Skip to main content

The Rockefeller Habits: A Blueprint for Business Success

John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil, left an indelible mark on business history. His disciplined approach to management and leadership principles inspired Verne Harnish to outline the “Rockefeller Habits.” These habits, originally embraced by Rockefeller himself, can transform your business. Whether you lead a team of 1 or 500, implementing these habits can create a winning “operating system” for your organization.

The 10 Rockefeller Habits

  • Healthy and Aligned Executive Team
    • Your company’s performance hinges on its leadership team. Ensure they understand and complement each other’s strengths. Regular meetings and commitment to learning are essential.
  • Quarterly Focus
    • Everyone should be aligned with the #1 priority for the quarter. This clarity drives progress and prevents distractions.
  • Effective Communication Rhythm
    • Establish a rhythm for sharing information across the organization. Timely communication keeps everyone informed and engaged.
  • Accountability for Goals
    • Assign accountability for achieving goals in every facet of your organization. When everyone knows their responsibilities, progress accelerates.
  • Employee Input and Feedback
    • Collect ongoing input from employees to identify obstacles and opportunities. Their insights are invaluable.
  • Customer Feedback Analysis
    • Treat customer feedback data as crucially as financial data. Regular analysis ensures you stay customer-centric.
  • Living Core Values and Purpose
    • Infuse your organization with core values and purpose. When these are “alive,” employees feel connected and motivated.
  • Articulate Strategy
    • Every employee should understand the key components of your company’s strategy. Clarity empowers action.
  • Quantify Employee Satisfaction
    • Can your team quantify whether they had a good day or week? Regularly assess employee satisfaction.
  • Transparency in Plans and Performance
    • Make your company’s plans and performance visible to everyone. Transparency fosters trust and alignment.

Implementing the Rockefeller Habits isn’t just about business growth; it’s about creating a thriving culture. Embrace these habits, adapt them to your context, and watch your organization flourish. Remember, it’s not the size of your team that matters—it’s the commitment to excellence that defines success.

Mark, are there other management operating systems to consider? Fore sure, many of the clients I work with our 4DX or EOS shops. It’s really up to which process resonates the most with you and your team. Pick your system and get started – remember a system will produce what a system will produce, nothing less and nothing more!

Not happy with your results? Be HARDER on the system.

 

A System Will Produce What A System Will Produce, Nothing Less and Nothing More!

Overcoming Call Reluctance: Mastering Phone Prospecting in 5 Steps

Overcoming Call Reluctance: Mastering Phone Prospecting in 5 Steps

Making phone calls is critical to achieving your goals and dreams. Whether you’re reaching out to potential clients, networking, or following up, effective communication over the phone is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore five steps to conquer call reluctance and become phone masters to create new sales opportunities.

Cold calls are often feared; they are just one piece of the lead generation pipeline.

  • Referral Sources: Start by tapping into your existing network. Past clients and other referral sources can provide valuable leads.
  • Influencers: Identify influential individuals within your network. These influencers can introduce you to potential clients and expand your reach.
  • Networking Groups: Consider joining networking groups like BNI (Business Network International). These platforms allow you to connect with other professionals and exchange referrals.
  • Follow-Up and Follow-Through: Don’t underestimate the power of consistent follow-up. Whether it’s from referrals, influencers, or networking events, diligent follow-through is essential.
  • Cold Calls: Finally, cold calls can be a part of your prospecting strategy as a last resort—when the other sources are not in place. With the right mindset and techniques, they can be effective.

Fear is natural.  Anxiety is normal. The key is not ignoring those feelings. The key is redirecting them. Accept and acknowledge the feeling. Reflect on what triggered it (lack of  preparation or organization, projecting what other people might think. etc.) and then redirect those thoughts to something more empowering. Accept, reflect and redirect. How? 5 steps:

1. Understand Your Value
To succeed in phone prospecting, you must have a clear understanding of the value you provide. Take a moment to list all the wonderful and valuable things you do for your clients. Additionally, identify the qualities that make you the ideal agent to work with. Keep this list handy by your phone as a reminder of your worth.

2. Set Realistic Goals
Creating momentum requires setting achievable daily goals. Consider using a daily action plan or a weekly action plan. By breaking down your objectives into manageable tasks, you’ll build confidence and stay motivated.

