Issue 117: Are You Sitting on the Bench Unsure What to Do?
“Discover your gift, develop your gift, and then give it away every day.”
D-3 player Josh with D-1 Pitt Player who was later drafted into the NBA
This issue in our Circle of Influence series is about the Play-Up Player. When my son played high school basketball, there was an outdoor basketball court about two miles from our house and another about 40 minutes away. One would think he’d drive to the closer one. No. He’d travel the 40 minutes through city traffic to get to a specific court with one goal: to play a pick-up basketball game on the same court as the Division 1 (D-1) college players.
His reasoning—when he played against D-1 players, it made him a better player. He became more assertive on the court. His skills and techniques improved. The D-1 players made my son a better basketball player because he played against others who were more skillful.
Once he explained the why behind going through a tank of gas in less than a week, I got it. He wasn’t sitting on the bench hoping to get better or waiting for someone to give him a suggestion. He took action. I thought it was a brilliant business strategy that could be implemented quickly.
So, what exactly is a Play-Up Player? Think of this person as someone one or two steps ahead of you on the path to where you want to go. They have already tackled the obstacles you’re facing now. They know how to overcome the roadblocks to keep moving forward in pursuit of the next step, action, or phase. They can offer solutions, suggestions, and mentoring. For example, you’re writing a book and want to self-publish. Your next step is finding suitable copy and interior book editors. To find a Play-Up Player, you would look for someone who has hired editors. You’ll get tips on what worked and didn’t, how to hire the right editor for your genre, and possibly a recommendation or two. Your Play-Up Player is leading the way one or two steps ahead of you.
You can use this analogy and strategy for any goal you’d like to reach. It works. I know. Having more than one Play-Up Player for different segments of my business has been a key to the growth of my company. Also, I implemented this strategy to sell three times my annual quota as a corporate sales executive.
Bounce-Up Momentum Builder
What is the next step of your current goal?
What are the subsequent two or three actions you need to take?
Who do you know who is walking down this same goal path ahead of you?
Mj Happenings
My Calm Challenging Customers has been a hot program this summer. I booked it three more times for in-person events in October.
ICYMI: Click here for the newest e-course, DIY Media Kit, a top-rated writing/marketing class when I was a college adjunct instructor.
My summer intern, Sarah, has elevated our social media platforms. Be sure to connect. We’re on all of them!
Until next time, Power-Up, Play-Up™, and Bounce-Up™!
Mj
P.S. What would you like to accomplish before the end of summer?
