“Well... they are multi-purpose pliers.” When the defense contractor spokesman for Pratt and Whitney was questioned about charging the Pentagon $999.00 for a pair of ordinary pliers, this was his response.
“Everybody kept their shoes there. The maids...everybody.” Imelda Marcos on why there were more than 3,000 pairs of shoes in her closets a Malacanang Palace.
I struggle with taking responsibility just like you do. I’m generally convinced the problem lays with every one else just like you are. We are probably both right. We are not the ones responsible. The problem is that that attitude or mind set leaves us in a negative emotional state feeling victimized and dis-empowered.
Brian Tracey says the short cut to positive emotions is to take responsibility. He recommends the regularly repeating the affirmation, “I am responsible”, “I am responsible” regularly throughout the day. Try it.
Another one of my favorite authors is John G. Miller. I recommend his short classic on the subject, QBQ! The Question Behind The Question. John eloquently describes how certain questions take us down the wrong path.
“When is management going to _______?”
“Why are we always so _________?”
“When are the customers going to _______?”
“Who is supposed to be _________?”
“Why do I always have to _________?”
He suggests replacing them with empowering questions like:
“What can I do to improve ________?”
“How can I do _______ better today?”
“How can I support _______?”
“How can I adapt to ________?”
“What can I do to increase _______?”
Early in my sales career, a manager from one of the other departments called me to let me know about a problem on one our projects. I immediately realized I had blown it and told him so. There was this long pause on the other end of the line. Finally he replied, "I don't think I've ever heard a marketing rep take responsibility for a problem before". Apparently he was all ready for a battle and to make his case. Quite unintentionally I took the wind out of his sales. From that day forward I always maintained a great relationship with that manager.
The perspective or additude of personal responsibility is critical if you want to be a servant salesperson. The buck must stop with you. This doesn't mean that you are to blame for everything that goes wrong. It does mean you see yourself as responsible in making sure your customers are delighted at the end of the day. If something does go wrong... and it will... it is your job to coordinate making it right. It is also your job to gain influence over time with in your company. It is your responsibility to work with peers, supervisors, and subordinates to insure systems and processes are constantly being improved.
SERVICE ORIENTED SELLING
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Welcome to "SUCCESSPATH SELLING SERVICE ORIENTED SELLING", a site designed to "Revolutionize Your Approach To Sales and Marketing" . Our goals are to offer ideas and resources that will help you make increasingly high levels of income by offering increasingly high levels of service. This site is for corporate sales and marketing professionals, small business owners who sell, and direct marketers. It is for anyone who is tired of the old, manipulative "me first" and "get all you can" methods. Servant sales people sell their products, services, and themselves with refreshing and sometimes radical "How Can I Serve You?" attitudes and strategies. It is our hope to offer new, contemporary, fresh approaches, integrated with timeless principles that will give your customers "WOW" Experiences". In the process we hope to lead you toward tremendous career success, satisfaction, and significance. Topics we cover include all parts of a sales presentation, time management, creativity, people skills, competition, attitude and more... all from our unique "Servant Selling" perspective.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
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Comments On Coaching and Classes
The Purpose of this letter is to describe the benefits I enjoyed from my coaching experience with Dale Cobb. I had a very specific issue, which I needed help getting over the hump with. Our conversations were very helpful in keeping me on track and getting me to the finish line. I believe that Dale is a keen observer of the human condition and has the ability to reflect back an individuals thoughts and goals as one strives for success. I found the services offered by Dale to be timely and effective. In the future, I am sure I will be presented with challenges that require outside assistance. When that time comes,
I will not hesitate to call on Dale for his fresh bright and insightful guidance.
Thank You,
Joe Sexton
Managing Partner
CFR Executive Search
Chicago, Illinois
Memphis, Tennessee
"Dale has always impressed me with his integrity, marketing insights, compassion and follow through. He thinks outside the box, asks the questions that others fail to ask and has a real heart for training others to be the best they can be. You can count on Dale."
Tim Turner, Owner Turner Strategic
Atlanta, Georgia
“Dale is always the most prepared person in the room. He has the ability to listen and clarify the issue at hand. He is a creative, caring leader. He has always been a joy to work with.”
