Simply Sold Out!

What's the Difference? YOU Are!

Ever wonder if what you do for a living really has a meaningful impact?  Maybe you believed it did at one time, but here lately you find yourself more closely identifying with Zig’s saying, “you look like someone just licked all the red off your candy!”  Whatever situation you are in, or the number of responsibilities you juggle- this message is for you!

 

I have spent the last few years, making myself a student of people in the market place, who under the same set of pressures and circumstances we all face, consistently bring something to the table that’s inspiring.  With my minimum eight meeting per week quota, I have a qualified opinion!   As my Blackberry message light prompts me that people are waiting, and my cell phone vibrates on “do not disturb mode”- I am grateful for a job that gives me opportunities to meet, admire and appreciate the authenticity of these hard working people who cause me to strive to be more.   Every day truly is one more opportunity to make a difference out there!

 

Since I am in sales, let’s talk sales.  These individuals are intimately aware of the intricacies of their businesses, passionate about what they do, and confident about what makes their brand unique.  They are not interested in giving (or receiving, for that matter) a one way commercial, nor are they devastated if every meeting does not result in new closed business.  One size does not fit all in any industry and they know that sometimes a good deal takes time to find.  Their most valuable gift is their assurance that regardless of how many others sell the same service, not everyone does it with their peace, joy, and sincerity of heart.  This inner strength (not in themselves) is the difference to a watching world.  It’s a single-minded approach to run the finest race in life possible without constantly second-guessing yesterday’s successes and failures.  These people are more preoccupied with making their next right choice (not exclusively at work, but in all things). 

 

Philippians 3:12-14; 16:  “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus….. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

 

Now that resembles what I would like see more in myself, and the thought I pose for you this week. Signing off on this gorgeous holiday and wishing you a meaningful week, and all my best. 

 

2010! It's Goal Time!

Back at the office and fresh into 2010 with more aspirations than ever- enumerable ideas on how to achieve them, and a generous set of obstacles between me and my "point of arrival".  I don't know about you, but its easy to get overwhelmed this time of year until I remind myself that life is like a "decision tree"- each choice I make leads to my next set of choices (and so on).  As it is in life, so it is in sales. My approach matters.

Allow me to digress briefly- tongue in cheek: One of the most thought provoking annual realities a sales professional faces is the triumph of setting the revenue goal for the coming year. Sometimes it seems as if the number is mystical in origin.  It comes from a group of independent decision makers, trickles down to you, and is raised to an exponent equivalent to your number of years of experience (or something like that!). Regardless of how it's formulated, once you receive it, you instantly begin to scientifically prove how your upcoming activities will reconcile to that result.  You do that through a flurry of reports.  These Word tables and Excel spreadsheets articulate what you did last year, what you should have done (and if you didn't - why?), and what you will do differently this year (or more of), in order to exceed this years' expectations!  Wow!  Depending upon the complexity of the industry you serve, and how economic factors impact the length of the sales cycle- you also need to be prepared to factor in the weight of the significance management places on specific products or services they need you to book this year.  Those, by the way, are subject to change by the quarter.

If that maze is remotely familiar to you, I dare say if you don't love what you do, and have assurance that you are going to get up everyday to serve at your highest level of capability- regardless of the goal- you might find yourself lost in the detail.  The truth is- goals are extremely important to the vitality of an organization, and are just one way we determine how well our good intentions translate into results.  I like what Zig Ziglar's Faith Daily says- "A goal is a dream with a deadline." Croft M. Pentz.   If we believe that we are only promised "this day", then we want to work as if that is the case.  That passion begins in our heart, and extends to our concentric circle of family, friends and communities. 

As I gird up the energy to accomplish all that has been laid before me for 2010, I am reminded that my ability to do so will be directly related to my willingness to keep my priorities in check.  And so I close this week with:  Matt. 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Won't you join me?