Sales Man Up
Finding Our Place in the Sun
My calling is to help people, to teach people, to share with people, until I die. I can never stop doing that. I can't, and I don't want to.
Steve Harvey
Have you ever seen someone who is so good in their craft, talent or work ; that they make it seem effortless? How many of us have been inspired by a Ted Talks withBrene Brown, a speech from Zig Ziglar or a Rich Roll podcast that we were motivated by their call to action ? We were moved to make some positive changes in our life. When someone is operating in the flow, there is confidence and energy that exudes from them. People impact the world around them when they are in their zone . But how do we find that zone ? How do we find our place in the sun ?
I have always been in some kind of sales, but at one point in my journey, many years ago; I supported my family by managing sixteen commercial accounts for a janitorial company. Trash, toilets, vacuum, and mop yourself out the door , was my nightly routine. Rinse and repeat. It was honorable work but lonely. One night while scrubbing a toilet, the realization hit me that I would rather communicate with humans than deal with what came out of them. I loved being with people, and the solitude of my current job was draining me. I went home, updated my resume’ with my wife’s assistance, put on my Sunday dress clothes, and started knocking on the doors of local businesses. My path took me to a family owned aluminum company that I knew of through a church acquaintance. I did not have an appointment, so I left my resume’ and cover letter at the front desk. Back in the car, ready to turn the ignition; a man came jogging out to my vehicle and knocked on my window. “ I’m Allen, the general manager. I saw your resume’. What are you looking for ?” He said. I replied, “ I am looking for a sales position. “ Allen smiled and said, “ I just so happen to need a sales rep. Why don’t you come in and talk with me. “ I did. We talked. He hired me, and I spent twelve years of my sales career at Royal Aluminum. That was over thirty years ago, and I have not looked back. I found my flow when I was selling.
What comes naturally to you ? Every job has challenges, but at what point do you feel like you’re in the zone? My wife and I have a friend , a relationship we built from her yoga class. There is not a birthday or departure or loss or need to give thanks that Vicky forgets. She is always there with a greeting card for the group to sign. She naturally reaches out to others to make them feel welcomed or loved. Do you want to know the best places to kayak in Florida? Ask Vicky. We frequently see her car with kayaks in tow whizzing past our house, horn blowing , and her hand waving out the window. She never kayaks alone though. She always brings a group, because she believes in connecting people. She lives to encourage and appreciate people. It flows out of her, and she is an inspiration to everyone who knows her.
What flows out of you ? Now, more than ever, we need to listen to our hearts and see what bubbles up to the surface. Our focus should not be on perpetuating the divisive spirit that permeates our nation, but rather, we must ask ourselves, “ What can I do to make this world a better place ? How can I take personal ownership and become a better version of myself ? “ I believe when we do this, we will find our calling, our dharma; and our place in the sun.
A calling is something you feel - you look out and see the need - maybe it's the need for the poor, to help poor people. Maybe it's the need to get involved in the race problem, as Martin Luther King was - he felt called.
Billy Graham
