Sometimes you just need a little inspiration to get through the day, and this piece from speaker and author Josh Hinds is just that!
One thing is for certain, when you go the extra mile there's always someone, somewhere who takes notice. The challenge is that it may appear that know one sees the extra effort you're putting in, and in turn there's a tendency to give up in frustration -- which unfortunately undoes any good will you've built up to that point.
Admittedly, it's not easy to stand your ground and keep on piling on the value -- especially when it seems that there's not a living soul who is taking notice.
If you can distinguish yourself from the people who give up, and stick to it you'll reap the rewards of those who give their best no matter what -- and in turn achieve results which are available only to those who can hang on through the challenge.
Always remember that you've got greatness in you -- and that someone (whether you choose to believe it or not) is always taking notice!
One helpful idea is to track your own daily successes along the way. Doing so will allow you to see first hand that you're making a real difference, and that you're contributing in a big way.
It's perfectly acceptable that until others step in and do so -- that you create your own source of validation. Tracking your daily accomplishments will allow you to do just that.
Josh Hinds is a speaker, trainer, and author on topics such as networking and personal branding. Check out his popular newsletter at www.GetMotivation.com.
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
How You Start Your Day Counts
I'm one of those people that will often stew over a bad day - thinking about what I could have said or done differently to change things. It's not the way to start a day, and today's advice from motivation expert Josh Hinds is something I'm going to try to put into practice right away.
Whether or not we choose to believe it, for the most part you and I have a clean slate with each new sunrise. Whatever happened yesterday, good or bad is now rooted in the past.
In the moment in which we now find ourselves, we have the ability to focus in on and do the things that will serve us for the better, or we can give our attention to those things that will re-ignite whatever thoughts were causing us to remain stuck.
We have a choice, and fortunately, it isn't all that difficult to set the tone early on in your day. Does that mean you're guaranteed not to meet with a challenge early on that will knock you off course or throw you for a loop? Of course not, but in the event that something (or someone) shows up with such an agenda you'll find yourself a lot more prepared to deal with it and be able to adjust course accordingly.
Here are some simple, but effective ideas you can use to start your day out on a positive note.
Upon waking up, name at least ten people you're thankful for - recount those in your life who've had a positive impact on you. Think of those who have in some way helped to make you the unique person you are.
Don't sell yourself short here. No matter what place you may find yourself in now, you're still an amazing person, with unique gifts and talents. You don't have to believe it, but it's still the absolute truth!
Practicing gratitude is a powerful thing that helps to reconnect us with our inner power, and the abilities that make up who we are.
Give thanks for your talents and skills - each of us has been blessed with special skills and talents. You may not feel as though you've completely developed all of yours up to this point in your life, but that doesn't change the fact that you've got them.
Think through those things that others compliment you on, those are talents. Don't underestimate all the amazing bits and pieces that go into making you the person you are. As you identify and give thanks for the talents that were bestowed upon you commit to develop them and become more proficient in their use.
Write down your days most important action steps the night before - The simple act of writing down the following days most important tasks will give you a plan to move on the next day. Keep in mind that you can get the most productive mileage if you'll put your "super tasks" at the top, where you'll complete them first.
For the purpose of this article consider Super Tasks as those things, which, upon their completion will give you the absolute most bang for your buck. Consider the difference between a "super task" and say one of lesser importance. A super task might be: calling on a prospective client, while one that doesn't quite hold such importance in the grand scheme of things might be: cut the grass.
While both are important, and you may very well want to get both done, the simple fact is the first example is going to lead towards a greater reward then the latter. You see, it's more a matter of separating items which fall into the category of "busy work" versus those which can move us forward at a maximum pace. Another such "super task" might be to spend time studying your industry or chosen profession.
Review the actions steps you wrote down the night before - As you are looking over the items you wrote down, close your eyes and see yourself completing them and experiencing the wonderful sense of accomplishment for having done so. After you have visualized yourself finishing the items on your daily action list take a deep breath and begin your day working on and completing them.
Keep in mind that each new day is just that – an opportunity to turn the page, and implement daily actions that can steer your life in the direction you wish it to go.
Josh Hinds is a speaker, trainer, and author on topics such as networking and personal branding. Check out his popular newsletter at www.GetMotivation.com.
