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Stress, stress and even more stress!

Guest post by: Manny Nowak

Article Overview: I was stopped at a Wawa the other day, just grabbing some coffee and as I started to back my car out, a fellow walk right on the side of my car and I almost hit him. The anger on his face was unbelievable as he smacked my car and yelled a few choice words and stomped off. Now, I know the normal reaction, get out of my car and start screaming. But instead, I backed my car out, drove over to his car and was actually going to say that I was sorry and wish him a better day. I rolled down my window to talk to him, he screamed some more choice words, slammed his door, gave me some hand signals and drove off. I would not want to be in his way today.

Stress, stress and even more stress!

"Ever watch people using a revolving door these days?" The young man

related, "Why for some, the whole day is spoiled if they miss one section."

His partner said, "you mean it annoys them to miss one complete revolution

of the door?", "No sir", answer the first man, "it use to be that, but now

they are so tense it upsets them to miss just one section". -

Story from Norman Vincent Peale I was stopped at a Wawa the other day, just grabbing some coffee and as

I started to back my car out, a fellow walk right on the side of my car and I

almost hit him. The anger on his face was unbelievable as he smacked my

car and yelled a few choice words and stomped off. Now, I know the normal

reaction, get out of my car and start screaming. But instead, I backed my

car out, drove over to his car and was actually going to say that I was sorry

and wish him a better day. I rolled down my window to talk to him, he

screamed some more choice words, slammed his door, gave me some hand

signals and drove off. I would not want to be in his way today.

Stress kills, we have all heard that in the past, but what can we do about it?

How can we not let bad stress control and drive us. Some stress is good. It

can actually helps us get things done. But the stress related in these to

stories can be very dangerous.

So how does all this related to today's topic, creating a plan? Simply put,

a plan can cut stress because we know what to do, when.

Last week we talked about the vision. I hope all of you have taken some time

this week and started to create that vision in your mind. Have started to

write things down. Have started to define where you want to go.

I use to develop major software systems for Fortune 1000 companies. To

build great software you first need to know what it is you are building, the

vision. Then you need to know how you are going to do it, what you are

going to do, when you are going to do it, how you are going to do it. You

have to have a written plan.

For a plan to be effective it needs at a minimum to have the following:

What is it you want to accomplish? Here you take the vision and expand it

into more detail.

How are you going to make it happen? What are the steps you need to go

through to make this happen?

What are the resources you are going to need?

What is the time table to get it done? What is the schedule to make it

happen?

How are you going to handle monitoring progress, changes and problems?

Let's look at the start of a simple plan. Please note, this is just the start

of the plan, but it is written down. A key to success.

Vision: To create an effective sales team that makes and exceeds the

expectation of me, the owner of the company.

1. What is I you want to accomplish. Here we take the vision and we expand

it into more detail.

A. Build an effective sales team (one that exceeds our expectations for

revenue and service)

B. A sales team that makes themselves and the company money

C. Brings in new business.

D. Expands and keeps existing business

E. Brings in profitable business. (business that exceeds our average profit

goals)

2. How are you going to make it happen. What are the steps you need

to go through to make this happen.

A. Create a chart on the skills and abilities for the sales rep. Must

have skills (without which they will not be considered) and like to

have skills (skills that will make them better, but are not required).

B. Define a good compensation plan.

C. Define the expectations you have of them and what they can expect

from you and the company.

D. Start putting the word out to people and groups you know that you

are looking for sales help.

E. Hire a recruiter

F. Run ads

3. What are the resources you are going to need?

A. Someone will have to devote 8 hours a week to the project

B. Money to pay for ads and other resources.

4. What is the time table to get it done? What is the schedule to make it

happen

A. Create a chart of what we need. (Week 1)

B. Define compensation plan. (Week 1)

C. Define expectations. (Week 1)

D. Put the word out. (Week 2)

E. Interview and hire a recruiter. (Week 2)

F. Run ads. (Week 2)

G. Review and screen candidates (Week 4)

5. How are you going to handle monitoring progress, changes and problems.

A. Define goals and monitor weekly were you are

B. Weekly, define what is working and see how to get more resources in

that area

C. Weekly, define what is not working, how to change it or drop it.

D. Did you do what you said you would do?

This is just a start. You still need to expand it, clean it up and make it work.

But it is the start of a written plan. It is the second "C" in the word

SUCCESS. "Create a PLAN"

Remember, a plan is one of the first steps to stop STRESS - stress kills.

This week, develop the plan for your vision.

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Article Tags: anger, coach manny nowak, coffee, leadership, manny nowak, stress, success coaching, wawa



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Lease out the Building - I would just lease out the building, as you could charge higher rates with the Wal-Mart across the road. You have much less stress then, and then you would if you had to run your own business as well.
Re: Would you pass on a media opportunity? - I think you shouldn't let an oppurtunity like this pass, since I must say, this is very very rare and you are lucky enough to be a recipient of one. By short notice, I think you should try to review the basics of the business or whatever it is that might be a possible question that the interviewer will ask you. Aside from this, I think you should relieve yourself of all stress that can really cause you nervousness or what is very foreboding: a mental block.
Re: Fold-up Car of the Future unveiled - That is very cool. I don't live in an area where "urban stress and pollution" is a problem and there's usually plenty of parking anywhere you go, so I don't have a need for one. But it would be nice to have in congested cities.
Would you pass on a media opportunity? - On short notice... would you allow your fear of public speaking/stress/self-doubt cause you to pass on a media opportunity to promote your business? What can one do in a short period of time to prepare himself/herself for the challenge?
Re: What are you doing if o have a bad day? - If you're looking to relieve some stress or just take the edge off from having a bad day, I highly recommend buying an original Nintendo NES with Duck Hunt. You wouldn't believe how much fun shooting virtual ducks on the TV can be. If I get mad or just have a bad day in general, I just pop it in and play for a while, trying to beat my high score. It's great to do something different every now and then and take your mind off of your problems.


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