Will You Try This?

Happy Friday! If you're like most sellers we talk to, today is the day you review your week, start planning your calls to your clients and prospects and prepare how to succeed next week. For many, the pit in their stomach developed on the way to the office — whether that office is in your home or you drove to an office. We believe most sellers' goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of their clients, prospects and communities.

Here are two simple things you can do to make a difference.

Sincerely compliment someone.

Show appreciation for what they are doing.

As you structure your call list this week, would you try this? Create a list of clients and/or prospects, call them, find something you can compliment them for and then thank them for that contribution. You can do this on the phone, or for extra credit, write out five hand-written notes and mail them today.

In my experience, nothing gets a more positive response, and nothing makes a person feel better than a sincere compliment and appreciation for what they are doing. Here's an example for a car dealer:

Brad, I admire how your company has responded to the public's safety and inventory volatility over the last few years. As one of your customers, I appreciate the ability to drop my vehicle off, text you and know you'll take it from there. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you and your work.

This will catch them off-guard because they are not used to it, and that's precisely why it's so powerful. No sales pitch, just a compliment and appreciation, and be ready to hang up — if it's a phone call. If you sent a card, be prepared for them to call you to thank you for the note.

If you aspire to make a difference in the lives of others, nothing is more powerful than a compliment and appreciation. Will you add that to your activities this week? Even just a few? Then please let us know about the responses you receive.

Your courage and willingness to try new things have always been impressive, and we so appreciate you taking the time to interact with us. Your feedback and experiences can help us shape a future we can all be proud of.

Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you. Email me at jeff.schmidt@rab.com.

Jeff Schmidt is the SVP of Professional Development. You can reach him at Jeff.Schmidt@rab.com. You can all so connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn.