tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36126459929599482312024-03-13T10:46:04.901-07:00Salespeople Are PeopleHuman Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-1297779301201663482012-04-25T19:36:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:05:47.362-07:00I am a happy person, but ...Sorry to those of you who've been hanging on the edge of your seats anxiously awaiting a new blog post. Surely all 50 or so of my readers have suffered from withdrawal. LOL. I've been having quite a busy month. Yes, being busy is a good sign. I have been making many sales, which is great. But, truth be told, as always, I spend far more time trying to get in to see business owners than I do actually seeing them, much less selling anything to them.<br />
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That's right. I'm gonna rant about this again, which brings me to another matter. There's at least one person who becomes "concerned about me" anytime my blog takes this sort of tone. Perhaps there are others, too, who just don't come forward and say it. So, let me assure you of something right now: I am a happy person. Really. In fact, I am happier, generally speaking, than most of my friends and family members. I live in a state of gratitude for the many blessings in my life. I do not suffer from a poor sense of self worth. I don't have to drag myself out of bed in the morning and go through the proverbial motions. And, I don't hate my job. Far from it. In many ways, this is the best job I've ever had. I don't mean to present a picture of my life that's rosier than it actually is. I have my share of problems, just like everyone else. But, overall, life is good, career included.</div>
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There are some things that bother me, however — among them the prevailing attitudes and behaviors many have where salespeople are concerned. I often am told by well-meaning friends and acquaintances that it's simply the nature of the beast ... that I must just accept it and learn not to take it personally. It still bothers me, though, and I can't imagine that it ever will stop bothering me. I've never been one to accept things like racism, sexism, homophobia or bigotry of any kind, and I don't see why this should be any different ... why I should accept rudeness or discourtesy for <b><i>any</i></b> reason, for that matter. I'm not wired that way. I've always been one to speak up for what I believe and to try to bring about positive change when I see wrong being done. It's the primary reason I started this blog ... to give a voice to members of my profession — salespeople, that is — who deal with these issues every day.</div>
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If you don't get what I mean, let me cite as an example a simple sentence I tweeted, on Twitter of course, not long ago, and some responses I received. My tweet was simply this: Salespeople are people. Following are a couple of the @ replies:</div>
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•"That is an audacious generalization."</div>
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•"no, not all, some are robots, some are clueless, some shouldn't be selling and some are way overbearing"</div>
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... and more of the same. Not one person had anything nice to say about salespeople. No one said, "You know you're right. I hadn't thought of it that way before." One person said essentially that rude and discourteous behavior comes with the territory ... that every salesperson knows that and chooses to be in sales anyway.</div>
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While there may be some truth to these remarks, they were beside the point I was trying to make. Sure, some salespeople are annoying and overbearing. But some aren't. Some don't have good products. Others do. Some aren't good at what they do. Many are great at what they do. Regardless, they <b><i>are</i></b> all people. They have bills to pay and families to support. They have rough times and hardships to endure. They have "feelings" (not that feelings are real, but you catch my drift). They are people's mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends. Whether they're salespeople or not salespeople, they are people, and people deserve to be treated with kindness and courtesy, no matter who they are or what career they choose. Warm voices, smiles and returned phone calls can make their day just as easily as harsh words, icy glares and being ignored can ruin it.</div>
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Do you want to be a ray of light in someone's day or a gloomy cloud? Think about that the next time you receive a sales call. Treat that salesperson the way <b><i>you</i></b> would want to be treated. Treat them as you would want your family members and friends to be treated. It doesn't take much extra time or effort to be kind and communicative. Think of the time you may waste in other ways, whether playing on the Internet or chatting with colleagues, and give that salesperson just a few minutes out of your day to hear what he or she has to say. You may be surprised to find that it's something worthwhile. If you truly are too swamped to spare a few minutes, ask the person to try again later, and suggest a better time. If you know, and I mean really<b><i> know</i></b> what they're selling isn't for you (and be careful of what you <b><i>know</i></b>), say something like, "I really appreciate you thinking of us, but this isn't something we need. I'm not going to buy, and I don't want to waste your time," then, refer them to someone who might! (That last part should be effective at getting them off your case, and surely you know <i style="font-weight: bold;">someone </i>who might want what they sell ... probably a few.)</div>
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If you won't do it sheerly for the sake of kindness, you might think about this: Salespeople — good ones, anyway — tend to be good networkers. They talk with business owners, managers, marketing professionals and all kinds of people every day. When people (like you!) show them kindness and talk with them a little, they tend to spread the word. I know I sure do! I have formed great referral relationships with business owners who for whatever reason did not buy anything from me but were nice enough to take the time to talk with me, to tell me about their business and a little about themselves. I now shop in their stores and send friends their way. Conversely, I have to admit, I tend to steer clear of the ones who are rude or ignore me, and I seldom recommend them to others.</div>
