Sweet Dreams!

I was watching Charlie Rose the other day and Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics was his guest.  She has done many things in her life but she is best known for the 80's song "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)".  In case you don't remember it, here is the hook;     Sweet Dreams are made of these. Who am I to disagree. I travelled the world and the seven seas... Everybody's looking for something.   The last couple of weeks, I have been on the road running appointments in peoples homes and doing seminars with people who are on Medicare.  It has truly been a collage of experiences and I feel like On the Road with Charles Kuralt (yes, I am writing a book!).    My experiences have ranged from a 75 year old mother of a 23 year old son with Downs Syndrome, to a 102 year old double amputee diabetic. There have been veterans, recent widows and someone who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  I have been in some of the most impoverished areas of Georgia, but  have also been in a multi-million dollar home with a successful 74 year old "Warren Buffet" type.   It has been a roller coaster ride of emotions as I try to help people in my area of expertise.  My prayer each day is send me to the people that need what I do...let me be a blessing.  Yes, I am still a sales guy too, but service is the first priority.  While each day and each person is different and unique, one thing I can tell you with certainty...   Everybody's looking for something.    Some people just want help with medicine.  Some want to travel to Europe.  Some want to get back to the gym after a fall.  Some want to see the birth of their great grand-children, some have outlived all their children...some just want their children to visit.     "A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." John Barrymore   Perspective.   What I have seen encourages me to pursue my dreams with more zeal while there is still time and strength.  The paradox of time is that it provides the mechanism for achievement but also quietly robs people of their gusto.  Each day that comes and goes is a chance to pursue or make excuses.   What about you?  What are you looking for?   While I have never been the type of person to need someone else's challenges or calamity to "shock" me into seeing how fortunate I am, there is something about seeing people endure hardship and still find the fortitude to hope and to dream...   Sweet Dreams!    Until tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

The Art of Asking!

 

"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you." Jim Rohn     Happy Monday!   I am not much of a coffee drinker.  My wife, on the other hand.  Somehow, the other day, I found myself in a Starbucks.  I was between appointments and needed free Wi-Fi (ok, at $4 a cup it isn't exactly free!).   I usually get the same thing when I go with Natalie and I had my order fixed in my mind, so as not to sound coffee illiterate.  My turn came and the barista said something that totally threw me off;   "Good morning, what delicious can I get started for you today?"   It stopped me in my tracks.  I had my mind made up but then the descriptive way in which she asked the question made me rethink.  I had expected her to ask the usual questions,   "What can I get you? "What will you have?" "How can I help you?"   All of those are acceptable ways to get my coffee order.  I would place my order and get out of the way.  She asked in a way that got more than my order...it got my attention....it made me think.   She could tell that I was off balance and drawing a blank.  She smiled and said, "Take your time."  Not sure the dozen or so people behind me appreciated that, but I did.   "Do you like a strong basic coffee or something with extra flavoring...like vanilla or chocolate?"  Might I suggest a Vanilla Latte?   I had never had one of those before and it sounded better than my normal simple coffee order.   "What goes great with that is a slice of Lemon Pound Cake.  A slightly sweet, moist cake that partners perfectly with the latte...shall I get you a slice?   Two head nods and $7.00 plus tip later, I was sitting down enjoying my free Wi-Fi. The way I had just been served made me think about The Art of Asking.   Most of us, in sales or in life, ask basic vanilla (pun intended!) questions.  We have done something so many times that we take the experience out of the process.  Sure, it may be old hat to us, but for the person in front of you, it may be their first experience.   What if you asked the same questions with a little more panache?  What if you got the other persons attention by being more descriptive and unique?  How could you position your questions in such a way as to intrigue and engage?   That would set you apart.  That would make you more memorable.  That would make you more persuasive...and you would get more of what you want!   Whether you are asking for a sale, a promotion, raise, or a 2nd date, you have to be creative.  You have to stand out from the clutter of others who want the same things you do.  The winner isn't always the best person, it is sometimes the person who "asks" the best.  Next time you ask for anything, remember...   The Art of Asking!    Until tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!