How to make your job work for you

It is true that there are a lot of people out there who say they're unhappy with their jobs. I sometimes feel like I live at work, but do I hate my job? No, not at all. I'm lucky in many ways. I try to see the mixed bag of pros and cons, and make it have more positives than negatives. And I've also realized that if something is not working, maybe it's my fault. Maybe I can do something to make it work better. Sometimes all that's required is a new perspective. I'm not saying you have to act like you love something that you don't. But you can find a way to make it through the difficulties with a better attitude about it. That is something you actually have control over. You don't have control over someone else's agenda. You can't control other people's expectations. But you can control how you react to them. You can control whether you let them bother you or not.

I've realized that there are many, many things that I can't control. I have limited control what others do. I can influence them in their behavior by being an example to them, but I can't MAKE them do anything. They also have their own agenda. They may not agree with mine. They may not do things exactly the way I think they should, but maybe they'll find a way that works better for them. And maybe that method will get the job done better than what I proposed. I'm not meaning to undermine my abilities in any way. I know what works for me. But everyone is different. Maybe my method will hold someone else back when it helps me to excel. So, it looks like one thing even experienced pros need to do is learn to be flexible. And let some things go. I've found that it definitely helps keep the blood pressure under control.

Are you what you do?

Yes and no. You are most known for what you do, though, and the value you can add to the world for doing it. Are you making a difference through your profession? If you don't feel that you are, then maybe you need to rethink things. Do I feel like what I do makes a difference? Yes, I do. Is it important? Yes, it is. Could the world keep turning without me? Of course! But is the world and my profession better with me in it? Yes, it is. If you can answer this way, then you're doing something right. Maybe you're not getting recognized as much as you think you should, but it's possible that your clients love you. Maybe you've helped people, and have made their lives better with what you've provided for them. Take the goodness that's inside you and make something great out of it. Use the skills you have to help people meet their needs and in the quickest amount of time possible.

Work is not entertainment

Let's get real here. It's work. If it was fun all the time, that's what it would be called. But it's called work for a reason. If you happen to have fun while you're working, consider that a bonus, not a requirement. We're programmed to only do what feels good to us. To only do what feels comfortable. But if you're only doing what feels good and comfortable, are you really growing? Probably not. If you're uncomfortable, maybe it's because you're expanding your set of skills. Maybe your status quo has been challenged, and you're being forced to perform at a higher level. Maybe you're being required to work harder. And that's uncomfortable, isn't it? And it's not fun sometimes, but it's not meant to be. It's meant to help you grow. If the end result is that you've achieved more than you ever did before you forced yourself to be uncomfortable, then that discomfort has served a purpose.

Attitude is everything

A great attitude will most likely get you far. It will not only make your clients love you, but your entire team. If you have other people on your side, they'll back you up when you need them the most. They'll help you win. And they'll be happy for you when you win, too! Because you were good with them. Your boss can forgive a lot of things, and you'd be surprised how forgiving people can be of your imperfections. You can be forgiven for practically anything if you've got a great attitude. Employers want to keep people who are compliant, punctual, and who do their jobs with a smile. Who are willing to help add value in some way without being asked. Your attitude will determine your level of success. Yes, your skills are necessary to make you successful. I have so many skills that have helped me stay employed with my company for a long time. But my attitude is the only thing that kept me there. The ONLY thing.


Thanks for stopping by...CC

New Sales.Simplified Book Review

By Mike Weinberg

I have never done a book review on my blog before. This is the very first for me, and I am honored to do it, because of the fact that New Sales.Simplified is a great book! I have been reading Mike Weinberg's blog for some time now, and he addresses issues that salespeople face while prospecting quite passionately. He gives practical, and easy to follow tips on how to build new business with prospects in the shortest amount of time.

I have hoped for a while that he would elaborate even more on the topic of New Business Development, because it's one of my main interests. And right when I was hoping to see more from him on this subject, his new book is being released. Mike has chosen a great niche, because of the fact that New Business Development is one of the most neglected areas of the sales process for a lot of salespeople. It is also, by far, the most critical to master. He takes you step by step through the process, and helps you to realize that it is really not as daunting as a lot of people think it is. We just make it more complicated than it has to be.

There are a lot of salespeople who are new to the field, short on training, and whose companies are short on resources. I highly recommend this book for the new salesperson, who wants to be effective at prospecting as quickly as possible. New Sales.Simplified addresses that need, while also providing tips on how to cut through all the noise and ineffective practices that are just a plain waste of time.


