November 2011
Strategies for Success Newsletter November 2011 Issue 71
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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies
www.sellingstrategies.com
Copyright 2011 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.
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In this November 2011 issue:
Emily’s mailbag
Have you read…?
Thoughts from home
On the road
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1. Emily’s mailbag
Hello Emily!
I’ve been reading your Strategies for Success Newsletters for several years. I admire your thoughts and learning about your adventures.
Based on your recommendation, I’ve read The Go-Giver. It confirmed what I believe in and strive to achieve. However, with what’s going on in my office, I’m conflicted.
I work many extra hours, take very little vacation, work holidays, and never receive a thanks from management. It is very frustrating. I have always had a career and not just a job. Our office has not had a raise since 2009 and morale is very low. Yet, I have always kept the go-giver principle in me without even reading the book all of these years!
In my recent performance review, I was “promoted” to a new title – basically more work, same pay. I was never presented anything in writing, but it was announced at our company Christmas party. It was exciting until I went home and told my wife. She said, “Great, did you get a raise?” Well…umm…I don’t think so…they never said anything. It was not until a couple of weeks ago when I requested new business cards when I received paperwork on my new official title – still without an increase.
My situation is ridiculous. I am fully aware of another promotion within the office with a significant increase. The stress is affecting my physical and mental health.
Sincerely,
Stressed Out
Dear Stressed,
You’re not alone. I’m hearing more and more from dedicated employees who are being asked to do more with no financial reward and, like you, believe there is unfairness going on. Some thoughts:
Take care of yourself. Burnout is real. Feelings that you can’t take it anymore, resentment, unhappiness, and being physically and emotionally distressed are red flags of burnout. Take action now. Some people deal with this by finding a counselor or a personal coach to talk with. Others stop working overtime hours making an extra effort to get their work done in less time. Avoid negative people that fuel frustration – and watch not to become one of the damaging ones.
Find satisfaction elsewhere. It sounds like management in your company doesn’t give you the thanks and acknowledgement that you are seeking. Looking for outside accolades that aren’t going to happen increases stress. Give up expecting it. Look for other areas of satisfaction – clients, coworkers, self-satisfaction. Go the extra mile with a client. Learn something new just because you want to. Make suggestions to improve productivity and cut costs. Show appreciation for your colleagues’ hard work – including your boss. Connecting and contributing enhances personal fulfillment.
Discuss the money issue. Present your position confidently to your immediate supervisor. “I’d like to set up a meeting to talk about my compensation.” When talking about money, have your facts and thoughts together. Know how much more you’ve taken on without additional compensation including accounts, training others, projects, and so on. Use a matter-of-fact, unemotional approach. State the situation and what you’d like to have happen. If your direct supervisor is unable to help, let him or her know you’ll be making an appointment with the next level of management.
It’s important to deal with the issues that bother you. Not doing so hurts you, your family, and your employer.
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If you don’t like something, take action to change it. EH
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2. Have you read…?
The Hamster Revolution by Mike Song, Vicki Halsey & Tim Burress
Need tips to manage your time and your e-mail? Written in an easy-to-read parable, we meet Harold who is overwhelmed by e-mail and feels like a hamster on a wheel. This book is full of strategies, tools, and tips to communicate electronically more effectively. Here are a few reminders I picked up:
Increase readability and understanding in e-mails by using bullet points instead of long, wordy paragraphs.
Avoid text message abbreviations. They r confusing 2 readers.
Practice the 24-hour rule. Before sending an edgy e-mail, wait 24 hours.
If you’d like more e-mail tips, I have a list of 20 posted on my website under Free Stuff. It’s item number 12 on the list. www.sellingstrategies.com.
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Are you positioned for growth in 2012?
Assess your business growth potential by answering these questions:
Do you have a business plan to communicate to employees the specific action steps for growth?
Do employees develop personal relationships with customers to write additional business and generate referrals?
Does every employee communicate professionally, knowledgeably, and confidently?
Are customer-centric practices consistent both internally and externally?
How did you do?
Emily Huling Selling Strategies provides solutions for workplace success. If your company team is not where it needs to be to reach your 2012 growth and profit goals, we will help you get there.
Business planning facilitation that generates new growth ideas and detailed action plans
Interactive workshops to further understanding of customer needs; how to exceed expectations; how to communicate your unique competitive advantage
Coaching to develop individuals to be their personal best
Please get in touch with me at emily@sellingstrategies.com or 888-309-8802 to discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals.
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November’s Energizer Minute
Tune in to hear Cool Down When Shifting Gears. Go to the www.sellingstrategies.com home page and click on the Energizer Minute.
Get your copy of The Energizer Minute Collection CD. The first 24 Energizer Minutes on CD recorded from January 2009 through December 2010. Receive a complimentary copy on product orders over $50.
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3. Thoughts from home
Treat family like strangers
Just before our flight landed in New York to attend a family celebration, John leaned over and said, “May I remind you of something?” I nodded. “Emily, remember to treat the people you love like strangers.”
The tension in my face and shoulders was that obvious to my husband. I was looking forward to our weekend with my family with apprehension and anxiety. Maybe you can relate. Past encounters were playing in my mind like an irritating song you can’t seem to forget. There were some relatives I was going to be happy to see, others not so much. I was already pushing my own emotional buttons.
If I took my wise husband’s advice and put on my meeting strangers’ personality, I’d be tolerant and patient. I’d be curious without judgment. I took a deep breath, nodded, and knew he was right. It turned out to be a great weekend.
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For Free Stuff, articles, books and audios to build individual and organizational top performance, visit www.sellingstrategies.com .
Share any of my free stuff, articles, or newsletter content as long as proper credit is included.
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5. On the road
Business travel is taking me to these places. Please give me a call if you’d like to connect when I’m in your area.
NAPSLO Committee Day – Dallas, TX – November 14-15, 2011
Private client – Lansing, MI – November 17, 2011
Independent Agents of Charlotte – January 10, 2012
Private client – Granite Falls, NC – January 11, 2012
NetVU Principal Connection Webinar – January 12, 2012
Agency Management CIC – Richmond, VA – January 26-27, 2012
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Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.
© 2011 Emily Huling. All rights reserved. Newsletter may be shared as long as proper credit is included.