Warranty Wise

Attitude is 80%, Technique is 20%

Last week I wrote about how to deal with people that just won’t “get it done” and how to deal with it. That sometimes you have to tell it like it is.   I was reminded by an associate that I did not mention attitude.   I did.  It was hidden in the word, “care” and in the phrase, “because they care”.

 

He is right, success is mostly attitude. Whether that attitude is spiritual or intellectual, attitude is the difference maker. I have seem people over the years way less intelligent than others take the prize.

 

Attitude, Care, Empathy, Effort…..

 

What word do you use to describe attitude?

My Kid is Student of the Month

These bumper stickers have had more parodies than any other. My favorite is “My kid beat up your student of the month….”  I know it’s stupid, but I like stupid humor.

 

 

How does this relate to business?  Remember to acknowledge who your employee of the month, or day, or week, or year is. OK?  Don’t forget.  Get it started. Keep it going.

 

 

It is not trivial to acknowledge jobs well done.  It is not trivial to make that acknowledgment public. It matters. It matters to the person, (even it they are humble and shy) and it matters to the people that see that acknowledgement, (even if they may seem to resent it or some other reaction). I can guarantee you that privately in their mind and their heart they wish they were the person getting their name on the bumper sticker, on the certificate hanging on the wall of fame or up in lights.

 

 

My child was student of the month….who cares?  Your child does and that’s what matters.

Your mind is like a parachute

“Your mind is like a parachute, it only works if it’s open” is one of my favorite bumper stickers and is directly relative to business.

Are you open to new ideas?

Are you open to criticism?

Are you open to compliments?

Are you open to suggestions?

Are you open to change?

Are you open to remaining with the status quo?

Are you open to receiving training?

Are you open to giving training?

Are you open to new programs?

Are you open to new products?

Are you open to new employees?

Are you open to vacation?

Are you open to being in charge?

Are you open to taking direction?

Are you open to different marketing approaches?

Are you open to new channels?

Are you open to love?

What would happen to your business if you stayed in only your own mind and did what you always did or do?  You may fall down hard.  Open up your mind, let some ideas and thoughts from other sources fill it, and you will be better prepared to make decisions and enjoy your job and help others enjoy theirs.

__IT Happens

__IT Happens

 

How often have you heard this bumper sticker quickie repeated over the years?  Even “Forrest Gump” had some fun with it when he was “just running

 

Not too much just happens if you take control.  Good or bad, up or down, in or out of stock, success or lack of it, with products, services and programs such as Extended Service just doesn’t happen.  Neither Shit nor Shinola appears without your input.

Today, remember to acknowledge the folks that are making you successful.  Do it publicly.  IT Matters.  Communicate with everyone what you expect.  Be clear.  Help the lesser performers understand that they have more control over success than they know.  They truly can turn Shit to Shinola with a little effort.

 

__IT HAPPENS?  Make IT some really good __IT as Cheech and Chong might say.

 

Good luck and good selling.