ARTICLES
Make It Rain!
American Indian tradition exalts the Rainmaker because the Rainmaker used special powers to bring rain to the people. Without rain, people would die. Today, Rainmakers are those who make things happen. Now, more than ever, is the time for you to become a Rainmaker.
It is no news that we are experiencing one of the most crisis-filled times of our countryís history. Unspeakable attacks on our freedom still shock us. Thousands of jobs lost fuel our insecurity. You can even sense a ësilent violenceí as we try to find a ìnewî normal in this country.
One of the most profound affects of the sagging economy and recent attacks is the unprecedented loss of jobs in America. Just when we thought we were invincible (and there are lessons here, too), we were brought to our knees as a country and as individuals.
Our country will only come back bigger, better and stronger than ever if each individual comes back bigger, better and stronger than ever. Use the following steps to become a Rainmaker.
Take extreme self-care.
Rainmakers are strong and healthy, so take good care of yourself. Do an audit of your environment, your relationships, your personal well-being and your finances. Create an environment energizes you by making your home and office neat and clean. De-clutter everything from your desk to your car. Put people first and results second. Only spend time with positive people who fully support you and your goals. Exercise three times a week (yes, you do have time). Be careful that you are not over-indulging to fill emotional voids. Finally, get your finances in order, even if you just make a financial plan.
Go where you hear thunder.
Rainmaking is a quality game, not a quantity game. You may know Paretoís Principle, or more commonly known as ìThe 80/20 Rule.î Twenty percent of your opportunities will give you 80% of your returns. In turn, 20% of the people you encounter will offer you 80% of your opportunities.
Too often, people use the ëscatterí approach to making things happen, pushing their business cards into the hands of as many people as possible, ìhopingî that something of value happens. This is an expensive approachócosting time, money and your professional image. Furthermore, it is not a strategic or deliberate approach. Therefore, it is a waste of time and energy because there is no exchange of value to solidify the connection.
A better approach is to select your opportunities wisely. Ask yourself, ìWhat venue will give me the biggest return for my investment?î Ask yourself, ìWho might be the greatest Center Of Influenceî? It tends to be ëeasierí to go for the smaller fish, but the rewards arenít nearly as great.
Use a point system every day.
In his book, How to Become a Rainmaker, Jeffrey Fox suggests using a four point system to making rain.
There are four steps to making every sale, whether you are selling yourself (to get a job) or selling your products and services.
Getting a qualified lead or a referral.
Getting an appointment to meet the lead/referral.
Meeting the lead/referral.
Getting a commitment to move forward from the lead/referral.
Assign one point for the first step, two points for the second step, three points for the third step and four points for the fourth step. Earn four points each day for three weeks, and you may find that you are making things happen.
Over respond instead of over-react.
Rainmakers deal with what is happening in the world by responding versus reacting. Reacting is automatic; responding is conscious or includes making choices. Responding takes more thought and time than reacting. Responding to events, situations and people forces us to grow and deal with what is in front of us. This leads to compassion, knowledge and peace, all of which attract bigger and better opportunities.
Finally, take action.
Rainmakers understand that they must make it rain. They take action. Rainmakers send notes or articles of interest. They ask for referrals or leads. They shamelessly market the value they provide. Rainmakers constantly mine for opportunities, leave compelling voice mail and make appointments.
Rainmakers do something every day to make things happen.
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