The life of Brian

         

 

 

                                                                                       Edition 355 Monday 31/10/16

 

 

 

 

 

Hi,imagine having a snail living in your wardrobe!!I don’t have to imagine because I actually do have one in residence compliments of our son.Every morning I can see where he has been the night before all over my trousers,shirts, shoes and jackets….but do you think I can find him(or her)…no way grrr.

Fletcher is currently obsessed with catching worms, slugs and snails.Most of the time he releases them to the garden unless he forgets, hence my elusive actively mobile wardrobe border!

 Fletcher reckons;he has never laughed so much as when he found out about Brian (yes his snail has a name!).He also reckons for a small fee he could recapture Brian for me if I really wanted him gone that badly grrr.Yes I can also see the funny side (sort of) until I had to be asked last week by a customer why I had a silver shiney snail trail on the back of my suit jacket grrrr funny grrrr.

After carefully studying test pot swatches on walls,talking about it,thinking about it,hoping it would go away ,thinking about it some more it was finally time to act.Yes another project on the list got started as the dining room walls were plunged into ‘Top Secret’ Resenes finest ‘apple’ green.I have to say I actually don’t mind it,there I said it,I guess I am a ‘Green’ Gorilla after all!!(see picture).

Loved watching the boys from North Harbour snatch a dramatic last minute win in the deep south too,nothing better to kick off another totally upbeat week,have a good one…Cheers Jonesey!

 

Harry and the Hendersons reckon for a large fee they could also locate Brian (just putting it out there).

 

 

 

“Remember that person who gave up?Neither does anyone else”. ‘Speedo’ tag line.

 

I love someone telling me something cant be done or wont happen!

Instead of putting me off or getting me down hearing this makes me doubly determined to make it happen.

I have had a couple of instances of this happening to me recently but instead of giving them away I pursued them even harder.

Certainly there are things that become lost causes for obvious reasons and chasing those to the end of the earth is pointless and futile.

Then there are the other opportunities that are not write offs that with a bit of extra effort can still be deals ,wins and successes.

Both my recent cases concluded in winning sales where all others had given in.

In one case I was told to let a deal go on the face of some facts presented however I worked hard with our prospective customer to assist them to question the so-called facts.

I was able to do this professionally yet assertively to the point where the going got too hard for the incumbent and they folded up their tent leaving us with the original (so-called doomed) deal.

In the second instance I have taken some major stick over a long period for reporting a deal is ‘still alive’ even though it would be fair to say it has been terminally ill for a good part of that period.

When I started talking to this large prospective customer I was one of three bidders plus the incumbent.Over what has been an eight month gestation process the other three have all given up and dropped away leaving yours truly in the box seat.Ironically it is now the incumbent that is terminally ill with the Green Gorilla marching on triumphant.

There is NO better feeling than hanging on in pursuit of a deal no matter what obstacles may be put in the way.If sales was easy then everyone would be doing it.The reality is it is a tough job and only the toughest survive.Survival is about being persistent,smarter than the competition and hanging on longer than anyone else…….so when someone says it cant be done that is your call to ACTION!!!

 

“Stay hungry,Stay foolish”. Steve Jobs

Hunter or the hunted?

 

 

 

                                                                                       Edition 354 Tuesday 25/10/16

 

 

 

 

 

Hi,finally the oasis that is Labour Weekend arrived along with some half decent weather YAY.I know just like those responsible for the Labour holiday and the 40 hour week why not start a movement for a four day week…..cmon who is with me?!Crikey I reckon most of us are doing at least 40 hours now anyway in four days so why not??Imagine that,wouldn’t it be awesome I bet we would live longer!

Fletcher reckons;he doesn’t know what all the fuss is about riding a two wheeler bike for the first time.He has made the transition seamlessly from balance bike to pedal power and is now bullet proof!

