Wow a $1.60 per gallon?

It really seems funny that gas can drop over 1/2 and some in price in 6 months (Or less). I refuse to believe that supply suddenly changed. Or that demand changed that substantially.

I clearly do not understand that industry. However, it really makes me feel better about solutions that you sell instead of consumables. I can change the solution, new products come out every day. If your selling unleaded, you may make some money this summer and not this winter.

Which brings us to selling. Sure there is selling in the gasoline market. But it is a really different market. If your company is driven by sales, it can produce a constant revenue stream versus a really inconsistant one. However a messing with sales or having a poor team will result in the same.

I had a comment about the Iron

It was why don't I take it from the Motel?

Simple that would be stealing. This raises the rates of motel rooms, causing people to travel less, less vacations and adventually leading to a depression.

The current depression was from Jamie Maska-Bowers stealing towels in the mid 90's

(Source: Obama 2008)

Stepping Up (No I am not dancing like Mike)

One of my goals this week was stepping up the pace. Not just mine but everyone around me. I really feel like today that happened. It has been awhile since I have had this feeling. I really had confirmation of this when someone told me today that they were going to have to put some things off, or it would have to wait. I am sure they didn't like my answer when I said it was time to dig in and get it done. Find a way! OK Sure it wasn't as well said. I did however state an analogy.

The Cymphonix appliance that utilized bandwidth? That is what we have to do with our personal bandwidth. Making sure the most important gets the most bandwidth and other needs fill in when available. Sure, only us IT geeks will get it. But it is a real good example for me. Prioritize, make the most of our time and no excuses.

I truly believe that most of us can increase our output significantly by focusing on tasks, avoiding the time sucks and flat out getting it done.

Some may be having to learn a new way this week. It can be fun!

Power to adapt

In the last couple of years I have had the unique opportunity to travel from Jamaica to Banff Canada. From NY to CA. Hot to cold, dry to wet from heavily populated to to sparse.

After seeing So CAL last week I wonder why anyone would live anywhere else (Except from the cost of living). Great temperatures, not a cloud to be seen in 5 days. Then I realized the ability for the human race to adapt. In contrast to SO CAL, Duluth MN. 8 weeks of summer, tundra the rest of the time. (OK I am exaggerating) However cold, windy, lake effect snow and more. Point being, people adapt. Can learn to accept almost anything.

That can be the problem also. As sales people we can get used to work load, performance and customer service levels. It is the most effective people that can continue improving. Not just getting stuck with the status quo.

Challenge yourself, don't get comfortable. If your not growing you are shrinking. Focus on continuous improvement. Find someone to keep you challenged. It is painful, lots of work still the rewards are amazing.

The experience

As usual I feel completely worn out after 2 days of HTG3. Working on life plans, new ideas in the industry and identifying struggles that will be coming. While I am worn out, in some way it is also recharging. I look forward to getting back and ratcheting it up a couple of notches.

I did have a chance to sight see. Rodeo Drive, Hollywood sign, Santa Monica pier, Universal Studios and more. Once in a life time opportunity to see these things. And yes, saw a man in a wedding dress, people dressed up as batman, Captain Jack Black and lots of other “Unique” individuals. However there weren’t as many odd things as I expected.
I would come back, 80’s for the weather, nice people, not quite as expensive as I had anticipated what else could you want.

Now for the new strange fashion. I am starting to wander if this is a sales blog or a fashion blog. Clearly a poor example of the last. Women wearing shorts and winter boots. You know the kind that you would wear in a snow storm. This looks strange to me and HOT. Oh well to each their own. I am sure I will see this in Kansas soon.

Followup?.....!

I appreciate Jeff from SMC following up to our recent Vendor meeting.

Jeff was unable to make the meeting and wanted to make sure that everything went well. It did. We had some open feedback. I think Jason (SMC rep) has made the blog before. Sure he is young (Early 20's) but is great. Excellent followup, quick responses. Open and honest. Always looking for more ways we can work together. What more can I ask for.

Back to Jeff. Jeff tells me he is expecting his first child (Lets face it, his wife is going to do most of the work! (Side note, who was the genius who thought that the man wanted to be in the delivery room, versus watching the game?) Jeff was wanting to know my advice. (I think he was kidding, but I am giving it anyway)

1. Go to sleep right now. It will soon be a thing of the past.
2. Get the book "What to expect when your expecting" Jenifer has worn ours out!
3. Don't focus on buying the new stuff. Clothes, sleepers, bedding, towels and blankets. All that will happen is they will spit up all over it anyway and half wont fit when the season comes around.
4. Get a bouncy chair. I think our youngest grew up in it (Just kidding, only when Jenifer wasn't home)
5. Don't forget to take care of your wife!
6. Remember what you do now. After your child is born, you wont be able to remember.
7. Look at your walls, car, favorite electronics and carpet. It will never be the same
8. Find your special thing to do with the kid. It is some of the most memorable time ever. (Music is the thing I bring to my boys)
9. The box will be the favorite toy. Every time...
10. Don't be scared, our parents didn't know what they were doing!
11. Go to sleep now!

Clearly I would not take any of my advice as factual or even helpful. Jenifer would be the best reference I have.

Congratuatulations Jeff. Your world is changing and I would not give it up for anything!

Why do Iron's work better in Hotel Rooms?

Made my first trip to LA today. So far it hasn't disappointed. Sitting outside the Starbucks visiting with peer group members today and saw the $200k Bentley pull up. Flying over we saw those houses on MTV that have the Tennis court, pool and enough square feet to cover a couple city blocks. I am looking forward to doing a few tourist activities this week. I will keep you updated.

Speaking of Bentley's (SP), why do the Irons work better in the Motel room? The creases are crisper, they work faster and seem hotter without scorching the material. I have tried iron board covers and different irons. (Granted both from Wall mart)

I have seen the Orek (SP) Iron at a local store. Would it do better. I am sure it is 5 times price of the Wall mart version. However like the Bentley, people are willing to pay for quality and results. (Yet not Bentley in my future)

This is important to remember in sales. Do not prequalify. An Iron seems like a simple tool. They all do similar features. Just like the solutions that we provide every day. However, if you can differentiate quality, price may not be a factor!