Meet Bliss, my longhorn cow!

About 100 miles west of Dallas, Texas…

“This property has two tanks,” proclaimed our real estate agent, Rita. My husband, Jim, and I toured the ranch in Rita’s four-wheeler and I never saw any tanks. At another location, Rita said, “As we drive around this 50 acres they have three tanks.” Again, I could not find these tanks.

This confusion persisted as we drove around the northern edge of Texas’ hill country in search of a small ranch that Jim wanted to purchase. More on THAT in another blog!

Let me say that this venture was NOT on my top 50 things to do with our time and money. But, it was Jim’s dream and I, Ms. Urban Girl, needed to change my attitude and be a part of the journey.

Entrance to Star Ranch

As we kept searching, Rita kept mentioning the number of tanks each property had. My confusion led to these questions: “Why was our U.S. government deploying army tanks on these sleepy little ranches? And where were these tanks concealed? And why just a few on each ranch?”

You are getting the picture. Ms. Urban Girl was clueless. Fortunately I never asked these questions out loud! But I kept trying to find these tanks.

sunset at Star ⭐️ Ranch

Do you know how many definitions exist for the word “tank”?

1. A large receptacle for holding, transporting or storing liquids.
2. An enclosed heavily armed combat vehicle.
3. A sleeveless top.
4. A pond, one built as a water supply.
5. A jail cell.
6. To fail or decline sharply.

Rita never knew that I did not know that a “tank” meant a “pond” in this scenario.

The silent speech mistake that can tank your message

Our chickens running around

Don’t use terms, acronyms or business jargon that others might not understand. Explain and define terms and concepts that have double, triple or even quadruple meanings.

Hanging around the campfire when it’s colder. One of our tanks is to the right of this!

Ask yourself:

1. How often do you use terms that confuse your listeners?
2. Are you looking at your information from your audience’s point of view?
3. Are your prospects and clients in sync with what you really mean?

Don’t screw up with your audience. Understand where they come from! Remember “The Tank Principle”.

We found a fabulous property, Star Ranch! It’s been the best thing I never wanted. We are there most weekends and love looking at our 8 chickens, 3 longhorns and 4 tanks.