Why did both of these instances impress me? Because many of us forget about the bigger picture of the company for whom we work diligently each and every day. Irrespective of our position within the company, we are still responsible for its success. Positive increased visibility and sales will create success.

Natural assumptions for the above mentioned CEO could have been 1) that because the audience was composed of shareholders, they already have their business with her firm or 2) that she had sales and marketing people to do the selling, so why should she be responsible?

In posing this question, she gave the audience pause to think: "Am I supporting this firm with my business - with my family's business? What more can I personally do to support this strong company that I've invested in?" If you don't ask for their business, how will they truly know that you want it? She also modeled the behavior that she expected of all of her staff.

My niece could have assumed that since she was in such a low position at the time, what difference did it make to her if the company did well? Judging from her ensuing promotions, her loyalty has been well rewarded. On some level, she knew that what was good for the company was good for her, and she was right on.

The concept of 'sales' frightens even the best of us. "I'm not a sales person and never will be!" I hear this often. You needn't be in the sales or marketing department of your company to promote it. It's simply a matter of asking the right questions.

According to The Etiquette Advantage in Business, developing the skill of asking questions is quite beneficial:

Asking the right questions can set you on the road to success. If you move the conversation along with gentle, intelligent questions, you'll more than likely gain valuable information given freely without seeming nosy or intrusive-information that makes all the difference in the outcome of a business transaction of any kind. You'll almost always learn things about her or him that you wouldn't learn if you chose to dominate the conversation.

What questions are right for your particular situation? Ask those around you. Ask your marketing folks to make a presentation or suggestions. Ask your boss, associates, and existing clients. Please don't forget the most important part of asking questions-listen openly to their answers, which will likely lead to your next question.

Make this art of 'asking for the business' a new tool for your success tool chest this week.

Enjoy your discoveries!

Ann

P. S. We'd love to hear how you used our 'Success Thought of The Week' in your business or personal dealings.

What People Are Saying About Ann's 'Thoughts'

Love your missives. I like to use them during our staff meetings as reminders and or inspiration for my managers. What makes them valuable is their simplicity and relevancy to almost any of life's endeavors. By the bye, Congratulations on your Master Certification. !"
~ BH, Bend, OR.

If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, or, you would like to help us spread SUCCESS, click here GVSuccess or forward this newsletter to your friend or colleague in it's entirety.

Please join us in congratulating Ann for having recently been awarded the prestigious designation of Master Certified Coach. Ann is one of only seven Master Certified Coaches in Oregon, 372 in the United States, and 493 in the world to have qualified for this designation.

As always, it's great to be in touch with our subscribers in 'ten' countries!! Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, and USA. If you receive these 'Thoughts' and live in a country that I have not mentioned, please let me know so I can salute you.

Welcome All New Subscribers

Copyright & Permission Copyright © 1998-2006 All rights reserved

Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week for May 9, 2007" as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, 21775 Rickard Rd., Bend, Oregon 97701, www.GoldenVisionsSuccess.com