Good morning, Happy Thursday!
I've succeeded. I kept
her alive and well for two years! While Lindsay can take most of the
credit, I have taught her to drum on anything she can find, do
"raspberries" with her tongue, and "cheers!" with her
sippy cup. Her constant curiosity, growing imagination, and
great sense of humor keep us inspired and grateful. I can only imagine
the adventures that lie ahead.
I'm fortunate to be out every
day meeting an eclectic group of people and businesses. This monthly
digest reflects my journey through sharing new sales
& business ideas, Chicagoland happenings, new music for your
soundtrack, and other things that caught my eye along the way. I
always appreciate your replies, thoughts, and ideas - as well
as taking time out to enjoy it.
Featured Charity
Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence - this organization was the lucky winner of the Q3 100+ Who Care event. They take great strides in decreasing gun violence across the state and we were excited to see them take home the $10,000 donation. Follow 100+ on Facebook to keep posted on our next event in November.
Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence - this organization was the lucky winner of the Q3 100+ Who Care event. They take great strides in decreasing gun violence across the state and we were excited to see them take home the $10,000 donation. Follow 100+ on Facebook to keep posted on our next event in November.
Sales Beat
For many business owners, it's hard to be objective when managing long-term sales people. Over time, accountability slips and mediocrity sets in. Besides straight sales numbers, how do you rate your A, B, and C players? This article gives good questions to ask and some actions to take when you get the answers.
"The Illusion of Control" - short blog post by Seth Godin (who I frequently reference and who's blog you should be following). I see this all the time, and in sales, you must "control the controllables". Take a look at your activity - are you doing enough to sustain a proper pipeline? If you're doing the work, but not getting the results, then you may have a skill issue.
I talk to a lot of people who are considering a career in sales. While a good smile is a good start, this article shares 5 Traits that can Predict a Promising Sales Career and pinpoints some key areas. (If you are considering, send me your resume - our recruiting team has over 20 positions open!)
What I'm Up To
Chasing Marleigh around is a never-ending, but fulfilling responsibility. I joke with people that it's like living with a little drunk person - they climb on everything, talk incoherently, and cry for no reason. I commiserate with these hero dads rescuing their kiddos.
Sales Empowerment Group made the 2015 Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing companies (#769)! Like any young company, we've had our bumps in the road, but it's been a fun and educational ride. We're pumped to see several of our clients on the list as well; when they succeed, we do too.
Chasing Marleigh around is a never-ending, but fulfilling responsibility. I joke with people that it's like living with a little drunk person - they climb on everything, talk incoherently, and cry for no reason. I commiserate with these hero dads rescuing their kiddos.
Sales Empowerment Group made the 2015 Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing companies (#769)! Like any young company, we've had our bumps in the road, but it's been a fun and educational ride. We're pumped to see several of our clients on the list as well; when they succeed, we do too.
Off Beat
For my birthday back in
May, Lindsay got me the Looney Toons Golden Collection on DVD. Ever
since, any Saturday morning we are at home, the 4-disc set is on
mandatory rotation from wake-up till around 10am. This short piece
highlights the work of Chuck Jones, the amazing visual
artist that brought us the Bugs Bunny & Tweety
Show and much more.
Well, speaking of reliving the 80's... Hoverboards. Back to the Future promised them 30 years ago (its pearl anniversary celebration is coming up). Well, they've finally arrived courtesy of Lexus; check out this video of hoverboarding riders (and the subsequent video that shows how it actually works).
Well, speaking of reliving the 80's... Hoverboards. Back to the Future promised them 30 years ago (its pearl anniversary celebration is coming up). Well, they've finally arrived courtesy of Lexus; check out this video of hoverboarding riders (and the subsequent video that shows how it actually works).
Chicagoland
Whether you're a native or a visitor, the new (to me) Choose Chicago site is really well done. Up-to-date events, blog posts, and neighborhood guides to help you get the most out of our amazing city. Now go plan a date night and surprise your better half! And for some amazing photos, check out their Instagram series #takingoverchoosechicago.
Whether you're a native or a visitor, the new (to me) Choose Chicago site is really well done. Up-to-date events, blog posts, and neighborhood guides to help you get the most out of our amazing city. Now go plan a date night and surprise your better half! And for some amazing photos, check out their Instagram series #takingoverchoosechicago.
Music
Foo Fighters - will be at Wrigley Field this weekend in a long sold-out show. Recently, 1,000 Italian Foo Fan rockers played "Learn to Fly" in unison, in an attempt to woo the band to come play Italy for the first time. Dave Grohl did respond.
Drumming Clip - this little video/commercial illustrates what's happening in a drummers brain when they're playing (insert your own "mindless drummer" joke here).
Foo Fighters - will be at Wrigley Field this weekend in a long sold-out show. Recently, 1,000 Italian Foo Fan rockers played "Learn to Fly" in unison, in an attempt to woo the band to come play Italy for the first time. Dave Grohl did respond.
Drumming Clip - this little video/commercial illustrates what's happening in a drummers brain when they're playing (insert your own "mindless drummer" joke here).
Quotes
Your true value depends entirely on what you are compared with. - Bob Wells
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. - Robert Frost (1874-1963)
Boys will be boys, and so will a lot of middle-aged men. - Kim Hubbard (1868-1930)
A kleptomaniac is a person who helps himself because he can't help himself. - Henry Morgan
If people never did silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done. - Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951)
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter and found something of value - forward on to a friend if you did. I always welcome and appreciate your replies, web recommendations, and referrals - enjoy the rest of summer, see you next month!
Your true value depends entirely on what you are compared with. - Bob Wells
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. - Robert Frost (1874-1963)
Boys will be boys, and so will a lot of middle-aged men. - Kim Hubbard (1868-1930)
A kleptomaniac is a person who helps himself because he can't help himself. - Henry Morgan
If people never did silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done. - Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951)
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter and found something of value - forward on to a friend if you did. I always welcome and appreciate your replies, web recommendations, and referrals - enjoy the rest of summer, see you next month!
I was lucky to spend mine at the lake back in Indiana where I grew up - barbecuing, boating, and listening to my daughter yell, "Gaa-Maaaa!" and "Hey Duuuuuude" at my mom. Another fun activity - garage sales. Lindsay and I had a few good scores, including this vintage "adult trike" that will be our new grocery-getter in the city. 
COURSE. And many of us have fled this month for spring break. I wish all of you safe travels and am already jealous of the pictures I've been seeing on Facebook over the past few weeks. I, personally, am heading south later today for my 