Confidence

This morning I awoke thinking about what it takes to sell something, anything.  To sell a service, to sell a product, or to even sell yourself.

I have realized over the years, that while content is important, and the connection made between the pieces key to creating that need, confidence is what sells it.

Now, I realize you are immediately thinking of that smarmy salesperson overly-confident in his selling technique and perhaps her product or service.  The days of over-selling have long passed us as buyers become ever more aware of selling techniques.  The power of persuasion falters.  (Though admittedly there is still a large audience who will fall prey to its techniques.)  

Buyers are more educated and aware.  They are looking for real answers and solutions to their needs and problems.  Offering them honest solutions with a quiet, firm confidence will plant a seed with them.  Quietly water that seed, offer it light, and watch the interest grow.

Interestingly, today's insight from Seth Godin is similar.  He speaks about certainty, being open, vulnerable and connected.  Of course, he explains it much more eloquently than I did, but the idea is similar.

Share your ideas and suggestions.  Be quietly confident in what you present to your audience and they will listen.

Leadership

I've been giving a lot of thought to the idea of leadership lately.  What makes a good leader?  How does one inspire others to do things well and with pride.  I know from my perspective as a follower, I like to be lead by competent, efficient and appreciative leaders.  Lead by example and find a way to inspire me to work beyond my limits.

I've been fortunate to have had such leaders, dare I say mentors, in my life over the years.

It has shaped the way that I choose to lead:  I focus on those following.  This is not always easy to do, but by genuinely connecting with those I lead, I find they will stretch a little harder to work with inspiration and pride.

Let me explain:   it is understanding what uniquely inspires those following.  It is always possible to align the corporation's needs with ways to inspired employees?  No, not at all, but therein lies the challenge.  How do you present goals that will inspire employees.

It was timely then, for a co-worker to share this article with me by Forbes.  The Most Successful Leaders Do 15 Things Automatically, Every Day  It's a quick read and I highly recommend it.   Personally, I like the opening paragraphs discussing the organic way we become leaders.  Why?  Well, I suppose that's because it's taken me a long time to see myself as a leader, but today, there is no doubt in my mind that I am one.    Am I successful as a leader?  I suppose the jury may still be out on that one, but I will always work hard at being aware of those who follow.

The blank page

Life is a little like a blank page, for every day we wake we can always begin anew.

Today marks a new journey for me.  A blog that will be more centred on business philosophies, learning and growing from the daily events around me.

I plan on sharing these adventures with you.  They may not come as often as I'd like, but I promise you, they will bring thoughts that hopefully will inspire you to try something new or ponder a different perspective.