What Sales (Team) Standards Do You Fight For?

When we go to a restaurant, we expect the service and food to meet a certain standard. When we watch our favorite college sporting team, we expect a certain level of play; and, perhaps a certain win/loss record. When we live we do so at a certain standard of living. And, when we put on a belt or a piece of clothing, we have certain standards that affect what we think about ourselves.

Do you know of a coach at a major university that was fired or forced to resign? Why did that happen? It probably happened because of a win/loss record, or not winning championships, or causing NCAA recruiting violations, or because of players breaking laws. Standards were either lowered or shattered in the minds of key stakeholders.

Continuing to think of sports, it's easy to see the many standards present. Batting averages in baseball - turnovers in basketball - passing percentages in football. Standards make sports meaningful and memorable. They also tell us what's bad, good, and great. In professional baseball, many people can tell you that a .300 batting average is good and as the number approaches .400 greatness occurs.

In politics, we see evidence of standards being lowered in the news. Everyone wants to read about politicians who do not follow standard and ethical norms. And, yes, we all know that standards can be lowered or forgotten in any venue.

What about your sales team. What are your standards? Do you have any? Remember, standards are not goals. They are accepted levels - the minimum acceptable, what's good, and what's great.

They are also accepted standards of conduct, dress, or service. For example, we don't go to a business meeting without a tie on.

Some standards are clear. Others are hazy or simply not present.

Important standards (minimum acceptable, good, great) for a sales team include:

Income levels for the salespeople Daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly sales level per salesperson Quotes per (period) ... Appointments per (period) ... Average revenue per sale Average gross margin per sale Networking standards Meeting standards Reporting standards Dress standards

(Important note: Great sales teams first establish recruiting standards to maintain or achieve greatness.)

When standards exist , it's because, for a period of time, a sales manager leads or establishes effort at excellent performance. Also the process for its pursuit has been designed. When a sales team follows a sales process, measurements occur for what's acceptable as a standard. And, activity management (prospects, appointments, quotes, sales), with its standards, is just one important sales process in a sales system.

Great salespeople will reach great levels of income and revenue performance. They will do this by achieving specific levels of prospecting, first appointments, and quotes - standard areas for activity management. Other important standards that also contribute to income performance exist within the face-to-face sales process. For major accounts' teams, planning and research standards exist that support strategy making. (Great football coaches study game film the night after each win.)

When standards become important, they are fought for and protected. And, when this happens for a period of time, traditions form. And, finally the result of this struggle to meet standards and maintain traditions brings a legacy for future generations. Lowering standards or standing for nothing establishes a negative impact on society and any kind of family or team.

Establish and fight for standards and you will see sales improvement. You can do this. You can be better.

Lance

Use Pilates For Fitness and Winsor Pilates For Fat Burning

Pilates has been about the most successful fitness programs across the world. Many are eager to embrace this form of fitness since it is simple to follow. Winsor Pilates alternatively involves slow moves that are performed with minute attention to how each one should be carried out and is focused on the problem of weight loss.

Mari Winsor is the founder of Winsor Pilates. She is a dancer, teacher, author, and the foremost Pilates instructor on the globe. Her signature workout style "dynamic sequencing" is a low-intensity body sculpting and calorie-burning workout. Mari has several internet sites, two Pilates studios in West Los Angeles and Hollywood, California and enjoys her many high profile clients. Quantity is not important at least quantity when following this regime.

Pilates works on the premise that the mind is the ultimate power source, and controls every motion of the body. Transmogrify it into a goal to improve the balance of the body and enhance it's appearance. So a possible Pilates performer should be informed from the start that he is not supposed to increase the mass of muscle. It is only when the mind is disciplined that the body is going to move exactly as the discipline has outlined. This fitness program can be practiced with or without Pilates machines with there being many variations one could use. The philosophy works around these basic concepts - centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement.

It is fundamental to execute them perfectly as the instructor shows.It is important to execute the moves exactly as the Pilates instructor defines, failure to do this can lead to not having the full benefits of this fitness program. The practice is becoming really popular nowadays as more people realize the benefits it may offer by inculcating these graceful moves into your daily life. With its focus on achieving inner balance and maintaining equilibrium is very much in demand during these turbulent times. To start your own program, all you have to do is to order the DVDs and you should soon be moving toward making this regime associated with your daily life. Everyone can afford a Pilates machine and is really easy to practice every day. It even accommodates pregnant women and children. Pilates used to assist people who were recovering from physical injury and this is where Moira Merrithew became exposed to this form of fitness program. Through this disciple she met Romana Kryzanawska one of Joseph Pilates' disciples. She introduced Moira to this fitness program and Moira's interest and dedication for Pilates made Stott Pilates a reality.