3. Tackle Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk can hinder your prospecting efforts. When you encounter self-doubt, write down the negative thoughts. Refute them on paper by creating positive responses. Remember, you’re in control of your thoughts—don’t let them control you.

4. Visualize Success
Before picking up the phone, visualize success. Picture yourself confidently handling objections, setting appointments, and achieving positive outcomes. Maintain a “bring it on” attitude, and watch your confidence soar.

5. Commit to Consistency
Resolve to make at least 10 to 30 minutes worth of calls each day. Consistency is key. Even on challenging days, stay committed. Remember, progress comes from persistence.

Accept, reflect and redirect to win the day.

Process goals
Process goals perform the best

No Pain, No Palm – My Friday Mindset

Friday mindset compliments of William Penn:

“No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.”

What is Penn saying?

Endure to Cultivate Success” – The journey to success is akin to nurturing a garden; it requires diligence and resilience. Just as a gardener patiently cares for their plants before reaping the harvest, one must toil and persevere to attain their aspirations.

Embrace the Thorns for the Throne” – True triumph is not without its trials. The path to greatness is lined with thorny obstacles, but it is through facing and overcoming these challenges that we ascend from the depths of difficulty.

Bitter Trials Bring Sweet Victories” – The road to glory is often paved with setbacks and sour moments. Yet, it is by navigating through these bitter experiences that we pave the way for substantial accomplishments. If you find yourself amidst adversity, remember this adage.

Sacrifice Paves the Way to Leadership” – Reflecting on his Quaker beliefs, Penn draws a parallel to the spiritual realm. Leadership demands sacrifice and endurance, much like the spiritual quest for a higher reward.

Choose your hard!

#WinTheDay

 

What's Possible?
What’s Possible?

Unlocking Effectiveness: A Journey of Intention, Commitment, and Action

In our fast-paced world, effectiveness has become more critical than ever. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or a seasoned professional, optimizing your efforts can lead to remarkable outcomes.

It all begins with setting a clear intention: What do you want to achieve? Is it better time management, improved productivity, or enhanced decision-making?

Why Does Effectiveness Matter?

Effectiveness isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing the right things. Consider these key points:

  1. Resource Optimization: When you’re effective, you maximize your resources—time, energy, and focus. You avoid wasting effort on low-impact tasks.
  2. Impactful Results: Effectiveness ensures that your actions align with your goals. It’s not about busyness; it’s about purposeful progress.
  3. Reduced Stress: When you’re effective, stress decreases. You feel in control, knowing you’re moving toward your desired outcomes.

Motivation to Act

Ask yourself:

  • What drives me to improve my effectiveness?
  • How will it positively impact my life and work?

Promises to Yourself

  1. Prioritization: Promise to prioritize tasks based on their impact. Focus on high-value activities.
  2. Consistency: Commit to consistency. Small, daily actions compound over time.
  3. Learning and Adaptation: Stay open to learning and adjust your strategies as needed.

Actions to Take

  1. Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for essential tasks. Guard these blocks fiercely.
  2. Single-Tasking: Multitasking reduces effectiveness. Concentrate on one task at a time.
  3. Feedback Loop: Regularly assess progress. What’s working? What needs adjustment?

Setting a Timeline

  1. Weekly Goals: At the start of each week, review your week ahead. Set specific goals.
  2. Daily Routines: Each morning, allocate time for your most critical tasks.
  3. Monthly Reflection: At month-end, evaluate your overall effectiveness. Celebrate wins and recalibrate.

In my experience, effectiveness isn’t a fixed point—it’s a dynamic journey. When I wholeheartedly embrace the process and remain committed, I witness my impact soaring to new heights, and you can do the same with these 6 steps:

  • What is your intention?
  • What is your outcome?
  • Why is it important to you?
  • What is your motive to act?
  • What promises will you make, and what actions will you take?
  • By when?

Ready?

By when?

What's Possible?
What’s Possible?

