Tell Me What Inspires You
Do you have something to share about how you’ve grown in your career? Reach out. I’d love to hear from you.
If you’re a regular reader of this magazine—and I hope you are—then you know our Model Mentor feature is intended to inspire. This month, Sales Rep of the Year Mike Blackwell encourages industry professionals to own their mistakes, and be consistent and follow up, both with clients and teammates. He also suggests seeking positive role models and looking toward leaders for mentorship and guidance. Installer of the Year T.J. Carlson, pictured on the cover, has done just that. He said he gains inspiration from the owner of Musicar Northwest, based in Portland, Ore., where he works. Tom Miller, he said, has nurtured a positive environment for Carlson and the rest of the team, inspiring each of them to continue learning and growing.
Consider the leaders in your own life
I think we can all look back and recall previous bosses, managers or friends who’ve taught us a thing or two in our working lives. At each job I’ve had, I learned valuable lessons. It’s our mistakes that teach us the most. Throughout life, we have opportunities to learn more about how to interact with others, how to listen with intention and how to provide the best possible support, whether it’s for a friend, family member or customer.
It’s often said that people always remember the negative things first, before the positive. For example, if one of your customers had a bad experience elsewhere, your task is convincing them that your team can not only do a better job, but exceed all expectations. What negative experiences have you had—not just in retail or sales interactions, but throughout your life? How have those experiences colored the way you view the world around you? The better question is, can we shift our thinking in order to be open to new experiences? A negative experience might lead to a positive one. Instead of thinking in terms of negatives and positives, consider thinking in terms of opportunities. What might the leaders who’ve inspired you say?
You have more to offer than you might think
During interviews for the magazine, I love hearing about what and who inspires industry professionals. Many people think they don’t have anything to share. If they’re new to the industry, they might believe they don’t have enough experience to offer any insight. Quite the opposite. All of us have had worthy experiences, and in those recollections are nuggets that might be useful to your peers. Challenge yourself to consider what you might have to offer. If you have news about your retail location, your work toward learning a new skillset, or advice for others in the industry, please reach out. Email me at rosas@mobile-electronics.com. We want to hear from you.
Instead of thinking in terms of negatives and positives, consider thinking in terms of opportunities. What might the leaders who’ve inspired you say?
