The GREATEST T-Shirt Ever

Who has heard of fashion brand American Giant? Okay, well if you haven't this will be quite the way to introduce them as a company. Bayard Winthrop, CEO, launched the brand in 2012 on one concept, creating the best hoodie in the world. Fast forward 4 years later and his director of design and merchandising Michelle Allen took an entire year to sample fabrics, study design prototypes, materials, and sewing techniques in order to create the greatest t-shirt ever made. "She told me she was willing to stake her entire career on this T-shirt," says Winthrop. Wow, quite the statement, talk about putting yourself out there. 

Is Michelle nuts for trying to tackle such a subjective item? Probably. Ambitious? For sure. She has done a few things I think we can ALL learn from. She took a hyper focus approach allowing her preparations and efforts to be singular. By doing this she has undoubtedly given herself the best chance to succeed. Even with a basic item like a T-shirt there is so much to consider when trying to be the GREATEST EVER. Most importantly she has created her own pressure to deliver - publicly and privately. Verbal proclamations come with expectations but will also yield tremendous accolades (if delivered on.) 

Shoot for the moon and if you miss you land among the stars, right? Maybe it's the best ever, maybe it isn't. The approach guarantees quality regardless. I applaud her. She has taken initiative and accountability for her work. Her confidence and commitment to vulnerability are admirable. 

I bought 3 t-shirts. Time to deliver, ha!

DV

Youth's Mouse Trap: The Power of Role Models

Recently I have been considering rejoining Facebook so I had to recover my old account. I haven't been on the social media platform for almost 7 years. Yes, exactly, it was freaking scary! You go look at conversations, photos, and posts you made 7+ years ago, not exactly flattering, ha! Anyway I got over it pretty quickly. I mean without my experiences in those years I would most likely never be the person I am today. It did get me thinking though if there was one thing holding me back then from growing into this person sooner, what was it?

I truly believe it was the lack of and willingness to follow the right role models. When I was younger my aspirations didn't necessarily align with the true representation of my being. The things that appealed to me then seem almost meaningless now. My role models weren't role models they were friends stuck in the same rat race. I was too focused on immediate gratification with a high level of neglect for my future. Although at the time it didn't feel that way, looking back now, it was indeed the case. I was playing with youth's mouse trap. I got lucky though, see when you chase the cheese and your tail gets caught it prevents you from going anywhere or growing! I get it though it's the natural maturation process but only for those who luckily navigate the trap. What about the people who got caught in that trap? Sadly they are still stuck.

This is precisely why I believe in the power of role models. Role models are people who are doing and have done what you desire to achieve. Role models come in ALL forms - colleagues, coworkers, family members, authors, super achievers, entrepreneurs - anybody who has had or is having the success in their life you desire. It is not weak, shameful, or "not cool" to follow, lead, and model your life after somebody else's. In fact it is the complete opposite. It is courageous.

Find the people who exemplify the life you want and the success level you desire. Engage with them, learn from them, and use their wisdom and experience to compliment your own.

Please don't be afraid to engage with me, leave comments, give feedback - good dialogue is my oxygen!

DV

The DV Weekend Pickup #9

Let the love affair continue...

What To Do When It's Your Turn (And It's Always Your Turn) by Seth Godin

What I like best: As most of you know I think very highly of the author, Seth Godin, 21st century's brightest marketing mind. Check out this quick video to hear Seth explain the book's concept. By design - literally - the book is approachable for EVERYBODY. He uses bright colors, graphics, and short segments to make the book very easy to read. Although he does challenge your mind by delving into ideas like the problem with freedom as he states, "freedom is our problem and freedom is our opportunity."  If you don't enjoy deep thinking at times this book might be a struggle but I would still encourage you to give it a shot. The overall message is that important. Like Seth says, "the cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing." I was so fond of this book that last year I bought a copy for each one of my immediate family members for Christmas. In my mind it was the greatest gift I could ever give someone. A book that depicts in life nobody is going to be there to reassure you, that opportunity is everywhere, and you've been given a turn. So if you accept it and if you're thirsty enough the world is ready for you, more than ever before! 

Best Quote: "Things get much better when we internalize 2 truths - 1.) Nobody owes you anything (no, not even a thank you.) 2.) It is actually you who owes the world and denies it. You take up space (physical and emotional) so you better have something good to show for it."

DV

 

 

Workout of a Sales Consultant

I've gotten so much positive feedback from last week's Diet Of A Sales Consultant post I figured ah, why not, let's share the workout regimen as well. Again let me provide a disclaimer that I am no fitness expert. I've simply used the trial and error (and minor injuries, ha) method throughout the years to land on the regimen below. Just like the diet I feel it is a HUGE contributing factor that keeps me performing at my best day in, day out. If you've been a reader since the beginning you got a glimpse at the benefits with 30 Minute's A Day? That's all? YUP! Time is of the essence so the shorter length workouts are ideal for a busy schedule. The key is in the consistency to make up for brevity - it's all you need!

My workout specifics:

  1. 30-45 minute workout time.

  2. Same schedule, on repeat (for now.)

  3. Low weight, low rest time (60 sec in between sets) and 3-4sets/10-15reps.

  4. No cardio necessary.

  5. Early AM start time - often as possible.

  6. Workout on near empty stomach - minimal food usually.

  7. Super set multiple exercises (I.e. lat pull downs super set w/ oblique crunches.)

  8. Same body part focus every other day - I am the only person I know that does this but it's a real maximizer for me - I love it.

