My good friend and colleague, Lou Ludwig, posted a quote from Oscar Wilde on Saturday, “One's real life is so often the life that one does not lead.” There’s many ways you might interpret that, but I see a definite sales application.
With Halloween coming up in a few weeks and with the stores featuring a wide array of costumes, I am reminded that too many times we attempt to mask our behavior or attempt to be someone we are not.
I thinks it’s OK – even necessary – to stretch and go beyond our comfort zone from time-to-time. It’s how we grow and take on and conquer new challenges.
However, if we’re constantly playing roles, we’re going to be unhappy. One face as husband or wife, one face as parent, one face for the office, one for working with customers, one for associates, one for club or association meetings, one for ….
How can we ever keep track of who we are supposed to be? What if someone catches us with the wrong face on?
Why can't we just be ourselves? Be the same person at home and in front of people. The same person in public or private. Why live a fib? There's so much less to remember by being the same person all the time.
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For more information on my coaching services or sales tips visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my blog homesalesinsights.com.
Hi Steve
We don't become who we can be until we get out of our comfort zone and take risks.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Thanks for writing. I know I project a slightly different persona in front of my Sunday School Class for example but I honestly think I am the same person wherever I am. Bonnie
Lou,
Reasonable risk taking definitely is part of growth - economic and personal. Thanks for the inspiration to write this post. :)
Steve
Bonnie,
It sounds like you are the same person. Sometimes we have to adjust our delivery or sense of humor for the audience, but in doing so it's not trying to be someone we basically are not. :)
Steve
I am one of those rare people who doesn't change too much from who I am 99% of the time. I live by the old saying...."What you see is what you get!!" I may tone it down a bit but I am pretty much the same all the time. If I have to hide me then for me that says that I don't like who I am. It has taken 40 years but I love who I am. I finally took the mask off.......
Stacey,
Ditto. Maybe it does come with getting older, but I really like who I am as well, so why try to be anything different? :)
Steve
Steve, that is a very interesting quote by Mr. Wilde. Makes me think of the Billy Joel song, 'The Stranger'. I'm pretty wysiwyg myself.
Lisa,
Glad to hear it. I think that's really important when you want to build relationships and connect with customers. :)
Steve
I hope I'm living the truth. I've always had a motto which goes something like this, "You may not like me but you'll respect me." That was especially good for me as a school teacher.
Barbara,
That's a good motto. Thanks for passing it along. Self-respect is a very important part of self-confidence. :)
Steve
Eeek, I am PAINFULLY shy and I have to really push myself in some situations. My Realtor hat is my mask. Without that mask I would not be able to do business.
Ellie,
Just think of all the shy, reluctant people there are who don't want to pick up the phone and call you or send you an email that you might be able to connect with. Food for thought. :)
Steve
Steve,
We can't just be defined by one aspect of our personality, but all the roles that we play sum up who we are. Although we may "act" and can play different roles with different people in our lives, our core principles and values remain the same. Truth is truth, my commitment to truth is the same whether I am in my role as a parent, wife or salesperson.... Shyness, how shy? Is all a degree...I am not shy to make a call or to smile to a stranger, but I would never go on and perform Shakespeare on stage! :)
Lourdes,
Thanks for your comments about the core personality. I'll bet you'd make a great stage performer if you wanted to be. I have no desire to do this even though I could. Maybe that's a little of what you're saying also. :)
Steve
Steve,
I have no desire to do that either! :)
Lourdes,
I sensed that, but I think you could do well at it you really wanted to do it. :)
Steve