Buzz of the Day
So here we go. Last day of the month. Unorganized chaos. It's the last 2 minutes in the game and you need a hail mary to win. But I don't want to talk about that.
I want to talk about friendship.
I have some crazy relationships with my friends. Some of us talk often. Others, not so much. I don't have many "friends" anymore. I consider them family. Well, sometimes family treats you pretty crappy because...you're family and you'll understand.
That won't be me anymore. No more free lunches, free passes, or whatever else you want to call them. They'll be held accountable for their actions like everyone else. I hope they hold me accountable for my actions as well.
The older I get, the more my time is important to me. I'm not wasting time as often because time is money. And when I decide to waste time, it won't be hanging out at some event that I'm not really welcome at. Or they invited me because they felt they "had" to. I'd rather chill out and play Madden Football on my Xbox 360 and waste my time that way.
I know I've been pretty irritable lately. No apologies though. It's how I've been feeling. I had a fortune (from a fortune cookie) that said: "Be sure to let your friends good news as well as bad news." My interpretation was that I sometimes share too many struggles and not enough victories. I feel like I'd rather share struggles so you can get strength from it, than share good news and you feel like I'm bragging.
Good News: I am having my best month to date at work.
Struggle: I'm still working on my finances=I'm still broke...lol
Good News: I'm excited because in the next month I should see some benefits from our cost-cutting moves.
This is me leaving on a good note! I really appreciate all the good feedback that I hear. Please keep reading, and I'll keep writing.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Customer
Buzz of the Day
The customer is not always right. There I said it! We as sales professionals work really hard to earn business. Those of us who have a great product/service can stand behind that.
I am pretty simple in my approach. If I believe we can help, I will give you a call. If we've helped you in the past, I'll give you a call. If you tell me you're interested, I'll give you a call. If you tell me to call you back on a particular day at a particular time, I'll do just that.
All I ask of you is to show some courtesy. If you've changed your mind, it's okay, just let me know. If the request didn't get approved, it's okay, just let me know.
I'm frustrated (didn't know if you could tell) with a particular account. I don't want to get myself in trouble so I'll be careful how I put this. I don't know who's reading this blog.... : )
I bent over backwards to earn this person's business. He gave me his word that he'd be available for a conference call to move the training opportunity forward. He stood me up. Not only me, but others from the New Horizons team. He probably thinks that it's okay because he's the customer. (FYI, he finally responded via email with a very weak excuse). I am not okay with that.
We are professionals! I'm not sending crazy spam emails, or sending letters tricking anyone in to calling me back. At the very least, this dude could have called and said, " I can't make the conference call." Simple as that. But he'll expect me to call and kiss his behind because he's the customer.
Now I may kiss a little behind every now and then (shocker I know), but not that dude.
Right is right and wrong is wrong. Period. He was absolutely wrong. If he's a decision maker for this organization, he should have more respect for other people's time. Now, if I was to call him and communicate my disappointment, then I'd be wrong? We all have a job to do. Please understand that. Maybe I'm different. If I get a sales call, I'll let the person speak their peace. If I walk into the mall, I'm never rude because they have a job to do. Do me a favor: If you inquired about some product/service and receieved a call. Then you changed your mind. Then the salesperson has called, but you've begin avoiding the calls. Call that person back. Heck, send the an email. That's all I ask people!
The customer is not always right. There I said it! We as sales professionals work really hard to earn business. Those of us who have a great product/service can stand behind that.
I am pretty simple in my approach. If I believe we can help, I will give you a call. If we've helped you in the past, I'll give you a call. If you tell me you're interested, I'll give you a call. If you tell me to call you back on a particular day at a particular time, I'll do just that.
All I ask of you is to show some courtesy. If you've changed your mind, it's okay, just let me know. If the request didn't get approved, it's okay, just let me know.
I'm frustrated (didn't know if you could tell) with a particular account. I don't want to get myself in trouble so I'll be careful how I put this. I don't know who's reading this blog.... : )
I bent over backwards to earn this person's business. He gave me his word that he'd be available for a conference call to move the training opportunity forward. He stood me up. Not only me, but others from the New Horizons team. He probably thinks that it's okay because he's the customer. (FYI, he finally responded via email with a very weak excuse). I am not okay with that.
We are professionals! I'm not sending crazy spam emails, or sending letters tricking anyone in to calling me back. At the very least, this dude could have called and said, " I can't make the conference call." Simple as that. But he'll expect me to call and kiss his behind because he's the customer.
Now I may kiss a little behind every now and then (shocker I know), but not that dude.
