Lessons from Yoda, Ducks, John, and Stacey

Hi. You might have heard Angela and me say something about not sorting socks and jocks. That's a little saying we heard from Janelle and it's all about not spending time getting ready to do something... just do it!

Personally, I love Yoda's insight: Do or do not, there is no try. I've taken "try" out of my vocabulary.

In Seth Godin's Blog (the one I can't help but read everyday) I just read another saying with exactly the same sentiment:

Getting your ducks in a row is not nearly as powerful as actually doing something with your duck.

Last night Alan and I had dinner with some really good friends. We talked about old times, current times, jobs, playtime, and all kinds of things. Interestingly, the conversation moved to the importance of sales to a business.

John's Story

John shared a story with us about a business stationery business he started many years ago. The business plan was there. The processes were ready. The systems were in place. Everyone was at work. But there was nothing to do. Because there weren't any sales. He started making phone calls. His target was 40 per day. Then he hired some sales people. Each one had a target of 40 calls per day. He measured the number of calls they made (they kept a tally). He got results. There were sales!

Moral of the story: Make that call!

Stacey's Story

Stacey, in a previous life, had been in a sales role for a training company. She called one potential client. The client was busy, and said that the company wouldn't be ready for training for at least another three months. Stacy made a note in her diary and called three months later. The client was still busy, and said that the company wouldn't be ready for training for at least another three months. Stacy again made a note in her diary and called three months later. The client said some changes had just occurred and that they needed one more month before they'd be ready. Finally, when Stacey called the client that month, they were ready for the training.

Moral of the story: Persistence pays!

Wendy's Story

I got an email today from a client I met at a show in July 2007. She wants to order 3 boxes of Strawberry Rhubarb tealights and the Snowflake Pair. She's willing to pay the postage. I've looked up that show on the system and I'm about to stop writing this article and call each person who went to that show. I'm going to let them know that I'm putting in an order and that it will be delivered to Kurrajong before Christmas. I'm going to ask if they would like me to add anything to that order.

I'll let you know how I go in the comments. I bet there's a happy ending. :)