Every night thousands of sales professionals find themselves discussing their day with a spouse or significant other.  For most of us, 90% of our day is spent working so that is typically the main topic of discussion.  That is why when you meet a person’s spouse or significant other, they usually say something like, “I have heard so much about you.”  And believe me, they have!  The question I pose is, “Do you know exactly what was said?”  Whether you like it or not, as the manager, you are the center of a person’s work life, you represent the company they work for and are the focal point of whatever emotion, positive or negative they are experiencing. There is no such thing as a separation of your professional and personal life.  I use to think that before my wife reminded me of just how much I talk to her about my work.  Is it any different for you?

The purpose of this article is to remind us as managers of the significant influence a salesperson’s personal life has on his or her career.  Remember that they take home to work every day and work goes home with them every night.  And by work, I mean you!  Not literally but figuratively.

What do you want your employees to take home?

Salespeople have to constantly justify their work to their spouse, family or significant other.  All of the ups and downs, highs and lows of their work play a significant role in the ebb and flow of their personal lives.  It goes without saying that as a manager, you have to abide by the standards, expectations and directives of your organization.  All I want you to think about is the fact that while you are doing the job you were hired to do, is that you remember that you are communicating with real people that have real emotions and feelings.  By no means am I saying that you should bend the rules or make exceptions for individuals that do not meet the required standards and expectations; all that I am saying is that you should try to communicate to your salespeople in a way that inspires them and makes them feel good about what they do and who they work for.  Believe me, if your salespeople take home a manager that appreciates and believes in them, they will transfer that positive energy into their home and will in turn receive positive reinforcement from their significant others. This will energize and make them even more committed to doing the best job they can…not just for the company, but also for you!

If you are a salesperson or a sales manager reading this, please feel free to share your stories and thoughts about this blog.

To Your Story!

Ja Marr

Recently, I had to take a trip to Atlanta. Because the meeting location was about an hour from the airport, I decided to rent a car.  Along the way, I drove by a graveyard.  I have passed by graveyards many times, but this time it was different. Normally, I think about the family members and friends of mine that have passed away and I say a little prayer of thanks for having had them in my life and for all of the lessons they taught me through their stories.  Often times, I find myself tearing up, because of how much I miss them.  But the thoughts of missing them are trumped by the joy and comfort I have knowing that we shared so much together when they were alive. In addition to the fact that the lessons they taught me, continue to lead and guide me.

The stories buried with the individual

All of the sudden, I became sad again.  Not because of the people I personally knew that have passed, but because I thought about how many of those individuals in that graveyard died with their stories untold?  How many of their family members and friends truly knew them? How many of them had stories and information that if shared could have touched and changed someone’s life? So many times when someone passes we hear people say, “if only I could have spent more time with them.  If only I could have gotten to know them better.”

I also thought about how many of them passed with the regret and disappointment of knowing that they never pursued their dreams and passions in life…and now, it is too late.

It is not too late to tell your story

However, it is not too late for you and I.  You can tell your story, you can inspire others, and you can leave a legacy for yourself. It does not have to be on a grand scale…just tell your story to the people in your life who mean something to you.  Share the lessons you have learned and that have shaped you as a person.  Teach your children the lessons life has taught you, what to do and what to avoid.  If you are a manager teach your employees the stories about your career that can help them.

I have been fortunate enough to write a book titled, “What’s Your Sales Story?”  This book was written because I wanted to inspire other professionals through my story, and give them a roadmap for which to write and tell their own story.  My book, will also serve as a teaching guide for my daughter when she starts her professional career.

Since the day my wife and I found out that she was pregnant, I started keeping a journal for our daughter. I chronicle the daily lessons and stories that are not only shaping my life but hers as well.  I am overwhelmed with joy and peace knowing that she will always have those journals to serve as a reminder of who her father was and the story of her life. I highly recommend that all parents do that for your children.  When you are gone, how will they remember you?

Finally, make sure that at the end of the day you have no regrets in life and can say, starting today, that you pursued your dreams and passions in life.  When someone you know passes by your gravesite, make sure that they can say…I know his or her story!

Now it is time to share your story.  Please write back and share your comments.  Remember, your story can change lives!

To your story!

Ja Marr