For years, I’ve specialized in two different topics: I teach people how to influence the actions of others one-on-one, and I teach people how to influence the actions of others through presentations to groups of people.
I have modules that teach how to initiate a conversation, create trust, lay out techniques to create urgency, closing techniques, sustaining interest ideas, negotiation tactics, and in the words of Al Pacino, “I’m just gettin’ warmed up!” Despite all the tactics and techniques I teach, the most important thing that I can share with my students is to remember two words that I call “the great equalizers.” I call them “the great equalizers” because remembering these two words can offset just about any jam you get yourself into.
The Top of the Robble-Head
I recently chose these two words to apply to something I’ve prepared for 2013. I decided to create my own Bobble-Head, (called a “Robble-Head,” to be precise,) to give away in seminars. When the company that makes them asked me what words I wanted on the base, I thought long and hard. What words would transcend any message or topic, and would be appropriate for all audiences? Then it came to me: I must put the two words that represent “the great equalizer” on the base. What are the two words I’ve been teasing you with? The words are “Energy & Enthusiasm!”
Losing sleep over an interview? Worried about a big presentation you have to deliver? Anxious about a sales call you’re about to make? Meeting a new person you really want to click with? No matter what the worry might be, if you remember these two words, and adhere to their meaning, you’ll be just fine.
The fact is… the world will not come to an end if you do not follow all the lessons I teach, or if you forget to create trust or urgency, or if you don’t apply appropriate closing techniques. People will naturally forgive just about anything. Forget to ask questions? Clients will frequently provide you with information anyway. Apply incorrect closing techniques? Clients will frequently commit anyway. Lose a visual, forget a handout, or fail to establish utilities in a presentation you might be delivering? People will forgive you. In fact, people will forgive just about anything, but they won’t forgive a lack of energy and enthusiasm.
The Bottom of the Robble-Head
The next time you find your pulse racing over an impending anxious situation, don’t focus on the variables you cannot control. Instead, focus on what you can control. You can always control your energy & enthusiasm, “the great equalizers.” Now I have a “Robble-Head” that will help you remember that!
Rob,
I have to have one! Where and when can I get my “robble head”?
Does the Robble head only nod positively? It is a good likeness.
Hey Rob –
Fantastic!
Not only are you recommending utilizing ‘energy’ and ‘enthusiasism’ – but you also – inadvertantly – display your terrific ‘sense of humor’ – with that lovable likeness of you! I couldn’t stop chuckling!
….and we all are familiar with the adage…
“Laughter is the BEST medicine!”
Therefore, when all else fails – fall back on ‘energy’ and ‘enthusiasm’….and a great ‘sense of humor’ – which you have in ‘spades’!!!
J.M.
“C.T.”
How do you ever top the “Robble-Head”?
If I was choosing between two people, and Person A had energy & enthusiasm, and Person B had energy, enthusiasm, and BOBBLE-HEAD DOLL OF THEMSELVES, I would definitely choose Person B….. so I don’t know if the “great equalizers” can ever make two people perfectly equal…
Rob, Energy and Enthusiasm are two perfect words I’d use to describe you!!! Of course, if the base of the statue were wider, I’d add Integrity, Passion, Creative, Loyal, Role Model…..
Have a fun weekend and I hope you and your family are safe from the blizzard!
Neil
Rob,
Cogent, concise, and truly informative, as always! And now that I’m done sucking up to you, HOW CAN I GET A ROBBLE-HEAD???
Best Regards!
Ian
Hey Rob, everyone wants to know how we can get the Robble Head. I really want to be the first at work!! Great Blarticle.
Good Blarticle. Energy and Enthusiasm are huge in everything we do – who do you want to be around? someone who’s got them? or someone who doesn’t?
Easy answer!
and yes, I too want a Robble-head!
Energy = FOLLOW ME! Enthusiam = DO AS I DO! It’s a no-fail plan, every time. BUT…it only works if you LOVE what you do! If ya go thru the motions without the *energy*, the *enthusiasm*…well..you’re just spinning your wheels. This is the real lesson that Rob,in my opinion, so vibrantly embodies…love what you do – LOVE what you do. Love what you do and the energy and enthusiasm never wanes. Me? I’m a chef. I LOVE what I do!
Love the Robble head. I want to add it the Jolles Collection I have…the lightning bolt pin, the books, and the good memories.