A Dime A Dozen

Insurance agents are a dime a dozen.

Chances are good that you are one - or you know (at least) one.

The same might be said about realtors. And attorneys. And bankers. I know a dozen of each without pausing to count.

But of the hundreds of fellow service providers in my network, only a couple would I recommend.

Why?

It’s certainly not because an attorney is an attorney. Her qualifications are a given.

I sing her praises because she is patient, she is warm and she instills confidence in her clients.

It’s exactly how I feel when I’m in her presence.

And it feels good.

As you’re swapping business cards at your next networking event, filling the “insurance” or “realtor” or “banker” seat at the table, remember that as service providers, we’re a dime a dozen.

But what’s not a dime a dozen?

You.

We’ve all got ‘em - tell me your best story about that person you wouldn’t recommend to your worst enemy! Can’t wait to read in the comments below.

The Value of a Handshake

I was 15 years old when I learned a proper handshake.

Mr. Bartkus - our English teacher and a local politician - had us line up in front of the class and shake his hand, one at a time.

He offered feedback and guidance as we perfected our technique:

“A little less firm,” as you might be mistaken as overly aggressive.

“Not enough pressure,” as you might be considered weak.

“Too short,” as you might appear eager.

And, for goodness' sake, it’s a “handshake,” not a “fingershake.”

Like so many things in life, the perfect handshake is hard to describe.

But you know it when you see it.

I’ve shaken a lot of hands in the years that have followed, introducing myself to potential bosses, boyfriends, and clients with confidence.

With so many other things to consider in those potentially emotion-filled circumstances, my handshake wasn’t one to fret about.

Were you taught the proper handshake, or did you figure it out as you went? Tell me your story in the comments below!

The Head and the Heart

They say that life is about the little things, and I was reminded of this when I (finally) turned on my air conditioning this morning.

Nearly 10 years ago, when it was time to put down more permanent roots in the neighborhood I’d grown to love here in Chicago, I sat with my realtor and made a list of my “must haves” for my new place:

☑ Dedicated parking spot

☑ Outdoor living space

☑ Central air conditioning

☑ In-unit washer and dryer

I knew I was home the very first time I turned the key in the lock on the front door of the unit I’d end up buying - I could feel it in my gut. It was THE ONE - but it also had none of these "must have" features.

Over time, I'd begin renting a parking space from a neighbor, I’d work with a specialty contractor to add the washer and dryer I coveted and finally, install that central AC that made me smile this morning.

The heart and mind are constantly coordinating as we consider what is right for us - and heart often wins. In sales, we often focus on the financial aspects of the product or service we offer - lower cost or competitive terms - but we can’t overstate the significance of heart.

I’d love to know - are you a “fixer upper” or a “move-in ready” dweller? Let me know in the comments below!

#HaveHerBack | Leah Neaderthal

I’m pretty terrible at asking for help.

I tackle just about every household task myself (before I have no choice but to call in the experts), and in growing my business, I’m humbled as I realize how many have helped me along the way.

Though sales has been a focus for much of my career, now I'm selling a solution that I’ve built, and to an audience who may not realize that they need it. It’s a heavy sale, and one I’m grateful to have the support of Leah Neaderthal to navigate.

In her words: "After several pivotal career moments, I made a decision: I needed to find a way to sell that felt comfortable, felt like me, and didn't feel like a sleazy salesperson. So over the course of several years, I developed a selling methodology that works, that feels good, and that builds really strong client relationships. Using that methodology, I have a 92% win rate and I've sold over $3MM in work.

Now I teach other women how to do the same thing in their business - because I know how hard it can be when you're so good at everything else."

I’d love to know - are you good at asking for help? Let me know below!

::

I highly suggest checking out Leah’s free training, The Leads to Clients System, here: https://lnkd.in/gnHhjyy ::

#365Connections

What is it about “likes” or “comments” on a social platform that feed us as they do? I can’t quite pinpoint the psychology behind it. Ego? Validation? Connection?

Maybe you’ve shared someone else’s article or spent time to write your own - only to find out, several hours later, not a single engagement! Sigh.

I assure you, though, that people see you - and that’s exactly how I came to know Michael Porpora, AAI, CIC. Michael and I have a common interest - the insurance business - and also share an affection for this social platform.

Our initial connection led to a curiosity, and then support, of one another’s efforts, like he demonstrates in a personal challenge he issued that benefits us all. Michael committed to introduce one of his connections here on LinkedIn to his audience each day for one year.

I was happy to wake up this morning to the news that I’m #215. You can listen to the brief clip below to learn more about Michael’s project and the work that I do.

https://lnkd.in/gKCZaJa

:: I so admire Michael’s dedication to this project - if you’ve ever issued a challenge like this to yourself, I’d love to hear about it. Let me know in the comments below!