Right is right and wrong is wrong. Period. He was absolutely wrong. If he's a decision maker for this organization, he should have more respect for other people's time. Now, if I was to call him and communicate my disappointment, then I'd be wrong? We all have a job to do. Please understand that. Maybe I'm different. If I get a sales call, I'll let the person speak their peace. If I walk into the mall, I'm never rude because they have a job to do. Do me a favor: If you inquired about some product/service and receieved a call. Then you changed your mind. Then the salesperson has called, but you've begin avoiding the calls. Call that person back. Heck, send the an email. That's all I ask people!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Rough Week
Buzz of the Day
Last week was tough. Rough. There's a bright side though...I just don't know how soon it will be here.
Mentally, I'm exhausted. I'm just run down. I'm always trying to be solution oriented, but sometimes there is no solution but time. I have these vitamins that I've been taking for years. The serving size is two, but I only take one. I figured that taking one was better than not taking any. One doesn't seem like enough any more. So I'm starting to take two each day and I don't know yet. (FYI, I get my vitamins from Vitamin World. Ultra Man for active men, but I'm pretty sure they make one for women also).
Work was terribly slow last week. An ex colleague of mine put it simply, "We're in sales. When we're selling, we're happy. And when we don't, we feel like sh**." Well said, Leslie.
Last week, I wasn't selling and yes I felt like crap. I am always making adjustments so I look forward to seeing if they help any.
Last week was tough. Rough. There's a bright side though...I just don't know how soon it will be here.
Mentally, I'm exhausted. I'm just run down. I'm always trying to be solution oriented, but sometimes there is no solution but time. I have these vitamins that I've been taking for years. The serving size is two, but I only take one. I figured that taking one was better than not taking any. One doesn't seem like enough any more. So I'm starting to take two each day and I don't know yet. (FYI, I get my vitamins from Vitamin World. Ultra Man for active men, but I'm pretty sure they make one for women also).
Work was terribly slow last week. An ex colleague of mine put it simply, "We're in sales. When we're selling, we're happy. And when we don't, we feel like sh**." Well said, Leslie.
Last week, I wasn't selling and yes I felt like crap. I am always making adjustments so I look forward to seeing if they help any.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Carpe Diem
Buzz of the Day (Night)
Just looking at those trains collide today made me think of two things:
1. You can do everything from sleeping 8 hours per day to taking vitamins, but when it's your time to go...you're gone.
2. If computers were the reason that these trains crashed, that's scary because we're relying on computers more and more. When you're talking about lives, they have to be perfect because 99% ain't good enough.
Just looking at those trains collide today made me think of two things:
1. You can do everything from sleeping 8 hours per day to taking vitamins, but when it's your time to go...you're gone.
2. If computers were the reason that these trains crashed, that's scary because we're relying on computers more and more. When you're talking about lives, they have to be perfect because 99% ain't good enough.
Father's Day
Buzz of the Day
Happy Father's Day to all parents who play dad in their household. There are many woman who are the only parent around. Happy Father's day to you...For those single dads, being mom and dad...a special Happy Father's day to you.
I was at home doing dishes, with one eye on the laundry (my wife was actually doing laundry, but I had one eye on it when she ran to the store).
I realized...well, I've known it but some days it resonates a little louder. Men have to lead. Period. Your woman should follow the example you set. Wait a second, before you get all crazy. There are definitely times when the wife/girlfriend should get to lead. But overall, a man should set the tone.
Today it was super hot. We didn't feel like doing anything, but the house was a lil messy. So, my wife had started washing clothes and before I had gotten home, she ran out to the store for this stir fry type of thing at Meijer. My first thought was to sit my a** down because I had been at work all day. I even stayed late (as usual), but I decided to unload/reload the dishwasher. Then I was upset because the damn thing hardly washes anything. So I actually washed the dishes by hand. I rode that momentum and wiped the counters and swept the floor.
Honestly, I'm trying to do more things like that more often....and I have, but not as frequent enough.
I know my wife took a vow to love and honor me, but I think the days that I contribute to keeping our house clean, I make it easier on her. And I'm easier to love. Nobody wants to see somebody chilllin' while your busting your tail. Not at work or home.
I think everyone should play some type of team sport. When you realize how important it is that you do your job, and how it impacts your team...I think a light goes off... For most of us... Well, at least some of us.
Happy Father's Day to all parents who play dad in their household. There are many woman who are the only parent around. Happy Father's day to you...For those single dads, being mom and dad...a special Happy Father's day to you.
I was at home doing dishes, with one eye on the laundry (my wife was actually doing laundry, but I had one eye on it when she ran to the store).
I realized...well, I've known it but some days it resonates a little louder. Men have to lead. Period. Your woman should follow the example you set. Wait a second, before you get all crazy. There are definitely times when the wife/girlfriend should get to lead. But overall, a man should set the tone.
Today it was super hot. We didn't feel like doing anything, but the house was a lil messy. So, my wife had started washing clothes and before I had gotten home, she ran out to the store for this stir fry type of thing at Meijer. My first thought was to sit my a** down because I had been at work all day. I even stayed late (as usual), but I decided to unload/reload the dishwasher. Then I was upset because the damn thing hardly washes anything. So I actually washed the dishes by hand. I rode that momentum and wiped the counters and swept the floor.