Beverly Sherman, Owner Creative Connections
Lansing, Michigan
I would like to take the opportunity to offer my recommendation for Dale Cobb. He has the remarkable ability to clearly listen to a problem, understand the issues and suggest a course of action that satisfies the needs of me and my clients. I cannot tell you how many times his advice was precisely what I needed to close a deal or carefully resolve a difficult situation. He is resourceful and creative in his teaching style. Over all he helped me to be more efficient and successful in my career.
It has been an incredible experience for me having you as my coach. As a small business owner I have at times felt isolated and stuck in my own thinking. With your excellent coaching I have been able to expand not only my thinking about existing design practice but about the design and building industry and how I can enlarge my place in it.
Interior Designer
Carmel, California
Dale helped me with exploring perspectives, chunking them down, setting goals, action planning, and overcoming hurdles (professionally and personally). The coaching format has moved me from a dream to implementing an action plan.
Management Consultant
Greenbrae, California
I have found your coaching very helpful. I have been somewhat stuck in my career decisions, but with your understanding and focus I am now moving forward. I am now positive about my direction and the steps I want to take. The coaching has also helped my personal life. I thank you for being there for me now and in the future.
Retired Dentist
Meadow Vista, California
This is one of the most beneficial and rewarding classes I have attended. Thank You.
Comfortable casual feeling....Lots of laughter...Made classes fun and increased learning.
Everything was explained so clearly. I came away from the course having learned a great deal.
Very interesting, I've learned a lot... The material has given me a lot to work with.
I've enjoyed all the sessions and feel I received something from each session to help me be a better person.
I will not hesitate to call on Dale for his fresh bright and insightful guidance.
Thank You,
Joe Sexton
Managing Partner
CFR Executive Search
Chicago, Illinois
“Working with Dale has always been rewarding. Dale has always been on the leading edge developing new ways of marketing his products and services. Always willing to try new approaches and follow through... Always convincing.”
Fred Friday, Director of Operations Fundcraft PublishingMemphis, Tennessee
"Dale has always impressed me with his integrity, marketing insights, compassion and follow through. He thinks outside the box, asks the questions that others fail to ask and has a real heart for training others to be the best they can be. You can count on Dale."
Tim Turner, Owner Turner Strategic
Atlanta, Georgia
“Dale is always the most prepared person in the room. He has the ability to listen and clarify the issue at hand. He is a creative, caring leader. He has always been a joy to work with.”
Beverly Sherman, Owner Creative Connections
Lansing, Michigan
I would like to take the opportunity to offer my recommendation for Dale Cobb. He has the remarkable ability to clearly listen to a problem, understand the issues and suggest a course of action that satisfies the needs of me and my clients. I cannot tell you how many times his advice was precisely what I needed to close a deal or carefully resolve a difficult situation. He is resourceful and creative in his teaching style. Over all he helped me to be more efficient and successful in my career.
Michael Ward
Sacramento, California
It has been an incredible experience for me having you as my coach. As a small business owner I have at times felt isolated and stuck in my own thinking. With your excellent coaching I have been able to expand not only my thinking about existing design practice but about the design and building industry and how I can enlarge my place in it.
Interior Designer
Carmel, California
Dale helped me with exploring perspectives, chunking them down, setting goals, action planning, and overcoming hurdles (professionally and personally). The coaching format has moved me from a dream to implementing an action plan.
Management Consultant
Greenbrae, California
I have found your coaching very helpful. I have been somewhat stuck in my career decisions, but with your understanding and focus I am now moving forward. I am now positive about my direction and the steps I want to take. The coaching has also helped my personal life. I thank you for being there for me now and in the future.
Retired Dentist
Meadow Vista, California
This is one of the most beneficial and rewarding classes I have attended. Thank You.
Comfortable casual feeling....Lots of laughter...Made classes fun and increased learning.
Everything was explained so clearly. I came away from the course having learned a great deal.
Very interesting, I've learned a lot... The material has given me a lot to work with.
I've enjoyed all the sessions and feel I received something from each session to help me be a better person.
Copyright Restrictions and Fair Use
Copyright 2008 Dale Cobb All Rights Reserved
Please feel free to print and use any of the posts for personal growth or for your sales team as long as you prominently display the source. Any attempt to resell the material is strictly prohibited.
Please feel free to print and use any of the posts for personal growth or for your sales team as long as you prominently display the source. Any attempt to resell the material is strictly prohibited.
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