In reading Mike's book, I could tell it was going to be worth reading all the way through. It is filled with detailed tips on winning new business, not just doing what salespeople have been doing for far too long; relying on existing accounts to get them by. Its focus is on fundamentals. The basic set of skills that every salesperson needs to be effective, especially in the initial phases. It seems that this book is right on time, and has arrived to fill a much needed, back to basics approach for building new business.

You can take a look at Mike's new book here: http://www.amazon.com/New-Sales-Simplified


Thanks for stopping by...CC

                                                                         

The perils of public speaking (and how to avoid them)

Occasionally, I've been required to speak in front of large groups for my job. This is in no way a favorite thing of mine to do. However, I have gotten really good at giving these types of presentations. I wanted to share what I have learned about speaking in public, and how to get past obstacles that may be holding you back in this area.


Fact: 75% of people have some kind of anxiety when it comes to speaking in public.


Don't let it become a phobia

For some reason, avoidance is a common way of handling the public speaking experience for a lot of people. The reason why they do this is because they are scared. And the truth is that fear can be mastered, if you face it. And only if you face it. If you avoid what makes you fearful, you become more fearful. If you face the fear, you realize it was silly to be scared of something so harmless. That facing fears is something required to be successful. And that it takes courage to succeed.


Don't avoid the inevitable

There comes a time in everyone's life when they have to face the music. Everyone will have to speak publicly at some point in their lives. That being said, that is not the time to speak for the first time in ten years. If you've been practicing getting up in front of an audience, that time when you have to get up will be much easier. Because you've forced yourself to get up before that, and it wasn't so bad. You know you can handle it.

Public speaking is the one skill that elevates the more successful individuals, and sets them apart. Not everyone is willing to do it, and the ones who speak regularly are seen as leaders. Public speaking is a vital element of leadership. It opens up a lot of doors (and windows) of opportunity. It would be sad to miss out on a great opportunity, only because of an unwillingness to speak in front of an audience. That is not a good enough reason to miss out on great possibilities in life.

Know where to look

One of the biggest morale busters while public speaking is looking at too many people. I know that might sound weird, but it's true. This is a recipe for loosing your cool quickly. You have to know where to look, and who to look at. And in which way. Don't look for a response from everyone. You are mainly there to talk about your point, not to catch facial expressions of people watching you. This could make you become paranoid, and forget what to say. It could throw you off, especially if you catch someone doing something negative, like rolling their eyes or doing something disrespectful.

Limit your focus on what you're saying, and look at the important people in the room. If your boss is there, look at him or her. Seek out people who are responding positively to what you're saying. Audio will be your cue where to look. Look where you hear a positive response to your message. Not everywhere. It will help you stay focused on what's important. Your message. And connecting with the people who are really there to hear it.

Know your topic

I've found that speaking in public gets much easier if I have an outline in my mind of what I'm going to talk about. If I really know my subject. This is where preparation comes in. There is simply no way to get around this. If you know what you're going to talk about, you will be much less nervous. You will feel more confident and strong. And realize that this is something you can do more often.


Don't get overly confident

This is where so many people fail. They have given successful presentations in the past, and now they think they can just show up. That they don't have to prepare. This is a sure recipe for disaster! You ALWAYS have to prepare. Always! Always! There is no way around it. Spend time thinking about, and writing out what what you want to talk about. Go over it many times. Rehearse. Anticipate questions from your audience. And when you think you're done preparing, make sure to go over everything again. And maybe even once more. You can never be too prepared. And you should never think you don't have to. You always do.

Just do it

One of the worst enemies of great public speaking is hesitation. When faced with a choice, the easy way out is not really the easy way. It leaves you with a sense of dissatisfaction and doubt. Actually getting up and speaking is so much easier than avoiding it. And gives you a new sense of belief in yourself. Speak up the next time you have an opportunity to do so. You will find it benefits you in many ways.




Thanks for stopping by...CC

Arrogance is annoying...

I am getting tired of all the arrogance I see on the net. Social media sites like Twitter get on my nerves sometimes. Not because they're fast paced, or because they are business platforms. I love them for that. It's because when I read people's profiles, I sometimes feel a need to head to the bathroom and throw up...

