Good Afternoon, Happy Thursday!
I'll say it - Spring is in the air. Hopefully not a jinx, but anything above 32 degrees and I'm one optimistic guy. The Superbowl is done, most holiday decorations are down (wreaths are STILL up at O'hare, really?), and the winter Olympics are wrapping up (GO USA!). Anyway, I hope your cabin fever decompression goes smoothly.
I am fortunate to be out every day with an eclectic group of people and business cultures. I’m always interested to hear about what others are reading about, listening to, experiencing, and just flat-out DOING. With that in mind, this monthly digest reflects my latest findings – new music, helpful sales tips, Chicagoland happenings, a brief update on yours truly, and more.
I hope these snippets are of interest to you or someone you know, and offer a quick reprise from the driving force of everyday life. I appreciate your recommendations, thoughts, and replies - as well as taking time out to enjoy it.
Featured Charity
JDRF - for years I heard Ron Santo promote this cause on WGN during Cubbies games. They are dedicated to raising awareness, finding a cure for, and improving lives of Type 1 Diabetics (commonly referred to as Juvenile Diabetes). The Young Leadership Committee is hosting their annual Red Carpet Party (Oscar's Party) at Municipal on Sunday March 3rd. Click here for details!
Smarty Pants Yoga is a leveled course that nurtures the social, emotional, physical, and academic needs of elementary-age girls (1st-5th grade). During the eight-week program, girls are guided through a comprehensive literacy program and yoga workshop that focuses on strategic areas of girlhood development. Smarty Pants Yoga can be found in Chicago-area schools and Elate Yoga Studio. If you're interested for your kids school let me know and I'll connect you to the founder!
JDRF - for years I heard Ron Santo promote this cause on WGN during Cubbies games. They are dedicated to raising awareness, finding a cure for, and improving lives of Type 1 Diabetics (commonly referred to as Juvenile Diabetes). The Young Leadership Committee is hosting their annual Red Carpet Party (Oscar's Party) at Municipal on Sunday March 3rd. Click here for details!
Featured Client
Smarty Pants Yoga is a leveled course that nurtures the social, emotional, physical, and academic needs of elementary-age girls (1st-5th grade). During the eight-week program, girls are guided through a comprehensive literacy program and yoga workshop that focuses on strategic areas of girlhood development. Smarty Pants Yoga can be found in Chicago-area schools and Elate Yoga Studio. If you're interested for your kids school let me know and I'll connect you to the founder!
Sales Ideas & Practices
Asking "How are you doing today?" is the one of the worst phone habits and somewhat of a pet peeve of mine (of which I have few). If you say that during a sales cold call, you've already shot yourself in the foot. Here I share some alternative ideas and thoughts on the topic.
Loved this article and advice from a LinkedIn influencer - Talk to Your Kids About Work and Amazing Things Happen. You both learn valuable lessons.
Asking "How are you doing today?" is the one of the worst phone habits and somewhat of a pet peeve of mine (of which I have few). If you say that during a sales cold call, you've already shot yourself in the foot. Here I share some alternative ideas and thoughts on the topic.
Loved this article and advice from a LinkedIn influencer - Talk to Your Kids About Work and Amazing Things Happen. You both learn valuable lessons.
What I'm Up To
Sales Empowerment Group – we helped one client set 37 quality appointments last quarter with CFO's at F1000 companies. One of many success stories from our inside sales group! We are helping companies add turbo-boosters to their sales efforts.
Precision Payroll – are you involved in an industry association? I am actively looking for partnerships with local/national associations for affinity partnerships. We are proud to be endorsed by the TMA, Alliance for IL Manufacturing, PLANETLandscaping Association, and more. I appreciate any connections!
Sales Empowerment Group – we helped one client set 37 quality appointments last quarter with CFO's at F1000 companies. One of many success stories from our inside sales group! We are helping companies add turbo-boosters to their sales efforts.
Precision Payroll – are you involved in an industry association? I am actively looking for partnerships with local/national associations for affinity partnerships. We are proud to be endorsed by the TMA, Alliance for IL Manufacturing, PLANETLandscaping Association, and more. I appreciate any connections!
Random Joy
For years I've had a set of legit juggling balls sitting around the house. I've tackled several variations of the basic 3-ball juggling, but anything beyond that seems magical. I'm always impressed with how easy real pros make it look, like this juggling troupe. It's pretty cool, but as my wife said to me, "I don't think these guys go on too many dates..."
For years I've had a set of legit juggling balls sitting around the house. I've tackled several variations of the basic 3-ball juggling, but anything beyond that seems magical. I'm always impressed with how easy real pros make it look, like this juggling troupe. It's pretty cool, but as my wife said to me, "I don't think these guys go on too many dates..."
Chicagoland
Alright, I know I said it's spring time, but you still may need a little more comfort food to get through the thaw. Here are some top choices in Chicago (I'll also add the meatloaf at Harmony Grill to that list).
Fake Buildings in Chicago? Yep - so cool! I'm sure you've seen them many times and never thought twice.
Alright, I know I said it's spring time, but you still may need a little more comfort food to get through the thaw. Here are some top choices in Chicago (I'll also add the meatloaf at Harmony Grill to that list).
Fake Buildings in Chicago? Yep - so cool! I'm sure you've seen them many times and never thought twice.
Music
Gregory Porter is one of the top up-and-coming jazz vocalists out there. Lindsay and I had the pleasure of seeing him last weekend at the Symphony Center and he blew everyone away. His mix of soul, blues, scat, and gospel make him an all-around engaging performer. Listen to his title track from his latest album, Liquid Soul.
TLC's No Scrubs was the jam back in 1999. This live, looped, one-man-band version is extremely impressive and arguably better.
Gregory Porter is one of the top up-and-coming jazz vocalists out there. Lindsay and I had the pleasure of seeing him last weekend at the Symphony Center and he blew everyone away. His mix of soul, blues, scat, and gospel make him an all-around engaging performer. Listen to his title track from his latest album, Liquid Soul.
TLC's No Scrubs was the jam back in 1999. This live, looped, one-man-band version is extremely impressive and arguably better.
Quotes
Try to learn something about everything and everything about something. - Thomas H Huxley
Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact. - George Eliot (1819-1880)
Nothing is as simple as we hope it will be - Jim Horning
No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous. - Henry Adams(1838-1961)
Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater. - Gail Godwin
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter and found something of value for yourself or someone you know. Again, I appreciate your recommendations, thoughts, and referrals that so many of you have shared with me. Bust out the rain-gear and the garden gloves and I'll see you next month!
Try to learn something about everything and everything about something. - Thomas H Huxley
Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact. - George Eliot (1819-1880)
Nothing is as simple as we hope it will be - Jim Horning
No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous. - Henry Adams(1838-1961)
Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater. - Gail Godwin
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter and found something of value for yourself or someone you know. Again, I appreciate your recommendations, thoughts, and referrals that so many of you have shared with me. Bust out the rain-gear and the garden gloves and I'll see you next month!
