Two Salespeople, Two Very Different Endings

As I reflect on this year, I think about the successes and challenges I’ve faced during the past twelve months. I’m sure many of you will do this, too. With me, I think not only about my own triumphs and trials, but also about the degree of coaching successes I’ve had...

giving thanks at thanksgiving

I work at living my life in a thankful frame of mind. I’m thankful for all of you who have helped our business grow this year and in years past. And this week—this Thanksgiving week—seems like the perfect time to tell you that. Like many folks, I also consider...

buckets and dippers

A while back, while working with a company during their annual conference, the topic of “motivation” came up over dinner. It was a lively discussion with lots of opinions. The question — Can you truly motivate someone? — has been thrown around for, I’m sure, hundreds...

scare up some fun

Today is Halloween! How are you going to dress up? Notice I didn’t ask if you’re going to dress up. That’s because I’m seriously suggesting that you do. Today is a perfect day to get away from life’s swarm and have a little fun—or maybe a lotta fun. Halloween is less...

Sales Tips All Wrapped Up

Years ago, I wrote about our (then) 8-year-old son’s efforts to sell wrapping paper for a school fundraiser. If you have kids (or even simply know some), you’re probably familiar with the fundraising season and its many offers of candy, gift-wrap, popcorn, cookie...

Fourth Quarter

At football games, you often see players (and fans) holding up four fingers to signify that the fourth quarter has started and it’s time to seriously take control of the game and its outcome. As you approach the beginning of your own fourth quarter at work, take time...

What Do Fishing & Selling Have In Common?

Last time, we discussed the conflict that often occurs between salespeople and sales managers in regard to activity. Managers want more and will say so; salespeople view this unsolicited advice about more activity as criticism. Further, a demand for more activity...

taming the tension in sales

There’s probably always been tension between sales managers and their salespeople. I know I’ve felt that friction with my manager when I worked as a salesperson. I also felt it from the other side of the desk when I was a sales manager myself. I’ve sometimes even...