Expert Insight From Tony Smith

Happy New Year!

As we look ahead to 2010, there is no question that everyone we talk to is ready for a new and successful year. Plans have been developed and goals have been set for what we all hope will be a turnaround year. But as you look around at those surrounding you and even at yourself, how likely is it that you and your company will achieve these goals? While the economy can be a huge factor, this month we take a look at the impact that people themselves can have on driving success.

This month’s Sales Newsletter is an excerpt from a book titled, “If I Knew Then—How to Take Control of Your Career and Build the Lifestyle You Deserve”. This article provides insights that will help you find the champion that lies within yourself. True success comes when we learn how to tap into the winner within. For years, during my career with the Boy Scouts of America, I witnessed young men blossom because they were provided with the tools, strategies, resources, guidance, and support they needed by someone who cared. In many cases, these young men were lacking self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-reliance, but rose above this to become great and are truly successful today. Many overcame insurmountable odds to become captains within their respective industries. The insights packed within this article resonate ever so more in selling. Success requires a combination of both reflection, a willingness to learn, a desire to become more than one is, and in many cases the right coach or mentor (Sales Manager) along with the right tools and resources to help bridge the gap between the ideal self and the real self.

The Sales Management article was written by Terri Kabachnick. We know Terri through a strategic alliance and found her article on the disengaged worker to be very telling. She shares the reasons why employees become disengaged and the importance of not letting a situation get to this point.

So as you look to 2010, we ask you…how well do you know yourself and those around you? Do you have the tools needed to tap into your personal best? How can you effectively motivate your team and keep them engaged?

I Quit…But Forgot to Tell You!”
By Terri Kabachnick 

As customers we’ve been waited on by people who quit, but never left. As employees we’ve been managed by bosses who quit, but managed to stay. As managers we have managed people who physically attend, but mentally pretend.

Disengaged workers are costing U.S. based organizations in excess of $250 billion as noted by a 2002 Gallup poll. This price tag includes co-worker and customer dissatisfaction plus loss of loyalty on both sides. Who wants to work with a person who performs only enough to get by?  

Click here to keep reading

Is There a Champion Within? 

An excerpt from “If I Knew Then-How to Take Control of Your Career and Build the Lifestyle you Deserve” by Bill Bonstetter

Personal growth and development is a lifelong process. The first step in that process is an accurate understanding of yourself.

Successful people have two things in common: One is failure and the other is knowledge. Knowledge of themselves. This knowledge of self allows them to adapt their behavior so they can win in any environment.  

Click here to read more