Columbus Day…

It’s been 10 years since I ventured out into the social media world for the very first time.  I know I wasn’t the original “explorer”, but it was still a big move for me.  In recognition of Columbus Day, permit me to share a re-post of one of my original posts from back then - beginning with:  

People told Columbus the world was flat.  He didn’t insist it was round.  He got in a boat. 

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How cool was that!  No debate; no argument; no headlines; no hype.  They said, “Impossible!” he said, “Get me to a boat!”  Then Columbus got in that boat (funded by the original venture capitalist); and proved his point.  

I know many say today that Columbus spread violence, slavery, and disease as a by-product of his bravery and exploration.  I wonder 500 years from now what they will be saying we spread?  But that’s a different debate for some other time. 

I prefer to celebrate this example of Columbus’ commitment to success!  “Hey Chris, the world is flat you know.  If you go out there, you’ll sail right off the table into oblivion.”  “That’s OK”, he might have said, “I think we’ll be all right.” 

What about you?  What are “they” saying you cannot do?  Do you agree with them?  Are you staying close to shore keeping land in sight to feel secure?  Or are you looking out across the vast ocean and on to your future?  Are you debating – or are you doing?  Where are you turning for the fuel to maintain your positive, can-do attitude?  

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. 

Babe Ruth 

If you’re reading this, then you’re in my boat.  Welcome to The Peace & Power of a Positive Perspective©.  The next time you’re having one of “those days”, filled with too much negativity from “them”, come back aboard for a little positive reinforcement. 

I’m using social media as my vessel – it is the 21^st century after all.  Some people today might say, “Gary; Linked In, Face Book, Snapchat, Twitter are fun and all; but a vehicle for ongoing business-to-business, business?  Impossible!”  Well, what do I know?  

I’ve spent decades in my career practicing professional selling skills.  You know – permission-based prospecting; discovering the customer’s goals; presenting solutions; closing the deal?  Remember?  Are any of those skills relevant today?

Best-selling business author Jim Collins wrote: 

The Tyranny of the OR vs the Genius of the AND. 

To me, it’s not social media – OR – the old way.  I think social media is important.

But, I also believe that building trust still plays a key role in the customers’ success; and in turn, our success.  I believe that knowing what you’re doing is still critical to a salesperson’s achievement.  Being a product expert + a technology expert + a competitive expert + a businessperson are the key characteristics our customers value.  But, what do I know? 

Similar to Christopher Columbus, no one can predict ahead of time what changes the online world will bring to the future of the sales profession.  I’m certainly not going to argue about it.  I’m just getting in my social media boat and setting sail – I believe I won’t fall off the face of the earth. 

I hope you join me for the voyage.  Bring a friend!  After all: 

No sense in being pessimistic.  It wouldn’t work anyway. 

Unknown Sage 

Here’s to the New World.  Thanks again Chris! 

GAP 

When life gets tough we could get a helmet… or… we could leverage the peace and share the power of a positive perspective.