Your Team – Do you have People?
In my business we see a lot of celebrities. Often we’ll be one of the other keynote or breakout speakers after a big name gives a lunch speech. One difference I’ve noted (besides the fact they make obscene amounts of money more than me!) is they have “people.” In the past year I’ve spoken on stage with a few notables: Steven Levitt, Alvin Toffler, Goldie Hawn and Suze Orman.
The women had “people.” The guys, not so much. Actually, much to my delight, after the program with Alvin Toffler, I got to be his People for a few hours. One of the most enlightening and delightful visits of my lifetime. I sat there with him at the airport muttering to myself, “Think, think! What do you want to ask this amazing man? You have a few hours alone with him! Think! What an honor!”
There’s a funny Beyonce / Ellen Degeneres ad on TV about “calling my people.” And it’s so true! That’s a whole ‘nother world. Here I am schlepping my books, tapes, handouts, LCD projector, laptop, water bottle, brown bag lunch, the kitchen sink… and they swoop in followed by their “people.” They are far more refreshed and less stressed than I am. Most times I don’t like to eat lunch with my clients right before a speech because it takes me off purpose, and I need that alone time to gather my thoughts and rev up my “internal Harley.” It would be nice to have “people” to do all the scut work. But I wouldn’t want to entertain them as I’m preparing.
So – do YOU have people? You should, you know. One of the secrets to Resilience and coping is having support out there in that cold cold world. Not so much people who scuttle along behind you. But look at all the people who support you over the years. Anyone in business knows you need a banker on your side. You need a really good insurance person. You need a financial advisor, CPA, tax expert, web guru, blog goddess, marketing expert. If you work for yourself, some kind of office help is essential. Then there are our personal teams: doctors, dentists, mechanics, hair stylists, manicurists, pet sitters, baby sitters.
None of us can do this alone very well. It pays to take good care of the people who take good care of you. Send them notes, referrals, gifts now and again. Compliment them. Let them know you appreciate them. Pay them on time. Keep them in the loop.
And some advice – whether your team is a set of employees, or a rag tag bunch that don’t even know each other – if you said to yourself “Refer tham? Compliment them? You’ve GOT to be kidding!” Then you’ve got a problem. You can’t win this game if your team isn’t the best you can afford. And if you can’t drum up even one compliment, it’s time to stop the pain. Find a new team!
If you want any referrals, let me know. I’ve got some really great people in my corner. I’d be happy to share their names.
Beth
Beth Terry, CSP, is a Professional Speaker and Author.
© 2008 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc. All US and international rights reserved.
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