Leave with Goliath's Sword

Arriving a few minutes early for the 11:00 a.m. appointment, he spent the windshield time getting there, making client calls, and checking in on a few partners. As the excited couple buying their new home walked in, they were greeted with a smile and a gift from my friend. Knowing their realtor was going to be late (by way of an earlier text), they went ahead and started on the closing. My friend was there to explain a few documents they had questions on, help them with the e-signing steps, and put them at peace, just as his team had done all throughout the process, allowing them to focus on the excitement of their new home.

When the realtor, whom he had never met, finally showed up, he had a gift for him, too. Shocked, the agent said, "I've never had a loan officer show up at a closing before". As they walked out, the couple had the keys to a new home, and my friend had a commitment for future referrals and an invitation to partner on some events with a new realtor friend. All because he chose to show up.

"But David persisted. 'I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,' he said. 'When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!'" (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

David didn't become a giant killer overnight. He did it by faithfully showing up to the boring, dangerous, daily task of tending sheep. His consistency in showing up and doing what it took to protect his flock equipped him with the skills and experience over time to take on even greater challenges. At the same time, he was growing and protecting his family's financial resources. We all have both responsibilities. Then, when nobody else was willing to show up and face Goliath, he did. He didn't talk about it. He showed up and took the victory (and Goliath’s sword) while everyone else stood around and watched.

You can fake caring, but you can't fake showing up.

Building a business, a relationship, a team, or a community requires presence. 

Nothing says you care more than just being there- at home, in hospital waiting rooms, at the office, at funerals, or at a ball game. Want to win friends and influence people...show up for them.

"I've never had a loan officer show up at a closing before" should be all the motivation you need to show up. You can fake caring, but you can't fake showing up. The battle is yours to win. While everybody else is texting excuses, show up and walk away with Goliath's sword.