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Remember, you get what you give, and that's true in so many ways.</div>Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-28742219239141195932012-04-03T16:42:00.001-07:002012-04-25T21:20:45.548-07:00The future's so bright I've gotta wear welding goggles!Nothing like a trip to forward-thinking San Francisco to remind me that we <b><i>are</i></b> headed in the right direction and everything <b><i>will </i></b>be okay. If you've never visited this fine city, please, <b><i>please</i></b> put it on your list of vacation destinations. Being there is both literally and figuratively a breath of fresh air. Beautiful scenery, architecture and public artworks abound. The streets are clean. I'm talking really clean. People do not toss their garbage or even their cigarette butts on the ground. Many of the municipal trash bins — visible on nearly every city block — have separate compartments for trash and recyclables. The public transportation system is impressive, affording citizens and visitors to choose from among the famous streetcars, the municipal railway (both sub and above ground), buses, taxicabs and car sharing services. Cars actually yield to pedestrians, too. The leisure and learning activities seem endless, and surprisingly many are free or low cost. And the food! Oh, the food! San Francisco offers such an array of culinary delights, one could probably live a lifetime there and never have time to taste them all! This was my third trip, and I've yet to scratch the surface.<br />
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I think what I love the most about the City by the Bay is its harmonious spirit. People of all walks of life — all ages, all nationalities, all economic brackets, all religious affiliations, all sexual orientations and all levels of eccentricity — seem to coexist in relative harmony. I don't mean to paint an idyllic picture. I'm sure San Francisco sees its share of crime, violent and otherwise, but the general feel of the city is pleasant and, well, gay! Given the trendsetting nature of the California coast, I hope it offers a glimpse at what we can expect as a nation somewhere down the line, sooner rather than later.<br />
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Now, as a salesperson of internet marketing tools, I'll tell you what excites me career-wise. San Francisco "gets" the Internet. QR codes are commonplace in storefront windows, on billboards, buses, brochures and business cards. Restaurant and retail websites are standard, and there are local mobile apps aplenty. The business community and ordinary citizens alike embrace Internet technology. In fact, they integrate it into their everyday existence — something that I see making its way into the less cosmopolitan pockets of America, including the city where I live. While the younger generations here seem to understand this, at least to some degree, I marvel all the time at how hard I have to work to convince some would-be clients that the Internet is where it's going ... where it's at.<br />
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Google searches and mobile apps aren't going away! In fact, they've only just begun! If your business isn't showing up when consumers and other business professionals search their computers, iPads and phones, you are missing opportunities. This is becoming more and more true with each passing day. To reach new customers, retain your existing customers and, at the very least, to keep up with your competitors, you <b><i>need</i></b> a strong online and mobile presence. If you don't have an official business website, you are behind the times. If your business website does not show up when potential customers search the 'Net for your services, you are losing business to those who do. If your business website is not readable and navigable on a mobile phone, you are at a disadvantage. If you don't have a mobile app for your business, it is only a matter of time before your competitors will, so why not beat them to it?<br />
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Make it easy on yourself and me, your friendly Internet/mobile marketing tool salesgirl. Accept and embrace the changing way Americans and people the world over search for business information. Don't get left behind and become irrelevant in this age of technology. Be a forward-thinking marketer and position your business for success!Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-10561359044364011042012-03-15T18:13:00.001-07:002012-03-15T18:14:26.213-07:00Lamest blog post ever? You decide.All work and no play makes Salespeople Are People a dull blog. Sorry, folks. These last few weeks have been a doozie ... but in a good way. We launched an exciting new product — apps for small businesses — went away for training on that, spent a few days on business and pleasure in New Orleans, and did some spring cleaning. So, I've been busy ... but it's a good kind of busy!<br />
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I do want to touch on the new app product I'm offering, because it's kind of a big deal. Whereas businesses have had to spend a small fortune for a custom-made mobile app, my company is revolutionizing the industry by making powerful apps with neat features available to even the smallest businesses and organizations! For about what most business owners spend on Starbucks each month, they can have an interactive app for their business. Features may include deals/coupons; in-app messaging with pictures, sound and text; invoicing/payment; and appointment scheduling. We make it easy for consumers to download the free apps for iPhone and Android and share to Facebook and Twitter. It's a very cool thing, but something that's consumed a lot of my time in beta testing over the past few months. And, I got the okay to sell them last week and am already making sales! Yay!<br />
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Anyway, as soon as I can come up for air, I'll be back to ye olde blog. I'm flattered that multiple friends and business acquaintances have <b><i>actually noticed</i></b> I haven't been blogging and asked for more. Thanks for the support! Everyone take care and have a great weekend!Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-69185144084848030132012-02-17T09:20:00.000-08:002012-02-17T09:20:07.929-08:00Things you should already knowA series of frustrating encounters this week has inspired me to write about a few simple rules everyone should follow. It may seem silly (to some of you, I hope) that I should have to write these things. They are things that people should already know. Clearly many people don't know these things, however. Or, if they do know, they don't care ... or don't actually practice what they know. Anyway, here we go.<br />
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<b>1.)</b> When someone smiles at you, smile back.<br />
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<b>2.)</b> When someone tells you hello, say hello back.<br />
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<b>3.)</b> When you want someone to do you a favor, be nice and say please.<br />
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<b>4.) </b>When someone does something nice for you, say thank you. (Try to mean it, too.)<br />
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<b>5.)</b> When someone leaves you a phone message or sends you an email and asks that you reply, do reply.<br />
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<b>6.) </b>When you are working on a project with someone and they take the time to write down helpful instructions for you, read them, then follow them.<br />
