Lipton on Missing It

 

Don’t mumble your life away.”

– Ethan Lipton (1971 – )
American music artist, playwright


Beginning at the top of the next hour and through the next 48, challenge yourself (and your team)…

When you begin a discussion with a customer, prospect, or colleague, give that individual your complete attention until the issue at hand has been fully addressed.

Every single discussion. Every single interaction. The entire 48-hour period.

Don’t let a phone call interrupt an in-person conversation. Don’t let your email distract you from a phone call. Don’t let a passerby, instant messenger, ithing, droid, or berry take your attention away from someone standing right in front of you (or on the phone).

Remember… Sales is an interpersonal profession.

Leonardo on Pushing Through

 

“Obstacles cannot bend me.
Every obstacle yields to effort.

– Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Italian painter, sculptor, and inventor

complainless: (adj.) 1. to be free of complaints 2. a pleasure to be around

Your words move others. Your words move you.

Let yours send everyone in the right direction.

Here’s how to be “ComplainLess”…

  • Be aware. Recognize your typical paths to complaining – what (who) sparks your tendency to gripe. Minimize your exposure to them (eliminating those ‘sparks’ altogether may not always be realistic or the best thing). Know that your grumbling is a complete waste of energy.
  • Be thankful. Regularly reflect on all the good in your life (people, opportunities, things). Understand and enjoy how lucky you really are. Be entitled to nothing.
  • Pause before you begin. Clip a complaint as you feel it coming. Put a smile or thoughtful statement in its path. Blame no one. Blame nothing.
  • Be accountable. Focus on solving problems rather than having them (especially with prospects and customers). Set the example for others and recommit when you slip. Care for yourself and create a positive habit.

Simple. More enjoyable for everyone.

Roosevelt on True Thanks

 

“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.

– Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)

26th president of the United States

Roosevelt was an advocate for “the life of strenuous endeavor.” He was a rancher, captured an outlaw, authored 35 books, served as president of the American Historical Association, led two major scientific expeditions for prominent American museums, served as president of the United States (started as the youngest in history – 42), won the Nobel Peace Prize, and was the father of six children.

After he left the Presidency in 1909, he went on a safari in Africa. When he returned, he ran for President in 1912 as an independent because he lost the Republican nomination. While campaigning, he was shot in the chest by a fanatic and ultimately recovered. His words at the time…

“No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way.”