Help! I’m supposed to give a talk about gemstones to a group of teens at the local Y. What should I focus on? I don’t want to bore them.
They really shouldn’t be a tougher crowd than the nervous grooms-to-be, mothers-in-law, and DIY designers you deal with daily. Gemology is fascinating to just about anyone who encounters it. Describe how gemstones are formed in nature, how they are all unique and that some are as old as the earth itself. Then, segue into how gemologists identify different gemstones, often based on their chemical makeup and structure. Discuss characteristics like hardness, luster, color, and clarity, and show them samples for them to examine. And don’t forget to talk about what makes them valuable — prices can shock them both for how cheap gemstones can be, and how expensive. Ultimately, this will come down to your skills as a storyteller. But what makes this different is you’re not selling anything — just sharing your enthusiasm for one of nature’s wonders.
Should I still ask, “What are you passionate about” in job interviews? People always seem to have a canned response.
It’s true, WAYPA may have worn out its usefulness in the job interview process, but the intent behind it is still a valid one — you want to get to know what drives people and gets them out of bed in the morning — information that is not usually provided by the classic résumé check-boxes. Try a variation such as, “What were you doing when you felt most engaged in your last job?” Or “What activity gets you really excited when you think about it?” And if they answer “customer service,” at least you’ll know they prepared well.
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How do I keep my sales staff motivated when things are slow?
And we’re betting not so long ago you were thinking, “Oh, if only it weren’t so busy I could launch some much-needed staff development projects.” Now is the perfect opportunity to seize that chance by launching those training and educational programs. Or, if your team’s skills are already sharp, consider focusing on building relationships through social events that enhance cooperation and bonding, such as outings, lunch gatherings, or even in-store games related to your products.
At the same time, remind your staff that people are still buying and encourage them to take the initiative to generate sales. Invite them to brainstorm ideas for promotions or events, and support their efforts in implementing customer engagement initiatives, like community events, workshops, or promotional campaigns. During meetings, shift the focus to the approaches and tactics that are working on the sales floor, rather than dwelling on weak sales figures (and their impact on commissions).
A related concern during slow periods is the potential loss of your best performers to the competition. To counter this, continually seek opportunities to provide praise for even small successes. Additionally, explore non-monetary perks that can enhance their experience, such as offering flexible schedules that allow them to pursue personal projects or skills unrelated to work, thereby promoting a healthy work-life balance.
How do I get better service from big vendors? Some companies I call will put me on hold for 20 minutes or ignore my requests for help with issues.
Two of the most basic rules of business — size matters and It’s who you know — apply here, although the latter probably trumps the former and likely holds the answer to your troubles. The best way to get great service, no matter how large the company, is to make a friend on the inside. When you finally do make contact with that clerk, rep, service specialist, etc., take a few extra minutes and have a brief conversation. Listen, learn all you can, and keep notes. End your conversation with, “You really have been terrific. Do you have a direct extension I can call next time? I would really rather deal with you.” The next time you contact the company, start with a friendly chat — not your order. You’ll be amazed at how quickly that person can get things done for you.