Whether or not we choose to believe it, for the most part you and I have a clean slate with each new sunrise. Whatever happened yesterday, good or bad is now rooted in the past.
In the moment in which we now find ourselves, we have the ability to focus in on and do the things that will serve us for the better, or we can give our attention to those things that will re-ignite whatever thoughts were causing us to remain stuck.
We have a choice, and fortunately, it isn't all that difficult to set the tone early on in your day. Does that mean you're guaranteed not to meet with a challenge early on that will knock you off course or throw you for a loop? Of course not, but in the event that something (or someone) shows up with such an agenda you'll find yourself a lot more prepared to deal with it and be able to adjust course accordingly.
Here are some simple, but effective ideas you can use to start your day out on a positive note.
Upon waking up, name at least ten people you're thankful for - recount those in your life who've had a positive impact on you. Think of those who have in some way helped to make you the unique person you are.
Don't sell yourself short here. No matter what place you may find yourself in now, you're still an amazing person, with unique gifts and talents. You don't have to believe it, but it's still the absolute truth!
Practicing gratitude is a powerful thing that helps to reconnect us with our inner power, and the abilities that make up who we are.
Give thanks for your talents and skills - each of us has been blessed with special skills and talents. You may not feel as though you've completely developed all of yours up to this point in your life, but that doesn't change the fact that you've got them.
Think through those things that others compliment you on, those are talents. Don't underestimate all the amazing bits and pieces that go into making you the person you are. As you identify and give thanks for the talents that were bestowed upon you commit to develop them and become more proficient in their use.
Write down your days most important action steps the night before - The simple act of writing down the following days most important tasks will give you a plan to move on the next day. Keep in mind that you can get the most productive mileage if you'll put your "super tasks" at the top, where you'll complete them first.
For the purpose of this article consider Super Tasks as those things, which, upon their completion will give you the absolute most bang for your buck. Consider the difference between a "super task" and say one of lesser importance. A super task might be: calling on a prospective client, while one that doesn't quite hold such importance in the grand scheme of things might be: cut the grass.
While both are important, and you may very well want to get both done, the simple fact is the first example is going to lead towards a greater reward then the latter. You see, it's more a matter of separating items which fall into the category of "busy work" versus those which can move us forward at a maximum pace. Another such "super task" might be to spend time studying your industry or chosen profession.
Review the actions steps you wrote down the night before - As you are looking over the items you wrote down, close your eyes and see yourself completing them and experiencing the wonderful sense of accomplishment for having done so. After you have visualized yourself finishing the items on your daily action list take a deep breath and begin your day working on and completing them.
Keep in mind that each new day is just that – an opportunity to turn the page, and implement daily actions that can steer your life in the direction you wish it to go.
Josh Hinds is a speaker, trainer, and author on topics such as networking and personal branding. Check out his popular newsletter at www.GetMotivation.com.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sales Motivation in 2010
Now is the time to get started on making 2010 your best year ever - and one of the ways you can do that is by reflecting on your successes and failures from the previous years. Today sales trainer Mark Hunter shares a way for you to reflect on the past, and use it to your advantage in the coming year.
"Many salespeople take time off this time of year," says Hunter. "It can be a great time to enjoy a break, but I also encourage you to pump up your level of sales motivation. Reflect back on the year by making note of the best successes you've had. Write them down in a notebook you can access throughout the coming year."
"Use your successes of 2009 to drive your sales motivation next year," explains Hunter. "In fact, strive to surpass these successes in 2010. Each week throughout the new year, take a look at last year's successes and challenge yourself as to how you're going to do even better. When you do (and you will!), then celebrate by drawing a big fat "X" through last year's success and entering your new success. A few areas where you can measure your sales motivation may include: best new customer, best single sale, best referral, best example of overcoming an objection, best job in handling a customer issue, etc."
"Identify the key areas in your sales process and make a note. By challenging yourself in the new year, you'll be amazed at what you're able to accomplish and how it can help drive your sales motivation."
Mark Hunter, "The Sales Hunter", is a sales expert who speaks to thousands each year on how to increase their sales profitability. For more information, to receive a free weekly email sales tip, or to read his Sales Motivation Blog, visit www.TheSalesHunter.com
The SalesDog blog will be quiet tomorrow, New Year’'s Day. See you in 2010!
