Negativity Sells - Don’t Buy It!
Bad News overshadows Good News. It has always been that way. There is always as much positive news as negative, it just doen’t make headlines. People console themselves in others troubles to feel better. In the process they “buy in” to the troubles and end up taking them on board as well. When you read about econonic problems, or hear the dreaded “R Word”, say, “I choose not to participate in that”.
Say, “No” to the negativity, and search for positive evidence that you do not have to participate.

These were among yesterday’s headlines in Pacific Business News alone.

Hawaii Medical Center to cut 89 jobs
 
Aloha cargo shutdown strands businesses
 
Hawaii job loss count hits 2,659 

Foreclosures rise, but still few in Honolulu
 
Honolulu jobless rate 2.7% in March 

Cost of long-term care rises in Hawaii 

Countrywide posts 1Q loss of $893M 

Web woes at Alaska-Horizon airlines
 
Even millionaires feeling the pinch
 
Consumer confidence lowest since March ‘03
 
Aloha shuts down cargo operation; 400 out of work; Neighbor Island freight grounded 
Give Us A Break!
I have just returned to Hawaii after giving 11 motivational talks to 8 companies in 6 cities in 14 days. My message was, “Refuse to participate in pessismistic outlooks. Look for positive evidence that abundance still exists. Rather than focus on the 2.7% that are unemployed, think about the 97.3% that are employed. Look around for the person leading the way in your company and focus on him or her. Think about the store within your chain that is doing the best and shoot for that. Get your heads out of the newspaper and out in the sunshine. IT IS STILL out there!”
I have been in Hawaii through two hurricanes and 911. I was able to see how different companies reacted to these disasters. For some it was a blip on the chart; others are still reeling from the impact. It’s all in your head. Keep your head out of the mud and you will see the daylight.

April 2008
EASY? Really?
Leaving Hawaii is never really “easy” for me, but I do look forward to seeing many of our great clients on this 11 day tour.
Maybe I can even drop in and see you along the way. If you want me to do that, send an e-mail and I will try to work it in.
As it stands I will be in Phoenix, El Paso, Dallas, Denver, Albuquerque and Temecula.
Just click HERE to see where I am today. I will update this blog post as I go along. Tune in daily and it will be just like going along with me.

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UPDATE:  The End

Oscar’s By the Lake
My mainland tour finished up on a high note with two Brighton Rallies in Temecula, California; both were held at the scenic Pat and Oscar’s by the Lake Restaurant.

Brighton Bags on Display
There is always something distinctive about a gathering of Brighton salespeople.

Yummy
And there is always plenty to eat. This was the evening rally with all kinds of pizza.

Craig Pettit
As always, Craig Pettitt was a great host, and I appreciated his kindly worded introduction.

Up Front
At most functions the front row is the last to fill up, but not with Brighton. These people are always anxious to learn something new, and the closer to the front the better.

Star Search
It was so cool to see printed out copies of the Morning Report brought to the rally and the salespeople eager to see who yesterday’s STARS were. That’s what it’s all about.

Stand Out Visitor
Bob Main from La Masters Fine Jewelry was my guest this morning. I’m sure he found his surroundings to be “just fine”.

Love Em
I’m always delighted to be surrounded by Brighton saleswomen. Hey, it’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

What A Guy!
Craig is always willing to go the “extra mile” for his salespeople. Today that included jump starting the car for his salespeople from Palm Desert that left the lights on in their car. It must have ben dark when they left home.

Speaking of home… I am headed there tomorrow… Paradise Awaits Me… That being said, this has been a great trip, and I wish to say, “Mahalo” to all of you that I saw along the way. -Ron 

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4/23

When I was sitting at my desk in Honolulu putting together the pieces to this puzzle; arranging rally dates, flights and hotels, I came across Express Jet as an option to go from Albuquerque to Ontario. It didn’t seem possible that they were the only one offering a non-stop flight, at half the price of the others. I booked it with a lot of apprehension; it seemed too good to be true.
I even went to their counter in Albuquerque the day before my flight just to be sure they were real. Not only did they look real, but I found a pleasant (extremely pleasant) employee at the counter who assured me that they were real. I told her that they looked great on the web site and it feels good here. She said, “People love us”.
I got there early this morning, as is my practice. I found two more pleasant people at the counter, and although they had the computer check in capability they were happy to check me in personaly, with smiles the whole time. I went to the gate, still wondering what the deal is here. I kept thinking, “There must be a catch somewhere”.

