Success Newsletters

Growing up in England, Marks and Spencer was a way of life and major outing for me and my family. M & S or Marks and Sparks, as we used to call it, is today the largest clothing retailer in the United Kingdom, as well as an up-market food retailer on most if not all of the major high streets throughout the United Kingdom.

Over 30 years ago, four young friends from the same high school in Dublin, Ireland got together and decided to form a rock band. Their dream at that time was big and ambitious. It wasn’t just to form another rock band; it was to become the biggest band in the world. These four lads made a pact with each other that they would persist until they accomplished their goal, and then stick with it.

In the world of sales and marketing your services, you never know where the opportunities are going to come from. Hence, seeing every interaction, even those where we get turned down, as an opportunity is critical.

I thought I would give you some short inspirational stories this month about famous people who have overcome failure, rejection and setbacks to go on to success. Their stories have entertained and inspired me, I hope they do you.

One rainy afternoon many years ago, a 15 year old boy sat down at his kitchen table and wrote three words at the top of a yellow pad: “My Life List”. On this list he wrote out some goals. These were not easy or simple goals, they included climbing the world’s major mountains, exploring the longest rivers in the world, piloting the world’s fastest aircraft, running a mile in under five minutes. In total there were 127 goals.

One of the most important and powerful ways that you can stand out in the arena of life is by asking powerful questions. Sounds simple and makes sense doesn’t it? But from my experience, especially in the business world, it doesn’t happen very often. People are so pre-occupied with talking about themselves, their company, their products and services, their agenda, the features, the benefits, showing off the fancy brochure, and are way too focused on their view of the goal.

Leadership is getting people from where they many want to go to where they need to go. It is about being able to make the tough decisions, even when they not be popular, however doing so with a compassionate heart. The best leaders never stop learning and listening, they make their sales team feel important and special, let them take the accolades.

How did you do last month? I had recommended that you focus on one of the four lessons each week for four weeks from the May issue. Remember, focus, commitment, activity and execution drive results. Here are five new lessons for this month. I will check-in next month to keep you accountable and to see how you did.

Always believe in yourself. Be true to your principles and keep faith in your abilities and beliefs. Lead a life of integrity, true to your values. Be optimistic at all times. Never lose that faith.

One of my first mentors taught me to treat life as a theatre; take it all in, observe, be a sponge and listen. Good advice for sure. Recently I was at Toronto International Airport for one of those crazy early morning flights, checking in at 4.30 a.m. Half asleep, I was still alert enough to observe a gentleman with a lot of luggage checking in at the United Airlines counter with me. I was flying to California, he to Somalia.