This where I write and sometimes think
What Makes a Company the ‘World’s Most Innovative?’ – Scott Anthony – HarvardBusiness.org
With over 40 years in sales my father has more wisdom and experience than most people I’ve come across. With this in mind I would like to share some of the maxims he has relied on through the years.
In other words, don’t be greedy. In life and in business it’s important not to screw any deal so tight that the other person gets nothing from it. Both parties need to leave believing that they have done a good deal, if this doesn’t happen then it’s unlikely that they can work together again.
The market will set the value of everything regardless of how much work you’ve put in or how much you value your creation. Remember this particularly when your pitching a project. Just because you think it’s the best idea in the world, if it doesn’t have value for the customer, then they won’t pay.
Regardless of respective positions treat everyone courteously and honestly, listen more than you talk and earn the respect of others. Conversely do not give your respect freely. Age, money or position should not command respect. It has to be earned.
Whether you’re pitching a product, a service or an idea you are actually selling yourself. If you’re customer can’t stand your demeanour then your job is doubly difficult.
This isn’t just about sales. People aren’t mind readers, be clear about what you want from a situation or negotiation. Win or lose, once you have an answer say "thank you" and walk away from the discussion. Repeated discussion of a resolved issue implies desperation or an inability to listen neither which are attractive qualities.
"By the end of the century, it is likely that death will be thought of as merely an inconvenience, and no longer as a major career problem" Futurologist Ian Pearson E&T Magazine Apr 2008
In the article Pearson is talks about the possibilities of transferring our consciousness into a digital form. Whilst it’s an intriguing idea which frankly I can’t even begin to comprehend, my first thought was, does this mean that I can’t even get a day off for my own funeral?