710 - Don't have a negative mindset, he said...

I was with a new, motivated member of my team.

He and his wife had secured a table at a large wedding fair and they asked me to join them.

This gentleman thought of everything, including a pre-event meeting to focus on our strategy and approach.

I was impressed, but having had experience at events like this, I had a few suggestions as well.

My goal at such an event is to gather information, provide value, and get permission to follow up...not sign people up.

My new team member politely informed me that I shouldn't have a negative mindset.

I smiled, acknowledged that I heard him, and decided not to pursue the subject further at that time.

The event was packed with brides, mother's of the bride, friends of the bride, and even a few grooms-to-be.

I watched as the newbie talked with many people, telling them what we do and telling them how they need our services. (He came across like a used car salesman!)

It didn't take a rocket scientist to understand this.

I had attempted to give a few pointers and was met with a defiant, "Show me how it's done!".

I did. I proceeded to gather information from willingly participating brides and even learned that several have their own businesses. One was even the head of HR at her company and wants to discuss the services for her employees.

I learned what they wanted and needed.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING A NEGATIVE MINDSET AND USING EXPERIENCE TO GUIDE HOW YOU DO THINGS.

How many did we sign up at the end of the day?

ZERO, because no one wants to be told what they need.

In this day and age when MINDSET is a buzzword when people talk negatively, some have missed the point.

Not everything you hear is negative when it's backed by experience.

I'm not negative, I'm experienced. There is a difference.

There must be a balance where people use common sense to understand situations.

Listening to those who are more experienced is still important.

Do you agree that stating what is realistic does not equate to having a negative mindset?