Pilates actually created a revolution on how people view fitness and had created awareness on thinking about using these gentle moves to sculpt the body. In the final analysis, it is focused on being the best you will be by leading a healthy and well balanced lifestyle.

Girl Baby Shower Invitations - Unique Cards to Announce Your Upcoming Baby Shower in Style!

You've just learned you're going to have a baby girl. Congratulations! Of course, you'll want to share your joy with friends and family, so a party is a must. A complete line of girl baby shower invitations let you conquer one planning task with ease and with style.

The Colorful Jungle card is one among many terrific examples. Its cartoon jungle-themed design features creatures galore. Guests will fall in love with the blue elephant and warm to the pink giraffe. As with all baby shower cards, you can edit the text area for name, address, date... or anything you like.

The Patterned Blossoms baby shower invite offers a lovely alternative. This delicate Japanese print-style card features delicate tree branches on a pink background to resemble a classic painting from the Orient. Tiny birds chirp cheerfully from above and seem to announce your upcoming baby shower.

For moms-to-be who want to count down the weeks to the blessed event the Modern Timeline invitation card is a perfect choice. Among the milestones is your baby shower, of course. This multi-colored card features four image areas so you can design your own card with snapshots of anything you choose. That turns a mere invitation into a true keepsake.

The Sweet Progression invitation provides three areas for images, placed horizontally. Select a snapshot of you with your growing baby bump. Choose a photo of your previous child. Pick something from your wedding, your anniversary, and what you and the father-to-be look like right now. It's your choice!

You can offer single friends and family an idea of what life will soon be like. Just send out the Bottle Brigade invitation. This delightfully colored graphic shows a procession of baby bottles that seems never ending.

What could be more appropriate for a baby shower invitation than a card featuring a child's drawing? The fun graphic on the Silly Belly card features a mom-to-be smiling at you, while her baby bump sports a smile all its own. Childlike colors suggest the blessed event soon to occur. Use the left side to include your party date, and so forth, so everyone will know when and where to come to share your joy.

If you're looking for a card that offers something stylish and girlish in one, consider the Posh Pregnancy Card. Sporting a delightful graphic design with a pink background, the slim silhouette of mom-to-be is elegance personified. Her growing baby bump creates a tender mood, to make this card warm and special.

The Memory Board baby shower invitation offers a truly innovative design. The background shows the kind of board you might put together to hold your keepsakes - baby shower invitations, doctor's appointment post-its, snapshots, and the like. An insert featuring an ultrasound image of your unique baby waiting to arrive turns it into something out of the ordinary.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed and Breakfasts - Private Accommodations - Great Rates!

Why would you stay in a hotel if you could get the same quality, better privacy, and more personal service for about half the price? Niagara on the Lake Bed and Breakfasts offer a tremendous bargain when compared to traditional hotels. B&Bs offer a viable alternative for superb accommodation choice in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Now please understand that I think Niagara-on-the-Lake hotels are top notch establishments. The decorating is fabulous, the restaurants are good and the level of service is extraordinary. However their rates are out of reach making it unaffordable for many would be visitors.

The area draws clientele that is generally more cultured and educated because of the attractions such as wineries, theaters and fine restaurants. Available hotel rooms typically start at $300 and a suite could be $600 or more. You can find exquisitely decorated and furnished suites at a downtown bed and breakfast with luxury en suite bath, natural wood burning fireplace and private sitting room for $275. A tremendous bargain by comparison.

The bed and breakfast industry is highly misunderstood in our country. Many people have formed opinions about B and Bs based on experiences they may have had, or heard about, in Europe. However Niagara-on-the-Lake bed and breakfasts are more in line with North American expectations. En suites (private bathroom attached to your room) and exclusively private spaces are more common than not in Canada and USA. The evolution of the B and B industry in Niagara-on-the-Lake has seen massive competition which has developed a very high standard of accommodation and a superior level of personal service.

And let us not forget the wonderful gourmet breakfast included with your stay. Most owners offer fresh local fruit and home baked goods along with a delicious hot entree. Although the offerings do vary and not everyone wants a big breakfast so check with your host before booking to be certain your expectations are appropriately met.