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<b>7.) </b>When you schedule an appointment with someone, enter it into your calendar. Check your calendar daily. Make every effort to keep your appointments. If you realize you can't make it to an appointment, call, text or email the person you had the appointment with; explain you aren't going to be able to make it; reschedule the appointment for a different time; and show up to that one!<br />
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<b>8.)</b> If you completely forget to show up for an appointment, apologize profusely. (Note: It helps to actually feel sorry for inconveniencing the other party.)<br />
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9.) Never tell anyone you are "too busy" to give them a few minutes of your time. Especially don't tell them that and then post on Facebook a couple of days later about how much it sucks that it's raining because you were really hoping to spend the day laying out by the pool.<br />
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It's not rocket science, folks! Just don't be a jerk!Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-72646927427364735762012-02-06T19:17:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:32:17.736-08:00LinkedIn: What is it good for?Been having such a busy (and productive) time, I've been neglecting to blog. Ordinarily I'd assume no one cared, but I actually have had a couple of people request a blog about LinkedIn — why I like it, how to use it, etc. So, here goes:<br />
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<b>6 Ways LinkedIn Is Your Friend</b><br />
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<b>1.) Directly Accessing Business Acquaintances</b><br />
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Granted, it isn't a sure thing, but LinkedIn often can be a handy tool in reaching business acquaintances directly. This has proven true time after time in my careers as a journalist and as a salesperson. Especially if you are trying to reach someone you don't know all that well or who you have lost touch with for a while and you do not know their direct phone number or current email address, LinkedIn can prove very helpful. Many people, myself included, keep their LinkedIn profiles up-to-date through moves and job changes, and often messages sent via LinkedIn will send an alert to the email address the LinkedIn user checks most often. (Note: If you are one of the few who does not keep up with LinkedIn in these ways, you should consider doing so. You never know what opportunities you might be missing otherwise!)<br />
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Working in sales now, I have to make a lot of calls to request meetings with people. Even when trying to reach people I know or have worked with in the past, I often encounter some amount of hassle finding the right phone number and dealing with a receptionist type, who usually wants to know what the call is regarding, or getting voicemail. Maybe it's the writer in me, but I am more comfortable putting down in a few sentences what my intentions are than leaving them in a vocal message. Anyway, I get a higher response rate from LinkedIn messages than I do from leaving phone messages. So there.<br />
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<b>2.) Seeing Who Knows Who</b><br />
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Whether you are considering hiring someone for a job or entering into any business arrangement with another person, it's always a good idea to do your homework. LinkedIn makes it a breeze to see all kinds of information about would-be employees and business partners of all kinds. What did she study in school? Where has she worked before and how long did she work there? Does she have any recommendations, and what do they say.<br />
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More valuable than any of those things, though — especially if you are considering hiring a person — is seeing the connections you have in common, then picking up the phone and making some calls. If there's one thing I have learned in my 15-or-so-year experience in the business world it's that a whole lot of people who look competent on paper (or on the computer screen) aren't. It's always best to find someone — or multiple people — who actually have had business experience with a potential job candidate (or contractor, or vendor, or whoever) before and have a conversation. Sorry. I might get flak for saying so. (Not sure why, but I've noticed lots of people like to complain.) But, it's true. I learned this the hard way.<br />
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And, it's a two-way street. If YOU are the job seeker, vendor or salesperson, you can call friends, former co-workers, etc., who know the person you're interviewing or meeting with and ask them to put in a good word.<br />
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<b>3.) Expanding Your Network</b><br />
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Just by being an active LinkedIn participant — by adding connections, posting to the newsfeed, joining groups and contributing to discussions, etc. — your network will grow over time. You get out of it what you put in. I get new requests to connect usually a few times a week. Most often, these requests are from people I've met in the past or recently. Occasionally, they are from people I don't know. LinkedIn actually says it's a no no to request to connect with people you don't know, but hey ... it works for me! I'm in sales. If someone, especially a business owner, wants to connect with me on LinkedIn, I'll take it!<br />
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Even if we're not talking about sending or accepting a "connection" request, there's plenty of value in just participating in group discussions. There are so many different groups on LinkedIn for virtually every industry out there. Join them! It's an easy way to share and receive industry insight from others in your field. Racking your brain about a work-related problem? Post it on LinkedIn, and you might be amazed by the responses you receive! Can't find a group that suits your needs? Start one of your own. It's free!<br />
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<b>4.) Infiltrating a Company</b><br />
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Trying to get into a company, whether to land a job there or sell a product or service? LinkedIn offers advanced search options wherein you can type in the company name and bring up a list of people you know who work or have worked there. They can use their influence to usher you in. It's happened to me!<br />
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<b>5.) Improving Your Google Page Rank</b><br />
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LinkedIn profiles get picked up pretty well by Google and other search engines. Here's a fun test: If you know it, Google my name. I'll bet my Google + profile shows up first and my LinkedIn profile second. In fact, if you're bored enough to try that, please do report back to me what results you get, because I'm curious to know whether my machine/IP address is biased. =-)~<br />
