My latest pedicure involved “Ogre the Top Blue.” Ok, I’m fully cognizant that red needs to be the standard when people can see my toes, but it’s winter, people, I’m wearing socks!
You’re wondering, “What does this have to do with cheryl’s ‘I can help you’ plan?” But, it does…stay with me.
I’m not a risk taker. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty much a big ol’ scaredy cat (see Old Dog, New Tricks for further evidence; yes, I know, I’m mixing metaphors in this graf). I want to be appropriate, but understated, in attire (lots of black in my wardrobe). I want to completely understand the “rules” of any situation. I want to know in advance what’s going to happen and prepare for all scenarios. I often take myself way too seriously and worry entirely too much about what other people think.
For half of the cheryl v. 3.0 business model, these traits are oddly desirable. If I’m going to do behind-the-scenes work, I predict that folks will like that I show up on time, blend in, meet deadlines, don’t cause any drama, and worry about tasks so they don’t have to.
But cautious characteristics don’t work well for selling. I have to listen to what clients think they need, figure out what they’re really saying, and offer solutions for their challenges. I have to prove that I use all these new-fangled communications channels, even though I’m 25 years older than most of the people considered experts. And once I’ve piqued their interest, I have to talk money which considered “bad form” by most Southern ladies although we do love a little drama (and some pocket change).
I need to stop before I hyperventilate. That’s where the blue toes come in. They, along with a few other talismans which shall remain unnamed (although Thelma Houston, queen of the disco era, may well be involved) give me courage. They remind me that I’m more than a middle-aged suburbanite. They give me confidence that I can put one foot in front of the other on this journey. They make me think of a wonderful day with people I love. They make me smile, never a bad thing when you’re in sales (or so I’m told).
Need your own blue toes? I can get you a deal on the Shrek Forever series of nail colors. Just let me know; they’re magic.
Hey Cheryl, next time have them use a glow-in-the-dark paint so you can get up at night without needing a nite-lite.
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