Arrogance is not cute

If you are the top anything, that is great. If you've accomplished great things, that's wonderful. I just don't want to hear about how wonderful you are and all the bragging rights you have in your profile. I feel like if it's really true about you, it will reveal itself over time. Yeah, tell me about a couple of your accomplishments in your profile. That's fine. I need to know something about you in order to be interested in following you. However, please don't think that I care about all of your amazing feats if that is all you want to talk about, and not offer anything to help me be better.

Help without bragging

We all have something to offer. I have accomplished some great things. Things that I don't feel like I need to tell anyone in order for them to like or follow me. That's right. I don't mention all of my accomplishments in my profiles. I don't want to make people sick to their stomachs. I want to help them be better. I want them to benefit from what I do on the net, not get sick of me talking about how great I think I am. Because I don't think I am...

A touch of humility...

Goes a long way. Whether in a conversation, or in your online profiles. If you want me to follow you, please don't call yourself a "guru." That sounds too much like goulash, and I don't like that either. If you really are an expert, you won't have to say it at all. Your followers will see it in everything you do and say.


Thanks for stopping by...CC

Image courtesy of mattwkane.com

How to create #SEO for your blog

Plant the tree

and remember...


It takes time.


Attract the right audience

With the right information

What is your audience looking for? What are they seeking? Provide that for them, and generously...

Remember what's important

Remember that you are catering to a certain audience. Not everyone is going to like what you write about. And everyone liking what you write is not required. You aren't blogging for that reason. You are blogging about a certain topic because you are an expert on that topic, and you want to share your knowledge. You want to teach others, and help those who will benefit from what you know. Remember that not everyone will get it, and that is okay. Better to have a couple hundred real fans, than a million who don't get what you do, or just think you are 'okay.'

Backlinks

Visit other websites on similar topics, and leave comments. Engage. It will attract new followers back to your blog, and let others know who you are.


Social media marketing

Market your blog on all of your social media platforms. All of them. It's free advertising for your blog, and is worth the investment of your time.



Triberr


Join Triberr. I can't stress this enough. Perfect example: before I joined Triberr, I had an audience, but now I have a major Google presence. And it's mostly because of my great tribe members sharing my posts. If you are invited to join a tribe, you should not hesitate. Accept the invitation. You will see how much it will benefit you, and pretty quickly. It is also a great way to get RTs (re-tweets) on Twitter, which send your optimization through the roof..



Regular posting


If you don't post regularly, your blog probably won't get enough traffic to create #SEO. I would recommend posting at least once a week, and more if you can swing it. Every time you post something new, it registers across the entire web. I've even noticed my Klout scores go up if I put up a new blog post. And the more #SEO you get, the higher your Klout score, too. Something to consider, if that is important to you.  


#Keywords and #hashtags

But not too many. You don't want to get keyword and hashtag happy. Just try to emphasize the main point of your blog post by mentioning whatever keyword you want to show up on search engines three times. Hashtags are keywords with a number sign in front of them, and they were created for Twitter users to easily show up in search. A great way to get noticed..


Watch it grow

At the beginning of this post, I said it takes time. And I'm really not kidding. I started this blog 2 yrs. ago, and it's just becoming successful. That should tell you a lot. It's not going to happen overnight. It's probably not going to happen in a few months. You gradually build your optimization over time, until you see the fruits of your labor.



Thanks for stopping by...CC

What it means to lead...

As I sit at a table with my mother, she is showing me how to paint. I am not doing so well, and keep muddling the colors together. She gently starts guiding me. Giving me tips on how to use color. How this and that need to be done. I start making another mistake, and she gently gives me more guidance. You can tell she wants me to get this.

She has been painting for a long time, entering her art in art shows. Helping other people to develop a love for watercolors. So, I finally agreed to paint with her. She had asked me many times, and tried to encourage me to paint. I thought I couldn't paint, until now. And I realized something else, too. That my mother is a leader. For years, I misunderstood her gentle nature. But I realized she wanted me to learn when I was ready...

A real leader does not bully

Anyone can spout off orders. Can threaten to take people's jobs away if they don't perform up to 'their' standard. Anyone can get angry and shout at people. To instill fear in others is not leadership. Intimidating people into behaving a certain way is not leadership. It's just bullying.

Anyone can be a bully. Bullies use brute strength instead of strategy. They use fear tactics that lower morale, instead of speaking to people respectfully. In ways that motivate them, and encourage them to perform at their best. Bullies don't know how to do that. Leaders do.

Show me someone with great leadership abilities, and I guarantee you they trust their employees. They give them the tools to do their jobs, but trust that they will do them right. In their own way. The way that works for them. They don't micro-manage, and they don't hover.

