Zig's Impact

Zig Ziglar made an impact on my life, like no other single human being.  The interesting thing is that I only met him once.  Through his books, recordings, podcasts, seminars etc Zig influenced my life as he did millions of others.  His love for the profession of sales, positive outlook and faith has been a great help to me and others that I have shared him with.  Zig has left the earth, but his impact is timeless.  I am so thankful for him and his commitment to excellence in all areas of his life and sharing that with me.

What should I focus on?

We have lots of things vying for our attention and our focus.  We have a choice to make moment by moment through everyday and that is what will I focus on?  They key when making this decision is to know what you have control over.  I coach salespeople and here is the key to success.

  # attempts/dials = contacts = sales  

There is only one part of this equation that I have direct control over and that is the #attempts to contact a prospect  i.e. dial the phone.  I have indirect control over contacts and sales by improving my skills, but my direct control is only over the activity I generate.  That is where I should be laser focus.
Determine what you have control over that helps you succeed and focus on it ... Expect to Win!

Appreciation

Today is another day of record heat here in Texas.  Also, here in Central Texas we are having record drought conditions.  It seems that it could become an easy habit to get really frustrated and negative.  However, we have so much to be thankful for.  I must think about my wonderful family, our beautiful home, our great friends, our business opportunities and above all my God and the hope that I have.  I am very thankful today.

Political Change

I used to be very political and loved watching the process.  But, I have changed ... I hate it.  I don't know who to trust.  It seems that all politicians are only motivated by getting reelected.  I wish I could find one that was motivated by doing the right thing.  This weekend Treasury Secretary Geitner says that they want to extend the debt ceiling till after the election.  What??? .... what is the reason for that.  We are not stupid.  Why don't the republicans get with the democrats and determine what is the right thing to do, not what is the most politically expedient thing to do.  It is not right that wealthy individuals &/or corporations can take advantage of loopholes that allow them to pay a very low tax rate or nothing at all.  However, it is not right in a climate where we are needing jobs and investment to unnecessaryily burden businesses with excess taxes.  I need parental controls to get off of FoxNews & CNN etc.

It's not about me ....

The last week or so has brought many events into my mind that deserve concern, care and prayer.

• The disastrous situation in Japan.
• The conflict in Libya, Yemen and other places.
• The intense disagreements in Wisconsin.
• NFL players referring to their situation as "modern day slavery".  *it especially pains me that the first player to mention this is one of my favorites and a former Sooner ... Adrian Peterson".  https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_193823893991406

I could go on and on about my opinions on each matter, but I don't think that would be good for anyone.  However, I do think that these events give us the chance to look beyond ourselves.  God has given us a wide open opportunity to say ... "It's not about me".  Pain and suffering is abundant in these situations.  Much of what is going on needs calmer heads to prevail.  Wisdom is needed and God knows we need love for each other.  Prayers for the suffering and for the leadership is certainly needed.  Awareness of opportunities to serve.  Make a difference.

Until next time... keep your expectations high!  Expect to Win!

Good Intentions

Have you heard the saying "the path of life is littered with good intentions" ? Last year as I entered the second 50 years of my life, I began reflecting on that statement and I caught myself paralzyed with analyzing the past.  Fortunately, I have had mentors in my life that have pushed me to add action to my intentions. 

Until next time... keep your expectations high!  Expect to Win!

Why are salespeople annoying?

I have been in the sales industry for 27 years and I am still puzzled with why most people feel that salespeople are annoying.  I am puzzled ....

• Is it annoying for a salesperson to present their product or should they just give you a brochure and answer your questions?
• Is it annoying for a salesperson to ask you if you like their product after you have looked at it?
• Is it annoying for a salesperson to ask you to buy their product after you say that you like it?
• Is it annoying for the salesperson to ask you why if you say no to buying their product?

Just askin'....

Until next time... keep your expectations high!  Expect to Win!