In our last post, Client Acquisition Mastery Exercise – Part One we discussed the first three steps of our seven step process for mastery of the topic. We are using Done-For-You Clients as a case study for the seven steps. We will now continue with the next four steps.
Step 4: DELETE DISTRACTIONS
Our 24/7 culture has us tied to our devices all day and all night. Every beep, chirp, and ping is just another distraction. The worst part is that we’ve been conditioned to respond to these notifications immediately. If you’re attempting to be always available, you’re setting yourself (and your clients) up for a HUGE letdown.
At DFY Clients, we have a very strict process for productivity. First, we analyze our to-do list and decide the most important task based on potential revenue. Next, we close every additional browser tab and window that is not pertinent to the task at hand. Then, we put our phones and tablets on Do Not Disturb and start a 60 minute timer. Once the timer starts, it’s all work on that task without stopping (even if you think you’re done) until the buzzer sounds.
This one little productivity hack has allowed us to come up with content ideas, create marketing strategies, and implement new processes very quickly and easily. I’m sure it can do the same for you.
But here’s the question…
Can you “disappear” for an hour a day to make drastic changes in your business? If not, reach out to us and we’ll help you come up with a way to do just that.
STEP 5: IDENTIFY LIMITING BELIEFS
This topic is an entire blog post to itself. However, I will be concise here as to help you to understand what I mean.
Limiting beliefs come in all shapes and forms.
The ones we’re looking for in this case are the ones that prevent us from fulfilling our promise in Step 1 of providing the absolute best service in our industry. Beliefs like, “I’m not good enough”, “I’m not smart enough”, “I don’t have enough money” are all symptoms of a larger problem: FEAR.
The only way to eliminate fear is with action.
Around here, we have our limiting beliefs posted in Google Keep. Here’s a screenshot:
Remember, just because you don’t have what you think it takes to “make it”, someone else does. There are people out there right now looking for someone like you to help them. Don’t let them down.
STEP 6: STUDY AND IMPLEMENT
This is where the rubber meets the road. This is when thoughts and emotions become manifest. It is your responsibility as a business leader to study the best practices in your industry (and others) and implement them into your business. Now of course, you probably don’t have the time to study every little thing about your industry. Luckily, there are a few shortcuts.
My two favorite books of all time are The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes and Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You’ve Got by Jay Abraham. Every single day you can find my nose in one of those books. It’s amazing what you can learn and do with simple disciplines practiced every day.
My advice to you is to pick up either of these books (or both) and just start poking around. You can also attend industry events, subscribe to magazines and e-zines, and listen to podcasts like The Tim Ferriss Show by Timothy Ferriss or Self Made Man with Mike Dillard.
The key here is to not get overwhelmed with information. What you want to do is take one tidbit from something you studied and implement it into your business in whatever small way you can on that particular day. If you make a habit of studying and implementing on a daily basis, within 30 days your business will be dramatically improved.
STEP 7: COMMIT TO EXCELLENCE
Deciding to provide the absolute best service in your industry is no small task. It’s not a decision to be made lightly. It’s something you have to commit to on a daily basis. Very much like being a parent and/or being in a committed relationship. You have to put the work in every day. When you get tired, rest a little bit and then get up and work some more.
I’m not saying to work yourself to death. I’m saying commit to excellence by being aware of what it takes to truly be great. When the opportunity presents itself — and it will — step up to the plate and knock that sucker outta the park. You’ve got what it takes to be great. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.
It doesn’t take grinding all day. It’s about working smarter, not harder. All the people that want you to hustle all day and work 100x harder are idiots and they’re leading you to an early grave. Learn to work with your mind BEFORE you work with your hands, and you’ll outmaneuver, outmarket, and outsell all the “hustle, hustle” type wack-jobs every day of the week.
Your Turn
Was this series helpful to you? What did you learn?
Let me know in the comments!