Honestly, I'm trying to do more things like that more often....and I have, but not as frequent enough.
I know my wife took a vow to love and honor me, but I think the days that I contribute to keeping our house clean, I make it easier on her. And I'm easier to love. Nobody wants to see somebody chilllin' while your busting your tail. Not at work or home.
I think everyone should play some type of team sport. When you realize how important it is that you do your job, and how it impacts your team...I think a light goes off... For most of us... Well, at least some of us.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Living for the weekend...
Buzz of the Day
Hello again. I really need to write at least once a day! I'm such a scatter brain, that I have all these thoughts and then I lose them. I always feel better after I blog too. It's like a relief.
I think about life and I realize why I love sports so much. Mentally, I need a break! Sports is my opportunity to exhale and be entertained. I love the competition, the strategy, the adjustments...
That's life...you have this great game plan. You're going to go to school, study hard, graduate, and get this outstanding position with this fortune 500 company.
Then life happens, and you need money for school so you start working more hours, they promote you to manager so you work more hours, you meet a girl at the manager conference in St. Louis (I don't know why I chose St. Louis, just follow along please), and she gets pregnant. You move from Ohio to St. Louis to be with her, but she already has a boyfriend. (They were on and off: you met her when they were off , but by the time you move all your things there, they're on again). So then you find a job there in St. Louis...and 6 years have passed. Damn!
No college degree, no job that you can see yourself in for the next 30 years, and...that's when these game-time adjustments kick in. Life doesn't have to go exactly like you planned it to be considered good. You just have to make the correct adjustments. That was why I love coaching basketball and I love life: it's all about adjusting...like a chess game. Or a basketball game.
When I was a freshmen in high school, I was in the locker room before a basketball game and my coach gave us the game plan, "Ok, I want us to win the jump ball, dribble down the court, run our play and score. Then I want us to set up in our defensive trap and steal the ball. I want us to run our play and score again. After that I want us to protect our lead." I promise you guys that this fool, our freshmen basketball coach said that (or something very close to that). It sounds good, but it's not realistic.
Hello again. I really need to write at least once a day! I'm such a scatter brain, that I have all these thoughts and then I lose them. I always feel better after I blog too. It's like a relief.
I think about life and I realize why I love sports so much. Mentally, I need a break! Sports is my opportunity to exhale and be entertained. I love the competition, the strategy, the adjustments...
That's life...you have this great game plan. You're going to go to school, study hard, graduate, and get this outstanding position with this fortune 500 company.
Then life happens, and you need money for school so you start working more hours, they promote you to manager so you work more hours, you meet a girl at the manager conference in St. Louis (I don't know why I chose St. Louis, just follow along please), and she gets pregnant. You move from Ohio to St. Louis to be with her, but she already has a boyfriend. (They were on and off: you met her when they were off , but by the time you move all your things there, they're on again). So then you find a job there in St. Louis...and 6 years have passed. Damn!
No college degree, no job that you can see yourself in for the next 30 years, and...that's when these game-time adjustments kick in. Life doesn't have to go exactly like you planned it to be considered good. You just have to make the correct adjustments. That was why I love coaching basketball and I love life: it's all about adjusting...like a chess game. Or a basketball game.
When I was a freshmen in high school, I was in the locker room before a basketball game and my coach gave us the game plan, "Ok, I want us to win the jump ball, dribble down the court, run our play and score. Then I want us to set up in our defensive trap and steal the ball. I want us to run our play and score again. After that I want us to protect our lead." I promise you guys that this fool, our freshmen basketball coach said that (or something very close to that). It sounds good, but it's not realistic.
- Be flexible when life throws you a curveball.
- Be ready for your next opportunity.
- Be thankful that God is giving you another day to correct your mistakes and make adjustments from yesterday.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
I Always Feel Like...
Buzz of the Day
Hello there! I'm terribly sorry for staying away so long. I have all sorts of goodies...just not today.
We have students at our facilities all day, everyday. I said hello to a woman who was at the vending machine. She said, "You are always in a great mood when I see you. You're always smiling. That's tough to do these days." I told her I appreciated her comment and that some days were easier to smile than other days.
You never know who's looking at you. You could be looking at your new friend, boss, employee, client, or mate. Keep smiling! Fake it until you make it!
Hello there! I'm terribly sorry for staying away so long. I have all sorts of goodies...just not today.
We have students at our facilities all day, everyday. I said hello to a woman who was at the vending machine. She said, "You are always in a great mood when I see you. You're always smiling. That's tough to do these days." I told her I appreciated her comment and that some days were easier to smile than other days.
You never know who's looking at you. You could be looking at your new friend, boss, employee, client, or mate. Keep smiling! Fake it until you make it!
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