Express Jet

I looked out the window, and not only was there really a jet there, but it looked pretty cool.
I saw a young gate attendant taking care of a customer in a friendly manner. I stood there a bit astonished for a while just watching, and wondering, “Where have these guys been all my life?” I bought a cup of coffee and took a seat in the lounge to await the flight. To my astonishment, when the gate attendant finished with his customer he walked over to me and said, “I saw you standing there sir, is there something I can do for you?” Am I dreaming here! I told him that I am already checked in. He said, “Can I see your ticket please?” When I handed it to him he said, “The seat you are in is at the bulkhead, and there won’t be any under seat room. We are not full today, so if you like I can give you two seats side by side just a couple rows back so that you can have a lot of room”. I said, “Are you serious?” He said, “Sure, I wouldn’t be able to do this tomorrow though; we are full”. I asked, “Can I take this cup of coffee aboard?”, and he said, “Yes”. As we boarded he invited us to pick up a set of ear buds if we wanted to listen to satellite radio while in flight.

Nice AND Sincere
Once on board I encountered a flight attendant with real charm and personality. While her safety announcements were the same words as I hear on other airlines, there was life in her voice.

FOOD!
She kept bringing food options, carrots, cookies, peanuts, and even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We were invited to take all we wanted.
With all of the lousy airliner news (and service) these days; bankruptcies’, shut downs, cutbacks in services, and added costs for luggage, I found Express Jet to be a breath of fresh air, When traveling city to city on the mainland they will be my airline of choice, regardless of the price and schedules.

Next Day:

And then, I wake up to this e-mail that came by way of my web site:

first_name: heather

last_name: brenneman

company: expressjet

city: ontario

state: california

zip: 91764

countryName: United States

choose: Word of mouth

comments: this email goes out to Ron Martin…I just wanted to write to say that i saw ur blog…and it was truely great. Is wonderful that someone truely appreciates all our hard work!! We strive to be the best and most caring. Not to mention cheaper nonstop flights…im hoping and praying that we keep expanding…then we will be unstopable! lol kidding…but really..thanku for your sweet words about the job i do…I truely appreciate it…And I hope to see you on another flight real soon…

WOW - Mahalo Heather! I am now more impressed than ever…

Ron 

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4/22

Avila AlbuquerqueMy tour is winding down, with two more Success Rallies today for Avila Retail in Albuquerque.   World Peace AdvocateAfter my rally today Avila Retail owner John Avila challenged everyone to get behind something bigger than he or she is today. John’s personal project is World Peace and he suggested that a good place to start is by having a peaceful coexistence among the 160 or so Avila Retail employees. His talk was very inspiring.Bob Shank, Avila Albuquerque General Manager and Teresa Curl, VP of Retail hosted us for a manager’s luncheon between rallies.   Magic Box On my way out of the airport I saw this Avila Retail employee demonstrating the “Magic box”. When doing this, always be on the lookout for someone watching you (like I was) and be ready to drop the box and sell - Sell -Sell.       PF Chang’s We recapped a great week of rallies for Avila by having dinner at PF Chang’s with John and Kathleen Avila, Teresa Curl, Bob Shank, Bill Pollock (of Relios) and yours truly. 

I am off to Temecula in the morning… stay tuned…

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4/21 Relios Albuquerque

Paula Chows Down

Good Start
The executive planning session at Relios in Albuquerque began with a “light lunch” and great conversation at Sadie’s.

Master Mind Session
Following lunch we got down to business and discussed all sorts of exciting things happening at Relios.

Cool
While walking through the Relios factory at the end of the day, I was really attracted to this fabulous new American Buffalo pendant.

Neat Stuff
Relios owner Bill Pollock was excited to learn about Google Gadgets.

Full Load
Bill was even more excited to see a UPS truck filling up with finished jewelry on the way to hundreds of jewelry stores across the country.

