Doing the can, can ... not the I can't

Tuesday, January 08, 2008  by Susan Julien-Willson
Category: sales, selling, skills, stress

I had a conversation with myself in the car this morning on the way to work. It went like this. (BTW, this is Susan with the heart racing and the rock music blaring on the radio speeding down the road)

"I don't know how I am going to get that Ribbon Brochure written today and go to all those meetings about new products and Achieve ads and write a blog post and answer my emails and finish my book club book before tonight and darn, I still didn't write thank-you notes from the holidays and wow, what about following up with my customers ... and gee, maybe I should set up that price list I typed last night differently ... and whew."

Then the calm, rational Susan steps into the picture, changes the radio station to something slow and instrumental ...

 "Breathe, Susan. You've been here before and made it through, over the bumps and through the valleys and well, relax. Remember last year when  you wrote the Ribbon Steps Brochure? It turned out okay. It will again. You can accomplish what you need to today. Positively. Absolutely.

When you get to the office, here's what you can do:

Write your TO DO list on that new memo pad and get to doing it without hesitation. Everytime you complete a task, smile and check it off. Imagine someone patting you on the back and congratulating you. Way to go, girlie!

Remind yourself you're not alone. Everyone feels stressed from time to time. Even Robin and Beth and CJ and Nick and Bridgett and all of us here at the OpZone.

Remember you're human, don't expect perfection in everything ... and don't become impatient with others if they slip up. The "others" are the people who care and support you ... and they're trying to help you out! Acknowledge them and show your appreciation. Saying thank you and smiling feels good. It's a great stress reliever, my friend. If you have to deal with some unhappy customers, you can handle it.

Slow down. (Seriously, you're going to get a speeding ticket on your way to work and then you're really going to add to the stress!) Breathe in, breathe out. Slowly. Again.

Visualize yourself entering the building, climbing the stairs gracefully, smile on your face, joy in your heart. You love this job. You pen it in your gratitude journal all the time. You're a fortunate person surrounded by fabulous people doing what you love. You feel lighthearted, energetic, committed, and courageous. There will be roadblocks and obstacles throughout the day but you will view them as inspiring opportunites rather than impossible challenges.

This is a day to live courageously and with commitment. "

So, of course, when I got to work, I stopped the conversation between Stressed Susan and Serene Susan. (After all, people here think I am quirky enough--don't have to fuel that fire!) I opened my email and guess what?

The sales quote from JustSell.com for the day is:

"Clear your mind of can't."

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English critic and poet

WOW! I did. I have. I think I can. I CAN!

So, how 'bout you? How do you clear your mind of can't and stay focused and committed?

sjw

 

Comments

# Linda Lee said on January 8, 2008 11:20 AM:

Wow! What a timely article.  Thanks. I appreciate this article so much. Other things that help to stay focused are Rhodiola and Peach XS. Have a great day.

Okay, I admit. I love that Peach Blast, too. sjw

# rdknyvr said on January 8, 2008 12:21 PM:

Susan,

.

Great thought, and along with that prioritize which things must get done, and how to cut out the time wasters, including people who mean well but may have to be "cut short" to get through today.

I have a couple sayings on my wall that I look at every day:

* I am your idea. How far can I take you? (from an Accenture ad)

* I begin with the knowledge that anything is possible (from an IBM recruitment ad)

* What is your potential today? (unknown)

* The best way to predict the future is to create it (Peter Drucker, paraphrased)

.

By the way, going back to the replies from your Marketing people on your 'Brand, you've got personality' blog entry, you may want to ask them why the IL-1 Heart Health Nutrigenomic supplement is out of stock in Canada with no instock due date available. Doesn't say much for their commitment to Personalized Health, driving Nutrilite consumable sales or Gensona, does it. Do you think a major pharmaceutical company would allow a key heart drug to go out of stock?

R,

Thanks for the quotes. They're great.

Hate to hear that IL-1 is out of stock in Canada. It's unfortunate when that happens, but sometimes it's due to circumstances beyond our control. I will pass your comment on to the Canadian office. sjw

# Gene said on January 8, 2008 2:04 PM:

Susan, Great job on the Ribbon program, I cant wait to see the new program coming out this spring.  I made two presentations this last week, one for myself, one for a new downline, and both parties were very excited.  we are following up with the GM from the company my downline contacted this next week, and that could turn into a monthly order of up to 100 of the $25 variety collections.  My contact was a smaller company, and would probalby only be a $600-$1000 sale initially, however I plan on moving the customer service aspect into employee benefits with less hassle for him

:)

Is there any way that as you nail down the next program you guys could include one of the clear mailing envelopes with the sales kit, so customers can see the full package?  I had to have this poor kid order a box of 50 becuase I was out, and he needed ONE.  (I ordered a box as well, so I have them back in).  Maybe including the clear mailer with the card/album option would be a good idea too.  And letting customer service on the 800-253-6500 number know that the clear mailer is NOT included when you order the album ensemble would be good, as they told a downline it was, then I corrected him, then called them myself and was told that it includes "all the envelopes", I told her I knew it had the black presentation envelope, but needed to know if a customer ordered, if the clear mailing envelope was included, she again affirmed that is was. (which it is not).  Maybe something on screen when they are looking on the computer that says "clear mylar mailer is available separately in packs of 50".

kudos on  the program, I cant wait to see the new one this spring, and hopefully the evil grinning chick on the personal websites will be replaced as well.....

