What I’m Grateful For: Tulips
Last fall, in the dim days of early November, I planted bulbs. I planted a lot of them – I think about 350 or so – some narcissus, some hyacinth, but mostly tulips. Bulbs, if you didn’t know, get planted in the fall to overwinter. They require a long period of cold and darkness to begin to grow, and if you wanted to have them in a warm-winter climate, you’d need to put them in a cardboard box in the fridge for a month or two before they could grow. Bulbs are an act of faith. Faith that they won’t be stolen by squirrels and rodents, faith that spring will eventually arrive, faith that the bulb will remember which way is up, which is down, and grow the right way. There’s no way to be sure until the sun begins to warm the ground, until the bold green tips push their way through, and the perfect, tear-drop buds begin to form. So when you are in doubt of hope and the future and all seems dim and dark, plant some bulbs and remember to have faith in spring.
What I’m Reading: Roadside Geology of Washington by Mark B. Miller and Darrel S. Cowen.
So actually, I’ve been watching my favorite guy on YouTube, Nick Zentner – beloved and adored Professor of Geology at Central Washington University. He’s got somewhat of a cult following in the geology world and I’m an unabashed fangirl. He often refers to this book, however, as “the hymnal” – as in, “Ok everyone now please open your hymnal to page 168” and he proceeds to read from this classic geology handbook. If you haven’t watched a Nick lecture, you are missing out – check him out here – https://www.nickzentner.com/ and let me know what you think.
Tip from Gene:
Ask yourself this. Am I understanding not just what my clients are saying but also what they aren’t saying? Effective communication goes beyond words. It’s about reading between the lines, understanding the emotions, and recognizing the unspoken needs that influence their decisions. So, how do you ensure you’re really listening and adapting to your client’s deepest needs? Could this be the key to consistently closing more deals? Let’s discuss strategies and share insights on how we can become better listeners and advisors to our Buyers and Sellers.
Quote I’m Pondering:
“Amidst life’s chaos, find your happiness in the simple elegance of tulips.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
