So today when I walked by, what showed up for me was how fast things can change direction, many times without our permission. Because this is the last week of 2011, very appropriate to think about this as we complete the year and reflect on the lessons and gifts. 2012 will start with a clean slate; new page, opportunity to continue to grow, thrive, change, embrace new ways of being and doing. And because we don't know from one day to the next, if something is going to happen without our permission, BE with the day. Have your plans, goals and aspirations in place but be present in the moment and be grateful for the most important parts of your life and look for the clues that will help you thrive on your journey. Practice staying present in the moment and enjoy the day as it unfolds. After all, we are human beings NOT human doings. It takes practice but if you put your mind to focusing on the present moment, it will become easier (some say 21 days of practicing will make habits become part of your life) and easier. Think about this - what is the significance of being present in the moment?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Dealing with Change and New Beginnings
I walk around our neighborhood a couple of times a week. One house I pass is one of my favorites; very comfortable and serene looking and the owner always decks it out for each holiday with appropriate decorations. For Halloween, she has statues and spiders, and ghoulish things around the well-attended front yard. There is always an angel sitting in a big chair and wonderful baskets hanging from the large Banyan tree. At Christmas time, a life-size Santa stands near the front door, there are poinsettia plants everywhere and beauty on display. I always look forward to walking by this house during the holidays, even on the Fourth of July the house is decked out in red, white and blue. I understand the owner sells/sold something on HSN. Well, this year it's different. There is a for sale sign in front and for the first time in the 11 years when I walk by, there are no decorations, just the fall wreaths on the door - kind of sad. Is she sick; has she passed away?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
When Is It Time to Add Sales People?
This is an article I wrote this week for a "go to get answers for business questions type website" http://task.fm/2011/12/how-can-a-startup-decide-when-it-is-time-to-hire-sales-people/
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Do You Follow Up?
How good are you at follow up? Since I am a stickler about follow up I thought I would write this little blog on the subject. There are messages being conveyed when we do follow up and when we chose to not follow up. Most people are not aware or concerned about the message but it's an important one to consider.
When someone meets with you or you have a conversation with them at a networking event, on the phone or even in a social setting and you take their card and/or number and tell them you are going to contact them, do you? Why can't we be more honest with ourselves and with others and tell them whether you will contact them or not. If you don't want to contact them, say so it in a gracious way, it's that simple. If you are honest and kind, you probably won't offend them and if you do, it's not about you rather it's their agenda and since we only have control over ourselves, you can't take responsibility for their reaction. Just be kind in your dialog. Life would be so much simpler if we speak our truth.
The message we convey when we follow up is that we are doing what we said we would do; we are showing them respect and courtesy in acknowledging them. The message we convey when we choose to ignore someone and not respond is telling them that they are not important or are insignificant - "I can't be bothered", "my plate is too full there fore I have no time to respond to them". How many times have you thought these thoughts?
But.....what will separate you from others is taking a few minutes to simply acknowledge people, get back with them and if you don't want to create a relationship, be honest in a kind way. This will be hard for many people especially women who at times have a problem saying "no". Good practice to start in a follow up situation.
I attend networking events all the time and chose to listen and ask questions engaging people in dialog. If I want to start a relationship, I'll take the person's card and tell them I'll be sending them an email, text message or call them and I do. If I don't see synergy between us, they may give me their card but I make no commitment to contact them. If someone shares that they will follow up with me and I can help them, introduce them to someone else or they bring value to me, I take their calls or respond to their emails but I also tell them if there is no synergy or I can't really bring them value and thank them and wish them well.
So, next time you have a follow up opportunity, what will you do? How will you handle the situation? What is your message and what is it's significance?
When someone meets with you or you have a conversation with them at a networking event, on the phone or even in a social setting and you take their card and/or number and tell them you are going to contact them, do you? Why can't we be more honest with ourselves and with others and tell them whether you will contact them or not. If you don't want to contact them, say so it in a gracious way, it's that simple. If you are honest and kind, you probably won't offend them and if you do, it's not about you rather it's their agenda and since we only have control over ourselves, you can't take responsibility for their reaction. Just be kind in your dialog. Life would be so much simpler if we speak our truth.
The message we convey when we follow up is that we are doing what we said we would do; we are showing them respect and courtesy in acknowledging them. The message we convey when we choose to ignore someone and not respond is telling them that they are not important or are insignificant - "I can't be bothered", "my plate is too full there fore I have no time to respond to them". How many times have you thought these thoughts?
But.....what will separate you from others is taking a few minutes to simply acknowledge people, get back with them and if you don't want to create a relationship, be honest in a kind way. This will be hard for many people especially women who at times have a problem saying "no". Good practice to start in a follow up situation.
I attend networking events all the time and chose to listen and ask questions engaging people in dialog. If I want to start a relationship, I'll take the person's card and tell them I'll be sending them an email, text message or call them and I do. If I don't see synergy between us, they may give me their card but I make no commitment to contact them. If someone shares that they will follow up with me and I can help them, introduce them to someone else or they bring value to me, I take their calls or respond to their emails but I also tell them if there is no synergy or I can't really bring them value and thank them and wish them well.
So, next time you have a follow up opportunity, what will you do? How will you handle the situation? What is your message and what is it's significance?
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