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Now try searching your name on Google. (Put your name in quotes.) Does your LinkedIn profile show up on page 1? If not, you've got some work to do. Fill out your profile more completely, update your status more frequently, join some groups, add some connections, then try again in a month or two and see if your ranking improves. I'm willing to bet that if you have a common name, the person with that name who is most active on LinkedIn will show up ahead of the rest. BE that person!<br />
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<b>6.) Seeing Who's Viewing Your Profile</b><br />
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You know how every now and then on Faebook a scammy app appears that claims it will let you see who's viewed your profile? Well, on LinkedIn it's not a scam. You really can see who's been viewing your page ... sometimes anyway. First of all, you've got to check off a box in your profile settings giving permission for others to see when you view their pages. (Otherwise, you won't be able to see who's viewed yours.) With an unpaid membership, which is what I have, you can see only a limited number of page viewers. Every week or so it will let you view five or six more.<br />
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Sometimes it tells you outright that it was "so and so" who viewed your page. Sometimes it tells you only that someone from "Company X" viewed it. Then it gives you a list of people from Company X, and you know only one of them, so presumably it was that person. LOL. Occasionally it says that "Anonymous LinkedIn User" viewed your profile. Presumably these anonymous ones are paying for an upgraded membership. I'm not sure what all special benefits a paid membership brings, nor how much an upgraded membership costs. Someday when I am rich and famous I <i><b>may</b></i> consider paying for an upgraded LinkedIn membership. I have a feeling at that point I'll have better things to do with my time, though.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans'; font-size: 13pt;">Why use Google AdWords as an advertising platform?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• In a recent poll of Internet users, 97% reported conducting research online prior to making purchases at least some of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• 90% of the time, Internet users <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do not search using a business name</i></b>. They search using product- and service-related keyword phrases.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Internet search engine advertising has a higher return on investment rate (<i>averaging</i> 10%) than traditional advertising. This is because it targets only individuals who are actively seeking the advertiser’s products and services.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Nearly 70% of Internet users start their Internet search on Google.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Paid advertising via Google AdWords ensures immediate, highly targeted exposure for a business, and that exposure lasts for the duration of the ad campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Google AdWords ads also may appear across the Google Display Network — thousands of other highly viewed reputable websites. Ads here are displayed beside content relevant to the advertiser’s industry.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Google ads take Internet searchers directly to the advertiser’s company website, where the advertiser crafts and controls all content.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Using Google AdWords, advertisers pay <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only</i></b> for ads that were clicked — <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i></b> for impressions (or the number of times an ad appeared).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Unlike traditional advertising platforms, Google AdWords plans include post-ad reporting, informing advertisers of precisely how many people viewed their ads, as well as the most popularly searched phrases that resulted in ad views.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans'; font-size: 13pt;">Why use User Friendly Media as your Google AdWords provider?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• My company boasts nearly 30 offices across eight states. We have a customer base more than 30,000 strong, and we pride ourselves on having a high-level of customer satisfaction. We are a privately held company backed by a reputable merchant bank.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• My company is a Google AdWords Certified Partner, meaning our employees (including myself) involved in selling and maintaining Google ad campaigns have undergone specialized training, demonstrated an in-depth understanding of AdWord by passing exams, and meet all of Google’s AdWords qualification guidelines.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Google selected my company as the first reseller to pilot a special Google AdWords program wherein campaigns are built and incubated by a team of dedicated Google employees. With expert-built campaigns, our advertisers have a competitive edge!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">•100% of ads placed within our Google program appear on Google.com and the Google Display Network and link directly to the advertiser’s website. (This is not always the case with competitor plans.) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">• Our Google ad campaigns are completely turnkey for the advertiser. Google and my company staff handle all aspects of implementation and maintenance of every ad campaign. (Google recommends 10 to 15 hours per week of ad campaign maintenance for optimal performance.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">There you have it! Any questions?</span></div>Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-75400521290009137022012-01-16T18:59:00.000-08:002012-01-16T19:13:59.283-08:00The end of the world as we know it?Apparently there are a slew of people out there who really do believe the world is coming to an end this year. Really. I've seen them on TV. While I'm doubtful that our race will be wiped out or our planet will be obliterated, if it's the end of the world <i><b>as we know it</b></i>, then I'm gung ho! Frankly, the world as<b><i> I</i></b> know it, at least, hasn't been so hot these last few years. I mean, it's had its moments, and I'm not really complaining. I've had my wonderful family, my health, food to eat, and a roof over my head. But, it's been a struggle just trying to cover those basics ... a much harder struggle than ever before in my life. What's great, though, is if the rest of 2012 goes as well as these first few weeks have, then happy days are here again! I hope this is the case for you, too!<br />
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Good things are happening, people! Sure, sometimes I still feel shunned, and I don't close every sale I try to make. But I'm getting meetings and making sales at a pleasing pace. I'm getting positive feedback from customers, my first renewals from last year's contracts, and even surprise calls out of the blue from people I pitched to in 2011. They're ready to buy, they say! It's not just that, either. Good stuff all around. A hopeful outlook sure does good for the soul. I'll tell ya. (I just did. LOL)<br />
