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TIPs for Conquering Your Failures
By Ron Coxsom | Monster Contributing Writer
How many times have you had a day that seems to go from bad to worse? First, you sit through a difficult sales meeting. Then you’re on a sales call but can’t get to the decision maker. Finally, you get an appointment but fail to make a positive impression. The unfortunate part is it’s only 10 a.m. You cannot seem to overcome this inauspicious beginning, and it taints your entire day with a sense of frustration and defeat.
Here are some tips to assist you in conquering these situations. Think of these TIPs to help people Turn Into Professionals.
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Use the First 30 Minutes of Your Day to Plan
If you do not take the time to formulate a clear and concise plan for your day, then you are allowing potential misfortunes to become your rudder. Get up early to meditate and review your plans, goals and expectations for the day.
Prepare Yourself for the Worst
Make a list of “what if” questions, such as, “What if my customer responds negatively?” Brainstorm solutions to each potential setback. Tailor this list to each presentation you make, and then take note of the results when you apply your solutions.
Track Your Failures
When faced with insurmountable odds, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this situation?” When you’re sitting in a sales meeting, especially if it is a negative one, do not internalize the negativity. Take note of what’s wrong and how it went wrong to ensure you won’t make the same mistake again.
“There is no education like the university of adversity,” says Harvey Mackay, author of Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive: Outsell, Outmanage, Outmotivate and Outnegotiate Your Competition. Sales is a process; avoid focusing solely on the end result. Compose a booklet of your failures and develop solutions for all setbacks.
Remind Yourself of Your Accomplishments
Record your accomplishments so that you can refresh your memory. Once you get over the shock, your accomplishments will trigger the momentum to keep you going. Follow the lead of three close associates that exemplify professional attributes you aspire to demonstrate.
