The reality television programme “Dancing with the Stars” might not be your viewing choice but it’s proved to be a massive hit around the world and here locally. In fact, the most recent series premiered with over 800,000 viewers!
Now, if you’ve never seen the show, it pairs New Zealand personalities with professional ballroom dancers in a dancing competition. Each week the teams compete against each other to impress a panel of judges and the viewing public in order to survive potential elimination. Through a phone poll, viewers vote for those couples who should stay – with proceeds going to charity.
Here are four perhaps surprising business lessons which are relevant to business and us here at BNI from the show…
1. Practice makes perfect. The stars that get the highest scores practice – A LOT. No matter what you do, if you want to succeed and be one of the best in your field you’ve got to practice. Then, practice some more and more.
How does this relate to BNI? One obvious relationship is to the 60 seconds. Great ones might not happen when you are a new member – be it nerves getting in the way of the delivery or just uncertainty over what to convey.
If it’s an important 60 seconds you have to make this week then how about actually practising it – time on – before the meeting and passing it by a colleague?
2. To get results, you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone. Most of the stars that come onto the show aren’t dancers. They’re stepping way out of their comfort zones, but the growth that they experience over the course of the show is amazing.
Often the times when you experience significant growth in your business come when you leap out of your comfort zone: trying something new in terms of marketing for example. Don’t be afraid to try something new at BNI – it’s the perfect environment with a group of members you only want to support you in your goals.
3. Relationships are a key to success. On the show the relationship between the stars and professional dancers are vital. If the chemistry is lacking, the dance flops. And, if a star is dancing with a pro with his or her own fan base, that can take the star far in the competition.
Relationships are the lifeline for your business. When you’re connected to some of the “big names” in your field, your social profile exponentially increases. When you’re connected to other creative entrepreneurs, you can get crucial feedback and support when you need it most. This is what BNI is all about – creating relationships that are mutually beneficial and lead to success for your business.
4. Always focus on your strengths. The pros that focus on the star’s strengths and build dances around those strengths do best.
It’s the same in business. Instead of spending lots of time on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. For example if writing isn’t your thing, hire an expert to help you. Then focus on creating or selling – whatever it is you do best.