All B and Bs in Niagara-on-the-Lake must provide free parking in accordance to local bylaws. Many are located in the downtown area so shops, restaurants and theater are just a short walk. There are even wine tasting stores conveniently located within walking distance on Queen Street. Bed and breakfast operators are aware that patrons desire privacy and most operations have rooms and outdoor spaces dedicated to guest use. Would you rather share a hotel lobby with 100 other guests or a sitting room with 2 other couples?

Security is higher in a bed and breakfast too. The owners have met, and recognize, all of the guests and the house is always locked. In a hotel anyone can walk in through the front door and just wander around. Staff have no way of knowing who belongs there and who is a stranger. The bed and breakfast owner is the best concierge you could get. They know where to eat, where to go, when to do it and how you to make the best advantage of your vacation time. They have a vested interest in making sure you enjoy your stay and consequently you get much more personal service. Book a bed and breakfast room the next time you go to Niagara-on-the-Lake. You will wonder why you did not try it sooner. You perspective will change forever.

Replacing a Stock Radio in a Ford Taurus 2002 SEL

So my friend and I are somewhat into car audio/visual (it's a lot of fun) and decided to change out my stock Ford radio for an aftermarket one.

We didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into until we got out the old deck. The 'ol junker (well not really a junker, since it's an EATC temperature control module coupled with a CD player) was one big circuit board. This thing looked so out-of-date that man could have went to the moon with it (produced in 1974).

We got the deck out, bought an aftermarket dash kit from the local car audio dealer, and connected the new deck. THAT part was easy - but wiring the EATC back up (electronic automatic temperature control) was worse then sticking yourself in the eye with a hot poker.

Here's a tip to anyone who wants to replace their stock car radios - NEVER cut the wiring harnesses. That being said, finding another wiring harness for the beast that actually works has been almost impossible. None of the wiring diagrams off any website were of merit - and Ford has none themselves that could be of help to us.

On top of that, the aftermarket dash kit we bought didn't have any knobs - they expected us to supply ones from the last heating system - and nothing to plug the knobs into. We could order the knobs - $12 each - order the switches - etc. The wiring harness was $80, the switches were around $100 for all three...so the total cost for fixing this heating system would be getting close to $500 when you incorporate the cost of the aftermarket dash kit as well.

I don't think I'll ever replace the stock radio in a Ford again. At least if I do, it would have to be a model that Ford RECOGNIZES and actually has help regarding the model. Buying replacement parts at Canadian Tire just doesn't cut it - they never work or fit - and when a Ford dealership can barely help you, you really wonder who can.

Long story short - with winter fast approaching we fused two wires together to turn the heat on for the winter. Simple solution. Likely when summer rolls around, we'll fuse a couple together to turn on the AC.

Only thing that bothers me is I can't turn the heat up or down. But it's on - so scrue it.

Top Features Of Bing Search

Bing has become one of the most used search engines on the web over the last few years. Known as the "decision engine" it has generated a new precise search option for users. Bing search has some stand out features that make it such a popular choice for people in need of any kind of information these include listing of search suggestions, video thumbnails for previewing and instant answers for sports, finance and consumer needs. Bing has grown to be the 3rd most highly used search engine on the internet and continues to make minor adjustments which has only enhanced its popularity.

Using Bing will allow you access to some great options while drastically slowing down your search time. Bing search offers instant answers for most of your needs. For sports Bing search offers the most up to date scores, stats and news displayed daily so you can stay connected to your favorite teams. This is also utilized with finance as well. For those who are constantly checking their stocks Bing search allows easy access to live stock quotes by just adding the symbol of the company in the search box. This is one of the most popular features Bing search provides because it eliminates a lot of time for the user.

Bing search also offers a preview thumbnail of videos and news clips for the users enjoyment. This makes deciding on what to click on simpler. Other media features that are included in Bing search is the use of image search and video search. These allow for more precise searches over the internet making it easier to find exactly what you are looking for as well as other suggestions that you may enjoy. Bing is a powerful search engine dedicated to helping you find what you are looking for in timely manner.

One of the most notable features that Bing offers is their search suggestions. Search suggestions allow Bing to assist you in finding exactly what you need by providing alternative options that may help you as well. This feature is provided in the form of a list that is displayed on the side panel for easy access. This feature is what triggered the name "decision engine" because it provides numerous related options for the user to click and view. Using Bing search is a great way for you to locate information, products, services, businesses and entertainment in the click of a button.