"Many salespeople take time off this time of year," says Hunter. "It can be a great time to enjoy a break, but I also encourage you to pump up your level of sales motivation. Reflect back on the year by making note of the best successes you've had. Write them down in a notebook you can access throughout the coming year."
"Use your successes of 2009 to drive your sales motivation next year," explains Hunter. "In fact, strive to surpass these successes in 2010. Each week throughout the new year, take a look at last year's successes and challenge yourself as to how you're going to do even better. When you do (and you will!), then celebrate by drawing a big fat "X" through last year's success and entering your new success. A few areas where you can measure your sales motivation may include: best new customer, best single sale, best referral, best example of overcoming an objection, best job in handling a customer issue, etc."
"Identify the key areas in your sales process and make a note. By challenging yourself in the new year, you'll be amazed at what you're able to accomplish and how it can help drive your sales motivation."
Mark Hunter, "The Sales Hunter", is a sales expert who speaks to thousands each year on how to increase their sales profitability. For more information, to receive a free weekly email sales tip, or to read his Sales Motivation Blog, visit www.TheSalesHunter.com
The SalesDog blog will be quiet tomorrow, New Year’'s Day. See you in 2010!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Affirmations for Inspiration
Yesterday our quote of the week reminded us that optimism is an essential in the workplace. Today speaker and motivational expert Josh Hinds shares an affirmation you can use to stay optimistic when you're having a hard day. Repeat this daily, or write it out and keep it by your computer to stay positive and work better!
Here is Hinds' positive affirmation:
"I believe whole-heartedly in my ability to achieve whatever I set my sights upon. If others can accomplish the goals they set then so can I. Each day I take the time to review my written goals. I keep them nearby so they're never far from reach.
"I am moving confidently in the direction of my desired outcome. Each day I move further along the path to unlocking my full potential. I selflessly share my own unique talents for the good & benefit of everyone involved."
Josh Hinds is a speaker, trainer, and author on topics such as networking and personal branding. Check out his popular newsletter at www.GetMotivation.com.
Here is Hinds' positive affirmation:
"I believe whole-heartedly in my ability to achieve whatever I set my sights upon. If others can accomplish the goals they set then so can I. Each day I take the time to review my written goals. I keep them nearby so they're never far from reach.
"I am moving confidently in the direction of my desired outcome. Each day I move further along the path to unlocking my full potential. I selflessly share my own unique talents for the good & benefit of everyone involved."
Josh Hinds is a speaker, trainer, and author on topics such as networking and personal branding. Check out his popular newsletter at www.GetMotivation.com.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Five Ways to Keep Your Momentum
We're halfway through the first month of the new year - how are your resolutions holding up? It's easy to slip into your old routine, maybe one less call, or leaving a few minutes early. Unfortunately, doing that for the next eleven months won't get you to your quota for the year. Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, has the tips you need to keep up your momentum - through January and beyond!
Follow these Five Keys to Top Performance from Brooks and you'll succeed:
1. Make Sure You Have Monthly/Quarterly Goals: Most people have short-term goals, but few people actually have goals that go all the way to December 31st. Do you? If so, then do you have a definite production number for the end of each quarter, and are your monthly revenue goals in alignment with them? If not, then start by identifying those this week.
Next, make sure and write them down and keep them visible in your workstation or, if you're a manager, in your sales room. Everybody must know what the overall goal is...
2. Bi-Weekly Goal Assessment: Most people who actually set goals skip this important step - you must check in on and reassess your progress at least every two weeks (some say weekly). The problem with most people is that they see they are never going to reach their first or second monthly goal and so they just give up and go back to their old performance.
The Top 20%, on the other hand, are constantly adjusting their strategy, their approach and even their goals to match their performance. You need to do this as well!
3. Planning Your Improvement: What are you going to do each month and each quarter to get better? I'm talking about improving your basic sales skills. What books are you going to read? What sales training courses have you signed up for? What new scripts or techniques are you going to implement each day or week to improve? 80% of sales reps and companies have no plan.
