What Is Your Popping Point?

Monday Morning Match is a quick post – maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea – intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.

Today would have been Orville Reddenbacher’s 105th birthday. The popcorn pioneer certainly made a name for himself once microwave popcorn became more commonplace than the childhood classic – Jiffy Pop.

Do you like popcorn?

I’m not a huge fan of popcorn. I can eat it at the movies but I certainly don’t need a tub the size of a beer keg. I like it at the golf course pub because it’s just salty enough to make the post round beers go down a little bit smoother (not that they need much help).

And who can resist a little caramel or cheese popcorn from Garrett’s in Chicago?

The biggest problem I have with popcorn is when you cook it in the microwave, not every kernel pops. It doesn’t matter how long you heat it up, there will be some kernels in the bowl that just will not bust out of their shell.

Look around in your office, your career, your family or your world. There are people like these unpopped kernels.

I often think that many people I run in to in life just need “something more” to help them burst out of their shell. You never know what is going to convert a person into a superstar but you have to figure if you can help them by applying just the right amount of pressure (heat) and surround them with just the right people (other kernels) you can help them to bust out of their shell.

Sometimes we see it right in front of our eyes on shows like American Idol or America’s Got Talent. Perhaps we’ll see a new star pop out during next month’s Olympic Games. Maybe someone in your real estate office is going to be the next best thing.

Maybe…it’s you?

Caution! Contents May Be Hot

What do you think the first kernel to pop has that the other kernels don’t? I wonder if by popping, some kernels share their heat and combustion with others and get them to exceed their current boundaries? How do you think the kernels who have given it their all feel about the other kernels who didn’t even make an effort?

And can you even imagine how those kernels that never were able to achieve what they were meant to do feel?

Maybe the real estate industry is a little more like Cracker Jacks: A bunch of popcorn who busted out of their shell, were covered with a layer of sweetness and are mixed in with a few real nuts.

The cool thing about the Cracker Jack world of real estate – there is a fun prize each day you open the package.

What’s it going to take to get you to build relationships, solve problems and have fun?