We all want to nice things in life- a nice home, car, vacations etc. What we/I need to realize is that there is pain & suffering that comes along with the nice things. Am I willing to make the prospect calls necessary each day? Do have the fortitude to withstand rejection. Embracing the suffering will lead to the joys of life.

I was watching Bob Goff preach and he really stressed the need for patience with  people. “Immense Patience,” says Bob.  “Need to carry a bucket and keep filling it with patience.” This is a good reminder for me as I go through the day with prospects, customers, colleagues, friends, my wife and teenage boys. It is also why some refer to patience as Long Suffering!

During our day, we must remember the details make all the difference. Conrad Hilton from the Hilton hotel chain always said their success was based on always Tucking in the Shower Curtain. As I go through my day, I must keep this in mind when writing emails, speaking on the phone and overall attitude. Paying attention to the small details will push the needle  toward greater customer loyalty and profitability.

This is a special time of year for me and Christians around the world. Something happened 2,000 years ago before the bible was ever written. A man named Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. There were eyewitnesses to this event. Jesus said that those who believe in him will have everlasting hope! This is my hope and the hope of the world!

I have the opportunity tonight to ask the community for money to support the Fredericksburg Christian Health Center/FCHC. FCHC is dedicated to helping the poor and less fortunate in our community. The goal for this year is to serve 1,000 more patients. The really neat part about FCHC is that they can address the physical and spiritual needs of the patient. Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world!

I visited Duck, NC this past weekend and another Nor’easter came up the coast while we were there. The power of the storm and the beauty of the sunsets just gave me pause to reflect on my time here on earth. God has given each of us special gifts to weather any storm and to be the sunset in the lives of others. I needed this reminder and hope to shine more light into this world!

I wanted to grab something to eat before my son’s soccer game on Sunday and decided to try Wendy’s. I was dressed nicely as I was just coming back from Sunday service. I ordered a chicken sandwich and told the attendant that’s all I need. I paid for my order and was walking away when I was asked, “Would you like a Senior Cup?” I could not believe my ears. Am I getting old?  There are times when I think everybody around me is getting older except for me. Today, I was put in my place.

I came across this neat quote and thought it was worth while to share. Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words.

I read the following article from HBR earlier this morning and it is worth a glance. Bottom line, the best uses of technology are likely to make customers and employees feel more, rather than less, valuable to your organization. They’re also more likely to make the service feel more, rather than less human.

Cool quote- Awareness of the big strategic ideas increases as the pace of work decreases. Work in intentional inactivity to keep your mind fresh and prevent burnout.

Sometimes life can be stranger than fiction. As we all know, sales is a series of turn downs that are part of a normal day. I was looking forward to getting away from all the turn downs when I was invited to a corporate party in Detroit. I managed to get the hotel a couple hours before the event and wanted to get a quick nap. I started to dose off and then heard a knock at my hotel door. I walked over to the door in a daze and opened it. The service lady asked me,”Would you like Turn Down Service?” Needless to say, I chuckled and told there was no need today. I was taking the day off. Make it a great sales day!