If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. Training is crucial and learning and using proven, successful sales techniques is the only way you'll get better. What is your plan for improvement over the next 12 months?
4. Record Yourself and Commit to Improving: If you're not aware of what you're doing wrong (and right), then you're not going to improve. This remains the single most important thing you can do to improve every month and every quarter.
When was the last time you or your team recorded and listened to your calls?
5. Listen or Read Something Positive Everyday: I do this every single day, and the people and companies I work with do this as well. Let's face it - after hours or days of getting turned down in sales, you can get a little down. The question is, "What are you doing to pump yourself up every day?"
"We all need to eat every day, and we all need to feed our attitudes as well," says Brooks. "We all need to be reminded of the positive side of things, and, just like food, you need to feed your attitude every day. What kind of plan do you have to keep your attitude up every day? I have a reading and listening library lined up to keep me motivated and pumped up for the next 12 months - do you? If not, then start building one today!"
Mike Brooks, MrInsideSales.com, is creator and publisher of the "Top 20% Inside Sales Tips" weekly Ezine. If you're ready to Double Your Income Selling Over the Phone, then sign up to receive your FREE tips now at: www.MrInsideSales.com.
Follow these Five Keys to Top Performance from Brooks and you'll succeed:
1. Make Sure You Have Monthly/Quarterly Goals: Most people have short-term goals, but few people actually have goals that go all the way to December 31st. Do you? If so, then do you have a definite production number for the end of each quarter, and are your monthly revenue goals in alignment with them? If not, then start by identifying those this week.
Next, make sure and write them down and keep them visible in your workstation or, if you're a manager, in your sales room. Everybody must know what the overall goal is...
2. Bi-Weekly Goal Assessment: Most people who actually set goals skip this important step - you must check in on and reassess your progress at least every two weeks (some say weekly). The problem with most people is that they see they are never going to reach their first or second monthly goal and so they just give up and go back to their old performance.
The Top 20%, on the other hand, are constantly adjusting their strategy, their approach and even their goals to match their performance. You need to do this as well!
3. Planning Your Improvement: What are you going to do each month and each quarter to get better? I'm talking about improving your basic sales skills. What books are you going to read? What sales training courses have you signed up for? What new scripts or techniques are you going to implement each day or week to improve? 80% of sales reps and companies have no plan.
If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. Training is crucial and learning and using proven, successful sales techniques is the only way you'll get better. What is your plan for improvement over the next 12 months?
4. Record Yourself and Commit to Improving: If you're not aware of what you're doing wrong (and right), then you're not going to improve. This remains the single most important thing you can do to improve every month and every quarter.
When was the last time you or your team recorded and listened to your calls?
5. Listen or Read Something Positive Everyday: I do this every single day, and the people and companies I work with do this as well. Let's face it - after hours or days of getting turned down in sales, you can get a little down. The question is, "What are you doing to pump yourself up every day?"
"We all need to eat every day, and we all need to feed our attitudes as well," says Brooks. "We all need to be reminded of the positive side of things, and, just like food, you need to feed your attitude every day. What kind of plan do you have to keep your attitude up every day? I have a reading and listening library lined up to keep me motivated and pumped up for the next 12 months - do you? If not, then start building one today!"
Mike Brooks, MrInsideSales.com, is creator and publisher of the "Top 20% Inside Sales Tips" weekly Ezine. If you're ready to Double Your Income Selling Over the Phone, then sign up to receive your FREE tips now at: www.MrInsideSales.com.
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Final Four: More Ways to Become a Great Salesperson
Today is the final day in our series from sales trainer Jim Klein on how to become a great salesperson by changing your attitude. Check out these final four tips to live by, and be sure to read the other six from yesterday and Wednesday.
7. Treat Stumbling Blocks as Stepping Stones
So what if you didn't make that big sale, your girlfriend left you, your boss chewed you out or you made a big mistake. Your life isn't over. So keep your eyes on your goals.
What did you do right? What did you learn? How can you use this to make yourself better or stronger? What will you do different the next time?
Use it as a stepping-stone to take you to the next level. I've had some of my biggest periods of growth after major setbacks.
8. Help others to succeed
When you're gone, nobody will be talking about how much money you made or how many awards you won, they will be talking about the lives you touched and the difference you made.