Staying On Top Of The Housing Market

Staying on top of the housing market is key to serving your clients. Here’s a quick snapshot of the latest trends that will impact your real estate practice:

  • Price Adjustments: Sellers are increasingly adjusting their expectations, with a notable uptick in price reductions from initial listings in the last few weeks.
  • Conditions Count: Homes that aren’t “move-in” ready are facing pressure in this competitive market.
  • Market Dynamics: A significant 34.4% of homes on the market have experienced price corrections, signaling a shift in supply vs. demand.
  • Buyer’s Options Expanded: With a 36% increase in inventory compared to last year, buyers now have a wider selection to choose from.
  • Regional Variations: While New York and Nevada maintain a tighter grip on their inventory, Texas is experiencing a bump in sales activity thanks to a more abundant selection.
  • Mortgage Mysteries: Curious about what drives mortgage rates? They’re more intricate than you might think. Send me a direct message for a detailed breakdown.
  • Sales Trends: The rhythm of new sales has dipped recently, but the overall pace remains consistent with last year’s figures.

Some interesting highlights: 

Understanding these trends is one thing, but distilling them into actionable insights is where true leadership shines. For a personalized analysis, slide into my DMs for a one-on-one chat.

Discover how these trends are playing out locally on my Altos link included by clicking here.

#WinTheDay by making informed decisions and keeping your clients informed and up to date.

 

Follow Up
Follow Up

Now Is Not The Time To Sit Back and See How Things Turn Out

Now is not the time to sit back and see how things turn out.  You’ll be left behind.

Last year 18% of agents changed firms across the US and a recent survey from Inman news  39% of agents plan to switch brokerages this year-up 56% from those who shared a similar desire in 2023.

Old math / new math – regardless of what number you believe – that’s a lot of movement and right now somewhere between 25% up to 39% of your own agents are looking to make a move.

Why?

Uncertainty …  with all the changes, all the news are you LEADING or going SILENT?

What’s missing?

  • 52% want more referrals and leads
  • 44% want better training and education
  • 42% want more support

What’s on their “must have” list?

  • 93% want to be connected to a trusted/recognizable brand
  • 88% want top-notch marketing and advertising support
  • 82% want leading edge technology and tools.

Look this is what we do – if you need help we should have a conversation.  Yet, in the meantime I’d leave you with this: quickly go on the OFFENSE immediately to re-recruit the keepers.

  • Identify who in your office is most likely to leave and proactively start re-recruiting them.  Find out what they’re missing and fix the problems before it’s too late.
  • Energized Recruiting: If you have strong solutions in the areas where agents are feeling deficits, step out in confidence and get connected to as many prospects as possible.
  • Use the survey findings as a guideline to prepare scripts and talking points that address these issues.
  • Plan talent attraction events that highlight your expertise in the areas where they are feeling deficiencies.

At the end of the day YOUR SYSTEM PRODUCES WHAT IT PRODUCES NOTHING LESS NOTHING MORE – we can help you get the right systems in place to win the day.

Power Of Compounding Effort
Power Of Compounding Effort

Embracing Discomfort: The Unseen Catalyst in Sales Success

Be Bold!

Embracing Discomfort: The Unseen Catalyst in Sales Success

In the realm of sales, discomfort is not an intruder but an inevitable companion. It’s the tightrope walk between sticking to the status quo and venturing into the unknown. Yet, it is within these moments of unease that the seeds of success are sown. Every instance of discomfort brings with it a pivotal moment of choice, and it is the caliber of these decisions that sculpt our sales narrative.

The Crossroads of Comfort and Growth

Sales professionals often find themselves at a crossroads. One path is paved with the familiar – the techniques and strategies that have worked in the past. The other path is less traveled, lined with the thorns of uncertainty and the promise of growth. Choosing the latter requires courage, for it is a journey through discomfort.

The Decision Dilemma

When faced with discomfort, the decision we make can either propel us forward or keep us tethered to our current state. It’s a delicate balance between risk and reward. The right decision, often the one that feels the most uncomfortable, has the potential to unlock doors to new opportunities and relationships.

The Role of Integrity

Doing the right thing, especially when it’s the hardest, speaks volumes about one’s integrity. In sales, this might mean walking away from a deal that doesn’t align with your values or pushing for a product that truly benefits the customer, even if it’s not the easiest sell. It’s about putting long-term relationships above short-term gains.

