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’s Forecast
Since 1818 people have used the Farmer’s Almanac to predict the weather and some still rely on it today. According to its Wikipedia page, “The Farmer’s Almanac is famous for its long-range weather predictions and astronomical data, along with a blend of humor, trivia, and advice on gardening, cooking, fishing, and human interest. Conservation, sustainable living, and simple living are core values of the publication and its editors, and these themes are heavily promoted in every edition.”
As more and more people started relying on their local affiliate TV weatherman to give them their forecasts. These “meteorologists” seem to have begun competing with their fellow meteorologists on the other channels by bragging about their specific radar used to predict the weather. What used to be referred to as their “radar forecast” now they boast of their “Super-Duper Doppler Radar,” their “Titan Radar” and their “Live VIPIR Radar” to name a few.
It’s been a frigid weekend here in the Midwest. According to the meteorologists, we have been experiencing an Alberta Clipper which has brought some very cold air down from the upper regions of Canada. Anytime you have temperatures in single digits you know it’s cold, but these days just being cold isn’t enough. Everything has to be bigger, badder, and better than it has been in the past. Now we all boast about the “feels like” temperature.
It’s not enough to predict low temperatures hovering below freezing or around zero. We must now wonder what it would feel like when the wind blows. “Expect temperatures in the low teens tomorrow morning on your ride to work but bundle up because with the wind chill, it’s going to feel like -5,” smiles the weatherman as the co-anchors pretend to shiver and gasp at how cold that really sounds.
A Different Way to See Things
I guess we just like to have choices these days. It’s not enough to have 
one measurement of the temperature we need a wind chill. It’s not specific to cold weather either because last year we started hearing more about a “heat index” so it’s not just a bias towards the winter season.
I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise because we always look to find the perfect synonym or another way to say something so we can be unique or different from the next guy. Old school sales trainer Tom Hopkins used to talk about using “paperwork” instead of “contract” and “authorization” instead of “signature.” Maybe in a tribute to your favorite local meteorologists, here are some different takes on the same thing…
- Knowing what to say or do at the right time with a client or prospect because you’ve rehearsed and practiced it over and over again before it happened? “Feels like” preparation.
- Answering questions or objections without hesitation? “Feels like” confidence
- Posting your marketing video of your new listing or community video on the social media channels so people can see your expertise and skills? “Feels like” pride.
- Deftly engaging in multiple conversations on various social networking channels with friends around the globe? “Feels like” connection.
- Helping your fellow agent with something when they are double-booked or out-of-town or dealing with a sick child at home? “Feels like” teamwork.
- Receiving a personal referral from a close friend, former client or family member? “Feels like” trust.
- Planning, prioritizing and performing the things on your daily “to do” list? “Feels like” focus.
- Making your calls, sending your emails, mailing those hand-written notes and knocking on those doors? “Feels like” discipline.
- Doing the right things…even when no one is looking or will ever know? “Feels like” leadership.
One more I might add in…even though I am no meteorologist and I have no radar…would be this one; Building relationships, solving problems and having fun? “Feels like” success.
Photo Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight via Flickr
Photo Credit: Joe deSousa via Flickr