Issue 093: Do You Know a Ball Hog?
Do you know a ball hog?
Last weekend, I watched five-year-old kids play basketball. There were two kids, one on each team, who were what we called ball hogs during my childhood. More than likely, you probably knew one, too. Let's call these kids Mick and Mary. Every time Mick and Mary rebounded, snagged a loose ball, or received a pass, they had one vision: shoot the ball.
Already, they were ignoring the coaches who encouraged them to pass the ball. Then, my business mind and curiosity kicked in, wondering how long they could be "ball hogs" without this "me mentality" becoming a habit and a way of life.
Stopping at a local café for coffee in between meetings last week, I watched one person in a small group of professionals hog the entire conversation from beginning to end. As they were at the table next to me and the "ball hog" was loud, I could hear anytime someone directed the conversation away from the "ball hog," she brought the conversation back to her. It must be a common occurrence as several of her peers rolled their eyes.
A few years ago, I was working with a sports manufacturer, and the CEO shared he was having trouble with his sales professionals working as a team. Through questions, I discovered that the CEO only hired employees who played the solo sport, with many playing since grade-schoolers. They grew up being a solo player, and it can be a hard habit to break. To be fair, not all solo-sport athletes are out for number one.
More than likely, we've been the "ball hog" at one time or experienced it. Sure, we can get stuck in a "me mentality" routine that doesn't serve our clients, colleagues, profession, or business. However, the goal is to be aware that we could be that five-year-old ball hog in an adult's body.
Bounce-Up™ Momentum Builder
Do you recognize when you could be the one hogging the conversation?
Are you jumping in with your story when a colleague shares their story?
Are you asking questions to everyone to share the dialogue?
Mj Happenings
On last week's Bounce-Up Broadcast, Robbie Samuels shared Insider Marketing Secrets to Business Growth. Here's a personalized link to receive the bonus content for "Small List, Big Results."
A fun note from the Director who hired me for my Power of Words program last week with over 250 people: "Needless to say...lots of people giving positive feedback on your program and wanting access to your handout. I also had a request for the name of your blog."
Often we hear our clients tell us what business we're in, which can lead to new services and products. That's what happened to me---again. 😊 After the Dallas ABA Conference in January, I had about 15 attendees ask me about different ways they could follow up with prospects. Those requests initiated and resulted in my next book, 13 Simple Client Follow-Up Strategies: Skip the Useless "Checking In" Messages and Get More Sales. Extremely excited to have this new book released on March 29th.
Until next time, Power-Up, Play-Up™, and Bounce-Up™!
Mj
P.S. Would you be one of our book launch team members? We'd love for you to join our team. Reach out through email, text, or DMs. Thank you!
