Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

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June 1, 2009

What Would Need to Drive a Sexy Yellow Sports Car?

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:17 am

Context

All our lives we hear this statement.

Tell me what you need.

Do you hear it differently depending on the context?

When Is an Offer an Offer?

In the office supply store, “Tell me what you need.”
“I need a box of gel pens, colored file folders, and a nice notebook.”

In a project meeting, “Tell me what you need.”
“I need three months, two more designers, and a traffic manager.”

Planning a conference, “Tell me what you need.”
“I need a 3200 sq. ft. room with 30 small conference tables and 5 elegant executive chairs at each.”

Simple. Someone asks. We tell them what we require. We find out if our needs are available or if adjustments are in order.

But Then

When someone makes an offer of work to “die” for …

It can sound like this.
Would you like to

“Um, sure!”

“Tell me what you need.”
“I’m there!”

“Tell me what you need.”
“Whatever you’re offering.”

We wouldn’t use that response in the office supply store. “Tell what you need.”
“Whatever you’re offering.”

Not so simple. Not the best answer either.

Reality Check

Someone asks what we require. Do you give up your needs because the offer is cool?

Attractive work doesn’t stay attractive
when you work for less than you need.

Overlook the delightful; see past the golden; think through what it will cost you to explore that delicious adventure. Then you’ll know how to answer. “To drive your sexy yellow sports car for a year, I’d need … ”

Have you ever talked yourself right past the words, “Tell me what you need”?

–ME “Liz” Strauss
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6 Comments to “What Would Need to Drive a Sexy Yellow Sports Car?”

  1. June 1st, 2009 at 8:57 am
    Alina Popescu said

    I did make the mistake of skipping the reality check part a few times! Thought the cool offer + the future benefits would be enough. It wasn’t and often times the yellow sport car is what is seems to be, compensation for something else that’s missing. Something that makes us forget that driving the car also means insurance,fuel, car wash bills, etc :)
    Great one, Liz!

  2. June 1st, 2009 at 1:29 pm
    Dave Pancost said

    Yep, Liz, I have. The “shiny” has definitely blinded me in the past. It’s one of the reasons why I’m currently working for “the man” rather than for myself.

    I needed the break, so I could re-think how I will approach business in my future. In my business past, I’ve too often taken assignments and taken on clients that have turned into nightmares, because I was more focused on my monetary needs than on accepting work that I enjoy and keeps me free. As a result I suffered serious burn-out. Not a pleasant experience, believe me.

    I haven’t given up being an entrepreneur. I’m just being a bit more cautious and, hopefully, a bit more wise. Your reality check is *very* important in that process. If you don’t pay attention to it, the “shiny” can become a killer.

  3. June 1st, 2009 at 3:09 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Alina!
    I know I’ve taken on a few Yellow Sport Cars myself, only to find out expensive those projects can be — fun at first but a long ride in the end. heh heh :)

  4. June 1st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Dave,
    Keeping an eye on what we need to pay the rent, doing the math has to come first. Yeah Dave, it’s the bottom line that keeps the blood flowing through the passion of our work.

    Let me know when you’re going back into the game for yourself.

    Liz

  5. June 1st, 2009 at 9:03 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Thanks for this valuable lesson, Liz. I’m finding that as my network grows, the more people want something from me. Although it pains me that I can’t keep up with all of the requests, doing so may actually make me sick.

    I recently stepped down from a Board; it was “costing” me too much. I felt it was a selfish decision, but if I don’t practice self-preservation, who will do it for me?

  6. June 7th, 2009 at 10:46 am
    Todd Smith said

    Brilliant, Liz. Yes, I’ve done this many times. And I end up resenting the fact that I did. I worked one time as a personal cook for room and board for four years!

    What you’re talking about is integrity from the outset. We all come to relationships with something we want or need (even if our main focus is on giving). It takes courage and self-awareness to say exactly what you want from the beginning so that all our cards are on the table. Anything less is either cowardice or manipulation. When all the cards are on the table from the beginning, the basis for a strong relationship has been set. Then the whole process is honest and fun. No resentment.

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