400 people in the room when the day kicked off but sadly, by the time the final speaker – a well-respected Regional VP, took the stage, there were less than 150 in the audience. Where did all the engaged learners go?
How Committed Are You?
When you sign up for an event through your broker or board or local association you’re usually excited to attend. You have internally committed that nothing will get in the way of this. You’re metaphorically “all in.”
Fast Forward to “Reality”
Real life happens and you “might” have a buyer who wants to see houses during that exact time you committed to the event/class/workshop. An offer might come in on one of your listings and, as fate would have it, the buyer “needs to have an answer right away.” You have to get back to the office to deal with that “transaction from hell.” A home inspection/appraisal/final walk through was rescheduled for the same time and you “had to be there.” It’s in your best interests to blow off the event, class or event because a paycheck is imminent.
I get it. Trust me. I’ve been an agent and remember when everything felt URGENT & IMPORTANT…yet in reality, very few things were. Don’t mistake showing a house with cashing a paycheck. Meeting an anxious Seller is far from closing a deal. That “Golden Lead” is most like just another buyer who “will be using his neighbor’s cousin when he’s ready to buy” but he just didn’t want to “bother him while he was at his other job.”
Quit Letting Other People Control YOUR Schedule
It’s time to be more in control of your schedule and stop letting others be in control of it. Be the OWNER of your business and quit being so reactionary, thinking that everything will be awesome if you let others be in control of your destiny.
If you can’t attend a class, don’t sign up. Stop “reserving your seat” because it’s free then hedging your attendance on IF something “better” comes along that day. If you can’t see yourself being 100% engaged in an event don’t register. If you can’t commit to assist your client from start to finish, refer them to someone who can make the experience – from start to finish – memorable.
“I’m already committed at that time.”
When a customer or client asks for a time slot you already have booked – for a class, coaching session with your manager, personal appointment like a pedicure or haircut, or a personal event with your child, spouse or other family member – BE STRONG. You’ve already got something on your schedule. Don’t give it up that slot in your schedule for a “might happen someday” client.
When your time is in more demand, it’s amazing how powerful you become.
Attend that event, class or workshop you scheduled. Don’t apologize for that hair appointment or dentist visit you already scheduled. Take the stance that you’re “already booked.” Quit being one of those people who leaves events early because of “maybes” instead of staying and hearing the “guaranteed.” The opportunities you missed for the “what ifs” will never outweigh the “what ares.”
Stop tentatively scheduling your success and be more confident that people will work with you on your time.
Schedule time to build relationships, solve problems and have fun into your daily schedule. Trust me when I say that everything else can be “worked in” to your day.