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Now, if only I could lose the rest of that baby weight I gained TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO! (Where does the time go? Oh yeah, into working my butt off. I wish that were literal!) I'm finding 80 pounds and age 35 just doesn't melt away the way it used to. I'm being proactive by exercising, but it looks like some dietary changes may be needed to shed the last few ... at least that's what my latest client, a dietitian, tells me. But, enough about me.<br />
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I'd like to get some feedback going here. How is <i><b>your</b></i> 2012 shaping up so far? What's going on in your world? One of my goals this year is to make this blog more interactive. I'd love to hear from you! Salespeople ... nonsalespeople ... let's support each other! We're all in this together, whether you realize it or not. Let's make 2012 a great year together! Okay, go!Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-30500973952295931092012-01-08T14:52:00.000-08:002012-01-08T14:52:01.329-08:00Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be salespeople.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJtJ04qUzDA/TwoditEAlgI/AAAAAAAAABw/l0aTg8Km3Eg/s1600/kids+and+lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJtJ04qUzDA/TwoditEAlgI/AAAAAAAAABw/l0aTg8Km3Eg/s320/kids+and+lemonade.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Junior salespeople? Keep waving. Keep reading. Just don't major in English like Mama did, unless you intend on continuing on to law school ... or else you're gonna be falling back on this later on in life.Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-9959853867469196842012-01-06T07:37:00.000-08:002012-01-07T07:30:25.555-08:00You're traveling through another dimension ...<b><i>... a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind ... a journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead — your next stop, the Twilight Zone.</i></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surely you've had that feeling before. You're going about your business ... you know, doing stuff, chugging along on what seems like an ordinary day. Then, all of a sudden, WHAM! You find yourself in a situation so surreal it prompts you to ask yourself, sometimes maybe even out loud, "Really?" It feels like you're in the Twilight Zone. You know what I'm talking about. Well, when you work in sales, you spend oodles of time in the Twilight Zone. As a matter of fact, the Twilight Zone starts to feel "normal." You come to expect weirdness. You aren't nearly as surprised when you enter it, anyway.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny7uGEPgoXk">Where Salespeople Live</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you read any of my previous blog posts you'll remember I touched on this a bit. I'm referring to situations when generally nice, "normal," grown adult businesspeople behave like shy school kids. It goes something like this: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I start by calling or emailing to set up a meeting with a business owner. Sometimes, this is when I enter the Twilight Zone. My Facebook "friends," email contacts I've conducted business with before in other jobs, and other friendly acquaintances I may have known for years simply may not respond. I may proceed to attempt to reach them in different ways, two and three times, and they may just never get back to me. I'll even try different techniques in the ask ... carefully choosing my phrases to convey the brevity of my intended meeting. I'll ask if I may "run" over for a "quick" chat at their "convenience." I'll "sure appreciate it," I'll say. "Please" and "thank you," I'll say. I may even explain that if they hear what I have to say and decide it simply isn't for them — and this is the truth — there will be no hard feelings ... that it's my job to go out and meet with a certain number of business owners each week, and simply by letting me come over and talk for a few minutes they'll be doing me a favor and may learn about some neat ad opportunities that can help their business in the process. And besides, I might add, if what I've got doesn't interest them, it might interest someone else they know, and perhaps they can give me a referral. Sound reasonable? Would you let me in? Half of you are probably shaking your heads no, because that's about how many people will <b>still</b> not respond. Later, I will run into them at a coffee shop. Another Twilight Zone moment. But what about those who do agree to meet with me? Here's what happens next ...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We get together. They talk about their business. I tell them what I do and how it can help their business. Then, one of three scenarios occurs: </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Scenario No 1: </b>They buy something right then and there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Scenario No. 2: </b>They say they will or might buy something soon but not right that moment for any number of reasons, and I agree to call them the following week or month or whenever.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Scenario No. 3: </b>They kindly decline to buy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scenario No. 1 is my obvious favorite. Everybody wins. We all save time. I earn a living. They get exposure and, in turn, new customers. Hooray for scenario No. 1! Too bad it happens this way only maybe a tenth of the time. And, what would seem to be the <i>good</i> news is, Scenario No. 3 almost <b><i>never</i></b> happens. I can count the number of times it has happened certainly on two hands if not one. So, that leaves Scenario No. 2 — where the vast majority of my sales pitches go. This often is, yet again, the entrance to that other dimension ... sucking time and energy, evoking weirdness, awkwardness, wonder and sometimes paranoia. This is the Twilight Zone, folks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, at this this point what's going on with me is I just want to know whether they're going to buy something or not. If so, when? If not, why? (But if they really don't want to tell me why, I still prefer that they tell me no without any explanation than just leave me hanging.) I'll call or I'll email, just like we agreed I would, and guess what the most common response is? NO RESPONSE AT ALL! Hmmm. What does it mean?! Before you answer with, "It means they don't want to buy," let me tell you no, I doesn't necessarily mean that! I, too, thought that at first. But, too many times after getting the "no response at all" response — after I'd given up, cut bait and called it a loss — suddenly out of nowhere I've gotten a call, and guess who it was? It was Mr. Ignored All My Phone Calls And Messages Guy! And, guess what? He wanted to buy!!! Weird, right?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, one day it occurred to me ... the perfect solution. And I crafted the following<i><b> (brilliant!) </b></i>email message:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i></i></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>Hi! I'm making my monthly rounds as the deadline for campaigns is approaching. Please pick one of the following: </i></span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>1.) Yes, I am ready to sign up for a campaign! Let me know what we need to do to move forward.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>2.) I am somewhat interested in a campaign but not just yet. Please follow up again next month.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>3.) No, I am not at all interested in a campaign. Stop harassing me! =-)~</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i> </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>I look forward to your reply!</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can you guess how people respond 99.9 percent of the time? They don't respond at all. Sigh.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />
