Even before the popularity of the Wii and games like Guitar Hero, becoming a rock star was a childhood dream for many. We watched our favorite singers at concerts and grew up idolizing and fantasizing about living the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle with all of its glamour, fame and fortune.
As we grew up and moved into the business world, many entrepreneurs held on to the dream of becoming “rock stars” in their specific business. However, faced with the time and effort involved to grow a business, many were sidelined by a lack of commitment, focus and drive.
Just like successful rock stars, business owners must make sacrifices and take chances others are not willing to make. So what lessons can you learn from rock stars? Here are a few things to think about as you decide whether you have achieved rock star status when it comes to your recruiting efforts.
Studio Time
Rock stars book studio time to create new work and practice. In order to hit your talent attraction goals, you need to block off time each day to focus on your talent attraction activities. Whether it’s prospecting, making calls or holding face-to-face meetings, you must commit to making the effort.
Your daily tasks should always support your overall goals. Rock stars rehearse long hours before making the final recording or hitting the stage. Likewise, spending time practicing your recruiting scripts or role-playing with a peer or mentor could be very beneficial to your success.
Concerts
You may be surprised to learn that rock stars make most of their money on tour. A lot of time and effort is spent on cultivating relationships and creating excitement among their fan base.
Think of recruiting like going on tour. In order to attract agents to your company, you need to meet them face to face and probably multiple times before they’re ready to join your team. You also need to give them a very clear sense as to what your company is all about.
So how do you attract recruits to your rock ‘n’ roll tour?
• Invite agents to your sales meetings and special training events.
• Extend an invitation to your company’s social activities and fundraisers.
• Get out and visit open houses.
• Attend industry mixers and events.
• Become involved in your local REALTOR®’s association.
• Attend and support community events.
The bottom line is that you must become a true advocate and ambassador for your company.
Socialize
Now more than ever, rock stars personally connect with their fans through their social media sites. Never before have fans had such direct access to their idols. Engage with agents, share tips and give them special insight designed to grab their attention and respect.
Persistence
Rock stars know that unless they want to be a one-hit wonder, they must continue to create new music, even when they are exhausted and just want to call it quits. Similarly, you must be willing to keep at your recruiting efforts, even when faced with opposition. Recruiting comes with a lot of rejection. Be prepared to do a lot of hard work before you see a payoff.
Be Unique
Rock stars know that the look and feel of their music is a significant part of their brand.
Likewise, it is imperative that you define your unique abilities. Leverage your assets to look and feel like a rock star every single day.
Allison Lewis is talent attraction coach at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.
