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!

I was invited to attend a wonderful company party on Saturday evening. There would be no sales Turn Downs and I could just relax. I arrived in my hotel and decided to take a 30 minute nap before the party. In the middle of my nap, I am aroused by a knock at my hotel door. I stumbled to the door and the nice lady asked if I would like to have Turn Down service. I just had to chuckle and told her I get enough of turn downs through out my normal day. Truth is stranger than fiction at times.

Really been thinking about the Power of Why. Why do I do things out of my comfort zone? If my kids are in danger, there is no stopping me from doing the things necessary to keep them safe and secure.  This is a Powerful Why. So from a business standpoint, I want to do everything in my power to keep my family safe and secure. From a spiritual standpoint, I am working toward having the same fire and drive. Jesus rose from the dead and there were eyewitnesses. He died and rose from the dead to save us from our sins, so that those who believe would have everlasting life. He disabled death! Why get passionate about this? Because this is our greatest hope and without hope we no longer care about life and the reasons why were are here on earth.

I took an UBER ride from the ORD airport to Itasca, IL yesterday. We starting talking about what do for a living and I mentioned I was in sales. The driver commented that he could never do sales. I commented back that everyone is in sales. In fact, you/the driver are selling me right now. Your friendliness, demeanor and ability to get me to my destination will impact your tip.  I also shared nobody likes to be sold but everybody likes to buy. The driver smiled and received a nice tip from me. Hopefully he realizes he is in sales!

Just finished watching another helpful video from Darren Hardy this morning. He has interviewed thousands of successful business people over his career. Some he could relate and others he could not. The takeaway was to focus on the methods different people and organizations take to achieve success. From my sales standpoint, my method is staying focused and consistent each day regardless of circumstances. This is especially true when I don’t feel like going through the motions.

Just received an email from a colleague who shared his appreciation for our friendship. It touched my heart! This note motivated me to continue looking for ways to encourage others as they walk through this life on earth. Pay it forward!