</span></span></div>Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-77437814779368868502011-12-29T09:40:00.000-08:002011-12-30T17:41:17.354-08:00What is this, as you say ... boredom?One thing I don't think I ever will understand is boredom. I hear people talk about being bored. I see them tweeting and Facebooking about it. I kind of remember feeling bored when I was a child. But, in all sincerity, I have never in my adult life experienced this boredom. I can't imagine running out of things to do, places to go and people to see. But, if that day ever comes — and I doubt it will — I will read. I could read and read and read, and then read some more. I never realized what a luxury reading is until I had a full-time job, and kids, and all the housework (ugh). Oh, and I'd write more, too.<br />
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</div><div>See, I just enjoyed the heck out of 12 work-free days. (Well, almost work-free, anyway.) During this glorious 12-day span I started and finished my Christmas shopping; spent quality time with my children; visited with friends and family members I don't get to see nearly enough; exercised almost daily; cooked delicious well-balanced meals; cleaned my boys' room (a MONUMENTAL triumph); filled a lawn-and-leaf-sized trash bag with clothes none of us were ever going to wear again; watched a few movies; and read magazines (!); and other fun stuff, too. Today, it's back to work, which of course is why I'm blogging again. LOL. Anything to put off the dreaded cold calling. Ooh! But first thing this morning I did make what might have been my last internet ad campaign sale of 2011 — bringing my grand total for the year up to nearly $70,000. I feel really accomplished for that. Woo-hoo! Let me not jinx anything, though, because there is a chance I could close on another by the end of the day tomorrow. I'm just not getting my hopes up, as I'm not expecting much from this two-day holiday work"week." </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, why is it that I'm counting down to the weekend? Because, for me — at least for now — work is not life. What I experienced in the 12 days before this one was life. Work is a necessity ... something that must be done because life costs money. There was a point in the past when work meant a lot more to me ... when I was super-excited about a feature story I was working on or a magazine I was developing ... or when I truly was passionate about raising money for a worthy cause. But, with motherhood something changed. Not to say that I don't get fired up about work anymore. It is nice to get out and meet new people. I'm glad to be learning new information and acquiring additional skills. Plus, there is a certain feeling of exhilaration associated with making sales. But you know what? It's nowhere near as exhilarating as introducing classic Scooby Doo episodes to my toddler, seeing the excitement on my 9 year old's face while he plays his new Xbox 360 with Kinect, or listening to my 11 year old recount the events of the Percy Jackson book she's currently reading. That's the truth, y'all. Still, I try to do an outstanding job, take pride in what I do and do care about my customers, because that's just how I am.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Still, you know what freaks me out? When I hear new mothers exclaim that they<b><i> cannot wait</i></b> for their maternity leave to end so that they can get back to the office. They are going crazy, they say, being "stuck" at home with a baby all day. Really??? Well, to each her own. I can understand the need for adult conversation and mentally stimulating activities. I would have no problem finding ways to fill those needs that do not involve full-time employment, thank you very much! And, you know what irks me? How all the articles in parenting magazines and books like <i>What to Expect When Your Expecting</i> try to address the choices mothers make. It always reads something like this: <i>After the baby comes, do you <b>want to</b> return to work full time, work part time or be a full-time mom?</i> Um, hello. What about all of us who have <b><i>had</i></b> to work full time because the cost of living is astronomical and we need health insurance benefits? Surely I'm not the only mother in the world who felt like a Nazi work camp resident being forced to relinquish my baby to virtual strangers while I pulled eight-hour shifts at an office across town. (In truth, I could not fathom doing so, so I arranged for extended maternity leaves and/or compressed work schedules and spent every lunch hour nursing each baby for the first year.) </div><div><br />
</div><div>Someday I may rant about how a culture of full-time working mothers contributes to many of our nation's ills. But, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. So, I guess I'll shut up now and get to work. </div>Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-43980152085873277842011-12-20T09:23:00.000-08:002011-12-21T07:56:11.626-08:00Just say no!Once again, I'm pressed for time, so I'll keep it short and sweet. But today, I'm on vacation, so my schedule is filled with fun stuff like shopping, meeting old coworkers for lunch, taking my toddler to see Santa, and picking up Mom from the airport!<br />
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Today's lesson is about saying no ... how it's okay to do so, and how when you do, people will respect you more. Salespeople — and all kinds of people — ought to appreciate this one, because its a big problem. Here's the deal: I don't know if it's because I live in the South, and here our culture tends to tell us to be pleasant all the time. Or, maybe people took Thumper's mother's advice to heart. (Watch Bambi again if you don't know what I mean.) "If you can't say nothin' nice, then don't say nothin' at all." Okay, yeah, I can see how this applies in many scenarios. But believe me when I tell you there are few things more annoying than being ignored. If you don't want what I'm selling, and I call you, email you, text you, Facebook you, PM you on Twitter, message you on LinkedIn (and I likely will do more than one of these things), please reply and say something like this:<br />
