The leaves are changing, the stores are full of back-to-school gear and the kids are ready to learn. Are you? Many people get comfortable and think they know an industry, a customer, or an application. Just as there is always someone smarter, there is always something more to learn. I’m not just talking about technology, I’m talking about learning in general, and the need for a “learning mindset.”  What is a learning mindset? It’s many things. 1. A learning mindset equates to a lack of arrogance . You acknowledge the possibility that there is always more to learn or a better way to do something. Even as a seasoned rep agent, you will try the new CRM system and give it a chance before you reject it.  2. Have an open mind . Be willing to at least consider a unique perspective or approach to a problem or situation. You are willing to listen to your regional sales manager present a new way to approach the target market.  3. Take a positive approach to change . Many pe...

Hablas Espanol?  My Scorecard If you are here from a teaser link you probably think this is about how taking time off to reset can help you better focus on your job.  Yes, that is absolutely true.  But ask my wife, I've never taken a vacation without my laptop.  I always think I'll get a lot done.  Best laid plans.  Leave the laptop at home, folks.  Moving on... Everyone who knows me is aware of my interest in learning Spanish. Over the years, I've made it a point to visit Mexico at least once annually and after each trip, I've felt determined to learn the language. A couple of years ago, I finally took the plunge and signed up for the DuoLingo app. One of the best things about this app is the built-in scorecard.  I set a goal each day and it tells me if I have met or exceeded my goal.  At the end of each week, I get a scorecard.  Here are the current results:  I have over a 1,100-day practice streak, an average of 2.6 daily session...

“In playing ball, and in life, a person occasionally gets the opportunity to do something great. When that time comes, only two things matter: being prepared to seize the moment and having the courage to take your best swing.” – Hank Aaron “Batter up!” Baseball is in full swing and so is succession planning. Are you building your bench strength?  If not, START.  Easy to say, but where do you begin? One key element is learning and development for your current team. Employees STAY when they feel an organization is invested and investing in them. LinkedIn’s 2018 Workforce Learning Report  LinkedIn’s 2018 Workforce Learning Report found that 93% of respondents would remain at a company longer if it invested in their career. LinkedIn Learning’s 2021 Workplace Learning Report  LinkedIn Learning’s 2021 Workplace Learning Report confirms that this trend still holds true. Gen Z employees especially place a high value on learning in the workplace, and the associated career ...

It’s June 30 th and the half-time buzzer is about to sound.  It’s half-time for 2023, and I believe distributors should take note.  Since sports history is full of great half-time stories, I took a few minutes to reflect on some momentous events.  Here’s a sampling of three amazing half-time meetings: ·         Super Bowl 2017 - The New England Patriots were trailing the Atlanta Falcons by 18 points at half-time.  During the break, head coach Bill Belichick and his coaching staff made critical strategic adjustments to counter the Falcons' dominant performance.  The half-time adjustments paid off as the Patriots staged an incredible comeback, scoring 25 unanswered points to tie the game and force it into overtime.  Ultimately, the Patriots won Super Bowl LI in the first-ever overtime Super Bowl, completing one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. ·         Super Bowl I 1967 - At hal...