;-)

Gene

 -------------

Thanks for the compliments and ideas ... and CONGRATs on your sales! Bravo for you. We'll get the word out on the mylar envelopes to Customer Support so no one gets misled. Those things happen and certainly no one means to misinform or mislead, as you know. The new program will be awesome ... most of the changes are based on IBO feedback of what's great, what's needed, what's missing -- like an album for 4 to 12 year olds and more sample materials.  You can keep informed on everything Ribbon and retailing the Gift Collections with the quarterly newsletter, Ribbon Retailer. Sign up for it online at Quixtar.com.

Keep us posted on your Ribbon successes! sjw

# rdknyvr said on January 8, 2008 6:36 PM:

Susan,

Just got my Achieve this afternoon. If your work on the Ribbon brochure today turned out anything like the new Achieve, it will be a wonderful success. Great to see fresh pics of Doug and Steve, and the IBOAI pics at the back, and the acknowledgement that there have been challenges this year.

The feature on Customer Service -- with pics of real people -- was excellent. How about something on IT next time, including pics of some of the people who have been blogging? Or something on the Communications Dept? It makes you guys at head office so much more "real." Or a feature on the research scientists at Buena Park ("a day in the life..."), or the folks who run one of the farms -- Washington or Mexico or Brasil? It's these real life vignettes from some niche in the Company that add to the realism and believability.

Great feature on the Shenoy's and other achievers too. And great stories on selling specific products and lines. Could this be a regular feature in future editions? It could be broad as in the Skin Care or Simply Nutrilite features, or more focused on a particular product.

One more idea. Feature particular IBOs who are having great success with some product line. The idea for this comes from Gene's post above... his group is obviously having some good success and a one-pager on what they are doing would be of interest, if they don't mind sharing.

Thanks again for a great new edition of Achieve!!!

With appreciation,

WOOHOO! THANK YOU! I cannot wait to share your comments with the Achieve team. I am the product-retailing editor for Achieve ... Nick is the IBO-communications editor. We will definitely be recognizing both sponsoring and retailing successes in Achieve. And, most definitely Product Wise articles on product lines and retailing suggestions/successes from IBOs will be monthly features.

I'll get back to you once I share your other ideas with the team. Thank you again for the compliments and ideas. We appreciate it! sjw

# rdknyvr said on January 10, 2008 11:22 AM:

Susan,

One more comment then on Achieve. I believe that it is the most important BDS/CEP, etc. tool available. The LOAs produce great sales and motivational materials but I've generally found that the best way to up-motivate myself is to read (or re-read) some of the stories in Achieve, including the parts with only the pics of new Platinums, etc. The LOA materials are essential for people serious about building their businesses, but for me Achieve has the single greatest motivational value of anything available. (Which is why Nick's blog and yours are also so valuable to people intent on growing their businesses.)

So thanks to the whole team... your efforts go so much further, and have a much farther reaching impact, than just recognition of new achievers. :)

And thanks to everyone in your building for being so accepting of the frankness with which we sometimes write on your blog. :)

 

# CJ said on January 10, 2008 6:26 PM:

Gene-Continued success with your business! Please keep it coming with Ribbon success stories everyone. They are inspiring and educational-Great Job Gene!!

rdknyvr-I couldn't agree with you more. Susan, you and Nick have done a fabulous job both with the Ribbon Program and the Achieve magazine. I love how it's formatted, stories, etc. One thing if I may add. I can't remember specifically what the high tech item you mentioned in the magazine, but if it can be purchased through Quixtar or one of the partner stores (Circuit City/Shop.com/etc.), that would even have a greater impact on IBOs possibly purchasing the product/service and promoting it to their customers and downline.

The Achieve Team will discuss your suggestions ... you and rdknyver have given us some great ideas and the Achieve team wanted me to let you know how much we appreciate the feedback. It helps us deliver what you want and need to be successful in the business. In Feb. Achieve, you'll see an article on books you're reading. Nick saw my blogs on Reading Lists and read your comments, so we decided I'd write some mini book reviews based on what you are reading. Let us know if you like it. We're thinking of doing it every few months if the feedback is favorable. Let us know! sjw

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