Another “Full Load”
Bill and I recapped a full day while dining at the unique Casa Vieja restaurant outside of town in Corrales.

4/20 - The Mooney Experience

Brick’s Baby
Brick Thompson started dreaming about owning a Mooney Ovation 4 seated airplane when he was 12 years old. This little beauty is the fastest single engine, non turbo plane made. After 25 years of dreaming, studying, working and thinking about success he has the money to get his own Mooney.

Let’s Go!
I had some free time this morning, so when Brick asked me if I wanted to see his airplane, I said, “For sure”. As he pulled it out into the sunshine, he asked me, “Do you want to go for a ride?” My answer was an excited, “Oh yeah, let’s go!”

Total Trust
I have had many employees in my time, but often describe Brick as the only “1″ I ever had. This means that I only had to tell him one time to do anything, and I could consider it done. I was reminded of this as he began his complete inspection of the airplane. I’m sure someone told him that he should do that; once. He flies this plane to work three or four days a week, and to his favorite kite surfing spots with his family when he can.

It’s Easy
Consequently I had no reservations about literally putting my life into Brick’s hands as I enthusiastically climbed into the plane.

Check-Check-Check
When describing my 9-Step Reminder Card and the Sale City Express, I often times give the example of professional airline pilots going over the checklist before taking off, even though they may have flown that plane for 20 years or more. In the private flying sector I would bet that not all pilots bother to do that. After all, no one is looking. 

Step 1… Step 2…
I felt inspired to get out my own check list to review the 9-steps before my next Success rally.

All Clear
After going through the checklist, Brick got on the radio and checked out the wind conditions and announced his take off plans to alert any other planes in the area that we were taking off. He then twisted this little knob on the dashboard, the engines revved up, and down the runway we went.

Fun
I put in a lot of flight hours both in Hawaii and on the mainland, but the take off is never as enjoyable as this was.

Up and Away
It seemed like just a matter of seconds before we were screaming down the runway at about 125 miles per hour and leaving the ground.

Great Seat
I had a full on view from my “co-pilot” seat.

All Business
While I was enjoying the scenery I sensed that Brick’s attention was on what he was doing the entire time.

Company
At one point Brick said, “We have another plane in front of and below us.” I looked down and said, “I can’t see it”, and brick said, “Right there”, pointing to one of the many gauges on the dash board. I never did see it.

Houses and Lakes
All I could see was the many houses and lakes below us.

Next Time
Brick pointed out the mountains in the distance and said that if it wasn’t so windy we could fly up over the Rockies and see some real scenery. Besides that, I had a flight to catch to Albuquerque and time didn’t allow for that, but next time…

Smooth Landing
In spite of the winds, Brick made a smooth landing and rolled his baby back into the garage, I mean “hangar”. We then got in the car and headed for Denver International so that I could catch a boring flight on a big jet to Albuquerque.

Orange Alert
Upon entering Denver International Airport the loudspeakers were blasting away, telling us that the security level has been raised to orange, so we should expect delays going through security. I thought, “What else is new?” Going through security for me is never a pleasant experience. I often get the “long hair treatment”. I hear, “Bag Check”, and they go through my luggage. I always pack my dirty undies on the top. That sometimes keeps them from digging deeper and finding the extra bottle of shampoo that I am smuggling in. I often remind them that this isn’t the sixties and that Bin Laden’s buddies don’t have long hair; long beards maybe, but not pony tails.

Hurry - Hurry and WAIT!
After the ordeal of security we have to climb into a train, packed like cattle, and then go back up another escalator to the gates. No one wants to miss a flight, so it’s rush time; push and shove, and then wait at the gate listening to loud speakers at full volume blasting out orders for boarding the plane.

Packed House
I prefer to fly first class, but when I wind up on Southwest airlines there is no such thing, and I seem to always be in the “B-30 group”, which means sitting in the back and struggling for a place to put my carry on bag. Thank God for the iPhone. Trying to use a computer in those seats is murder and when the person in front of you chooses to put the seat back; forget it!
I wonder how much Brick would charge to run me around on these trips.
So much for complaining; the good news is that business should be booming in Albuquerque. I couldn’t help but wonder where all of these people are going. One thing for sure, they are going to the airport, so Avila Retail better show some good numbers today.

