She was good at her job – there was no doubt about it. I was the customer; she was the rep that was going to help me have success with my recent purchase. Looking back, I think the thing that was most curious to me was that this amazing and talented person was doing this …
There are days when my work is easy. Everything in front of me is stuff I’ve done before and I know I’ll be able to knock it out of the park. Those aren’t really the days I remember. Instead, it’s the days that are hard, challenging, that seem to stick in my memory because of …
There’s a strange dynamic that happens when you get good at something. The first thing that happens is you get praise. Then, after the praise, you get assigned the same work, over and over. You are, after all, the expert. Or at least the best qualified. And then, finally, you get bored and frustrated. Nothing …
The first time I spoke in front of a crowd of adults I was 16. I barely spoke for five minutes or so, and nothing about the experience inspired passion. Mostly just fear. From 18-20 I spoke several more times and while I enjoyed it more, nothing about the experience itself suggested I should do …
Passion follows you, not the other way around CONTINUE READING
I once worked at a company where everything you did needed to be put into your calendar. I mean everything. Every meeting. Every appointment. Personal or professional. Your calendar had to be accurate so that anyone else could put an appointment on your calendar for you. It was kind of crazy. And what was hilarious …
I’m currently in Cabo San Lucas running the conference that I dreamed of six years ago and began running five years ago. I’ve written previously about how I designed this conference to be unique. Tonight, after the first full day of sessions, I’m delighted by what I’ve seen and experienced. And as I reflect, the …
Years ago we were sitting in a conference room that held 10 of us. Everyone in the room was a direct report and we were supposed to be talking about the next version of our flagship product. The problem was that no one wanted to debate. It was a room completely filled with faithful and …
If you are the kind of person who likes to go with the flow, or never likes to have conflict, then a leadership role may not be something you pursue. Leadership takes work. Maybe the most frustrating dynamic is the nature of taking people where they don’t initially want to go. If everyone just said, …
When it comes to sales, people remember the ABCs – Always Be Closing. But what worked in the movies years ago doesn’t always translate well these days. Particularly when everyone expects and believes that we’re all in “pitch” mode every minute of the day. The way around it, while still having success, is to stop …
The trick to closing customers is not to “always be closing” CONTINUE READING
Let’s face it, not all problems are alike. There are the kinds of problems that are always understood because you’ve seen them before. They may be ugly, large and painful to navigate – but if you’ve navigated it once, you know what’s in store the second or third time you do it. An example of …
The answer you’re looking for is, “I don’t know.” CONTINUE READING