December Sales Tip

Greetings Sales Pros!

Well, here we are.  The holidays are amongst us again.  Bah, Hum Bob.  They just seem to slow things down and screw up the work week.  Sounds like a typical boss or owner, doesn't it?  One thing I've learned about owning my own business is never take the people that work with you for granted and allow the holiday season to express your thanks and gratitude to them.  Remember, you're only as good as the associates that support you and there's no "I" in team.  You should know my mantra by now.  I sign off with it every month...Bob Butler and the Butler Learning Systems T.E.A.M. for Together Each Achieves More. I live by it every day and I'll die by it, God willing.

 

The first time I saw this acronym for T.E.A.M. was in the late '70s on a box of paint from Sherwin Williams.  No foolin'!  It's played a major role in my career and I see it resurfacing again throughout corporate America.  The theme is to Move Forward through Teams for 2013.

   

The concept of team is so simple and is made up of common sense.  Oh no, be careful!  Mark Twain always said, "Common sense isn't very common after all."  A group of people working together for a common goal.  C'mon man, now how hard is that?  Yet, the dynamics of working together can either be an asset or a liability depending on the culture of the company.  Common sense requires working together in an environment of trust and respect.  So simple again, right?  Wrong!  I've seen too many teams that become non-functional as everyone has their own agenda or are going in different directions.  Remember, T.E.A.M. can also mean, "Take Excuses Away from Me!"   Teamwork thrives in an environment with trust and respect for each other.  Leadership is evident and the goal or purpose is known to all.  That's when everyone is in alignment, understands his/her role and the contribution to the team with a true espirit de corps.  This is what separates the ordinary from extraordinary and creates the synergy...all leading to a customer focus and competitive edge.  These are the teams that will lead their customers as partners into the next generation of doing business.  As Charles Kettering, the famous industrialist and inventor once said, "You better be interested in your future, because that's where you'll spend the rest of your life."  Our future is now and comes to those who prepare for it.

Wow!  I feel better now.  Thanks for allowing me to share some of my beliefs, values and idealisms with all of you this month.  It is that time of year, you know?  Go ahead and reflect on the year, give thanks and show your gratitude to all of those who have touched you, in one way or another.  But, the tip for this month and for every month from here on out is to Move Forward through Teams so Together, Everyone Accomplishes More.

Seasons Greetings from your BLS Team as we can't wait to share some new and exciting ideas for Next Generation Selling in the new year.  Enjoy the holidays with family and friends.  Let us know how we can serve you in 2013 in order to move forward!

Good Luck and Good Selling,

Bob Butler, TSP

and the Merry Elves of the Butler Learning Systems T.E.A.M.

Together Each Achieves More