marketing+sales: How Bad Do You Want It?
In life, or in business, if you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen. If not, you will find excuses as to why it can't (or won't) work. For example, it's amazing how many complaints are still made about the economy. Meanwhile, many companies in our industry have grown through acquisitions, new hires and diversification. They are making a solid profit because they have out-thought the competition.
Quite frankly, I hate excuses. My mantra is simple: Make it happen. In other words, "Suck it up, quit complaining, stop making excuses that haven't been valid since 2009 and, by all means, bring some true value to the table." Winners will find a way to succeed in any situation, whereas whiners will list all the things that are holding them back. So, here is what I'd like to know: Are you better, more talented, more valuable and more creative than your competitors? Do you want to win or just go along for the ride? Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?
Look at it this way. There are 168 hours in a week. Whether you represent a small or large company, you do not have any more—or less—time. What do you do with your time? Do you focus on things that really matter or are you in "paralysis by analysis" or "decision by indecision" mode? Do you plan out each month, week and day?
I challenge you to dig deep, want it more than the other person, use every resource at your disposal in an intelligent manner, begin with the end in mind and be strategic in your thinking. The current social platforms allow us to connect with anyone on the globe. Use this opportunity for sales and organizational growth. Then, decide what you want to grow.
As a first step, try setting SMART goals (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound). Put these goals in writing and only focus on two or three of them at a time. You should have a mix of short-, medium- and long-term goals. Use these goals as a compass to ensure you are spending time on things that matter and heading in the right direction.
Embracing this mindset will allow you to gain customers through strategic planning and confidence. Do you want to succeed so much that you'll find a way, or are you comfortable making excuses for why things won't work? The choice is yours. And, if you do not believe me, then remember this advice from Yoda, our wise Star Wars friend: "Do or do not. There is no try."
By Ryan T. Sauers
Ryan T. Sauers is president/owner of Sauers Consulting Strategies, whose focus is growing the front end of printing- and promotional products-related businesses. Sauers ran such companies for nearly 20 years before founding the firm. The organization consults with MSP/printing/promotional product companies across the U.S. Sauers is working on his doctorate in organizational leadership. He is both a certified Myers Briggs (MBTI) and DiSC practitioner as well as a certified marketing executive. He also blogs weekly for Printing Impressions, the sister publication of Print+Promo. Sauers' best-selling book, "Everyone Is in Sales," can be ordered through Amazon (www.everyoneinsales.com). For more information on consulting, visit www.ryansauers.com.
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