Real leaders have courage

A true leader inspires others to love, because they love themselves. They encourage and inspire. Inspiring others means you are inspiring. In the choices that you make. The words you use. The way you think. It means you put yourself on the front line, ready to fight with your men...to win (or lose) the battle side by side.


They don't just accept the way things are


Just because something is 'standard protocol' does not mean it is the only way. True leaders know this. Not everyone does things the same way. They come up with new ways to improve what is being done. To change what is not working. They are instruments of positive change.


They know how to delegate

Let's face it. There is a lot on our plates. Why add more, when it's not necessary? True leaders know how to assign tasks. They also know their own personal limitations.

They keep a clear head

If you act confused, and show a lack of confidence, it affects the people you are leading. Prepare yourself for a tough job ahead. Know that it will be difficult, and be willing to face it with strength. Be prepared with a set of answers to possible questions. Know how to explain what you want your team to accomplish, and by what time.

They teach

They understand there's a deeper sense of purpose to what they're doing. That their expertise is also a responsibility to help others. That they've been given gifts to share, not just hold to themselves. Or to waste. And they share those gifts unselfishly...


Thanks for stopping by...CC

Image courtesy of www.calivas.com

How to survive a job in public relations...

Public relations: definition~1. the actions of a corporation, store, government, or individual, in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc. 2. the art, technique, or profession of promoting such goodwill.

The juggling act

Public relations can be daunting, especially when you are such a busy person. You probably have so many things to do at the same time you're even reading this article, let alone doing your job. And yet, you're taking the time to read it, because it might help you in some way. I hope it does.


In dealing with the public, we are putting ourselves on the line every day. It takes a spirit of courage to even try to do it, because there are so many different types of people that we serve. So many different personalities we face, and possible problems that could arise.


Multi-tasking, I've found, is not a friend to PR. It divides our focus, so that we aren't able to concentrate on helping people. On actually listening to them. And solving potential problems, or actual problems they are asking us to solve. It makes you less intelligent than you really are, especially in a social sense. And PR is social at the very core.


Ways to facilitate good PR practices

Customer surveys
Marketing
Blogging
Social media
Customer reviews
Store meetings
Newsletters
Special events
Shared community projects (community relations)
Philanthropy

Community service

Understanding people is vital to good public relations. That we are all part of an extended community, and have a responsibility to help each other. To make things better for each other. Understanding that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. PR should focus on ways to improve experiences for the community. Ways to make it better. At times, you might be part of a larger PR campaign to improve relations and collaboration between your company and other neighborhood businesses. i.e. other businesses that share the same mall or space. The same block. You might be included in projects to make the customer experience better and the area safer for customers and employees. All of this is part of PR.


When things go awry

Customer complaints. Fingernails on a chalk board? Okay. Take a deep breath, because you can't make everyone like you. But you surely can control how you and your company are perceived. You CAN control how that customer feels about you and your handling of them when they walk away. Even if you feel that they were wrong. How you handle a difficult or unhappy customer can make or break your company's PR efforts.

And remember,  it's the little things that matter. A kind word goes a long way. Gestures of good will,  no matter how small, can make the difference in whether or not you become known for providing quality customer experiences. Good PR is a skill that can be learned. And remember, there is the customer's side, then there's your company's and your employees side. And a good mediator is one who is able to find a middle ground. Under which is truth and resolution.

Outwit outplay outlast

PR can sometimes feel like a game of survivor. There are so many things to balance. But at this tribal council, the best way to stay in the game is to think ahead. To really trouble shoot before anyone starts to get remotely upset. If you think there's even a slight possibility you've bothered someone by something you've done, apologize. Make them smile. Say something that will lighten their heart. To make their day better. That's how you want them to remember you and your company, when all is said and done. That you made their burden lighter, and solved their problem. 


Thanks for stopping by...CC

The business of empathy...

Empathy~definition: The ability to understand another person’s circumstances, point of view, thoughts, and feelings.

Why it's important

There are good reasons to have empathy. Not just in doing business, but in all aspects of life. Sometimes it's hard to see things as others see them. I am still working on this at times. It's impossible to fully understand the extent of what someone else is going through, because there are so many things we keep hidden. We have gotten really good at hiding our feelings and bad experiences, and presenting only what we want people to see.

