My exercise 'Thing' is swimming. I love to swim in an outdoor pool (which you'll often see me posting pics of on Facebook!), but there is something that I see when I am there which I don't get.
There are some people who come to the pool and when they get in they barely do a couple of lengths—and probably burn about 2 calories with their minimal movement breast stroke while keeping their head out of the water in an attempt to keep their hair dry...
I know you've seen them too :)
And I don't get it.
Now, I appreciate that not everyone comes swimming to the pool to plough up and down doing laps like me, but surely if you're going to get wet—might as well swim.
I know I've had to take time out of my day, drive to the pool, pack my bag, get wet, wash my hair, dry my hair, etc. and if I am going to all that bother I may aswell have a decent swim when I get wet. Otherwise, the way I see it, that's a lot of hassle for not much return on my time investment. At least if I do 100 lengths I can burn off (in advance) the cake calories I will be having later :)
And I see this in business too:
- If you're going to go networking, might as well swim: be the speaker or introduce yourself to as many people as you can (never use that '60 seconds' intro as a waffle—it's 60 seconds on the stage!)
- If you're going to attend a workshop or a seminar, might as well swim: take part, volunteer to be in a hot-seat, network on the breaks, ask the speaker a question, take the next step if they have one to take, and definitely put into action what you learn
- If you're going to send out a email or newsletter, might as well swim: include great information but include a 'call to action' too. Make an offer or run a promotion, alongside sharing your Thing know-how. Also share you and your story—it's about your take on it
- If you're going to speak at an event, might as well swim: give away free info or a gift (so you can collect names), make an offer so people can take the next step with you. A round of applause is like going for a paddle... it's nice... but...it's not going to keep you fit
- If you're going to spend time on social media, might as well swim: post up YOUR opinions, write a blog and share it, show us what you think and why. Tell us what is happening and what this means to you. Don't just watch, join in!
- If you're going to do your Thing, might as well swim: SELL IT! Don't just sit in your office 'creating'—get out there and sell your Thing... no one can benefit unless they own their part of it. Don't get stuck in ideas, get it out in the world and make it happen for people
So when you're next at the pool, get some goggles on, stick your face in the water, move like you mean it and have a swim. You'll get some exercise so your body will benefit and it will make getting wet all that more worthwhile.
And I mean that in a business sense too... if you're going to take action - dive in!
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