Thursday, December 22, 2005

Restaurant Selling

This evening I was sent into nostalgia most from a conversation I was having this afternoon. Like many people in business I made my way through University working in the restaurant industry. It was often not only a source of revenue but it was also a staple of my diet for many years. Today got me thinking however and pondering one of the lessons I am always telling people and that is to do what you have done in the past when success was prevalent.

As I was re-living my days in the restaurant I was thinking about how successful some of our add on sales campaigns were and how simple the steps we took to implement them were. I wanted to share some of the lessons I learned and how useful they are.

One of the first things is to always speak to a customer on their level. All to often we find ourselves standing over the customer in an intimidating fashion. The best thing to do is kneel down so you are looking at them eye to eye and they will liken you to a friend rather than someone of authority.

Secondly when aproaching add on items such as deserts, talk about how great it tastes. Create an experience when you are talking about it rather than just talking about what it is. Using words like delicious, scrumptious or delectable will create a mouth watering experience. Always use open ended questions such as which desert can I get you? As apposed to closed questions like "would you like desert". This technique called assuming the sale is one of the most powerful approaches you can use. The power of suggestion is very strong and will have a profound effect on your business.

Finally never under estimate the power of a smile and a kind word. We all know that life is stressful, but telling everyone around you about your bad day will do you no justice. Let your smile be infectious and who knows, maybe you will win that jersey.

Cheers,

CB

Bitron: Excellence- It is your choice

Bitron: Excellence- It is your choice

A number of years ago I was attending a business conference in St. Louis where I heard a speak by the name of Mark Gorman. I was so inspired by his speach that I bought his tape for my car (yes it was a tape at the time, I did not yet have a CD player). He really emphasised the importants of personal choice and not allowing ourselves to be anything but the best we can be.

"Don't ever let it be said that someone else expected more of you than you expected of yourself. If anyone finds fault in a job which you have done that is less than excellent, don't make excuses. Admit that it was not your best. Don't stand up and try to defend yourself. Why settle for average, when excellence is an option? I'm weary of people saying that it's not in their nature to demand more of themselves."

It is something that has stuck with me to this day and I just love the way he puts it. If you do not demand excellence of yourself how can you possibly expect to achieve your goals in life. Ask yourself, is what I am doing right now getting me closer or farther from where I want to be?

If the answer is farther perhaps it is time to take another look at your actions or priorities.....

Cheers,

CB

Getting a message to Garcia

In the late 1800s following the Spanish American war, one of the greatest articles in history was written by a fellow by the name of Elbert Hubbard. Even though it was written over 100 years ago the points made are still as poignant today. I particularly like one section where he states,

"when all the world has gone a-slumming I wish to speak a word of sympathy for the man who succeeds- the man who, against great odds has directed the efforts of others, and having succeeded, finds there’s nothing in it: nothing but bare board and clothes

My heart goes out to the man who does his work when the "boss" is away, as well as when he is at home. And the man who, when given a letter for Garcia, quietly take the missive, without asking any idiotic questions, and with no lurking intention of chucking it into the nearest sewer, or of doing aught else but deliver it, never gets "laid off," nor has to go on a strike for higher wages.

Civilization is one long anxious search for just such individuals. Anything such a man asks shall be granted; his kind is so rare that no employer can afford to let him go. He is wanted in every city, town and village- in every office, shop, store and factory. The world cries out for such: he is needed, & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia."

In the world today, I think we are far to quick to pass successful people off as lucky. Instead of doing the wise thing and learning from their success and finding ways to make it our own.

These are my two cents on the day,

CB

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Christmas Season-A time to sell

With the holiday season upon us many people use this as an excuse to pack in the productivity and relax. I see it as just the opposite. Think of it as all of your competition has packed it in so you have the whole market to yourself.

The second thing I really like about the holidays is that it is a great time to re-connect with old aquaintances. If you have old clients you have not spoken to in a while why not give them a jingle and spread some christmas cheer. Everyone right now is in a talkative mood, so use it to build on your existing relationships and strengthen them to move forward.

A final piece of food for thought is that many companies have left over money in their budget that they can spend. If you are out there trying to sell you maybe able to get someone who has money to blow and you can shorten your sales cycle dramatically. You dont need to use the hard sell, just be your effervescent self and good things will happen.

