Proactive Balloon Artist is the One You Should Fear

For decades, I’ve freely shared design insights and marketing tips within the balloon entertainment industry. My mother viewed this as a downfall to my father’s consulting business. He often solved people’s problems without charging for his services, leading them to believe they didn’t need his expertise.

Years later, I realized that the competitors I fear the most aren’t necessarily the ones with the most money or those constantly learning. You could be the go-to person for the local TV station, have decals on your car, and have a professionally designed website. What truly scares me are the individuals who take action.

Understanding Motivation: Human Behavior in Decision-Making

One evening after a gig, I found myself standing in a parking lot with two seasoned entertainers, both successful by my standards. They were both full-time entertainers, supporting themselves solely through their craft.

I felt very comfortable sharing with them the inner workings of my business and how I consistently secure top-dollar for events throughout the week.

I detailed step by step how they could replicate the same results, but I had a feeling they wouldn’t take the necessary action to achieve success. I’ve observed this pattern in past interactions, where they revert to familiar methods. While they grasp new concepts quickly and eagerly, their implementation tends to be sluggish to non-existent.

I’ve learned that people will look for the path of least resistance, avoiding the work that generates leads.

For example, if you are told you need a website, one might argue that a Facebook page is as good or better for generations of leads.

I’ve heard this argument and immediately know this individual is taking the path of least resistance. A website requires images, marketing content, planning, and development, while a Facebook page can be built in minutes.

My mentor told me once that I never worried about you taking action; I worried about how fast you did it.

People who take action are the most dangerous competitors because they don’t wait, and perfection happens over time. They’re willing to take a chance, dive right in, and make adjustments as they go.

One argument is that these competitors are inexperienced or new to the business. They are willing to throw money and time at every idea presented to them without hesitation, and when they find an idea that works, they are all over it.

The Speed of Survival: How Small Companies Thrive Amidst Challenges

We’ve all heard the story about how large companies are slow to react. At the same time, the little guy is constantly adjusting to the market change in the blink of an eye.

However, in the entertainment industry, 99% of the companies are small; decisions are made typically by individuals, and they can adapt overnight. We saw this during COVID-19 as the  “action takes” jumped at the opportunity to take whatever action it took to survive.

Proactive individuals typically exhibit traits such as:

1. Initiative: They take action without being prompted or waiting for instructions.
2. Problem-solving skills: They seek solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
3. Goal-oriented mindset: They set clear objectives and work towards achieving them.
4. Adaptability: They are flexible and willing to adjust their approach when needed.
5. Self-motivation: They are driven by internal factors rather than external rewards or pressure.
6. Time management: They prioritize tasks effectively and manage their time efficiently.
7. Effective communication: They communicate clearly and assertively, expressing their ideas and needs.
8. Resilience: They bounce back from setbacks and remain determined to face challenges.
9. Continuous learning: They actively seek opportunities to grow and develop their skills.
10. Accountability: They take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Three Proactive Actions You Can Instantly Improve On

If you want to be more proactive, here are the top three that most people find easier to achieve.

1. Initiative: Taking action without being prompted or waiting for instructions can be relatively easy to incorporate into your behavior. It simply requires a mindset shift towards being proactive and seizing opportunities.
2. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks effectively and managing time efficiently is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice. Implementing simple time management techniques, such as creating to-do lists or using productivity tools, can significantly affect how you utilize your time.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: While problem-solving skills may require some initial effort, they are relatively easy to cultivate through practice and experience. Adopting a proactive approach to addressing challenges and seeking solutions can gradually enhance your problem-solving abilities.