So you heard it here first “Summer has started” Yes folks,time to dust off the boardies,boogie boards,barbeques,exercise kit,abdominal machines,bicycles,skateboards,golf clubs,tents,lawnmowers, and anything else that screams SUMMER to you and to ‘get your froth on! Life is GOOD get into it!!

On the other side of the coin my two least favourite times of year loom large, Halloween and Guy Fawkes which are both commercial rip offs and wastes of space in my view grrrrrrrr!

I hope you have had a cool long weekend and feel well rested heading into what I know will be a short but ‘Upbeat’ week for us all….have a good one, Cheers Jonesey!

 

Harry and the Hendersons reckon they don’t need ‘Google’ because they know everything!

 

 

 

“You cant wake a person who is pretending to be asleep”. Navajo Proverb

 

I have had a salesman pursuing me relentlessly lately.

Normally I am that guy so it was interesting to be the hunted rather than the hunter!

At first I found him annoying so avoided him and giving him a straight answer whenever I could.

This only intensified his pursuit and his desire to qualify me as a prospect.

So after nearly driving him insane with indecision and lack of availability I actually listened to him and started getting to know him a bit more.

Interestingly when I did this he made it clear that if I considered his offer seriouisly but there was “no intent’ from our side to pursue his offer further then he would back off.

I realized he wasn’t a bad bloke, a bit like me really, just trying to do his job so I actually gave him the time of the day and then levelled with him so he knew where he stood.

He was appreciative and has backed off because he realizes there is no intent at the moment however there may be an opportunity in future so he will stay in touch.

It was a useful exercise for me because I am that guy in more ways than I realized. All I want is for people I approach to listen, understand my offer and points of difference and then to honestly tell me if there is genuine ‘intent’ to proceed to the next steps or not.

Instead I get put off and told a million different things that are anything but ‘intent’ to proceed when all I want is to be told straight….I can handle rejection,just tell me IN or OUT don’t UMMM and AHHH!

Nothing should have to be ‘hard sold’ people will either want it or they wont. I guess what is being expected is for whatever the decision, that it be communicated promptly and clearly!

My experience last week has changed the way I deal with people selling to me and vice versa.

I think it is courtesy to let people know where they stand and I think that as a salesperson asking people you are selling to is fair too.Intent or no intent?...that is the Q&A this week team!!!

 

“Live less out of habit and more out of intent”. (origin unknown)

No regrets!

 

 

 

                                                                                       Edition 353 Monday 17/10/16

 

 

 

 

 

Hi,crikey I knew it would be a busy week and I was up for it but I had no idea really!They say the human ability to cope is unparalelled but I gave that a nudge with the week that was.Apart from the key business meetings and the 2 day conference/awards evening to keep on track my car decided to have a meltdown. The turbo unit said “enough” as I was hurtling along the motorway reducing me to half speed.After managing to avoid causing a major pileup I managed to limp to the service centre.The loan car I received reeked of petrol fumes so I had to drive it with the windows open!.On my way to the conference in the toxic loan car in the rain a truckie behind me had his foot slip off the brake and ploughed into the back of the loan car!After exchanging names and insurance info whilst holding up half of Auckland he later disputed doing any damage and denied accepting responsibility!!

Ensuring business as usual and a highly successful conference was a walk in the park in comparison!

Fletcher reckons;if you want something done to the highest standard then give it to a busy efficient person like his Dad and you wont go wrong.Also trucks are cool so take it easy on the Truckie dude!

On a completely different note what about those New World mini gardens?!Whoever came up with that idea is a genius.I cant believe how simple yet successful that giveaway concept has been at 48 with us all spending time together planting and watching the seedlings grow before transferring them into bigger pots.I cant remember any other promo being as green or fun?...well done New World!

After a relaxing weekend catching up on some much needed Z’s I cant wait to rip into another Upbeat week ahead.From your positive feedback I know you are feeling the same way..…Cheers Jonesey!!

 

Harry and the Hendersons reckon anything that needs a turbo unit must be dodgy!!