Happy Holidays,

CB

Monday, December 19, 2005

Selling contagious emotion

You know when we are trying to sell ourselves or our products, I always say look back to the times you have had the most success. I think what you will find is that success always comes in waves, for the simple reason that your Emotions Are Contagious.

The fact is that emotions are contagious. The more passion you have for your life and your activities, the more charisma you will possess, and the more cooperation you will gain from others. If you are truely excited about something and doing it with zest that will grab attention of others and make them want to be a part of it.

People always want to feel good and will be drawn to things that make them feel good. I want to use the example of personal training. I don't think there is anyone who could not make good use of a personal trainer but so few of us do. If you are in this business and want to be more successful, just raise the level of excitment in your gym. If the atmosphere is warm and welcoming it becomes a destination people want to go to.

We all have our favorite restaurants or bars, it is usually more the atmosphere in them than the food that draws us in. Use the possitive emotion to your advantage and people will be drawn to you.

Cheers,

CB

Sales-Its not about talking

You know one thing that always makes me laugh is people who say they could never do sales, or those who say they don't like sales people because they do not like the feeling of being sold. We can all think of the sterotypical salesman in the cheap suit talking out of his @#$. If you ask me, these are not sales people.

I think the first lesson a true salesperson learns is that you are not trying to sell. Our job is to listen, uncover problems and then find a solution to those problems. The most common misconception about selling, is that sales means talking. A good sales person is first and foremost a good listener and a caring friend. If you can make this switch in your head you will immediately notice better results.

I do beleive the reason no one talks about "good salespeople" is because whenever a good sales person is found, they don't fit the mold of what a salesperson should look like so we mistake them for our friends.

Cheers,

CB

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Personality types- Sumary

Well there you have it, the four types have been defined in the simplest terms. However knowing the basic characteristics of the four is just the beggining of being able to understand them.

The thing that complicates understanding the most is the fact that no person is only one personality type. We all change from style to style depending on the situation we are confronted with. We will often reacte completely differently to a situation at work than we would if the same situation involved our friends or family.

The best advice I can give is to understand that everyone is going to be a little bit different and the best thing to do is get to know them and LISTEN. Listen to the things they say and how they are said and people will become much easier to understand.

These are my two cents on the evening,

Chuck

Personality types- Perfect Melancholy

The final of the 4 personality styles is that which I like to refer to as the Perfect Melancholy. This is the person who is the analytical, the deep thinker or the planner. These are the people who seem to slow down the rest but take the time needed to create a masterpiece.

We see perfect melancholy people in all sorts of prominant roles such as artist, singers and accountants. They are often the back bone of the work place, making sure that the details are taken care of to keep things running smoothly. They take the time to ensure things are done right the first time and dont give up until the job is done.

The down side of the perfect melancholy is that they are very slow and deliberate in their actions and do not adapt well to sudden change. They are skeptical by nature and like to learn things for themselves as they don't trust the judgment of anyone very easily.

When we need it done right, or a long term plan put in place we always look to the perfect melancholy and we know the job will be in good hands.

Cheers,

CB

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Personality types- Peaceful Phlegmatic

The peaceful phlegmatic are often the least noticeable of the personality types. They are quite content to fly under the radar and not draw attention to themselves. Peaceful phlegmatic people are very calm cool and collected and quite happy to work their 9-5 shift and not bother anyone. Although they are pecimistic by nature they are not bothered by it.

Peaceful phlegmatic people make great long term employees, as they really have no desire for change and can work consistantly at mundane jobs that would drive the other personalities nuts. They are also very agreeable in that they have no desire to cause trouble.

The downside of peaceful phlegmatic is that they lack motivation and drive. They will rarely take any new initiative themselves and are not self motivated. They also are not likely to take a leadership role.

As a whole the peaceful phlegmatic types are a great addition to the work force as they are dependable long term and you always know what to expect.

Bon Appetite,

CB

Personality Types- Popular Sanguine

The popular sanguine is the life of the party. If you know someone who is popular and dynamic odds are that person is a Popular Sanguine. These people are always willing to help and want to make sure everyone is happy. The end result is not nearly as important as the fact that everyone has a good time.

