I work with salespeople day in and day out and in reality we are involved in sales. It can range from selling office supplies to selling yourself to a future employer. Regardless of the description I usually get put off by the talk as do many other people.

OJT: On-The-Job Training

I feel I am one of the hardest workers out there. I don’t JUST work for a company I work for myself.  I build connections and learn tricks of the trade that I might be involved in. When I was in the military I was given several task at once and in my specific field our office would be the first ones in and the last ones to leave. I’d have it no other way. I learned A LOT when I was doing this and sometimes wish I was still apart of the military.

Yet, learning OJT can take you so far. At the time I had a supervisor who was constantly busy and was not around to show me various specific items. I don’t blame them one bit – it actually showed me that I was able to learn as I went along and take full responsibility of everything: good and bad.

Persistence Is Key

When I get a new duty or responsibility I try not to take it lightly. I weigh the options and the time that’s involved and its ROI (Return On Investment) of my time. I had to do this when I started managing an up-and-coming musician by the name of “Sky 7th”. A talented individual but with my schedule I had to be up front with a lot of things that could hold me back from being a full time manager. I did however show that I can do things that other “managers” could not: ranging from creating websites to doing public relations for him. The list goes on as did my persistence.

Would I have taken a “no”? Yes, but not for long. I would show exactly what I would do lay it out and show that I don’t make false promises. This same principle applies to my employee as well.

Don’t Lie – Be Upfront!

There is one thing I try my hardest to do and that is make my word bond. If I say I’m going to do something then I’m going to do it. If I can’t do something I don’t tell them I’m on it. I let them know the truth.

“This looks like it might take some time – I will put it down to review and get back to you next Wednesday with an estimated time-line”

See how that works? I’m going to dive into the request and let them know how long it could possible take. I don’t make promises I can’t deliver on PERIOD!

Follow Through

Tiger Woods – Michael Jordan – Larry Bird – add an athlete here. All have terrific follow thru’s. They swing / shoot and don’t stop their motion. We need to apply this to every day working habits. You call on someone to pay – they pay. Let them know you received it and appreciate it. Times are tough people need to hear these things. Don’t let what some may say the “little things” slip by you because in the end that could kill your business more than anything.

Don’t just talk about your plans – your dreams – your goals. Go out and do it. There is nothing that is stopping you BUT yourself.

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