Random Thoughts

Actually not all that random but the thread inside them makes me think about how to be better at selling.

Teflon (PTFE) is the slipperiest substance known to man; equivalent to wet ice on wet ice. How does it stick to a fry pan? I actually know the answer to this but it does make you think outside the box.

Why don't sheep shrink in the rain? After washing a wool sweater once I had this picture of a sheep in a bright, sun warmed, field following a rain asking for a comb because they; well you should be getting the picture by now. Again, there is an answer but I believe looking deeper it reminds that the essential goodness of something can be washed away in the processing. Simpler is more than simpler; it is often better. Along the same line, processed orange juice is highly acidic yet fresh squeezed is actually quite alkaline. One is hard on your system the other is what it needs. Do we process too much? I believe we often do.

Why is there a setting on an iron for permanent press? Did the manufacturer of the permanent press garment provide an unreasonable expectation of performance that required the iron manufacturer to provide just such a setting. Or did the iron manufacturer not listen or let their ego get in the way and felt they had to provide a setting just to touch up the garment? In either case it is apparent to me that ego provided a cloud to reason on both parts. While important, your opinion is not the only one and therefore others matter as much.

Why do we park on driveways and drive on Parkways? Semantics are a big ego boost. Only those with the same knowledge as you will know what you mean. Taken out of context the question makes no sense. We often do that with our customers. Complete their sentence for them. Stop listening because we already know the answer. Interrupt because we get it already. Ad infinitum. Keeping semantics out of the conversation lends clarity. Keeping the ego out of semantics makes you a better listener. The best salesmen only do 20% or less of the talking.

What colour does a Smurf turn when you choke it? Well, why would anyone want to choke a Smurf? They are cute and innocent and harmless. Why do anything to something that will never have a negative effect on you? Focus on the challenges you do have. Focus on the ultimate result of all that you do. I had heard once that, traditionally, Aboriginal decisions are made based on the impact of that choice in seven generations; kind of like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon (http://oracleofbacon.org/index.php) We are interconnected. We do have an impact long after we are gone. Keep that in mind and temper response and action to acknowledge that. In short, control the ego and your impact will be positive.

Thank you.