“You guys are all the same…”
If you sell, odds are, you have heard this phrase before. How do you overcome this objection? The standard, “We’re different! Our people set us apart! Our Safety! Our Commitment to Excellence! Our Processes! Our name, Our reputation, Our Clients!”
mmm, she’s probably heard that before from the last sales person that was in there before you. So what makes YOU different? What truly separates you from the rest?
A need to demonstrate your operational excellence is required not just for clients but also for your employees-yes, this much is true. But there is more to it now. In times like now where things not only have to be cheap, but they also have to have value; we need to enhance our services to a point of not only setting a high standard, but continually breaking the mold every day.
When you learn what it is that sets you apart, it’s critical to capitalize on it, enhance it, share it, heck, even give it away. Create opportunities to showcase what makes you different, better, special.
Trust me, once you discover it within yourself, it will be almost effortless for others to see it as well. Then they will be calling you, asking you to help them. Referring you to their friends, families, and colleagues.
New Year’s resolution
The time is here when we get barraged with the pressure filled question, “Have you written up your resolutions yet?”
Well? Have you?
If you’re anything like me, you’re waiting for the absolute last minute of the year to come up with a list of items that are doable and don’t overwhelm you. Preparation is key to any endeavor, but most especially when it comes to goal setting.
Still with this in mind you might find it hard to just sit down and write them down. It could be because sometimes, even with the best intentions some of the best laid plans just don’t come to fruition.
“But Nohemi” you ask, “How do I ensure that my list doesn’t get forgotten or downright ignored? and more importantly how do I stay motivated when my goals/visions aren’t materializing?” Here are some tips to keep you on track…
- Start Small-Small steps/Small goals=HUGE gains!
- Celebrate even the small successes
- Hang with like minded, goal oriented people
- Read/Educate yourself-Keep your mind sharp/always learning
- Keep your list visible -and once you have reached a goal, check it off
- Update your list-Review it regularly, Edit it, Reword it. Your ideas change throughout the year which means your goals might need revamping too
- Revamp your vision board-A fresh roadmap is the easiest way to visualize your goals
- Have a goal buddy-someone that nudges you, motivates you and keeps you on track
- Keep a diary. List your resolutions and write down daily tasks that brought you closer to your goals!
- Keep it REAL!!! The biggest mistake we make is to create goals that are so huge they overwhelm us and ultimately paralyze us from the start!!
Remember, a new years resolution is a personal commitment we make that directly affects our lifestyle in a positive manner. A yearly resolve to improve your life and get you that much closer to the long term goals-at work and at home!
2010 shows a lot of promise, but we need to get those goals clear in our minds (and on paper/vision board) and take action steps towards success!
Reflection
As I sit amidst the flurries of “thank you’s” that are going around like a warm fuzzy blanket, a feeling of melancholy takes over. If you are anything like me, it’s an actual mixture of memories, tradition, and reflection.
I, personally, am reminded of all the many people responsible for putting a smile on my face. Adding calmness, solutions and order to my day – humor, peace, and friendship to my life.
Who in your life has been able to provide you with this level of comfort?
I don’t think those people realize just how much they can impact our day and ultimately how they can be directly responsible for us providing the same to the next person we speak with – the next person we email – the next passerby we greet on the street.
If we practice simple acts of kindness on a regular basis, we will all be connected in the common purpose of spreading love. Have you ever considered how often you see genuine kindness from others? Would you agree that cheer, joy, and messages of encouragement are needed all year round not just during the holiday?
If you answered YES; all that remains is action!
Here’s a list of things you can do to help lift someone (or your own) spirits that are very simple in nature…
- Smile
- Sharing
- A kind note
- Music
- A helping hand
- A random act of kindness
- Undivided Attention
- A surprise visit
- Running an errand for someone
- Make yourself happy.
The truest way to share happiness is by first making yourself happy.
A day in the life of a volunteer…
“It’s 7:30am, half hour before my day starts at work, but today I’m not heading to work. I’m starting my day a little different than usual. I have a quick debate in my head, “Starbucks or head straight to Volunteering?” Volunteering wins.
Before entering the gym we (volunteers) get our temperatures taken to make sure we don’t have a fever. We take a pump of hand sanitizer and wait in the church for the rally to start.
As I’m waiting, I quickly realize that most of the volunteers aren’t my age, they’re older actually. And I ask myself, “is it really that my age group doesn’t have the time to volunteer or is it that they lack the desire? Or is it more about opportunity?”
As the clients come into the church I recognize a few faces from the community. They were asked very personal questions, then asked about services they required-essentially, what brings them here. Questions that aren’t usually asked of a stranger. (Humility steps in)
A few people said to me that this was perfect timing…they needed help with rent.
…I don’t need help with rent
I had another gentleman say, ” I just need to get car seats for my kids, I don’t need anything for myself I just want to take care of my kids needs”
…I don’t need anything for my children
A parent who recently lost a job
…another thing I don’t have to worry about
Volunteering means opening up your heart and giving of your time…
Listening means that your heart may hurt afterwards…
Either way I gave of myself unselfishly and I feel good about sharing my time with those needing help.”
Juana Moreno
Millennials aka Echo Boomers
Last week we sponsored the NCHRA Wine Conference and I had the opportunity to attend some seminars. One of them titled, “Branding for Millennials”.
As I was listening to Suzi Potts go over some defining factors..
- Experts say it’s the group born between 1978 and 1995 (yet there is no definitive agreement)
- Children of Baby Boomers
- Younger siblings of Gen Xers
- Techno Savvy
- Ultra Connected
- Global, civic, and community minded…and so much more to add to the list!
it suddenly dawned on me that they were talking about me and my age group.
Really guys? Really? Are we so complicated that there are seminars out there showing business folks/HR Managers how to engage us? I was a little apprehensive, but that initial feeling quickly subsided as I realized that this was a great opportunity to learn about the perceived communication challenges.
We’ve grown up in a world of video games, constant messaging-IM, emails, and social networks. We’re impatient with the lag in communication as we aren’t accustomed. We are used to fast results and faster answers. We are multi-taskers, enjoy an array of choices and are actually turned off by lack of them. We like products and services that are customized to fit our needs, personalized if you will.
Now my choices are as follows (being a millennial I just have to have choices, right?): Do I continue to be myself and leave it up to the baby boomers to educate themselves on how to effectively communicate with me? Or do I simply become aware of the differences and become better at communicating with them?
I become aware, of course! I do everything in my power to bridge the gap and create harmonious relationships. How else are we expected to move forward if not together? It’s critical for managers to understand the differences in communication styles not only in interacting with internal employees, but also with clients and vendors. How well you understand and adapt to the generational differences will determine how well versed you are in the new language that will emerge.
Whether it be responding to a clients needs via text message, having REAL 24/7 customer service, or on the flip side…understanding baby boomers-their work ethic and philosophy.
There are tons of articles written to date. Just Google Millennial and you’ll see what I mean!
Happy Communicating!