 

 

“Hakuna Matata..no worries for the rest of your life”. Lion King

 

Yes I was stretched but I was in the zone and up for it.

Being an MC is hard for me because I have to accept that it is not about me!!

For someone who has always loved the sound of his own voice that can be a challenge.

I am pleased to announce that I have perfected the art of making sure I am a proficient MC without having to be the centre of attention.

I had a fabulous time last week directing traffic at the New Zealand Association of Training and Development Professionals bi-annual conference in Auckland.

This was a particularly enjoyable experience for me because I am extremely interested in the Training and Development industry so was thrilled to catch up with the latest developments.

No it didn’t go according to the script which is why I value my Toastmasters training so highly.

I was able to manage the changes and fill in the gaps as if they had been planned all along!

I was also able to inflect my own style and personality to the role and weave this into a rich and vibrant overall event tapestry that included staying on a cool David Bowie theme.

Yes I am brilliant and could bang on forever about how so but that is not my message this week.

My message is dove tailed into last weeks and that is, if you back yourself, extend yourself, and believe in yourself, then you will be successful no matter what happens.

I could easily have declined this opportunity for a million valid reasons but I would have been the loser and have no doubt I would have regretted it.

With all the stuff that went wrong outside of my control and additional to what had already been planned I would have had plenty of excuses for being mediocre or average.

My challenge to you all again is to seek or accept opportunities that extend you and to embrace them with both hands. Overcome any obstacles along the way and seize the chance to excel.

I can guarantee if you take my advice it is something you will never regret!!

 

“I have no regrets,regret only makes wrinkles”. Sophia Loren

Brass in muck and professional football!

 

 

 

                                                                                       Edition 352 Monday 10/10/16

 

 

 

 

 

Hi,I misplaced my phone and freaked out.I cant believe how dependant I am on that thing and how lost and cut off I was without it.Could you use a public phone if you had to?Even if I had been able to use a pay phone I didn’t know anyones number because they are all saved in my phone!Thank goodness my trusty collectors item iphone4 was located the following day before I was cut off completely from my entire work and private world!!......I need to get a life away from that thing!!

Sharing experiences with our son provides a constant opportunity to reinforce and reward honesty, courtesy and good behaviour. We recently found and handed in a couple of scooby doo soccer balls at a local tournament .Fletcher was reluctant to do so at first but eventually agreed it was the right thing to do.As a reward I surprised him a few days later with his very own new ball and first ever pair of real boots!Good things happen to good people who do the right thing!

Fletcher reckons; honesty is definitely the best policy and if he wants to sleep in his boots and hugging his new football then that’s ok.We also featured at Daycare ‘show and tell’ J (attached).

I am a self confessed ‘bin diver’ and have found countless treasures in rubbish bins.I am always looking for an opportunity to go diving but am not really supposed to in my role.So imagine when as part of my job I do get to dive in bins chasing illegally dumped waste on a big subdivision! I cant wait and yes I will be like the proverbial pig in lots of muck.It will be fun returning the illegal waste to the perpetrators as a reminder there is no free lunch yours sincerely ‘The Bin Diver’…hahaha

How can I help but have an ‘Upbeat’ and positive week ahead, hope you do too..…Cheers Jonesey!!

 

Harry and the Hendersons reckon theres brass in muck and a professional football career!

 

 

“You are you.Now isnt that pleasant”. Dr Seuss

 

Thanks for the feedback from last week, I appreciate your comments both positive and not so.

Even those with the most upbeat intentions in the world amongst us don’t get it right some of the time.I am human and make mistakes like anyone else,I reckon it is what I do after that counts!

Last week was about realizing and accepting that there were things I needed to change personally.

The only way for me to continue improving as a person is to make the effort to address the things that are holding me back……so I am one step and day at a time..life is a work in progress!

The coming week is huge for me because of my ‘never let an opportunity pass you by ‘ policy!

I have accepted the challenge of organizing a number of key meetings as well as helping a close business associate host a major national learning and development event!!