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4/18 PM

Mentorship the Da Max
Tom O’Gwynn ranks up there with my father when it comes to people I have learned from over the years. This is the guy who introduced me to retail in 1981. We worked hand in hand to build Crater Enterprises into a highly successful chain of jewelry stores. In the five years that I worked with Tom I treasured the moments that I was able to spend with him. I look back on our weekly lunches as career molding events.
Tom has lived in Denver for many years since selling Crater Enterprises. I have been here many times in those years and for one reason or another we were unable to get together. We had dinner tonight and will again tomorrow. We see things the same way; we learn from each other; that’s the best form of friendship.

Leid in Denver
It was a real surprise to show up for the Denver Avila Success Rally and get “leid” at the door.

It was also a warm feeling looking out on so many leis in the room. If it was not for the 45 degree temperature outside I might have thought I was back in Hawaii.

This tour is far from over… stay tuned…

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4/18 6:30 AM

I Agree

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The airport at Love Field in Dallas is much less hectic than the one at Dallas Fort Worth, BUT I was warned that it might take me an hour to get here, so I reserved the hotel limo and wound up getting here in 20 minutes; 2 hours before my flight.

Larger Table Please
With all that time to spare, and two rallies to do as soon as I arrive in Denver I decided to “fuel up” at the airport. As the restaraunt hostess guided me to a tiny 2-top table, I said, “Could I have that larger one back in the corner so I can work on my computer?” She said, “No, that’s for three or four only, take this one”, and pointed to this six-top. Go Figure…

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4/17 PM

Southwest Spirit Dallas
Store manager Brandon is all set to promote Mother’s Day shopping. It’s only 23 days away.

Team Southwest Spirit was willing to sit and listen to me for two hours in spite of four Texas tornados forming between the store and their homes. I did my best to make it worthwhile.

I’m hoping for good weather in the morning; I leave here for Denver at 6 AM.

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4/17 AM

Big in Texas
It’s true that everything is Big in Texas. That becomes immediately apparent upon arrival at the Gaylord Texan; my home for two nights.

Big Deal!
On the way to breakfast (big one) this morning I saw this sign. I immediately had the thought that my client from the past, Tom Leppert; now the mayor of Dallas just may be among the guests. I decided to go in for a closer look (Big Mistake).

Big Egos!
As I looked at all of the men dressed in pretty much the same suits, I couldn’t help but think, “I sure don’t miss this”. While trying to figure out if one of them was Tom, a very classy young lady asked if she could help me. Interesting, she wasn’t asking that of anyone else. I told her that I was looking for a friend, Tom Leppert, who is the Dallas mayor. She abruptly said, “He is not here, and you shouldn’t get any closer”. I wanted to ask, “Why, is that look contagious?” I bit my tongue instead. I sent e-mail to Tom telling him that I am in town. Anyone care to place a bet as to if I will hear back from him?  

Big Easy!
I asked myself, “Wow; do I look that much different?” I then asked a passer by to take this picture. In looking at it I realized that I sure do, and quite honestly am quite happy about that. It’s Easy!

Stay tuned for tonight’s Success Rally with the Relios; SouthWest Spirit Store here in the Texan. Yes, I will dress up (some) for that.

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4/16

BAI – Big and Impressive
The Copenhagen Furniture and Accessories store makes a strong impression on anyone driving down North Mesa Street in El Paso. They have a complete line of contemporary furniture by all of the major brands. This was the location for my Success Rally this morning.

SBP – Small But Powerful
I had a terrific time with the sales team from Copenhagen El Paso. A total of seven salespeople handle an extremely large amount of business. They were very enthusiastic and anxious to learn more in order to be even better than they already are.

Anthony – Sales Manager
Anthony has a 10 year history with Copenhagen. In this photo he is helping salesperson, Julia locate an order for a customer.

The Boss
The store owner Flemming Carlsen has had this store in the El Paso market for 29 years. He handles all of the buying, and oversees the running this large business. I was honored to spend some one-on-one time with Flemming today. I always learn a lot when I get to talk with experienced people like this.