Success is so sweet when you can share your knowledge and caring with others. Give of yourself. It will make the people you touch feel good and I know how it will make you feel. The sad part is when people come to the end of their lives and think about all the things they wish they'd done.
9. Reward yourself
When you sell that big account or reach a goal you set, reward yourself. Go buy something you've always wanted, take a trip, go out for an expensive dinner. Do something nice for you. You deserve it.
10. Tomorrow is a New Day
No matter what happened today, good or bad. You can go to sleep tonight knowing that tomorrow the slate is wiped clean. You get a fresh new 24 hours to accomplish anything you want.
Jim Klein is the president of From the Heart Sales Training, a company that wants to make all sales "from the heart," rather than "from the hip." Learn more and sign up for his Sales Advisor Newsletter at www.fromtheheartsalestraining.com
7. Treat Stumbling Blocks as Stepping Stones
So what if you didn't make that big sale, your girlfriend left you, your boss chewed you out or you made a big mistake. Your life isn't over. So keep your eyes on your goals.
What did you do right? What did you learn? How can you use this to make yourself better or stronger? What will you do different the next time?
Use it as a stepping-stone to take you to the next level. I've had some of my biggest periods of growth after major setbacks.
8. Help others to succeed
When you're gone, nobody will be talking about how much money you made or how many awards you won, they will be talking about the lives you touched and the difference you made.
Success is so sweet when you can share your knowledge and caring with others. Give of yourself. It will make the people you touch feel good and I know how it will make you feel. The sad part is when people come to the end of their lives and think about all the things they wish they'd done.
9. Reward yourself
When you sell that big account or reach a goal you set, reward yourself. Go buy something you've always wanted, take a trip, go out for an expensive dinner. Do something nice for you. You deserve it.
10. Tomorrow is a New Day
No matter what happened today, good or bad. You can go to sleep tonight knowing that tomorrow the slate is wiped clean. You get a fresh new 24 hours to accomplish anything you want.
Jim Klein is the president of From the Heart Sales Training, a company that wants to make all sales "from the heart," rather than "from the hip." Learn more and sign up for his Sales Advisor Newsletter at www.fromtheheartsalestraining.com
Thursday, August 7, 2008
3 More Ways to Become a Great Salesperson
Yesterday we started a short series from sales trainer Jim Klein about things you can do to lead a better life - and see it reflected in your sales. Here are numbers four through six on his list.
4. Post Your Goals and Read Them Twice a Day
Post your goals where you'll see them at different times during your day. Put them on the bathroom mirror, in your car, your office, near your computer. Write them on a 3 x 5 card and pull out the card every chance you get and read them.
Make two specific times when you take them out and read them. One is first thing in the morning before you do anything else. This will start your day focused on your goals and their achievement.
The second is right before you go to bed. This practice will give your subconscious mind something positive to work on during the night.
5. Be Grateful For The Little Things
Find time every day to be grateful for all you have. We all have something we can be grateful for. Some of these are little things that we take for granted like our health, our home, our friends, the food in the refrigerator. Focusing on what you're grateful for will bring more of it in to your life.
I'm grateful every day when I wake up and my feet hit the floor.
6. Spend Time Doing What Matters Most
We waste too much time on things that bring little enjoyment into our lives. It's time to spend our time doing the things that matter most.
Have dinner with your family. Attend your child's play or baseball game. Help an elderly person cross the street. Take a walk and enjoy the view.
Some things are more important than money, status, power and prestige. Invest some of your time into those activities and see if it doesn't change the way you feel.
Jim Klein is the president of From the Heart Sales Training, a company that wants to make all sales "from the heart," rather than "from the hip." Learn more and sign up for his Sales Advisor Newsletter at www.fromtheheartsalestraining.com
4. Post Your Goals and Read Them Twice a Day
Post your goals where you'll see them at different times during your day. Put them on the bathroom mirror, in your car, your office, near your computer. Write them on a 3 x 5 card and pull out the card every chance you get and read them.
Make two specific times when you take them out and read them. One is first thing in the morning before you do anything else. This will start your day focused on your goals and their achievement.
The second is right before you go to bed. This practice will give your subconscious mind something positive to work on during the night.