With Bing you will have access to as much information you can ever handle. These are just a few of the top features that are provided but Bing also offers local solutions with up to date traffic, weather and local entertainment information. Bing search makes it easy for you to find the best restaurants, movie theaters, nightclubs and bars in your city. The integration with Hotmail makes finding precise information like restaurant reviews and movie reviews simple and easy. Using Bing is a great way for you to stay connected to the world of news and entertainment without ever leaving your home.

Tips For Getting the Best Travel Insurance For Your Needs

Travel insurance is undoubtedly the most important thing when concerning vacation. Either you're planning to go to abroad or within your country, it is very essential to include it on your plan. To take a vacation without insurance is like walking in the cloudy weather without an umbrella. Thus, when you are going to plan a vacation, holiday insurance is a must on your list. In fact, put it on the top of your list. So next time you travel, make sure you have travel insurance with you.

Too many people do not think of small things and underestimate a lot of things, such as missing baggage, stolen money, accident, or even illness as factors that can happen when they travel. All of these can be covered by insurance.

Try these tips when buying travel insurance for your vacation: Buy this insurance through online, because you can save 60% rather than bought it through a travel agent. You only have to search it through the internet to find coverage that fit your needs. Keep in mind that you find a company that have a strong financial in this area, because you want to make sure that your claims are met when something happened.

When you book your accommodation online, you can also find some great deals on other extras, such as travel insurance and car rent. If you are a businessmen who travels nationally or internationally, you would want to have a credit card that allow you to enjoy saving from free air ticket, hotel, free travel insurance, and other advantage related to travel.

Make sure you check the companies credentials if you want to hire an online company. Find a legal company that offer more than one plan. Check out different level of coverage to choose plan that suit your needs. Some of the things that must always be included in every policy are: Personal Liability, Hospital and Medical Expenses, Unlimited Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance, Unlimited Lost Deposits and Cancellation Fees, and Unlimited Overseas Dental.

Pay attention to your money and documents when it comes to travel insurance. Make sure you have the right passports and visas. If possible, do not bring cash, but always use travelers check. But remember; do not sign them until you want to use them.

Always check the details of the policy that being offered. If you and your family member have pre-existing condition, you might want to take coverage that covers that. With that coverage in your hand, traveling will be fun without worrying about medical emergency.

Travel insurance will make sure that sudden financial burdens will not occur while you far away from home. Keep in mind to always scrutinize and check out every company that you consider hiring. Jot down everything you want to have coverage for and check it with your note every time you want to pick the plan that is perfect for you.

Is Cosplay an Absurd Escapism Or Creative Self-Expression?

Is cosplay a cool pastime to hone creative self-expression or a nerdy and expensive way to escape pressures of the world? And do you care either way?

CosPlay 101 for the uninformed and misinformed

What the heck is CosPlay? Sounds like a new online video game or a new Facebook apps like Farmville to you? Well, no. CosPlay is a combination of two words: "Costume" and "Roleplay." Therefore, a Cosplayer is a geeky, not necessarily good-looking somebody who assumes the role of a character from an anime show, a video game, comics, manga, comic series, movies or TV series. These cosplayers step into the shoes of the characters that have inspired them or they think is really cool and copy their costumes, prosthetics, make-up, hair and uber-cool accessories. Here's what really surprised me, cosplayers not only have to look like characters, they have to act like, sound like and essentially be the characters they portray down to the last giggle.

There is this issue among cosplay elders as to how and when this social phenomenon really started. However, they seem to agree on one thing - the origin of the word Cosplay. Most of the elders agree that the journalist Noboyuki Takahashi, first coined the term in the article "My Anime," after attending the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention and seeing a bunch of Trekkies (Star Trek fans) strutting their stuff. From there, cosplay has evolved into a subculture among enthusiasts of anime, manga, comics, movies and basically everything fun and fictional under the sun and elevated into an art form and subculture in various countries. In the Philippines, the popularity of cosplay has also spiked in the last few years.

Cosplay and The Modern Escapist

"I have claimed that Escape is one of the main functions of fairy-stories, and since I do not disapprove of them, it is plain that I do not accept the tone of scorn or pity with which 'Escape' is now so often used. Why should a man be scorned if, finding himself in prison, he tries to get out and go home? Or if he cannot do so, he thinks and talks about other topics than jailers and prison-walls?" -- J.R.R. Tolkien--

I'm no card-carrying psychologist or sociologist, but I can tell you roughly on the observations I made that cosplay is now part of the modern escapism. Mr. Webster defines escapism as the habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine.

