“The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose.”
– Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931)
Lebanese writer and philosopher
Sales challenge…
A simple challenge where everyone wins (you and those around you). No risk. No additional time required.
Within the next 3 weeks (or maybe the next 3 minutes), set a 2-day period as your days (or your team’s days) to inspire others. Two days where you’ll put on blinders to anything negative and be the one in the office who everyone else can count on for words and actions that inspire and encourage. Two days where you’re the light for other people – your colleagues, your prospects, your customers – no matter what.
Allow nothing negative and focus only on your service to others.
Once you set your 2 days, fully commit to the effort regardless of the inevitable challenges, regardless of the weather (please, never the weather). Fall off the inspirational horse at 2:11 on the first day? Get back on at 2:12 – no excuses.
Remember, you wake with an option for your daily attitude. Challenges will come up regardless.
Choose positive. Spread it for 2 days. Be SalesTough.
Not only will it be contagious… it might become a habit.
(Who could do it with you? Forward this idea to them.)
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It’s the initial sales call and you discover the prospect may not be a prospect at all (at least for the next quarter or two). No money. No timeline for implementation. No perceived urgency, no need, or other pressing priorities.
Here are some thoughts on exiting politely.
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If you’ve not seen it (and maybe even if you have), on a well-earned break, here’s a hilarious 4.5 minute video clip that speaks to being "ComplainLess" (from comedian Louis CK on Late Night with Conan O’Brien from a few years ago).
For a different twist on complaints… 3 minutes from Monty Python’s classic sketch, Four Yorkshiremen.
Connect with Sam (guy behind this stuff)…
Philip says:
What a childish quote, the world through this writer’s eyes is black and white, (you are a pessimist or an optimist)
What about those of us that see the rose and the thorns, wouldn’t that be the goal as a salesperson, a business person, a human being?
The world is grey, seek out writers who do not see the world in such simple terms.
22 February 2012