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Thanks, Lisa, for taking the time to tell me about your services and for following up, but I'm just not interested. OR, you might say you aren't interested at this time but to contact you again in six months or next year. It's really that simple. And, if you offer the REAL explanation for why you aren't interested, it can actually help me and my company know how to better serve people like you in the future.<br />
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Believe it or not, I don't really know what to do with no response at all. I wonder, "Did she get my messages?," "Did I somehow offend him?," "Are my products crap?," "Was my sales pitch poor?," and any number of other obsessive thoughts. Also, please don't tell me yes, have me spend hours preparing paperwork, and then when it's time to sign the contract tell me you can't because you have to go to the emergency room. (True story. And it doesn't explain why still, months later, I can't get ANY response from you.)<br />
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To review: Saying no isn't a bad thing. It can be a helpful thing. Ignoring is an annoying and potentially hurtful thing. That is all. Now, on to my fun. Have a great day!Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-74266225141472275152011-12-15T17:38:00.000-08:002011-12-16T08:06:00.459-08:00People are strange, when you're a neighborOkay, I have like five minutes to blog (precluding kid emergencies, computer crashes, power outages or natural disasters). Let's see how I do,<br />
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As the heading suggests, people are strange. And, I'm not just talking strangers, I'm talking about people we know even. Case in point: Someone left a kitten on my doorstep yesterday, WITH a bowl of tuna ... you know, to keep it there. Whoever it was must have fled just moments before I arrived from a morning meeting. Thank GAWD I made a sale at that meeting. (A good sale, that included both Google and CityGrid campaigns!) Because I spent a good chunk of the remainder of the day trying to place it in a good home, while I <b><i>should</i></b> have been working. I figure whoever committed this horrendous act of abandonment knows me. Call me cynical, jaded or whatever you want, but I find it difficult to believe this was a random act. See, I love kitties. It's pretty well known among "friends." I have two cats, a dog (German Shepherd) and a bunch of pond fish, plus, of course, three monkeys. I've harbored other creatures, too. In short, I'm maxed out. I simply cannot care for another living thing.<br />
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In the end, I placed this sweet kitteh boy in a loving home, thanks to Facebook — my favorite communication tool. Still, it's a perfect reflection of the kind of callousness I deal with on a daily basis. By no means am I a religious person, but I do firmly believe in the Golden Rule: Treat your neighbor and you would like to be treated. A deeply empathetic soul, I always try to put myself in the shoes of others and consider how I might respond in different situations. I can honestly say, I can't imagine — regardless of my situation — placing the burden of a homeless kitten on another, against their will. I wonder what would have compelled someone to do this, and I am at a loss. But all is well. If I had more time. I'd compare this to my sales world experiences. Like I said, I'm pressed for time. So, I'll save it for the next post.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I am a happy and compassionate person. I wasn't all that put out by yesterday's episode. But I do wish more people would do the right thing, think before they act, and not expect someone else to take care of their problems. Just sayin'.Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-70923217450153654692011-12-12T09:27:00.000-08:002011-12-12T17:40:35.740-08:00Monday, Monday ... Can't trust that day.Just as soon as I bragged about Mondays in my PJs I realized this is one of those Mondays when I'm actually going to have to get dressed and go somewhere. When you work in sales and someone wants to meet with you, you meet with them whenever and wherever they say. And, that reminds me of something that happened last week. I was, you know, stalking a business owner acquaintance on Facebook, as I'm known to do. It's this guy I've sort of known for years but not all that well, but I know his wife, and our toddlers go to the same Mother's Day Out program. So, what I'm saying it's he's someone I surely would run into sooner or later around town. It's harder for those types to avoid me. (Well, I say that, but you'd be surprised.)<br />
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ANYWHO, I sent this guy a message requesting a meeting, and he agreed. So, I went to his place of business and sat down and talked with him for about an hour. (It doesn't have to take that long, but apparently some people actually <i><b>enjoy</b></i> talking with me.) He decided to buy one of my Internet advertising campaigns, and after we did the paperwork he said something I found funny. He told me, "You know, when I agreed to meet with you I didn't really think I was going to be interested, but now that we've talked I really am!" That really got me thinking. I think there are a lot of people out there like this guy ... people who would be interested in what I offer if only they'd take the time to listen to what I have to say. I wish more people would agree to meet with me just to humor me (LOL) and then discover that what I've got is actually worthwhile. I think I'm going to tell this story to the folks who refuse to let me in — that is, IF I can even get them to tell me no. (More commonly, I simply am ignored). We shall see how that goes. The bigger lesson, which I touched on in my first blog post, is, of course, to keep the door open. If someone wants to meet with you, do it! You never know what you might learn or how your life may be enriched by the experience. (This is a general rule, and there are exceptions. For example, never accept a meeting invitation from Celine Dion, Nancy Grace or the Grim Reaper.)<br />
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Okey-doke. I didn't really have time to blog today what with all the getting dressed and going to meet with a business owner I've got to do. Plus, it's cold calling day! (Hooray.) But once I get something in my mind it nags at me until I get it out. Happy Monday everyone ... every last one of you six followers I've got so far, one of which is me! =-DHuman Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612645992959948231.post-70833255507898362062011-12-09T19:07:00.000-08:002011-12-09T19:07:50.114-08:00And now, for the moment only I have been waiting for ...Once upon a time I was a professional writer. Flash forward to now, three kids and a big mortgage later. What have a learned? We live in a society that does not value writers. Now, don't get me wrong. Are there writers out there who make a good living, who have profitable careers as writers, and who aren't miserable doing so? Sure. I hear these people exist. I see celebrated journalists taking the media by storm. I see bestsellers on the shelves of the surely-soon-to-be-defunct bookstores. Hell, I'll admit, I even know a few folks who seem relatively happy and somewhat "successful" in writing careers (although I'm certain none are paid what they're worth, and many have other jobs to supplement their income). But mostly what I see are talented writers taking jobs as teachers or marketing directors as a means of payroll improvement, if that's any indication of underpayment in the field. I see them going back to school for different, more lucrative degrees than English or journalism. I see them moving away from my fairly affluent mid-sized city to larger markets where pay scales are better. Seldom do I see them rising to a level of income, without taking one of these other routes, that's suitable to support a family. I'm sure occasionally a writer gets that big break that propels them into — not luxury, mind you — but comfort. But I don't know those writers. Those writers are the stuff of dreams and legends; and, frankly, I grew tired of toiling in Hell, waiting for the dream to happen.<br />