5. Be Grateful For The Little Things
Find time every day to be grateful for all you have. We all have something we can be grateful for. Some of these are little things that we take for granted like our health, our home, our friends, the food in the refrigerator. Focusing on what you're grateful for will bring more of it in to your life.
I'm grateful every day when I wake up and my feet hit the floor.
6. Spend Time Doing What Matters Most
We waste too much time on things that bring little enjoyment into our lives. It's time to spend our time doing the things that matter most.
Have dinner with your family. Attend your child's play or baseball game. Help an elderly person cross the street. Take a walk and enjoy the view.
Some things are more important than money, status, power and prestige. Invest some of your time into those activities and see if it doesn't change the way you feel.
Jim Klein is the president of From the Heart Sales Training, a company that wants to make all sales "from the heart," rather than "from the hip." Learn more and sign up for his Sales Advisor Newsletter at www.fromtheheartsalestraining.com
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Top 10 Ways To Become A Great Salesperson
"Being a great salesperson is more than learning new skills and techniques," says sales trainer Jim Klein. There's a lot you can do to improve yourself and your life that will be reflected in your sales. Today we'll start a three-day series with Klein's Top 10 Ways to Become a Great Salesperson.
Here are the first three:
1. Smile and Walk Tall
Changing your physiology is a great way to feel better about everything going on around you.
I want you to try an experiment. I want you to think and act as if you are totally depressed. Notice how you are standing. Your shoulders are slumped. Your head is down. Your face is sad and your breathing is shallow. Feels pretty awful doesn't it?
Okay, now I want you to imagine a time when you felt on top of the world, when everything was going your way, you couldn't lose. How are you standing? Your shoulders are back, head is up, your breathing is deep and you've got a big smile on your face. Feel the difference?
2. Surround Yourself With People Who Support You
One of the most important steps you can take in your life is to build relationships with people who genuinely care about you and will support you as you go through life.
I'm talking about people who will love you during hard times and celebrate with you during the good times. People who will be painfully honest and compassionately sympathetic. People who will make you laugh and motivate you and encourage you to be that person you were meant to be.
3. Read Positive Books at Least 15 Minutes Every Day
There's a wealth of information that has been written for you to absorb. What goes in your mind is what will come out. So fill it with good, positive information and good, positive things will happen in your life.
I suggest you start your own library. Go buy a bookshelf and set a goal to fill it with books you've read. Set up an account at Amazon or Barnes and Noble and invest in your education.
If you don't want to buy them, get a library card. They're free!
Jim Klein is the president of From the Heart Sales Training, a company that wants to make all sales "from the heart," rather than "from the hip." Learn more and sign up for his Sales Advisor Newsletter at www.fromtheheartsalestraining.com
Here are the first three:
1. Smile and Walk Tall
Changing your physiology is a great way to feel better about everything going on around you.
I want you to try an experiment. I want you to think and act as if you are totally depressed. Notice how you are standing. Your shoulders are slumped. Your head is down. Your face is sad and your breathing is shallow. Feels pretty awful doesn't it?
Okay, now I want you to imagine a time when you felt on top of the world, when everything was going your way, you couldn't lose. How are you standing? Your shoulders are back, head is up, your breathing is deep and you've got a big smile on your face. Feel the difference?
2. Surround Yourself With People Who Support You
One of the most important steps you can take in your life is to build relationships with people who genuinely care about you and will support you as you go through life.
I'm talking about people who will love you during hard times and celebrate with you during the good times. People who will be painfully honest and compassionately sympathetic. People who will make you laugh and motivate you and encourage you to be that person you were meant to be.
3. Read Positive Books at Least 15 Minutes Every Day
There's a wealth of information that has been written for you to absorb. What goes in your mind is what will come out. So fill it with good, positive information and good, positive things will happen in your life.
I suggest you start your own library. Go buy a bookshelf and set a goal to fill it with books you've read. Set up an account at Amazon or Barnes and Noble and invest in your education.
If you don't want to buy them, get a library card. They're free!