The downside to the popular sanguine is that they can sometimes inhibit productivity. They can sometimes get wrapped up in office gosip rather than getting important work done. Their currious nature can be both a possitive or a negative depending on how it is taken.

To me the single biggest strength a popular sanguine has is their ability to lighten the mood and help out someone who is feeling blue. The most important thing to remember when dealing with a popular sanguine is that relationships count for a lot, and they always find time for the fluff. Their bubbly outgoing nature is always welcome on a drab day.

Look to the popular sanguine, to keep up the spirits of people. These people make great additions to office life and are a welcome addition to any customer service or phone team.

Cheers,

CB

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Personality Types-Powerful Choleric

In dealing with personality types it is always easiest to understand the one you epitomize so I want to begin with Powerful Choleric. The three ways to describe this person are The extrovert, the Doer, the Optimist.

Powerful Cholerics are born leaders and very goal oriented in life. They always move quickly to action and adapt well to change. On the down side they can sometimes find it difficult to slow down or relax. They will often quickly get to the top of their field... but can sometimes find themselves alone at the top.

When dealing with a powerful choleric personality the best approach to take is to quickly get to the point. They do not care much about the story behind things or the fluff that goes along with it. If you want things done, or someone who can deal well in a stressful situation then a powerful choleric comes in handy.

Cheers,

CB

Personality types

One of my favorite topics to study is that of personality types and personality profiling. I have found it to be invaluable in allowing me to get a read on the people I am speaking with as well as gaining introspection to myself. I am one of the unusual types who has one very overwhelming personality style. Most people are a close blend of a couple but I am firmly in one quadrant.

As entire books have been written on the subject of personality profiling, I am going to break this down into a series of articles so you will have to keep coming back :)... what a shame I know. One of the first lessons that I learned was that if you are not able to put yourself in the shoes of a person you are speaking with you are really only able to communicate with about 25% of the population. Or the group of people who share your personality style.

There are many names given to the personality styles, some prefer to give them colours. I use the names in which I first learned them from a book called Personality Plus by Florence Littauer. She calls them 1. Powerful Choleric 2. Perfect Melancholy 3. Peaceful Phlegmatic 4. Popular Sanguine.

Stay tuned and I will talk about the 4 types and how to best deal with each one.

Cheers,

CB

People- The forgotten part of Business

Today I was reminded once again why it is that so many businesses have trouble. I was in a planning meeting at the Burnaby Board of Trade and we were discussing possible topics for our upcoming small business seminars. The meeting, as often happens, was draw away from new progressive ideas and taken in the direction of tired old business concepts that should have died with the 80s.

As our economy enters into a recession I feel so many companies are missing the point of building long term solid relationships. I beleive the companies who are too busy now to worry about relationships are the ones who are going to be "busy" in bankruptcy proceedings in the coming years.

I always find myself trying to convince people that it is not good ideas, not good marketing or good products that make or break companies. The key ingrediant in all successful companies is good people and good people skills. I want to steal a few lines from one of my favorite articles called "Getting a message to Garcia". When talking about this type of person Elbert Hubbard states

"Civilization is one long anxious search for just such individuals. Anything such a man asks shall be granted; his kind is so rare that no employer can afford to let him go. He is wanted in every city, town and village- in every office, shop, store and factory. The world cries out for such: he is needed, & needed badly"

These are my thoughts on the subject.....

CB

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Networking-You are not there to sell!!!

With all of the networking functions that go on in a city like Vancouver, most business people will find themselves attending meetings from time to time. I would always recommend people attend them regularily, but that is not the topic of today. I think one of the challenges we face is that too often a networking event is seen as a group of potential customers we should be trying to sell to. This is far from the case and will get you nowhere in the fast lane.

A networking function is an opportunity to get to know someone a little bit and discover what he and his company does and has to offer. If you feel there is synergy with your new found friend by all means set an appointment at which you can begin the sales proccess. Do not, I repeat DO NOT, try and make a deal then and there. It is neither the time nor the place.

One of the biggest problems trying to "sell" at a networking event creates is that you miss the opportunity to get to know someone who is not part of your "target market". What is often overlooked is just because I may not be in your target market, it does not mean I don't know anyone who is. Some of the most well connected people I know don't show it. So take the time to establish rapport with everyone, you just never know who they might know. A solid long term relationship is worth way more than on one time deal.