  9. Do push-ups or pull-ups during any spare time at the gym (I.e. waiting for machine, etc.)

  10. Good music is an absolute must!

My workout schedule:

Day 1 - Abs, Chest, Tri's

Day 2 - Obliques (Abs), Back, Bi's

Day 3 - Chest, Tri's

Day 4 - Obliques (Abs), Back, Bi's

Day 5 - Off

Day 6 - Abs,  Shoulders, Bi's

Day 7 - Obliques (Abs), Legs 

Day 8 - Shoulders, Bi's

Day 9 - Obliques (Abs), Legs

Day 10 - Off

Use at your own risk! Feel free to reach out to me with questions or suggestions. Although I will warn you I can be quite stubborn, ha!

DV

The ONE Thing All Super Achievers Have In Common

Over the past year I kept asking myself the same question over an over. What is it exactly that set's super achievers apart from everybody else? We all have the same 24, 7, 365 - nobody gets more time. There has to be something. What is it? What makes them so great? After tons of reading, listening, and watching these super achievers over the past year I think I've finally found the answer!

Interestingly and simply it always boils down to ONE thing. Ask yourself this question - how big is the problem I am trying to solve? You see what most super achievers realize and what we should all realize is that doing small tasks require the same amount of brain power, energy, and focus as larger tasks. Spending time doing anything is the same amount of time no matter what you're doing. An hour is an hour. The only difference is what we choose to focus on during that hour. Solving small problems will yield small results. Super achievers are focused on solving the biggest problems which in return yield the biggest results!

You can be a super achiever in ANY line of work - employee or entrepreneur - doesn't matter. Spend your time focused on the BIG problems. Often times its the only difference. 

DV

Ray Lewis You're Fired!

No this is not some silly Donald Trump ploy, ha. Ray Lewis is actually fired! He recently got released from his position at ESPN doing NFL analysis. A two-time super bowl winning champion, two-time defensive player of the year, future NFL Hall of Famer, and arguably top 5 linebacker of all time, got fired? Yup, that's right. Naturally I couldn't help but find a great takeaway in this situation.

Sure, Lewis will be fine, he's made millions throughout his career but that's not the point. This should be a stark reminder of the world we live in today. Yesterday's accomplishments will always be trumped by what can you do for me today and future days. Also reminding us that excellence in one specialty does not guarantee excellence in another. It merely and typically just grants us the opportunity to try.

The need to perform our best on a daily basis has never been in higher demand. The interesting challenge to note with this is the more you take on, the more prolific your position, and the higher you climb then the more in demand you and your job will be. Peak performance, continual growth, and improvement are a must to simply remain. Just ask Ray.

DV

6 Tips On Engaging People Effectively

You walk into a room or an event and you know nobody, what do you do? Okay that's a silly question, beside make a b-line to the bar, ha. If you're like most of us you will either make small talk the entire time with the person you came with, if you're alone latch on to the first person you encounter, OR worst case you become a wall flower counting the minutes until you leave. Get over the fear of engaging, it's not that scary, I promise. Below is a quick list to help you engage with people effectively.

  1. Dress for other peoples comfort. Don't worry, you can still be best dressed Mr. and Mrs. Fashion but make sure your attire aligns with the situation. You want to be approachable.
  2. Find common ground - quickly - absolute must when connecting.
  3. Less is more. If people want more they'll connect with you at a later date or they'll ask.
  4. Be cautious of jokes BUT if you can't resist make sure it's at your expense. This displays humility and makes you approachable.
  5. Listen intently...pause...then respond and refer to tip #3. (Super struggle for me - people love being heard - super important!)
  6. Always end a conversation by using the persons name - people love their name. (I.e. It was nice to meet you _____. Enjoy the rest of your evening.)

There is no secret science to this. These are just key pointers I TRY to use when I am in unfamiliar territory. There is no replacing the trial and error method so get out there, start engaging!

DV

groundupSALES Quote #7

As promised groundupSALES audio will be ready for download this month and I am SUPER excited about it! Below is another quote pulled directly from the audio. This is something I continue to challenge myself on daily because quite honestly it's just not that easy to do. Transferring knowledge into action is hard. It takes guts! However in my eyes it's a must!!

Learn. Apply. Fail. Learn. Try again.

DV

STOP Asking For Permission

Apparently my personality type suggests that a quality of my person is that I often act then ask for forgiveness as opposed to asking for permission then acting. Although you can definitely play devils advocate in viewing this as a benefit. I will suggest we ALL should stop asking for permission - figuratively and literally. I watched a short Seth Godin interview this morning that helped me affirm this idea.  "All of us are surrounded by people who can't wait to get picked," says Godin. Encouraging us to just pick ourselves! If we continue to ask for permission we are forfeiting the POWER we have to disempower "gatekeepers." 

Over the years people have asked me, "do you think I should get into sales?" All I would say is that is totally up to you. It's not because I'm not interested, I don't want to help, or I don't care. In fact it's exactly the opposite. It just takes me back to my original point about permission. The people who are going to thrive and succeed in sales will despite my answer. 

No permission required. Stop asking. Start doing.

DV

Pick me, pick me!

Pick me, pick me!