Crikey I will be stretched every which way but I know relying on my planning and preparation and the communication skills I have fine tuned and honed for over 25 years will deliver quality results!

Weeks like this are All Black test matches for me.They put all the training done to the ultimate test. They are an opportunity that demands ‘A’ game standards where the pressure to perform brings out the best individually and collectively.

Without confronting the chance to extend ourselves we will never realise our full potential or challenge the mental and physical barriers that may be holding us back.

Recent events have made me aware of my physical limits however like any athlete or performer with the right amount of preparation and conditioning anything is possible.

I don’t want to regret not having a crack at challenges I am presented with so I am determined physically and mentally to say ‘bring it on’ every chance I get.

So I say don’t cruise or be content going through the motions none of us are perfect or ever will be but we are all better than that!! Good luck……go for it every day as if it was your last!

 

“If we all did the things we are capable of we would astound ourselves”. Thomas Edison

Confession time !!

 

 

 

                                                                                       Edition 351 Monday 03/10/16

 

 

 

 

 

Hi,whilst I concede my enforced stay in Hospital was the best thing for me it is definitely harder to get out of that place than it was to get in there!I finally managed to persuade my medical team that I was better off out driving people nuts than I was in there doing the same so I was eventually discharged.Problem was I wasn’t quite free as I then had to negotiate with car park staff where my car had been sitting for 4 days since being admitted!I managed to convince them also that I deserved to go free of charge thank goodness(pity I don’t have the same success with speeding tickets!!).

Interestingly even though I managed to convince everyone including myself that I was fully recovered it still took the rest of the week to build back to full noise and strength. So what did I learn from this….when people who know better than you say to take it easy….they are 100% right!

Fletcher reckons; he should have been allowed to stay home from Daycare to assist with Dads recovery….yeah right!......his generous offer was respectfully declined.

It was however amazingly good to be home!!

Thanks for the feedback and kind words regarding edition 350 and my illness I appreciate it greatly.

I hope you are looking after yourselves and your families before anything else and using that commitment and security as the basis to have an ‘Upbeat’ and positive week ahead…Cheers Jonesey!!

 

Harry and the Hendersons reckon trust them to guard the house but not your sandwich! J

 

 

“If you want small changes in your life work on attitude but if you want big changes in your life work on your paradigm”. Stephen Covey

 

I had a paradigm shift in thinking last week……so its confession time.

I realized that instead of being part of the solution I was in fact part of the problem!!

You see I had become conditioned to thinking that I was a positive influence and someone capable of solving issues and leading by example yet I was wrong.

I had in fact become so used to thinking that others were the problem that I found myself immediately blaming them whilst in denial that I in any way may be connected.

I realised that my first thought when something went wrong was to look for someone to blame and more often than not I held the same people responsible everytime.

Without consciously realizing it I had developed a negative attitude towards others to the point where I had lost all confidence in their ability to provide or deliver what I wanted or needed!

It wasn’t until this was pointed out to me that I reluctantly reflected and realized that by doing this I was contributing more to the problems than anyone who ever made a mistake was.

Instead of being someone who was looked on as a leader and a strength I discovered that I had become someone that people preferred not to follow or help.

I realized that I was restricting others from doing their jobs with confidence because they were constantly in fear of being exposed by my criticism,sarcasim and mental/verbal abuse.

How had it got that bad?, why did I have no confidence in others yet see myself beyond reproach and on this imaginary pedestal?

I realized that my negativity was holding others back and in order for them to gain confidence and grow I needed to stand up and be counted.I needed to look for things going right NOT wrong!

The easy thing to do would be to deny and dismiss that my behaviour could in any way be having an adverse affect on others and pretend nothing was wrong.

My paradigm shift in thinking has allowed me to see things from a different perspective and to accept that I need to change for me to again have a positive influence on people.

The good thing is I have accepted the need for change and have the opportunity to do it NOW!

 

“Its never too late to be what you might have been”. George Eliot