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So, what did I do? I crossed over to the dark side. That's right. I moved into sales. But before you judge, let me explain. Yes, I am now a pariah in modern American society. I am one of those people who has the nerve — no, the audacity — to call you and ask for an appointment. I want, desperately, to show you my wares (well, my virtual wares), and you avoid me like the plague, which is kind of confusing for me. After all, I don't want your firstborn child. I don't want your life, your youth, your knowledge or your ideas. I mean you no harm. In fact, I want to help! Truth be told, I could never, EVER, sell anything I didn't consider a good product that actually HELPED people. I'm not REALLY a salesperson. I'm an actress playing the part of a salesperson because it's better than being a writer, and that's the only other thing I know, besides being a mother, and a person, just like you.<br />
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I've joked (only half joked, really) about forming a nonprofit called Down With People. It would be sort of like Up With People, if you're familiar with that, only the skits and songs would be about what assholes people are instead of all the uplifting, empowering stuff. Because let me tell you, my friends (who surely are the only people reading this), people ARE assholes, especially to salespeople. Even people who used to seem nice are assholes when you're in sales. Not all people, mind you. If all of them were, then I wouldn't make any sales at all, and I'd have lost my job months ago. But many, many people are. When you're a salesperson, they think it's okay to ignore you. They don't return your calls and emails. They even lie, making up the most preposterous excuses for not meeting with you. It's surprising, even full-on weird, how people who seemed nice before, are cold and evasive. And, then you run into them at the grocery store. Yes. I spend much of my time these days in The Twilight Zone. So, why? Why do I do it?<br />
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I work from home. I don't have to show up to an office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or later) like I used to. Yet, I get a salary, plus commission on sales, and benefits. (Take THAT, my writer friends!) On Mondays, I usually can work in my pajamas, making cold calls to set up meetings for the rest of the week. Before you get too jealous, though, understand that making cold calls is something like standing naked on a stage while people (some of whom you know casually and will see at the grocery store later) hurl tomatoes at you. NOBODY likes a cold caller. People will say ANYTHING to avoid meeting with you. You're lucky if you get past the gatekeeper. Occasionally you get hung up on. It sucks. But, again, I might be in my pajamas. My toddler might even be watching Dora in the next room. So, I grin and bear it. Okay, Sometimes I grimace and gnash my teeth. Rarely, I cry. But you get the point. I get to be at home. I can put a load of laundry in and start dinner whenever I want. I can greet the air conditioner repair guy, receive the UPS package and hang out with my dog, so ... you know ... I deal. The rest of the week I can set my appointments whenever I like. If my 9-year-old has an event at school, I just don't make an appointment at that time. And if my middle school student calls claiming she's sick (again, when I think she's probably not really), I can pick her up, bring her home and go about my business ... no clocking out, no boss to tell. It's cool.<br />
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But before you call me a slacker, let me make it known that sometimes I'm up checking email at 6 a.m. And, often I'm doing paperwork at 10 p.m. Much of the time, I don't take a real lunch. I have a lunch meeting, or I scarf down a bowl of cereal or leftovers from the night before while preparing for a 1:00 meeting. Or, I might be so busy I don't eat at all. So, it all equals out. I work a good 40 hours. It just isn't confined to the typical 8 to 5. (Whatever happened to 9 to 5, anyway?) For me, it isn't a matter of being preferable. At this point in my life it's the only thing that's doable. I have friends — maybe even some of you reading this now — who work traditional full-time jobs, raise children, maintain relationships with your spouses, keep a decent household, and you're fine with it ... maybe even HAPPY with it. If so, kudos to you! I mean this very sincerely. I admire you! You are amazing! But it's just not for me. With three children, including a toddler, I cannot even fathom braving the daily grind anymore the way it used to be. Even now, with a flexible schedule, I don't feel like I keep up with everything well ... the job, the kids, the marriage, the pets, the housework. I'm in over my head! But I make it work the best I can, and I'm extremely grateful for the many blessings bestowed on me in this life. I don't feel sorry for myself, and I don't criticize anyone for making different choices than mine. Everyone's different, and that's okay.<br />
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So, why have a launched this blog? Because I'm a writer. Duh! =-D I miss writing. It's what I love. It's what I know. It's not only that, though. I want to remind people to be kind. More than anything else since becoming a (dreaded) salesperson, I have realized how callous human beings can be. So often, they're too busy and too focused on what they already believe, what they KNOW, to let others in ... to connect with other human beings ... to learn something new. Let me leave you with this thought: If someone wants to meet with you — whatever the reason — accept the invitation. You just never know what doors it might open. They may have something to offer that can help you, and if not you personally, then someone else you know. You may realize you have something to offer that helps them. You may even make a new friend. (It's happened to me!) Besides, what do you have to lose? Maybe 15 minutes of your precious day? For expanding your circle and enriching your life, it's a small price to pay.Human Beinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13628273440735209768noreply@blogger.com4