As you may have noticed, every now and again one of our team members gets asked to write a blog. Well, this week it’s my turn. I often struggle to find a topic that 1.) hasn’t been written about recently, or 2.) relevant to the work that we do for our clients. However, with Father’s Day right around the corner, I felt compelled to tell a story about the way my dad helps me every day.
A few years ago, a friend and I were talking and he happen to have a list that my dad gave him years ago in a Sunday school class. This list was my Dad’s “Recipe for Life.” Ever since that day I’ve always kept a copy of it either on my desk, in my computer bag, or even in my pocket. This list talks about everything from having a firm hand shake to buying a blue blazer. Today, I will talk about a few entries that I try to apply everyday while I work.
#1 – “There are three types of people in this world: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.”
If you’re not always learning, or immersed in your work with the client’s best interest in mind, you’ll always be one of those people who watch life go by and are left wondering what happened.
#2 – “Marry for love.”
This one is easy. It really just makes life a lot easier.
#7 – “Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.”
Serving our clients generally means simply listening. It’s a lesson that I learned very early in my career and I’m always amazed what a person can learn from asking the right questions.
#10 – “Choose work that is in harmony with your values.”
Get to know the person you’re going to be working for. Make sure the culture they create in their business is an atmosphere where you can flourish. This will create longevity in your work.
#14 – “Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or even prestige, but on the relationships with the people you love and respect.”
I think this one really explains itself.
#16 – “The harder you work the luckier you’ll get.”
Nothing’s ever promised. The harder you work, the happier you will be. In sales, it’s all about knowing your numbers.
#22 – “When facing a difficult task, act as though it is impossible to fail. If you’re going after Moby Dick, make sure to take along the tartar sauce.”
This is one of my favorites. First, I think it’s a little funny. Second, when it comes to sales, you have to realize that not everyone is going to say “yes,” but you can’t go into a sale thinking you will get turned down. Sometimes you’ll get knocked down, but standing up and brushing yourself off will keep you happy and lead to more success.
These are just a few of the lessons my dad lived by. With Father’s day on Sunday, remember to thank your father. He may not have created a list to live by, but he has taught you some of the life lessons that have helped make you the person that you are today.
Below is my dad’s complete list of steps.
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