That's why it's so important to be compassionate if another person actually does open up to you, and tell you something. In my job, I have heard so many heartbreaking stories of every day people. Things I'm pretty sure they didn't share with too many others. But they chose to share with me because they trusted me. That's huge. For someone to trust you with a very personal piece of information, and something that has hurt them very deeply. It means they are thinking of you as a friend.

It also means it's time to take off the business hat, and just be a human talking to another human. I've been told not to touch people, that it's not a necessary part of the job. That it's too personal. It could cause a lawsuit, etc. That's just not acceptable to me. If someone is hurting, my natural instinct is to care enough to try to comfort them. And the instinct to reach out to another person who is hurting should be rewarded, not criticized. We all need to be loved and cared about. And there are times when you need to throw out that stupid rule book, and just be a person caring about another person.

How it fits into the business world

There are times when we are expected to meet our numbers. To push and push until we're exhausted. I have to meet quota every day. It can be very taxing if you don't take things one day at a time. Overwhelming, in fact. That's why I've learned to sometimes take things hour by hour. Sales is definitely challenging work, and not for people who are easily disturbed. You have to have nerves of steel, and an even tougher will. It is always in the back of our minds. Which sometimes makes you feel like you're rushing to beat the clock. Don't make the mistake of rushing to take care of your customers, though.

I know it can be difficult. I've gone through all of it, and for a long time. But I've learned that if I just slow down and listen, I find out everything I need to know to help the person in front of me. I think you probably realize I'm not the average salesperson. I know about business, and I have a lot of other skills. All of these things are things I've taught myself. Forced myself to learn. And one of the main things I also learned very early on was that, if you don't have the ability to relate to others, you aren't going to make it very far in life. 

Empathy is vital in every aspect of our lives, from our marriages to our relationships with our colleagues. Our relationships with our clients require empathy, and painstaking attention to detail if we want them to last. Listening to the customer, and understanding what they really need. It takes caring and empathy. Sometimes they could talk to you about something having nothing to do with business. Sometimes, they might even cry about something they are going through. It happens. They could tell you some things that shock you or break your heart. The best thing to do in that situation is just to listen. To let them get out what they need to say. To show them that you care about them. At that point, you don't need to be thinking about business, just the business of being empathetic.

The new business acumen

There's only so much you can learn from a book. They're just words on paper. The author may have translated an experience, or something they wanted you to feel. But it's up to the you, the reader, to interpret the deeper meaning of what was intended. 

Business in a book is different than business in the real world. Two totally different experiences. Business in theory is completely different than dealing with actual human beings in real life. And in real time. Real politics. Actually getting your hands dirty, doing the work is different than reading or fantasizing about what it could be like. It's going to break your heart. But it's also going to make you better at understanding just what that person standing in front of you is going through. Because you've been there.

Same thing with our feelings as human beings. We feel very passionately. It is part of being human. We have such deep feelings, and we keep a lot of them hidden. A lot of us are going through some terrible things. Things we can't even talk about. But we're going through them. Every day. We hurt deeply. Not just us, but the whole of humanity feels the same things we as individuals are feeling right this very second. 

Humans are sensitive creatures, who are fine tuned to feel. We are deeply affected by the feelings and actions of others. We are biologically made to feel the feelings of others. It is in our DNA. And we can't help but incorporate that into everything we do. When we do business with another person, we want to know that they understand what we need. At least on some level. That they can relate to us. That they feel what we feel. That they are human, too. We can't do business with people who are closed off, who give one word answers. Who don't have to ability to look us in the eye and smile. It makes us doubt if they can be trusted. And we need to trust those we do business with. Those we choose to invite into our lives. Those who invite us into theirs.

Thanks for stopping by...CC

Why we love to...

Goals in blogging

What are they? Objectives in blogging...they ARE important, you know. I knew when I started this blog that I wanted to help salespeople to sell better. I wanted to help them to grow, and to be proud to be in sales. To look at it as a legit profession, and to own it. That was objective number one.

I also wanted to see if I could expand on what I already knew. And if you do any blogging for an extended period of time, you always expand on what you know. You have to, because each blog post requires you to do your own extended research. Blogging is a great way to learn while you are also teaching others about subjects they are interested in.

To continue, you have to like writing. It's as simple as that. If you hate writing, blogging is not for you. You won't continue to write if you have a distaste for it. But for some people, writing is like breathing. They can't go a day without writing something creative. And blogging is perfect for people who love to create.


