Author Archives: jodyseivert

A Measure of Relationship Value

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For everyone, everywhere

I once had a customer who was a bit of a maverick in his marketplace and in the industry. He has since passed away, but Chuck Forcey was a character. When he was in the military, he flew planes and was on an elite fighter team…and he brought his irreverent ways with him.

Fortunately, he had a commander who was tougher and more focused than Chuck was and while he respected and appreciated what Chuck brought to the team, he refused to let the team be defined by one of its members. To address a particularly aberrant behavior, the commander pulled Chuck aside and told him: “You are a valued member of this team…and you will have a place on this team as long as your contribution exceeds your aggravation…and not a moment longer.” I LOVE that measure of relationships … and don’t we all use something like that, even if it’s not as clearly stated? Think about it as you evaluate design project clients, hire new associates, work for rogue employers…and maybe closer to home, too.

A new thought for a new year.

Now, go sell something.

oxo,

Jody

Jody Smiling Photo copy

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What do we really think about “Just Browsers”?

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For showroom sales professionals, everywhere

 In a recent coaching call I was startled by the simple articulation of how one of the salespeople/designers viewed people who say that they are “Just browsing” and those people she’s been unable to connect with: “I think they are killing time and wasting mine.” Wow. I asked her to explain more about this…and it was more about her perspective, which unknown to her, was furthering her inability to connect with browseincoming customers.

Consider this: what do you think it takes for someone to get dressed, get in their car, and come to your showroom….instead of staying on the sofa, warm and maybe a pet or two on their lap, on their computer shopping for furniture? Do you really think that anyone would physically shop for furniture unless they absolutely had to?

How we SEE the customer isn’t about them…it’s about US. Our perspective of the customer says more about us than it does about them since WE made it up! If you want better connections with people, change YOUR mind about them and be engaging, inquisitive, helpful, friendly. When customers cross the threshold, their job ends and your job begins.

And if you are STILL struggling with your perspective or actions, call me. We can work this out.

 

Now, go sell something,

oxo,

Jody

Jody Smiling Photo copy 

 

 

Systems for Fulfillment

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For everyone, everywhere

It’s early in the new year…you might have your bright and shiny goals in front of you, enthusiastic to achieve them and passionate about what you are out to create for yourself, your company, your family. Good for you!!! Now, ask yourself:

“Am I organized enough, with a system that is sufficient for the results I am committed to achieve?”

Take a moment and REALLY sit with that question and the elements it included. For creatives, organization seems boring and uninspiring. Spontaneity is revered, structure organizedis resisted. However, actions planned and taken at the best time to produce the desired result takes scheduling…and it really doesn’t take anything away from right brain impulsiveness. It just makes you/us less at the mercy of knee jerk actions and distractions and more in control of the actions we take that support what we are out to accomplish.

Take a look at your structures and your calendar…and take a look from the perspective of the second floor. What do you notice? Does your system and your actions support the success you desire?

If not, give me a call and we can work it out.

 

Now, go sell something.

oxo,

Jody

Jody Smiling Photo copy