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  • Stress blog

  • March 16, 2011

    You can't win sitting on the bench

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

2 comments posted

While shopping for a new automobile over the weekend, I met an interesting gentleman who had 25 years of experience selling cars. As we talked, he explained that the younger salesmen simply don't want to "put in ice time." Here in Minnesota people often use hockey terminology in everyday conversations.

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The salesman explained that the younger guys and gals often stay in their offices, surfing the web or playing video games. They think that they can tell who's a legitimate buyer and who isn't, so they don't make an effort to connect with customers when they arrive in the showroom. As a result, they miss out on potential sales.

This savvy salesman noted that in the hockey world, the teams that practice the most on the ice are the ones that do the best. And the teams that take the most shots score the most goals. As Woody Allen says, 80 percent of success is just showing up.

The reality is there's no substitute for engaging and being present in the moment. You never know what doors may be opened by the next person you meet.

2 comments posted

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  • March 24, 2011 8:50 p.m.

    I have been in sales and customer service all of my career, if you count all that it adds up to 30 years of engaging with people and experiencing their thoughts and needs. I totally agree with your mature car sales man, there simply is No substitute for really reaching out to people, no matter what your profession. I venture to guess its not just young sales people looking for the easiest route to sucess it's anyone with this mindset. The really great players in life give it their all and their best everyday.

    - Meg

  • March 16, 2011 10:51 a.m.

    Thank you for another inspiring post. I always enjoy reading your blog and I find it very helpful.

    - Michelle

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