Monday, July 27, 2009

Billie Mays

Most popular searches header bar today included Michael Jackson. We truly do live in an 'entertainment age' as Tony Robbins says.
Personally, I believe the best entertainment is watching a 'Pitchman' deliver his/her line with such perfection that you know the 'script' is part of his/her life.

Dedication is admired and respected. However, 'Passion' is what people buy.
Pour your passion into what you believe in.

'Hi, I'm Billie Mays' should be up there with 'Thriller'.

RIP

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Value Perceived

I learned a long time ago that people 'buy' when they see value. Jackie Cooper, not the actor, proffered the idea that when people buy they like the product, the price or the people dealing with them. Conversely, when people do not buy, the true objection is the product, the price or the person/people they are dealing with.

I need to define the product a little more. The 'Product' does not necessarily relate to a material good. An idea or a service provided may be the product. The simple greeting of 'have a nice day' may actually be a 'product'. While given freely, some one accepted it and their day was brightened. They actually might have bought into the greeting so much, they might have passed (sold) it on to some one else. The same is true for the question 'Are you feeling ok?' When presented enough times, one begins to believe they are not well. They have 'bought' (price is free) 'the product' (idea of not feeling well). The 'person or persons' who delivered (sold) the product was liked, trusted or both.

When I am running an Automotive Service Center, I do not 'discount'. I may have given a 'price break'. However, I do not discount. Why? Because I believe in the product I sell and the service I provide. I also believe in the technicians providing the service.
Am I overpriced? No, not at all.

When I provide the service or product, I truly believe in it.

Arrogance has no place in the sales theatre. Arrogance is the guy with the plaid suit and gold tooth sparkling in the afternoon sun, thinking he is the ultimate gift to the buying public. Confidence is the calm assurance that tells the prospect you know what you are doing, how to get it done and you'll be there for them.

Confidence? Absolutely, Yes.

People see 'value' when they find a 'benefit' for what you have to provide. They will support you with approval, time or money.

Friday, July 24, 2009

In Praise of my Daughter

My daughter is, well, fantastic. Graduating from High School with her I.B. diploma she has the world to conquer.
Her spirit is one of caring and giving. G-d has kept her from the selfish cynicism I have seen in other young adults. Her participation in her church youth group settles within me great satisfaction.
Her compassion for others in the community, both local and world, far exceeds mine and I am grateful for her.

I am truly blessed by G-d's gift.

Black Professor Arrested and Obama's Response

President Obama is WRONG! He has no right to say, as President of the United States, that the officers are 'stupid' This smacks of Pres. Bush stating that the verdict handed down is a travesty of justice.
I was not there when the officer questioned Professor Gates. I am quite sure that our President was not there either. No, he doesn't have the chance to take it back. He said it and showed his thoughts. He does however, have the right to look at the police report and state what the facts are.

Vice President Joe Biden didn't speak on this. We already know the affable VP can stick his foot in his mouth. Usually what he says is right on any way. However, this sitting President, a constitutional Law professor, should have known better!
Hmmm, was he exercising his first amendment right? Did he slander the officers? Maybe he oughta be dragged into court and answer for his statement. The officer will.

My boyz

This is a picture of my two sons on the day my oldest graduated from UC Berkeley!

Tim, named after his Great Grandfather, earned his BS in Electrical Engineering now works for a defense firm. To the people who thought he would achieve these goals, supported and encouraged him, I give my heartfelt thanks.To those who gave up, or left him without knowing him..... You lost out big time.


Charles, named after his grandfather, is a new home consultant for Beazer Homes in Rosamond. representing a quality home builder, he has helped hundreds of people over the last few years in their decision of home ownership. He has also helped develop a designer clothing line, produce a short film, and is working on a motivational website.

I write these thots because I am proud of them. Parents are always concerned about their children! Who will they be? How will they succeed, what will become of their futures?

We may not say them out loud, however these concerns always exist. The question I have is how committed are we to their future and how committed are we to ourselves in relation to guiding and them.