Jim Klein is the president of From the Heart Sales Training, a company that wants to make all sales "from the heart," rather than "from the hip." Learn more and sign up for his Sales Advisor Newsletter at www.fromtheheartsalestraining.com
Monday, August 4, 2008
Quote of the Week
"The best place to succeed is where you are with what you have." -- Charles M. Schwab
It's hard to be the small fish in a big pond. If your company is new to the market, or your competitors are just bigger, faster, or lower-priced, each day can feel like an uphill battle. When it's one of those days, remind yourself that those companies are missing one big thing - you.
Make yourself an asset to your clients in every way you can, and your clients won't feel the need to rush to your big-box competitor. If they have someone who's always looking out for their best interests they can rest easy knowing they're in good hands.
What do you do to show your clients how valuable you are?
It's hard to be the small fish in a big pond. If your company is new to the market, or your competitors are just bigger, faster, or lower-priced, each day can feel like an uphill battle. When it's one of those days, remind yourself that those companies are missing one big thing - you.
Make yourself an asset to your clients in every way you can, and your clients won't feel the need to rush to your big-box competitor. If they have someone who's always looking out for their best interests they can rest easy knowing they're in good hands.
What do you do to show your clients how valuable you are?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The "Goody Two Shoes" Approach to Networking
Many people mistakenly look at networking as collecting as many business cards as possible, or having a lot of contacts on LinkedIn. While it's great to have all those contacts, what happens when you call them? Hard to believe they're going to remember and want to help a person they barely talked to at a conference.
Networking and motivation expert Josh Hinds has seen this situation many times, and offers advice to help you build a network built on value and trust.
"One of the hardest things for people who are beginning to embrace professional networking to grasp is that it's not simply about sharing their product or service, but rather about first building some basic rapport with the person they've just met," says Hinds. "It's about creating value for others first."
"This 'goody two shoes' approach to networking ensures that you will not only be thought of in a favorable light - you will remain there for as long as you're willing to commit to keeping that connection going. The more value you create for the people you connect with - the greater the likelihood that they will not only end up a customer of yours, they'll even seek you out as a trusted advisor when they have a need that they feel you might be able to help them with."
Here are some of Hinds' tips for building value with those you meet:
Networking and motivation expert Josh Hinds has seen this situation many times, and offers advice to help you build a network built on value and trust.
"One of the hardest things for people who are beginning to embrace professional networking to grasp is that it's not simply about sharing their product or service, but rather about first building some basic rapport with the person they've just met," says Hinds. "It's about creating value for others first."
"This 'goody two shoes' approach to networking ensures that you will not only be thought of in a favorable light - you will remain there for as long as you're willing to commit to keeping that connection going. The more value you create for the people you connect with - the greater the likelihood that they will not only end up a customer of yours, they'll even seek you out as a trusted advisor when they have a need that they feel you might be able to help them with."
Here are some of Hinds' tips for building value with those you meet:
- Upon the initial meeting, take a sincere interest in the other person first. Then let them know that you're always meeting new people and would be willing to keep an eye out for potential sources of business for them - you can even ask what their ideal prospect would look like. Be careful - you can't just give this idea lip service - you have to be sure to actually send referrals their way as you run across them.
- Be on the lookout for things of interest to the folks in your network - and pass them along to them. It's a terrific way to stay in touch, while being valuable to others.
- Every so often drop a quick e-mail, greeting card, or note to someone you may not have touched base with in a while. Something as simple as 'It's been a while so I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you' can do wonders to position yourself in a favorable light.
- Be on the lookout for opportunities that will be of benefit to those in your network. Doing so is as easy as keeping your eyes open for news you might read, or listening to what others have to say.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Quote of the Week
"There is only one way to get anybody to do anything. And that is by making the other person want to do it." -- Dale Carnegie
That's it, the essence of persuasion in a nutshell from the master of influence, Dale Carnegie. Keep these wise words in mind this week when you need to persuade, influence or motivate.
That's it, the essence of persuasion in a nutshell from the master of influence, Dale Carnegie. Keep these wise words in mind this week when you need to persuade, influence or motivate.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Quote of the Week
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." --Robert Louis Stevenson
Keep this advice in mind as you prospect this week.
Keep this advice in mind as you prospect this week.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
No Better Time
Salesdog agrees with what legendary Hollywood agent Swifty Lazar once said, "Make something happen before lunch."
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