Warehouse Team
The warehouse team is also compact, yet they manage to control, assemble, ship and deliver a large amount of furniture to many cities in the US as well as in nearby Mexico.

I am typing this while high in the sky aboard an American Airlines jet heading to Dallas, Texas.

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4/15

I arrived at the Phoenix airport a little after midnight on the 14th. It was nice, but pretty quiet.

Mosaic and Talking Hands

These are just two of the many stores Avila has at the Phoenix Airport.

Reach For It

The stores are nice, but my focus was on the excitable salespeople I had in two different rallies today.

Zoran Does It

Zoran, a Phoenix local, hung around after the rally to share his recent 9-Step experience. He has mastered the system in the stores and is using it so well that his bosses asked him to make a role playing presentation to company executives as well as John and Kathleen Avila. He pulled it off beautifully because that’s what he does with customers. We chatted for quite a while. I found him to be a pretty special person.

Guy Burrell
At the end of the day I met with Phoenix General Manager Guy Burrell and we brainstormed ideas for my next visit. I then hopped on a plane to El Paso, Texas for a rally in the morning with Copenhagen Imports. Stay tuned… This is just getting started.

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4/13

Warm Up Rally
4/13 - I kicked off the tour right here in Hawaii last night with the great staff at Blue Hawaii Lifestyle at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Michael Zhang
Blue Hawaii Life Style founder and owner Michael Zhang introduced me and we had a wonderful two hour long rally. That’s a bit longer than normal, but this is a new store and I was seeing most of these people for the first time, so there was a lot to cover. The store features made in Hawaii bath and beauty products and gifts as well as a full service coffee and juice bar.

Features Galore:
I spent most of the day today just figuring out how to do all of the stuff this car does.
-Blue Tooth connection to my iPhone through the 15 radio speakers.
-Walk away self locking.
-Warm Up (or cool off) engine starting from 200 feet away.
-Bells and Whistles (literally) for every little thing you can imagine.
-Monthly e-mails telling me how it is running, oil pressure and even the tire pressure. 
-Voice directions as you go to any address - “Turn right here…” etc.
-It even flashes a “Hello Easy” to me in the windsheild when I start it.
-Sun Roof - Moon Roof
-Air conditioned seat settings.
-Heated seat settings.
-Best of all it is quiet as a mouse and “The Float” ride. I cannot feel the Honolulu potholes every 10 feet.

I just hope I can remember it all when I return from the mainland in two weeks.

UPDATE:
4/10/08

Finally - It’s A Done Deal - It Took a Team

2008 Cadillac STS V8 - Black Raven Color

Angela Made The Sale

Marques Handled the Details

Danny Took the Money - $68,000 Paid in Full - No Payments!

This was easily the most difficult car purchase I have ever made, and I have made a lot of them. If you are interested in WHY I would want to trade in my fabulous Cadillac XLR for the all new STS, have a few minutes, and want to see what made it so difficult, just read the story below. In the end it was EASY; write the check!
I can now go off on my mainland tour and have my new car “pimped” and ready for me when I return.
Out with the old and in with the new!

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Update:
3/25-08
I know that I am holding you all in suspense with this decision, but the reality is I could wait until September if I had to, or I could buy it today.

I got a call from the Jaguar dealer yesterday inviting me to come down and take a test ride in the new XF model that I have been awaiting to arrive. Upon sitting in the car I found it a bit small, and at that time learned that what I really want is the XJ. I thought the XF was going to be the biggest and best; NOT! Anyway, I agreed to take the XJ out for a ride, and while it was nice, it didn’t knock my socks off.

With the ride of the Jaguar fresh in mind I went to the Cadillac dealer for an STS demo to see the difference. I sat in it, and liked it more than I did the Jaguar, but the ride may be different. No one seemed to be interested in me out on the sales floor, so I went into the GM’s office. He wasn’t in, so I asked the young woman at the desk next to his if I could leave my card for him. That’s when I met Angie, by far the best Cadillac salesperson I have ever encountered in 28 years of buying Cadillac’s in Hawaii. She asked me what brought me in and I asked her if she is in sales. Her answer was, “Why yes, we are all in sales”. I was sold right there. I asked her if she had an STS V8 that I could drive. She said, “Yes, we have three of them, do you have a particular color in mind?” I said, “No, I just want to see how it handles Honolulu potholes, I am used to big Cadillac’s and the XLR is just too uncomfortable.” She offered to get me a cup of coffee while I waited for the demo to be brought up.