I'm sure you will agree that the world in which we live is full of stress, threats, constant noise, irritating soap operas, unhealthy fast-food junks, dizzying billboards, and overnight facebooking. Hence, we all need to escape - to refocus our attention on things pleasant or enjoyable, as opposed to the hard realities of the everyday world. When we are stressed we want nothing more than escapism, and cosplay certainly offers that for others.

It is nice to add a bit of fantasy to an otherwise boring or stressful world. Yet, translating someone's fantasy into reality can be tricky. I don't know if parents should really get worried about their teens' expressing strong desire to live in fantasy world of anime, perhaps they should consider that as healthy and part of today's social reality. And that the desire to 'escape' is part of the complicated process of discovering ourselves. I think we are all escapist in different ways.

This is where I got myself into the most trouble-of-judgement. I failed both to understand how important the notion of escape is to many cosplayers and to clarify the exact type of escape I was addressing. I admit that many Filipinos nowadays participate in cosplay not mainly to avoid their own personal wars such as their jobs, relationships, school pressure and other life hassles, but rather to have fun, compete, and even make a living.

The Magical World of the Escapist

"Harry goes off into this magical world, and is it any better than the world he's left? Only because he meets nicer people. Magic does not make his world better significantly. The relationships make his world better. Magic in many ways complicates his life." --J.K. Rowling--

Is there a difference between healthy and unhealthy escapism? In today's reality, we cannot do our ancestor's way of escapism - which is telling stories around the fire or do writing on the caves. We now escape the woes of the world by reading books, watching soap operas and movies, browsing the internet, blogging and so on and so forth.

As I said earlier, cosplay is a new and modern form of escapism. Unlike other forms of escapism, cosplay is much more involved. Other "characters" are directly playing in their magical world, interacting using their assumed personality. Events, such as regular conventions and gatherings, also take place in this new form of escapism that is directly dependent on the authors of the anime characters.

Fantasy Self and the Anime World

Therein causes the problems of the cosplayers. This is just my theory OK. The assumed character, which I will call the Fantasy Self begins to rival the real world. Because of the sheer complexity and magic of the anime world, the Fantasy Self may continue to rely on the cosplay as his or her form of escapism. There is a possibility that the Fantasy Self will treat the anime world as a large part of the person's real life and may dominate the real world.

When the anime world becomes part of the their real world, any stress from the anime world will be brought with them when they enter the real world. Now, no longer does the cosplayer have to be concerned with only real world, but also must be concerned with the happenings in the anime world. Such cosplayer are those who come home so stressed and depressed after attending a cosplay convention - when it is supposed to be just a fun day walking around in costume and be someone extraordinary for a day.

The Collapse of the Fantasy Self and Real Self

The other possibility that might occur with prolonged stay in the anime world as a form of escapism is the collapse of the Fantasy Self into the Real Self. I repeat, this is just a possibility, I'm not a psychologist - but I do read psych books - and it's just my theory. This is the situation when the cosplayer loans money to buy costumes, skip classes or work to attend cosplay conventions, and if they started claiming that cosplay is more than just costumes. Actions such as these are clear demonstrations of where the cosplayer's priorities lie.

The trouble with this sort of collapse is apparent. As their real lives are no longer the focus of their attention, their grades in school will falter, their health will falter, their performance at work will falter as will their social lives - often sacrificing time with friends and family for time with cosplaying.

The Cut-off Point

I guess the cut-off point is whether it can be a healthy means for not getting completely depressed by reality, and on the other side, in its extreme form, whether it results in obsessive behaviors that make people completely ignore reality to their detriment.

After all, I'm not the final arbiter of what counts as healthy or unhealthy, and more importantly, I can't claim to know everything about cosplay- I am not a cosplayer myself. I just want to give my comments and learn surprising things about what is happening around me. For people who are more extreme than I am, I respect their choice to be that, just as I hope they respect my theories and opinions I make regarding my observations or what I prefer to keep as leisurely pastimes.

I can safely conclude that Cosplay, can be a healthy form of escapism and a great opportunity in developing creativity and self-confidence. Of course, extremes have bad effects.