The Impact on Sales Approach

Embracing discomfort can dramatically transform our sales approach. It encourages us to be more empathetic, to listen actively, and to engage with our clients on a deeper level. It pushes us to innovate, to find solutions that are not just effective but also ethical and sustainable.

The Uncomfortable Truth

The uncomfortable truth is that discomfort is not to be avoided but embraced. It is a catalyst for growth, a test of character, and a builder of trust. As sales professionals, when we choose to do the right thing in the face of discomfort, we don’t just close a deal; we open a realm of possibilities where our integrity and our success are inextricably linked.

In the end, the quality of our decisions in the face of discomfort defines not just our sales success, but our legacy in the business world. Let us choose wisely, act boldly, and embrace the discomfort that heralds the dawn of achievement.

Be Bold!

Doing the right thing is always the right thing.
Doing the right thing is always the right thing.

What We Can Learn From Paul Mitchell

His mother, no longer able to provide for him, turned him over to the foster care system. At 22, he was homeless with a two-year-old son to care for.

The only way he could go was up. With $700 start-up cash, he pursued his vision.

Paul Mitchell hair products and eventually Patrón tequila.

One of the most significant traits of his success, he says, was overcoming rejection.

“You’ve got to be prepared in life for a lot of rejections.”

Pointing to a time, he had to sell encyclopedias door-to-door to put food on the table. Many doors, literally, closed in his face. As a result, he came to expect rejection, which proved to be beneficial, as he learned this:

“You must be just as enthusiastic on door 51 as you were on door 50, even if all 50 of those doors are closed in your face!”

John Paul DeJoria’s journey from homeless to entrepreneur and philanthropist – now you know…the rest of the story.

#WinTheDay

 

Resistance is normal. What you do about it creates the future!
Resistance is normal. What you do about it creates the future!

What if: you never tolerated inaction in yourself?

I was just thinking:

” What would happen if you never tolerated inaction in yourself?”

This thought-provoking question challenges us to examine our relationship with action, failure, and growth. In a world where procrastination often holds us back, embracing movement becomes essential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the transformative power of action, drawing lessons from both success and failure.

1. The Paralysis of Inaction
The Comfort Zone
Inaction feels safe. It’s the cozy cocoon where we avoid risks, sidestep challenges, and settle for mediocrity. But within this comfort zone lies stagnation—a slow erosion of potential. When we tolerate inaction, we deny ourselves the chance to learn, adapt, and evolve.

The Illusion of Perfection
Perfectionism fuels inaction. We wait for the perfect moment, the flawless plan, or the ideal circumstances. Meanwhile, life passes us by. The truth is, there’s no perfect time. Action doesn’t require perfection; it demands courage. Imperfect steps forward lead to progress.

2. Lessons from Failure
Failure as a Teacher
Failure isn’t the enemy; it’s a wise mentor. Each misstep, setback, or disappointment carries valuable lessons. When we embrace failure, we learn resilience, humility, and resourcefulness. It’s through failure that we refine our approach, recalibrate our goals, and discover hidden strengths.

The Cost of Inaction
Consider the cost of not acting. Regret, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled dreams accumulate. Inaction robs us of experiences, relationships, and growth. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, fearing the leap, while life beckons from below. Trust movement—even if it means stumbling.

3. Trusting Movement
Small Steps, Big Impact
Action need not be grandiose. Small, consistent steps yield remarkable results. Whether it’s writing a page a day, taking a daily walk, or learning a new skill, these micro-actions accumulate over time. Momentum builds, and suddenly, you’re miles ahead of where you started.

The Ripple Effect
Your actions ripple outward. When you defy inaction, you inspire others. Your courage becomes contagious. Imagine the impact if everyone refused to tolerate their own inertia. The world would shift, evolve, and thrive.

Conclusion?
“Trust movement.”

These two words encapsulate a powerful philosophy. By rejecting inaction, we embrace growth. So, dear reader, take that step, write that email, make that call. The lessons lie not in perfection but in motion. Let failure be your guide, and trust movement—it’s the path to transformation.

Perfection is not the standard, progress is! 

The journey begins with a single step.

There are some lessons that only #failure can teach.

Failure is not the problem. #Inaction is. #Procrastination is.

Trust movement.

” What would happen if you never tolerated inaction in yourself?”

 

Some is better than none
Some is better than none