The economy had taken an unfavorable turn and so had our close rate. Objections were getting tougher – in particular and understandably – the ones about budget. A group of us were commiserating in the sales room. We were worried and wondered how we might bide our time until things loosened up. A vacation perhaps?

Dan, our sales manager, must have been able to hear some of this from wherever he was at the time, because he swooped into the room as he tended to do and said, “Have you guys heard the hot dog story?” We shook our heads and rolled our eyes, preparing ourselves for another dose of “management propaganda”.

During the next sixteen years, I heard other managers – Kay, Bob, Jim – pose the same question, “Have you guys heard the hot dog story?” On a number of occasions – I even heard it come out of my own mouth – even after I left the world of advertising (14 years ago). Even as recently as last week!

It occurred to me today that it would be a good time to ask you….

Have you heard the hot dog story?

Whether you have or not, I hope you will take the opportunity to read it now.
And I hope it brings you a shift or an aha that energizes, encourages and inspires you.

P.S. To download the hot dog story, just type in your first name, last name and e-mail address and we will send you the link.

You will also receive the “Business Class” E-Zine every other Tuesday.

It’s full of resources for managers and business owners – ideas & inspiration to boost morale, save time, increase productivity & build business.

Please check out these Comments from E-Zine Readers:

Eli N. Evans, President Emeritus, Charles H. Revson Foundation, New York, New York: Jan’s articles always teach me something new. Most of us managing an organization never stop to think but just go day to day managing by habit. Jan’s stories are well chosen from a literature I would never read on my own. I am always grateful for the fresh thinking she drops on my doorstep.

Ray Evernham, CEO, Evernham Motorsports, Statesville, NC: Jan is a friend and a go getter. I was fortunate enough to do a speaking class with her years ago and we’ve been tracking each other’s careers since. I enjoy receiving and reading her news letter E-zine. It always seems to offer some good advice or inspiration at the right time.

Greg Isenhour, President, Guts Inc; President, North Carolina Home Builders Association 2003: If I could capture what this newsletter provides for me in a simple phrase it would be “Ah-Hah”. Jan’s writing causes me to shift the way I am thinking. In particular I am reminded of the recent article, “Fear and Freedom”. There has not been a day since I read it that I have not thought about it – and it propels me to take action. The articles are fresh, thought provoking and they create a sense of readiness to shift my way of being or acting. Thank you for creating a difference in my life through your creative writing and willingness to share your space in this world with others. The universe is roaring with applause for what you give through “Business Class”.

Wade Harrison, Attorney, Wishart, Norris, Henninger and Pittman, PA, Burlington and Charlotte, North Carolina: I have received “Business Class” since its inception. I look forward to reading and learning from Jan’s stories. Our organization strives for a very high level of results-oriented service to business owners and their families. I have used Jan’s tips to facilitate team building and enhance our individual and collective service efforts.

Jim Carter, Senior Vice President, Sun Trust Bank, Chapel Hill, NC: Business Class is a periodic reminder to those of us in the business world on just how to do business with “class”. Jan’s ability to turn factual stories into meaningful lessons for her readers is nothing short of sensational.

Eric Locher, Broker-In-Charge, Cottingham-Chalk & Associates: Those are great suggestions. I have printed them off and have hung them on my wall!

Mike Capps, Mortgage Planner, Integrated Mortgage Strategies, LTD: Thanks for the story – I was recently going thru some headaches, and as usual, I get this article from you. Thanks for the boost.

Kevin Bullard, Leadership Consultant: The Business Class articles sent by Jan are timely nuggets of leadership & management wisdom. In this age of info-glut, Jan makes her articles stand out from all the others because they’re personal. Jan’s articles don’t just tell a story, they tell her stories, which makes them
all the more interesting and informative. I’m a happy subscriber!

Sue Chen, Carolina Parent Magazine: What I love best about Jan’s newsletter is that it reminds me what’s most important in sales, taking care of my CLIENTS! It’s easy to get caught up in the busy daily to do list and forget that without my customers I wouldn’t have a pay check. Jan’s email helps me prioritize. Customer service comes first.