These are just my two cents,

Cheers,

CB

New Role-Duocom

In my ever expanding world of strategic partners and key connections I have taken on a new role with Duocom. I was approached by them to come on in an account managment/ relationship building role which I accepted. I am please to work with them and add more complimentary services to my network.

Having spent many years working in the world of Audio Video, Duocom is a natural fit for me and my endeavors. The world of office technology is changing quickly and there are so many great ways to communicate your message to both customers and co-workers, I am excited about the opportunity.

Cheers,

Chuck

Friday, December 02, 2005

'Embrace blogging' Harvard tells businesses

But do it properly... or not at all

Businesses need to embrace the benefits that blogging can deliver, according to Harvard Business School. Though in some circles blogging has gotten a bad rap the US business school says companies should get online and start spreading the word.

In a Harvard Management Communication Letter, the school said blogs enable the brave few "to connect with customers online and advance corporate communications and marketing goals" and added that a well-written blog can boost a company's credibility. If you don't want to hear from your customers and critics in a public environment, don't blog.
In the case of crisis – far from being a PR disaster – a blog can enable companies "to shape the conversation about it",

Among those already embracing the trend are Boeing, General Motors, Google, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Sun and Yahoo!.

However, the business school suggests companies bear in mind a number of key points such as ensuring readers can comment so the blog remains open and interactive and doesn't appear a mouthpiece for the company. "Permit both positive and negative posts on your blog and reply to comments made on other blogs pertinent to your area of focus. Respond in a professional and businesslike way. If you don't want to hear from your customers and critics in a public environment, don't blog."

It also urges companies not to allow their PR department anywhere near their blog and put the marketing-speak thesaurus back on the shelf. A blog which is "genuine, conversational and engaging" and which "eschews corporate-speak" is far more effective, it states.
And most importantly, the article tells companies to make a commitment to update the blog regularly once they have told the world they are doing a blog.

This is excellent food for thought when trying to consider whether or not you should be blogging,

My two cents,

CB

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Emulation-Who do I want to be like?

You know one thing I am always surprised by is how willing people are to take bad advice from people they know. How many people do you know who missed an opportunity because they talked to their brother in law's uncle who thought it was a bad idea? When I look at someone who is offering me advice, I ask myself one simple question. Is the person I am speaking with credible on this subject? If I need advice on money, I am not going to talk to a middle age relative who is broke. A much better strategy is to talk to someone who has money and has been successful in getting it.

I think this is a very important lesson we all need to learn. Everyone needs to have role models in life, just make sure you choose them wisely. I am a firm beleiver in the psychological theory that you become who you associate with most of the time. If you want to be good at golf then hang around with people who are good golfers. If you want to have money, hang around with people who you want to emulate with money.

Everything we do and everyone we associate with is a choice, dont have that choice made for you. It is your life, make darn sure you choose wisely!

Cheers,

CB

BNI Vancouver: Elevator Speach

One of the things many people have heard me talk about is the importance of knowing your audience. All to often we get so wrapped up in our thoughts, feelings and desires that we start asking the world "why arent you more like me"? What is often overlooked in my opinion is the fact that first of all there are 4 major personality types. ( I am not going to get into a discussion of what they are right now, I will leave that for a later post)

So what we need to realize is that even if every person of our personality type were like us (they are not, however) we would still only be getting our message to 25% of the population who share our thought patterns.

Instead of trying to get people to think more like you, try thinking more like the person you are speaking with. I know you will love the results you get once you begin to do this. For more on this topic take a look at my article on creating an elevator speach for an introduction.
BNI Vancouver: Elevator Speach

Cheers,

CB

RSS-Your own personal detective

One of the thing that continues to amaze me the most is the search capacity of RSS feeds. I can be notified for instance everytime anything is written on the net using the words "Chuck Brady". I can have a constant search being run and the results delivered directly to my inbox with no work on my part and most importantly NO SPAM.

The ramifications of this are huge from an information standpoint. It allows you to always be updated on the topics of your choice. You can always be aware of what your competition is doing, stop any bad press while it is in its infancy or just track the results of your favorite sports team.

Just one of the many reasons why I love this new technology,

Cheers,

CB