While waiting I brought her to this Blog so she could be up to speed on my purchase progress. That’s when she got the call that the three demos were all V6’s. DRATS! I was ready to buy today; from her! She tried her best to get me to drive a V6, but I told her that her GM had strongly suggested that I NOT drive the V6, because I wouldn’t like the lack of power.

I left and asked her to have Tony call me. I have no doubt that if they had that car for me to drive today, she would have closed me, and I would have been picking out the color and placing the order.

So, it’s still an open door for someone to waltz me through. I really do not want to break my Cadillac tradition and the promise I made to Marvin K Brown in 1964, but…  

Nice Ride, But!

UPDATE 2/11/08

Many people have been asking me if I have ordered a new car yet, and if so, who won; Cadillac or Jaguar. Scroll to the end for the latest news: 

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Those of you familiar with my first book SUCCESS MADE EASY may recall the reason I get a new Cadillac every two or three years, and have since 1962. My latest ride was this super cool XLR Hardtop Convertible. I have really enjoyed my XLR, but have been considering a change. The only problem with the XLR is the closeness to the road that I am unaccustomed to. This car feels every little bump, and Honolulu has more potholes per mile that anywhere in the country.

The BIG EASY

My Sedan Deville’s seemed to “float” down the road. My car was known as the “Big Easy” whereas the XLR was the “Hot Easy”. As much as I enjoy the fun of driving and the attention I get in the XLR, I have missed that float. So I stopped by at our local (one and only) Cadillac dealer today to check out the 2008 Sedan Deville’s. I quickly discovered (on my own) that there is no Sedan DeVille any longer. All I saw was a CTS and DTS, whatever that means. As I climbed in and out of these two models I saw things that I liked and more importantly disliked about each of them, besides the color, which I knew could be ordered.

A salesman approached me and asked if he could help me (mistake number 1). I teach to NEVER ask a question that MIGHT get you an answer you don’t want too hear. In this case he got away with it. I told him why I wanted to change cars, as well as what I liked and disliked about each of the two models on the showroom floor. He urged me to take the CTS for a test ride (mistake number 2). He was assuming that the ride would overshadow the things I told him that I didn’t like about the car. While out on the road he said, “Isn’t this fun to drive?” (mistake three). I said, “No, after driving the XLR this is a lousy ride”. This was not something he wanted to hear. I told him that the test drive had convinced me not to get the car. He then suggested I drive the DTS (mistake four). I had already told him that I did not like the looks of that car.

We arrived back at the showroom, and as went back inside, he stayed outside with the car to figure out why some interior light wouldn’t go off while we were driving (mistake 5).

The General Sales Manager saw me and came over to say, “Aloha”. (Right move number one). He then asked me what brought me in today (Right move two) I told him my dilemma, and that I was going to go down to the Jaguar dealer to see what their new cars looked like. He asked me to be specific about what I didn’t like about the CTS and DTS. (Right move 3). He listened carefully (Right move 4) and then asked, “Did the salesman show you the STS?” (Right move 5). I said, “No, what’s that?” He said that it is in between the two I looked at, bigger than the CTS, but with the look and style of the XLR I loved. (Right move 6). The salesman appeared at this time and the GM told him to show me the STS.

The salesperson asked me if I wanted to go up on the roof to see it (Mistake 6) I reluctantly agreed to climb the stairs to the roof only to find it was not there. (Mistake 7) He then asked me if I wanted to go over to their warehouse to see it. (Mistake 8) I said, “No, I’m off to the Jaguar dealer. He said, “Okay, let me know when you are ready to see the car.” (Mistake 9)

The GM intercepted me on the way out, told the salesperson to go get a catalog on the STS, and then went through it with me. (Right move 7). As we went through it I realized that it overcame all of my objections. It had everything I liked about the other two cars and none of the things I didn’t like. (Right move 8). I told the GM to do the arithmetic and send me e-mail as to when the car would be in and what he needed from me to pick it up. I went home and looked at the color chips and called him back to tell him what I like.

