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Sales lesson's From Hurricane Ike
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, I'd like
to share with you some thoughts on my experiences throughout the storm
that I think will apply to sales.
WARNING: I know this will be
a sensitive matter as many of the readers of this newsletter live in or
near Houston, which was heavily affected by the storm. I apologize in
advance if some of my comments may hit a nerve. I do not intend
offend, make fun of, ridicule or insult anyone. I realize this is a
major event out of our control and my thoughts and prayers go out to those
affected.
For starters, let me share with you my
experience. Around 5pm on Friday night we had several neighbor families
over to our house for a "Hurricane Party." Everyone had a great time and
around 7pm, everyone went home to hunker down for the storm. As the storm
was going through at about 4am, we got a call from our next door neighbors
in a panic. A tree had gone through their roof and they had another
family with them. In the middle of the storm, they all came over
including four children, all under the age of 8 and three dogs.
After the storm, we realized, my driveway
had two huge trees in it. Thankfully, our whole neighborhood, huddled up
and help to clear the mess. My house was not damaged, but many in my
neighborhood were. It was horrible.
Now some thoughts on sales and the storm:
1. Listen to the warnings. Thankfully,
because of satellite technology, people were warned about this storm over
a week ago. Listen to the warnings.
2. Prepare. For years we have
been warned with Hurricane preparation guides, yet, it is amazing how many
people were not prepared with the essentials: Water and food.
3. Evacuate. If the
authorities say evacuate, do it. They are not doing it for fun. It
is amazing how many people decided to ride out the storm in mandatory
evacuation areas, only to find themselves in big trouble. This puts the
lives of the rescue personnel in unnecessary danger. Don't be stubborn, do
what the authorities ask you to do.
4. Teamwork. Our whole
neighborhood was a mess. None of our neighbors who had major damage would
have been able to clean up by themselves. However, as we worked together
to help each other out, together we were able to get the driveways and
roofs cleared as a team. Help each other out, that's what you do.
5. Your are responsible. Yes,
city, county, state and federal officials have a responsibility to help
you. But most importantly, you have to be responsible for yourself and
your wellbeing. Just hours after the storm, people are complaining
that they have no water, food, etc. However, for years we have been
educated to keep water and food for at least three days. The people
who are complaining of the lack of food and water and are blaming the
government are way out of base. If they prepared as we have been
told, they would be fine.
6. Get up an go about the task.
Anytime you suffer such a setback, it is no doubt devastating. However,
there is no time be wasted by drowning in the sorrows and pointing
fingers. Simply, pick yourself up, move on, and get about the task.
I will leave it up to you to interpret
these points and how they can affect your sales ability and activity, and
most importantly, your success in sales.
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