Now, I've not got any statistical evidence to back this up, BUT I'd bet that the taxi driver who keeps their light on as they drive around town is going to pick up more fares than the cabbie who only switches it on when they're in a rank at the station or outside a hotel. Of course, a taxi driver is going to pick up fares in the rank (that being the point of them!), but there are also plenty of people who are out in town that need a ride too.
Why am I talking about taxis? Well, because you and your Thing are one too.
You and your Thing take people on a journey and deliver them to their destination (the result you give)—and, just like a taxi, you might be missing opportunities to help people if you only have your light on in the obvious places.
This is how it might look in business: you might only be having sales conversations in the 'ranks' of networking meetings, or pre-arranged sales calls, or when speaking from the stage, or a one-to-one proposal meeting—when, actually, you'll meet people every day in everything you do who could be open to a ride (your Thing). It might be the person you sit next to on the train, or in a café; it might be a parent you chat to at the school gates; it might be the shop owner where you're buying something; it might an actual taxi driver (this has happened to me more than once!). There are people who need your Thing everywhere, so be prepared to have a conversation about it any time!
You need to have your light on all the time if you're BEING a Business Celebrity. A celebrity is always 'on' as they could be papped anywhere, after all :) Now, I'm not saying you have to have get dressed up in your finest every single day BUT don't think that a sales situation always looks like an obvious one (this is the mistake of thinking people only want a Taxi from the rank).
Now, of course you don't stop every single person you see and ask them if they need a ride (there are laws against that sort of thing!)—this is not what I'm saying. The point of a taxi light is that people who are LOOKING for a ride know that you are open for business and they can stop you and buy a ride. Same goes for business—you need to have your metaphorical light on all the time to show that you're always open for a conversation about how you can help. And this might be anything from having a website that's got video and products to buy when you're not there (or asleep); it might be that you can explain what you do in a minute any time you're asked to (train/café/school gates, etc.) in a way that people instantly 'get' and will know if they want to speak more and possibly buy from you. This is why a Fame Name is so handy—it's a great light!
Just like a taxi driver, you won't want to work 24/7 yourself but you can certainly send out other drivers on your behalf because someone WILL be wanting a ride 24/7. So do make sure there's a way to connect with you even when you're not working—have a light on your website or pass the light over to your team so you can take a break.
Want to talk more about this?
Lucy, I’ve missed your updates… A weeks holiday and less action for me has been wonderful but I am committed to my thing, your update is a timely reply, thank you for your committment, the consistency is inspiring.
When the funds are available I will join you again! Xx
Yes even if it’s small steps, it’s important to keep on doing your Thing every day (even thinking about it counts!) :)
HI, Now my Thing used to be slate-ware (when I signed up to
your blog)… but family illness has put an end to that and so now I concentrate fully on my Novels, so now they are my Thing … and your blog this week about Cornwall (where I live) and mention of Eden just made me want to tell you about my latest novel – set at Eden! It’s a light thriller – just look for my name on Amazon – or visit my bookshop at annmade.co.uk. I hope you all have a happy holiday in beautiful Kernow – even if the weather is misbehaving!
Ah yes the weather in Cornwall is unpredictable at the best of times… or is it just that it’s only when I am there (a philosophical question!) :)
Love this post Lucy. Have been thinking about this a lot. A client recently described me as a ‘radiator’ emitting what I do and stand for. I know when I am in this space opportunities just open up. Keeping my light on today!
And that is why it’s all about ‘BEING’ a Business Celebrity and not ‘doing’ (anyone can follow instructions, not everyone can ‘be’) x
Hi, I love the analogy. It’s very useful! Thank you.
Glad it helped to have your light switched on Iris x
Love this Lucy – I must remember to keep my light switched on!Thank you.
Glad you like the light on Heather. And living in London you’ll get LOTS of reminders of this analogy :)
Linda sellotape the switch to ON! :)
Great post Lucy, the simple things are so often what we forget about and this was a great reminder and a great analogy. It just really resonated with me.