It is with sadness that I must report Chief Love Officer Ka-Boom! passed away on September 11th at 6:20 pm. She was an integral member of our family for 11 years. How she came to be part of our family is a story in itself.
The short version is we were driving home from Costco and the road that leads to our home is one that people like to drive like maniacs. I saw a very small dog running by the side of that road, and given that the cars were doing 70 mph, I knew this might not end well. I slammed on the brakes, put on my hazards, and started waving the other cars to go around. In the meantime, CEO Rose opened the front passenger door and the dog jumped onto her lap. The dog then looked at both of us as though to say, "Great. Where are we going?"
Over the 11 years we had her, Ka-Boom! traveled to 30 states and 10 countries. She was always eager for the next adventure. As a matter of fact, she would look worried when I got my suitcase out, only looking relieved when she saw I was putting her toys into the suitcase.
She fought valiantly against bladder cancer. She was given 6 to 12 months to live, but made it 18 months. In the end, the cancer combined with heart and kidney failure proved to be too much. We made the tough decision last Friday. Our lives are richer for her having been part of our family, and we are heartbroken and poorer by her absence.
But what does this mean for the clients you should seek?
I do understand it is a bit of a stretch to say that she sought us out. We would sometimes joke that she was looking at the cars going by and timing her running up the side of the road just when she saw my car. But those are the kind of clients you want: those who resonate with what you have to offer, those who get what you do. What you do is not right for everyone. What you offer is not a good fit for everyone. Only choose those who get excited about what you do.
Ka-Boom! was always happy to be with us, even when things did not go quite the way expected. She was loving and forgiving. Things will inevitably go haywire in the market or even possibly your practice. You want clients who are even-keel and can go with the flow.
We, of course, were happy to wake up every day and see her. Can you say the same for your clients? Are you happy to talk with them when they call? Those are the kinds of clients you want to seek out. Make sure your clients are a good fit before you agree to work with them.
It is amazing to think that such a small bundle of fluff and fur can leave such a big hole in our hearts but that she has done. It is quiet at home and in the office. We are grateful for the time she graced us with her presence. And so it should be with your clients. You should really cherish and value the relationships, and yes, it stings when they are gone.
Cherish relationships. Enjoy the time you have together. Always strive to do right by all.
Rest, my love. You earned it. You deserve it. Mom and I will see you on the other side.
Chief Love Officer Ka-Boom! Yee. October 1, 2014 - September 11, 2026.