Synthesis, Inc. - Synthesis, Inc. - Administrative Support for Creative People
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Sales & Marketing Tips
Coping With the Disorganized Boss (even if it’s you!)
I have been very lucky in my career. For the most part, I have had terrific bosses: men who knew the product, the business and how to sell. I started with Champion Spark Plug Company (privately owned at the time by the Stranahan family); Champion acquired Anco Wiper Blade; then merged with Cooper Industries and finally the entire conglomeration was taken over by Federal Mogel.
I made it through management transitions, new product roll outs, software switches, and increased paperwork. There was no time to relax; always something new to learn. It was controlled chaos and we STILL had to make our quotas (plus 10%).
Turns out this was great training to become VP of Synthesis, Inc. As Operations Manager, my responsibilities include (and as they say on Job Descriptions–not limited to–) Sales Director, Purchasing Agent, Controller and Production Manager. Oh, I also carry a book of business with quotas that need to be met (plus 10%).
Everything Right But The Work
Recently we made a recommendation for a colleague we met at our networking club. Although we had not used this commercial service ourselves, we knew this company had been in business over sixty years and the young representative was second-generation leadership. The price for the service was less than what our clients were paying and our colleague responded to our referral in a timely manner.
It went south when they performed the service. Actually, it began when my colleague met with my client. According to my client, while they were discussing the potential sale, the salesperson took a cell phone call. And walked away from my client. My client almost threw in the towel at that point, but based on the fact we recommended the service, he persevered.
NOTE: Turn OFF the phone. Don’t even be tempted to open your phone when it vibrates to see who called or e-mailed. It is unprofessional at the least; stupid sales at the worst.
The Power of 19
When researching for our Foundations Class, Barb & I came across an interesting statistic. Everyone has probably heard it takes a minimum of 3 weeks (24 consecutive days) to build a habit. (Actually, that statistic ranges from 3 weeks to 3 months, depending upon the source.)
One statistic we had not heard was this: Do you know when people typically give up on their stated goal, resolution or target? The answer is Day 18!
If you believe it takes 3 weeks to build a habit (which I do – by the third week, whatever the goal is, it is ingrained in my pattern or behavior), then it is eye-opening to realize people STOP doing what they know will bring success just before that success is realized.
Deadbeats and Arrogance
According to the Credit Card Companies, Barb & I are “Deadbeats” – people who pay their cards off every month, using the time provided by the credit card companies without ever incurring interest charges. Their terminology speaks volumes about the true intention of the card providers toward the consumer. No matter what their advertising may imply, credit cards are not ‘priceless’.
I read the fine print. When the new Cardmember Agreement arrived along with our Synthesis Chase bill, I was intrigued, first of all, that the print was in 8-point font opposed to earlier days when you needed a magnifying glass to read anything on the back of the bill. Then I came across the final paragraph: Reasons why the cardholder may refuse to authorize transactions. Along with the expected: suspected fraudulent activity, the account is in default, was the final reason (and I quote): any other reason we choose.
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