There are other ones, too

Other reasons why people write. One of them being a desire to start a business, to market their business, and to make money. They blog to get writing assignments that can earn them extra income. Some bloggers write to proliferate their web presence, and to grow their customer base. They want to add to their current clientele.

Some people build a business on the internet, but most have other irons in the fire. And their internet marketing, or their blogging, is used to enhance their other business ventures. Still, others blog simply for enjoyment. For the sharing aspect, and for being able to give back to their community.

For whatever reason you choose to blog, I hope you decide to take it up. And if you're already blogging, please continue to keep that amazing content flowing. This is a free form of art that needs to be kept alive and thriving. I would love to see blogging grow even more, because I've discovered so many great people through blogging. Another great aspect of blogging is the communities you build with others who share the same love for this art form. Let's keep it alive.


Thanks for stopping by...CC

The boomerang effect...

Mastering the throw

If you throw a boomerang correctly, it is designed to turn back in your direction, landing right where you initially threw it. Hmmm. If you throw it correctly, and if you stay standing in the same spot. If you throw at approximately a 45 degree angle, instead of throwing it too far up in the air, and crashing it to the ground, breaking your beloved boomerang into bits. If you don't hold your hands awkwardly when it returns back to you, so as not to injure you fingers. A delicate process indeed. These guys make it look too easy. Same thing as when you see an expert seller at work.


Case in point

I have seen this happen so many times in my job. Personally, I am not one of those pushy salespeople who tries to pester people into buying from me. I don't have to. I just offer them something I know they're not going to find if they go around the corner into another department. Me. My help. My sincerity. I make them remember the way I spoke to them. I'm not going to give away my dialogue, but it always works. And even if they walk away, they come back to me.


If they like you...

They'll come back. The question is...did you make yourself likable to them? Did you offer them something they couldn't find anywhere else? Did you make them feel comfortable, and customize your conversation to their specific needs?


Differentiate

Listen to them. This is one way to set yourself apart. If they tell you something, and you remember it. And then incorporate it into a statement meant to assess what they are really looking for. What they need that maybe they didn't even know they really needed. Something that may even be a better fit than what they had initially chosen. If you remember their name without them having to repeat it, that is huge. Most people are terrible with names, and calling a person by name at least a couple times during that initial meeting will really make them appreciate you.

Sometimes, a customer will need more time to think things over. They might not be sure about investing the money, or that your solution is best for their needs. They might need more time to check things out. But as long as you make them remember you, and you have a positive attitude, they will probably come back to you.


Patience and trust

That's what it takes. For you to believe in your customer. For you to believe they WILL do what they say. Not getting upset, and scowling, while muttering about how inconsiderate they are for not coming back. Wait a minute. They ARE coming back. You know that, right? Because you talked to them in a way they respected. That made them remember you. And even though they may try to meander through a maze of other salespeople, they will ultimately spin back around to the place where you are standing. Because you made them remember you. And they didn't get that from anyone else.


Thanks for stopping by...CC

The chopping block theory...

If you've ever had the "pleasure" of having to catch and slaughter your own food, you've probably noticed that animals do not like to be taken to slaughter. Understandably so. Who likes putting their neck on a chopping block, and letting someone chop off their head? A rather uncomfortable thought, but please don't leave just yet. There's a point to this...


We humans, being the highest level of primate, have also developed an aversion for putting ourselves in danger. We tend to avoid the possible embarrassment of having to take risks. We like to be safe and comfortable. We like structure, and to seem like we know everything. We don't like the discomfort of trying something new. The problem is, if we avoid discomfort, we stay the same.


There has to be a certain level of fear for us to be called "brave." How can you be called courageous if you don't have to face some kind of demon along the way? To stare yourself down, and make yourself do something you never thought you could do. That's courage. Part of that is putting yourself on the line, and taking responsibility. For whatever it is you put your signature on. Take responsibility. Sometimes, just starting something is a sign of a courageous spirit. Of leadership. Accountability.


You make yourself vulnerable to your critics. You also set yourself apart, and have to run ahead of the pack, where you could get picked off first. You are the biggest threat. You are also the biggest asset. And everyone can see it. It is who you are. Your neck is out in front, ahead of everyone else.


"Stick your neck out every once in a while. It may get chopped off, but that's not very likely. Chances are, you will reach the finish line first."


Thanks for stopping by...CC

The lack of amazing customer service...

My guest post for salescrunch.com

http://blog.salescrunch.com/the-lack-of-amazing-customer-service

~CC