LucasRoberts.com

I think the word “sales” has a bad rap. Movies, stereotypes, and generalizations have tarnished its name.

In the old way, here’s how I think it went:

I have a thing I want to sell you to make money

My family depends on me making money

You are a walking bag of money

I pretend to care about what you want

I manipulate with partial truths and some dishonesty

My goal is to serve myself and my bottom line

You buy the thing

You have regrets

I don’t offer much followup

We pass each other on the street in a year and I look the other way

In the new way, I think it should go something like this:

I connect with you on a very authentic human level

We get to know each others’ businesses a bit

I tell you briefly about the thing I sell

I … Read more …

I didn’t know him, but I wish I did.

I was really hoping I would be able to meet him one day. That’s one of the things that saddens me most… I wanted to shake his hand and say “thank you for being totally f*cking inspiring, Steve.”

After all, I’ve had an Apple tattoo on my back for 8 years, and I wear a WWSJD t-shirt pretty regularly.

I think the loss could be broken down in a few ways…

The loss to his family. I can’t even wrap my head around that one. How would they go on after such a blow to their reality? My heart goes out to them.

The loss to Apple. I hope they make it, and I hope someone on that team steps up to the plate. I also hope they have someone on the team who can negotiate as Steve did, while also … Read more …

I find that I’m most motivated to do the things that are urgent, that have a deadline, and that I’ve committed to do.

But not everything that’s urgent, that has a deadline, or that I’ve committed to do.

There needs to be other people (and fear) involved for it to be a priority.

• • It’s urgent because someone else needs it or will be annoyed if they don’t get it. I’m afraid of what they’ll think.
• • It has a deadline because the other person won’t pay me if I don’t do it in time… And I don’t want to live in a van down by the river.
• • My commitment is upheld because someone else is depending on my work. I am afraid of letting them down.

If I’m doing something challenging just for me, for my own reasons, it usually comes last or not at all. It doesn’t … Read more …

I feel like there are two main styles of leadership in the world. And I think it’s a lifestyle – I can even be a leader while ordering a large double double and a muffin for just me at Tim Horton’s on Davie street.

I oscillate between the two styles depending on the day or the situation, but I know which one I want to spend more time in.

The old way: There are policies and rules, you do it because I said so, I don’t show any weakness. You have a role. Know it and do it. Don’t complain, you’re lucky to be here. If you don’t do your job, there is a problem. You’re a liability and you might be fired.

In this model, anyone who is under-performing is looked down upon. Anyone who fails at something is a problem, or there’s something wrong with them. If you … Read more …