Where I Learn Even More

June 27, 2008 · Comments

Take this great article by Bill Rice. I’m not a salesperson. Not even close. I can cop to being “business development,” but that just means “salesman that doesn’t know how to close. And we know about closers, don’t we?

Bill’s advice: know when you are just shuffling things around, and get back to the fundamentals. It’s perfect advice. I think what’s best about it is that I can apply it to my use of social media tools.

Know When You’re Just Shuffling

  • Are you editing your profiles and pictures on all your social sites? Is this really worth it?
  • Are you reading Twitter just because you have nothing else to do?
  • Are you signing up to the next shiny object just because?
  • Are you over-subscribed to blogs and podcasts?
  • Are you just focusing on your stuff and not the larger community?

Get Back to the Fundamentals

  • Keep a steady and established habit and pace.
  • Be clear about your goals.
  • Fish or cut bait, but not both.
  • Do big work first.
  • Stop whining. (Loved Bill’s advice here).

See? I got that out of a sales post. Where else could I find influence? Where else could YOU? Keep your eyes open for how to apply learning from other fields into what you’re doing. It will round out what you’re doing. I promise. What do you think?

Read Bill’s article for more ideas about sales, and maybe, think how it applies to you.

——-

The Social Media 100 is a project by Chris Brogan dedicated to writing 100 useful blog posts in a row about the tools, techniques, and strategies behind using social media for your business, your organization, or your own personal interests. Swing by [chrisbrogan.com] for more posts in the series, and if you have topic ideas, feel free to share them, as this is a group project, and your opinion matters.

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  • It's so easy to let yourself get distracted by the busy work and the chatter, and I have a lot of fun with Twitter but sometimes it's good to shut it down - otherwise you might not get that big stuff done, like writing great content for your blog. ;)
  • I'm going to play devil's advocate a bit & say that relaxing on twitter or playing in Plurk are healthy.
    Many of us are intense & over achievers. Slowing down once in awhile isn't all bad. I love when Skype comes up with 'take a deep breath'. I think we all need that once in awhile.

    I'm all for learning, but I have to remember to relax.
  • Ha! That girl is so cute and she reminds me a bit of Pearl in the Funny or Die videos.

    You are so right about shuffling vs. fundamentals. There are so many things competing for our time online that sometimes it's easy to lose focus. Thanks for helping me remember to reel it all in.
  • Chris, I'm told that Content is King...I like your content. You make valid points. I will keep them in mind as I write for cyberspace. I have much to learn and sites such as yours are good teachers. Thank you!

    Wishing you Well...
  • Great Post- lots of wisdome there- thanks for sharing as always. Lots of people are in the "busy mode" and not Value mode. That little girl reminds me of my daughter- thank you for the lesson!
  • Katybeth
    I thought about another comment you made about "not being a salesperson." Seems to me you have sold yourself what you do, and who you are on multiple platforms, pretty darn successfully. You know your product, ask for feedback, offer "taste's" and don't compromise on value. I think you might put many a "salesperson" to shame.
  • Great post Chris, sometimes it seems as if 50 people are having 100 conversations on Twitter? Sometimes it is better to just put it down!! <--- not a salesperson, just like to make transactions with friends!!
  • Great post! I think if we step back, we'd be surprised at just how many sources tend to influence us one way or another. I find the study of 'influence' very interesting and intriguing which may also be related to why I love social media.

    We are influenced from many different variables - peers, colleagues, family, strangers, media, work, government, past experiences, beliefs, the cashier at Starbuck's, etc. Thus, I second and appreciate this post Chris - even may for those looking to learn more, to also reflect on what influences you, and how you react.

    You can become more empowered by understanding how different things affect you and influence your thoughts and behaviors. Okay, stepping off soapbox... ;)
  • Chris,

    Thanks for the reference to my post. It is a huge compliment from you. You are the master at applying other perspectives and asking powerful questions. I love the questions you ask, which is a skill that most sales people don't use enough. In fact, asked the right question(s) most customers will tell you how to close them.

    You have been a great influence and connector to others who have influenced me. My favorite is Jon Swanson--he has been an amazing joy in my reading, influence, and inspiration. Keep up the great work!

    Bill
  • Chris, that video clip is great. Had to explain to Gorgeous why I was laughing. Since she's never seen the original "Coffee is for closers" scene it took a bit of explaining. :)
  • Chris,

    I really love your comment, "Keep your eyes open for how to apply learning from other fields into what you’re doing. It will round out what you’re doing." It is great advice!

    Before you know it... you are going to be a guest author on SalesBlogcast.com!

    Great job ;-)

    Doyle Slayton
    Sales and Leadership Strategist
    www.SalesBlogcast.com
  • Good stuff, Chris. I'm reminded of the old saying (from somewhere in the business/self-help lit - not sure where) to the tune of "If you really have your eyes open, you can't turn all the way around without spotting an opportunity."

    Inspiration is everywhere - thanks for sharing this one!
  • Youtube took down the video.
  • Played for me. : )
  • Yup lots of common sense here. Enjoyed the piece at the beginning about closers - probably as i used to work in sales and seen Glenn Gary Glenn Ross.

    A Always
    B Be
    C Closing

    Cheers

    Chris
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