The Job Nobody Dreams Of

Saying Thanks!

I came across a story the other day that combined two things I love...basketball and thank you notes! If you have followed my ramblings over the years you know that I am a big fan of Thank You Notes. It is nice to see that someone famous understands their importance.

If you are a college basketball fan you know who Stephen Curry is...one of the nation's top players last year. After finishing his college career at Davidson, he was drafted by the Golden State Warriors this past summer. Recently he sent out 2,000 thank you postcards to his fans, Davidson faculty, students and alumni. You can read the entire article here.

Most adults don't understand the importance of saying "thank you" so it is nice to see a 21 year old kid understand how important it is to tell people how much you appreciate them. A great lesson worth learning.

Happy Selling!

Of Course

In my 25+ years in the professional world I have worked with countless receptionists, secretaries, administrative assistants, etc. One person who only made it about 6 months in the job sticks out for a simple phrase.

Whenever I asked Jacklyn to do something, she always replied, "Of course." Think about those two words. While 99% of the people would reply with..."OK," or "Alright" or any of a dozen typical responses, Jacklyn would always respond with "Of course."

"Of course" means I wouldn't dream of not doing what you asked! "Of course" means you can forget about what you need...it will be taken care of. "Of course" is memorable!

The next time someone asks you to do something, reply with "Of course!" and watch the response! Will it get you noticed? "Of course!"

Happy Selling!

Fireproof Your Job

As we head to 10% unemployment (which is a shadow figure...if you count people who gave up looking and those who took a part-time job because they couldn't find full-time work the rate is closer to 20%) those of us who are fortunate to still have a job need to be thinking about how we can solidify our position. Here are some tips to help keep you safe:

1. Don't Complain! Yes I know this is a textbook case of, "Do what I say - not what I do." Nobody likes    a "Debbie Downer" so when the time comes for additional job cuts who do you think is near the top of the list? The whiners.

2. Practice and Showcase Your Strengths! This goes back to a post I did in February Strengths. Figure out what you are great at and keep those skills sharp. I know Shaq should work on his free throws but he isn't in danger of losing his job. Use your skills to volunteer, either within your own company or for a non-profit. You will get in extra "reps" and stay in front of some important people.

3. Learn Your Company's P & L! Companies survive by taking in more money than they spend. It is that simple. Your company probably already is cutting to the bone but if you have an idea how to save some cash share it with them. Better yet, think of a market or niche that your company can sell into and create new revenue. Sort of sounds like a salesperson huh!

4. Keep Your Basic Computer Skills Updated! There are thousands of free tutorials online for Microsoft Office and most libraries offer free classes. Someone who can put together PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets for busy managers will get noticed.

5. Learn! Read everything you can about your industry. Read trade magazines, blogs, watch online videos, interview important people (which will help you make more contacts). Share what you learn with others. Send a link to an interesting article to your manager or copy something out of a magazine and give it to someone important and ask them their opinion about it.

There is no reason to sit around feeling helpless about your situation. Be proactive and take responsibility for your own career with these five tips.

Happy Selling!