Being “too busy” was just one of the key points (excuses) addressed during an interview I had in July with fellow author, consultant, and all-around good person Marsha Haygood. This is a common retort from more than a few people when asked why they have not followed through on some previously identified goal or objective. “I am/was/will be too busy.”
The truth is that we all have used that excuse from time to time, but the facts are that we always find the time to do what is most important to us. The secret is to sit down long enough to determine with some degree of clarity what is important to us. Then, to focus on the steps required to see this task through to completion, or to at least the next logical stopping point.
There is a second part to today’s message. We (both you and I) need to understand that there are times when we are “too busy” to say yes to the next incoming inquiry. In other words, we must learn to say “no” when the next project will impede on the progress of the current “important” project.
Bottom line: Being “too busy” can be both an excuse and… an honest response.
There were many other points of interest that Marsha highlighted during our brief chat, but I will share just one more that triggered my immediate attention. It had to do with positioning oneself as it related to offering “likes”, “comments”, and terse responses in general on social media.
(Whether you are an active practitioner of the many social media outlets or not, we all must agree that social media is here to stay and represents a huge communication vehicle. The question is how to maximize your involvement.)
The recommendation here is to add something of significance to your response and not simply hit a “like” button. This advice resonated with me since I have also been suggesting you add a little personality to your email responses. For only a few more seconds of invested interest, you can place yourself miles ahead of those who simply take the quick and easy way out.
Before concluding this week’s message, I will share one final point that Marsha highlighted as a winning formula. That was to talk less and listen more. And by listening, she did not mean to just stop talking but to actively and mentally interpret what is being said.
I might add that Marsha “practices what she preaches” in that the primary skill responsible for her popularity and ongoing success is her ability to listen to what is being shared with her.
For those of you who would like to listen to Marsha’s complete interview, you can hit the link below.
http://mikemarchev.com/july-12-2023-inner-circle-meeting/
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club, mike@mikemarchev.com.
*** You want more to think about? Check out my weekly podcast (Miked Up Marchev). Also listed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and iHeartRadio.
