Morning Minute 7/9/24
“How Difficulties & Setbacks Create Character!”
The 6 year old boy just received his “Big Boy” bicycle.
The 1st 2 weeks he rode the bicycle with training wheels. Then his mother had his older brother remove the training wheels. He said he was NOT ready to ride without them. His disciplined mother took charge putting him on the bike, instructing him to pedal harder. He fell off, crying, stating that he wanted his training wheels. She put him back on the bike, telling him to try again. Crying, he tried again and fell into a sticker bush.
She put the crying lad back on the bike, pushing him into the street and down a short hill. This time he was able to coast down the hill and pedal back up to their house. His tears became a wide smile as he thanked her for making him try until he succeeded. That 6 year old boy…was me.
My disciplined mother knew that I must face my fears in order to learn a new skill. She would not take “No” for an answer. She had me face my fears and defeat them. That lesson, that I learned at an early age, has guided me throughout my life.
By facing one’s fears, and defeating them, individuals learn new skills, and good habits. Plus, they achieve the discipline required to create character. When taught by adults who care, and who understand that parents are a child’s most important teacher, children develop good habits. Those habits lead children to become responsible, disciplined adults.
Too many times, parents want to shield their children from pain and disappointment, in order to give them a “better life” than they had as children. The children don’t learn basic skills such as good manners and respect for adults. Nor even basic skills like how to dress themselves, tie their shoes, even how to use the bathroom. Because they are not taught basic skills at home, how to be truthful, nor how to learn, these children enter school at a great disadvantage.
Parents who understand, that for children, learning should be fun, have them learn something new every day. Their kids do not have cell phones until they reach middle school. And, parents teach them that the phone is a responsibility, and a tool. Plus, they monitor their online activity, set a good example for them to follow, and have rules for the children’s protection.
Having children do the right things, leads to good habits. Good habits create good outcomes. Good outcomes create the desire to do the right things. Doing right things creates discipline. And, discipline creates character. Character is a personal trait that will guide the child for the rest of their life.
Remember, that parents are children’s first and best teachers. That responsibility does not end when they leave home. Parenting is a life-long, never ending responsibility.
“How Difficulties & Setbacks Create Character!”
That
is today’s Morning Minute.
Morning Minute 7/12/24
“Are You a Vendor, or a Server?”
One of my favorite quotes is from Teddy Roosevelt:
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!”
That quote and today’s discussion reminds us that buyers are people, too!
A vendor is a seller of products and services. To be effective, the vendor must know as much as possible about what they are selling, plus what their competitors offer. This requires continually updating their knowledge to be able to share the advantages and benefits of what they sell. The objective of successful vendors is to make a sale. A vendor’s primary focus is on what they are selling.
A server desires to establish a relationship with the buyer. They want to determine what problem the buyer is attempting to solve…what is their “pain point?” Or, what opportunity the buyer wants to take advantage of. The server accomplishes this by asking open-ended questions, in order to understand the buyer’s situation and their motivation. The objective of successful servers is to match the buyer with the best possible solution to their problem. The server’s primary focus is on the client.
For example, let’s say you want to provide delivery services from a warehouse to a client’s factory. The vendor will highlight how many trucks they have, how professional their drivers are, and their on-time delivery record. The vendor’s focus is on what they sell. On the other hand, the server will seek to understand what items the factory needs and how those items affect the client’s manufacturing process. Plus, how those items need to be handled to ensure the just-in-time delivery that the client requires. The server’s primary focus is on the client and their requirements.
Here is another example. You and your significant other go to your favorite restaurant. After being seated, a member of the wait staff comes over to share she will be with you soon. 5 minutes later, she returns asking what would you like to drink. Then she asks if you would like an appetizer. She leaves to get the kitchen started on the appetizer. She returns with your drinks, asking if you have any questions on the menu. Because this waitress displays more interest in what they sell, she is a vendor.
Same scenario: As you are seated, a member of the wait staff comes over, introduces herself asking, “Whom do I have the pleasure of serving tonight?” Then, addressing you both by name, she asks, “Are you folks celebrating a special event tonight?” After congratulating you, she asks, “May I get you a cocktail or something to drink?” She continues, “Would an appetizer be in order? Or, are you saving room for a special dessert to help you celebrate?” Because this waitress displays more interest in you, your event, and what she can do to help you celebrate, she is a server?
Whom would you rather have helping you enjoy your special evening?
By focusing on your client, how to solve their problem, and how their life or business will be enhanced with what you sell, you have a greater chance of creating a long term relationship. That makes you a trusted server, instead of just another vendor.
“Are You a Vendor, or a Server?”
That is today’s Morning Minute.
