Lessons from Sochi

If you tuned in to see the world's best compete this weekend, then you have seen some pretty amazing atheles in action.  What impresses me most is their ability to focus and perform under such great pressure.

In interviews athletes often cite their 10,000 hours of practice and making their routine, well, routine.

How does that apply to you?

  1. Do you get thrown off your game by an upset or intimidating caller?
  2. Do you get frazzled when someone asks about price or asks you to describe one of your offers over another?

If so, the solution might lie in practicing your responses in a calm environment until they become so routine that nothing can stop you.

When I worked at Sprint, we had to stand up and tell our Sprint elevator story to our team at our weekly meetings.  This seemed painful at the time, but allowed us to get very comfortable with the story and our ability to tell it with passion, so that we could nail it when we met with a prospect.

Have a gold metal week!

 

Those darn price calls...

Let's face it, customers are conditioned to ask for a discount.  Don't you love a bargain?  

Be glad they called and gave you the chance to talk about how great your company and your options are.

Then, slow down.  Rushing to get off the phone or rushing to the price too early can impact the outcome.

  • Focus on the call you are on.
  • Use your ninja-like listening skills to hear what they really want.
  • Tell them about your great options with confidence.

And then talk price.

 

Got tough callers? Click here to learn more about our next webinar Handling Challenging Customers

 

Who's in control here?

A funny thing happens to us when we interact with other people: our need to control the situation can block our ability to see clearly and offer great service.

Think about this:

Q: Who gets car sick in a car, the driver or the passengers?

    A: The passengers, because they aren’t in control of the direction, handling or speed.

Q: Why does the neighbors’ barking dog annoy you when your TV is louder than Fido?

    A: You can turn down the volume on the TV but you can’t turn down the volume on Fido.

Today as you deal with that first customer call, request from a colleague, or task from your boss, ask yourself if you are trying to control the situation.

Focus on what is in your control: your thoughts, your words and your actions.

Choose a great response. 

Blue Monday

Whether this term was created for marketing purposes or not, most people get a little bummed in January especially on a Monday and especially in inclement weather.

Q: How can I beat the blues? A: Try connecting with people.

  • Talk to the cashier the grocery store.
  • Chat with the person in line with you at Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks.  (Yes, this might mean getting out of the car and walking in to get your coffee)
  • Start a book club, pasta club, dog-walking club – anything that encourages you to be with others vs. being alone.
  • Or call a friend.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  ~Maya Angelou

This week, aim to make 3 people feel good each day.

If you want to feel good - do good.

I love that expression!

 Why not start the new year with happiness?  One way to create you own happiness is to do something for someone else. 

Here are some ideas:

  1. Offer to help someone. Holding the door or letting them in-line first at the grocery store.
  2. Give a compliment.  Look around, I'm sure someone looks good today, or is working hard on their resolutions, or just handled a tough call well.   How about acknowledging the Drivers in your business who made deliveries in the snow storm?
  3. Or maybe a make someone laugh or just give them your full attention.  It feels good to be heard.

 I'd love to hear your ideas, click below and post a comment.