Do You Sound Like a Charlie Brown Character?

Well, my friends, thanks to you, we had some great discussions about overused expressions last week. Social Media is all about the first word: being SOCIAL. And, social we were. So, based on your input, I could not resist digging a little bit deeper. You’ll find I have incorporated much of what you shared and added a few more overused expressions, as well. It is my hope that by making this fun, it challenges you to consider your own communications style. I can tell you that (in writing this) it made me rethink mine. So, here we go...

First, it is important to look at our sales and marketing growth from a 30,000-foot view. Note to reader: 30,000 feet seems to be the “magic altitude” needed in business to see things in a clear manner. Also, it is vital that we are all on the same page as you read this blog. In addition, if we are going to achieve success in our printing sales we must circle the wagons to ensure we are clicking on all cylinders. After all, this is pretty cut and dried. The only way you can fail is if you take your eye off the ball.

As a printing company that seeks to grow, it is important NOT to put all of your eggs in one basket. If you do this you are going against best practices. So, I ask that you focus on your core competencies and attack all sales and marketing issues in a cutting-edge manner. In other words—be a thought leader.

Such creativity will lead to a paradigm shift that allows us to push the envelope and raise the bar. However, to reach this level we must bring our A Game to our sales activities each and every day.

To be honest with you, at the end of the day, bringing our A Game is what it is all about. Remember, that nobody is perfect, so be sure not to throw anyone under the bus when you are trying to sell more printing. As a matter of fact, your goal should be to get people in the right seats on the bus. And finally, remember what comes around goes around.

In all seriousness, my entire concept here is for us to consider what we say and write. As noted earlier, I say/write some of these things too and am reflecting on them as I type. Here is what I want you to remember! Be true to yourself and to others. You should do this in all situations and no matter who is watching. This is what being authentic is all about.

So...how do you become more successful in 2013? Well, it is certainly not about buzzwords. Moreover, it is not about creative acronyms or snazzy catch phrases. Success is actually quite simple. Be YOU! Treat others the way you want to be treated. Communicate with others the way that they like to communicate. You see, people can duplicate what you say and do, but they cannot replicate YOU. WOW, did you catch that? Your competition may copy your words, ideas and actions, but can never BE you. Only you can be you!

Your DNA is what makes you unique. It is essential that you never lose sight of this. Watch the following animated video https://bitly.com/VfJMCO that shows a “person” who adds little value in the printing sales process. My question: Do you want to be “Joe Buzzword” or “Mr. Robot,” or do you seek to bring unique value to every sales encounter?

So, my friends, the choice is up to you. Will you be unique, provide headache relief and be a breath of fresh air, OR will you repeat clichés and sound like the Charlie Brown characters? Have a great week!