Lessons From A Dog “In The Hunt”
Ever heard the saying, “A dog in the hunt don’t know he’s got fleas!” Let’s dissect what it means? To me, the obvious message is that if you’re so busy moving forward, if you’re so busy doing what you’re trained and ready to do; then the little things just don’t matter. Particularly the little annoying things. And it’s these annoying things that can be really distracting if you let them. So do you have fleas? Do you have some petty things that are bothering you that are taking your focus away from what needs to be done? Are these things taking you away from your purpose? Let’s dig down even deeper. A dog that’s not whole-heartedly in the hunt may get distracted by the fleas. He may stop on the sidelines and start scratching. But have...
3 Tips For A Productive Day
Are you being productive or just busy at work? Most of us want to have a great day, but how many times do you get to the end of the day and survival was your biggest accomplishment? Just to do it all again the next day. Here are three tips to have a productive day, at work and at home: Tip 1 – At the start of your day, ask yourself: What is the purpose of the day? In other words, what is the most important thing(s) that you need to accomplish to move the needle forward with something that will positively impact your future. Give that your undivided focus until you make the progress that you need. Sometimes that’s not “doing something,” sometimes that’s giving “critical thought to something.” Tip 2 – Get the most...
Want Proactive Loan Officers Who Get Results?
Want results year after year? Meet Matt, a loan originator from Farm Credit of the Virginias (FCV). He recently shared his sales results with me: 2008 – Finished 126.11% higher than goal set by FCV. 2009 – Finished 215.78% higher than goal set by FCV. 2010 – Finished 190.38% higher than goal set by FCV. 2011 – Finished 95.64% higher than goal set by FCV. Since completing the Mastering Sales Magnetism Program and going through quarterly sales training for the past four years, Matt has exceeded his annual sales goal by 157% on average. It’s an even more impressive feat given the fact that each year his manager has increased Matt’s sales goals. So what makes Matt a loan superstar? According to Matt, “Since joining...
Three Steps To Customer Loyalty
As a prime source for repeat business and referrals, your relationships with customers have to be given top priority. Loyalty is having a borrower who sticks with you, even when your competitors come knocking. The kind of loyalty that will weather all kinds of competitive advances, even better rate offers because your borrowers are choosing you and the value you bring to the table. So what can you do to develop unshakable customer loyalty? There are several steps to developing this kind of loyalty. First and foremost, you have to deliver what you promise and more. You know the saying, “underpromise and overdeliver.” If you do the opposite, you are immediately in a negative position with their borrowers. Second, you have to stay connected to the borrower...
Four Simple Steps To Higher Productivity
If you want to accomplish more without working longer hours, you have to increase your productivity. It’s that simple. Here are four easy steps you can implement immediately: 1. Set clear goals and objectives in writing. That’s right; you need to get your goals in writing. Commit to determining exactly what needs to get done and by when. Make sure your goals are ones that will have a meaningful impact on your results. Don’t waste your time and energy on low-priority goals. 2. Develop a detailed action plan. Once your goals are written, you will need to break them down into specific action steps or tasks. Be thorough in your planning and then transfer your action steps into your daily planning tool; whether that be a PDA, planner, computer or other time...
Taking The Path To Success
Whether you’re part of the management team or just starting your career with Farm Credit, your life will change when you do. Granted, you have a track record of success or you wouldn’t be where you are today. But are you all that you can be? In The Dip, Seth Godin makes the argument that most organizations and most people settle for some level of mediocrity. In other words, they settle for being “good enough.” Let’s face it, to be at the top requires more time and effort. It requires more focus and dedication. It requires discipline and constant innovation. That’s why most are willing to follow the leaders instead of being one. But it is without a doubt a choice that you make. Even if it’s a “default” choice of...