Here we are. Month six of this odd coronavirus time. At this point I think it is safe to say this "new" normal has become the normal.
Settling into the quarantine and coronavirus life was a very drastic and, truthfully, difficult transition. As parents, in the beginning we found ourselves telling the kids to "be flexible," "this is all new," "we are doing our best" time and time again.
These same conversations are coming up in our house as we approach back to school. Explaining to our children, whether they are actually re-entering a building or virtually, that this school year will be very different than in the past and they need to "be flexible," "be understanding" and to "try your best" is daily occurrence.
The words we as parents use to surround and frame certain situations and experiences make all the difference in the world. Despite their ages and life experiencing children can sense whether our thoughts and phrases are positive or negative. If we give even the worst expected experience some positive phrases and supportive coaching, it can help them create a proper perspective. The same idea is absolutely true for the new sales reality and moving forward during the pandemic.
As you approach your work everyday are you aware of how you are framing your conversations? Are you flexible, understanding, resilient? Have you gotten past the point of saying to yourself "I can't wait until we return to normal?" What I think we are learning is there may never be a true "return to normal" and this shift in business will probably be our new, new normal.
As Charlie and I talk with our network of current clients, past clients and business relationships all over the country we are hearing many of the same things from different industries and very different people. We have had many conversations about motivation, scheduling, changing attitudes, effective communication and overall challenges of selling in this new environment.
Here are a few ideas, keywords and phrases we offer to you to stay on track with the current state of selling affairs:
What words and phrases have you embraced during these changing times? What did we miss? We would love to hear from you. Share on our LinkedIn or Facebook pages today.
Photo by Michael Marais on Unsplash