The bottom line here was; know your inventory and listen to the customer! It’s Easy!

The ONLY mistake the GM made was not asking me for the order at that time. I am ready to buy that car, but I am still going to go look at the Jaguar. That one last little mistake could undo all of the good moves he made. Stay Tuned!

Here’s the latest:

While in Denver last month I got a call from the Cadillac salesperson saying that his General Manager wanted my e-mail address. I gave it to him. That was about a month ago and I have not heard a word.

JAGUAR XF

Today I returned to the Jaguar dealer to see if they had a new XF in stock. As I roamed through the showroom I saw three salespeople talking to each other in one office, two in another and one who was alone in a third office.

I spent a good 10 minutes checking out the cars. The one I like was not on the floor. The salespeople looked up at me occasionally, but continued their chat with one another. Finally the one who was alone ventured out onto the floor and said, “Did you need some help?” I replied (smiling), “Do I look needy?” He said, “Well I am helpless myself”. I bit my tongue and said, “I was in here six months ago looking for that car there in the photo.” He said, “We won’t have that model until March, it’s a 2009″. I said, “When I was here before I was told it was a 2008, and would be here in a few months”. He said, “I don’t know who would have told you that”. (Are you counting the mistakes here?) I said, “It was the manager.” He said, “No way”. I said, “Yep, he walked me out to my car, commented on what good shape it was in, got my card and said that he would send me the numbers”. He just shook his head and said, “Nope, that’s a 2009 and won’t be here until March.” I said, “Okay, I guess that Cadillac wins. That’s all I have driven since 1962″. He replied, “You are just like my mother. I’ll give you a catalog”.

About this time the manager came out of his office and said, “Hey, good to see you”. I said, “Do you remember me?” He said that he did and I asked, “What do you remember about me?” He looked a little confused and finally said, “Oh yeah, your that sales guy”. I reminded him that I have been waiting for his e-mail for six months now and he said, “Well you are here now”. I said, “Yeah, but I am leaving, I need to go see if they have that Cadillac SLS in yet”. I gave him another one of my cards and left.

Are you shaking your head in disbelief?

Stay Tuned!

Breakfast for All
Every day of this Brighton event started with a full blown breakfast by the beach meticulously prepared by the Hyatt Regency Maui kitchen staff.

The Pam and Ron Show
Once again Pam Chambers and I had the opportunity to lead two sessions with 135 excited people. Our only “complaint” is that the tight schedule doesn’t allow us to hear each other speak.

8 AM Sharp
My first session started promptly at 8 AM. There’s no such thing as arriving late for one of these sessions. If there is ever an empty seat it will be in one of the front rows. You have to get there early to get a back row seat.

Reaching Upward
This group knows what to do when I ask them to put their hands over their heads as high as they can.

It’s Not Work
I get the opportunity to speak to groups of people assembled against their will every day of my life, but that’s never the case at a Brighton function. We all have a great time and I think that I enjoy the experience more than anyone. I sometimes actually feel guilty taking money for this. Find something you like to do and you will never work a day of your life.

9:15 AM
There’s barely enough time to catch your breath before the next group comes in. I compared this to the challenge of selling in the store where you have to say the same thing over and over as if you never said it before.

A Bunch of Losers
How’s this for a contest? Jerry announced some exciting prizes to anyone who voluntarily entered a contest to see how much weight they could lose from the 1st of the year up until this event. They had to weigh every day (witnessed) and send the numbers in to the company. The people you see here lost from 11% to 15% of their own body weight. They were treated to a catered dinner with Jerry this evening along with cash prizes amounting to as much as $400 each.

Now What?
It’s a bit anti climatic when the last meeting is over. One of Jerry’s goals is to get all of the business out of the way before noon and give everyone the rest of the day to just relax, meet each other by the pool, and sign up for this evening’s array of restaurant choices and dinner cruises.

Mr. Generosity
I am always honored to be a part of a Brighton event and to be in the company of Jerry Kohl. Jerry spares no expense to make these events life long memorial experiences. We are proud to have Brighton as a long time Success Dynamics Client.

Bring Em On!
Bringing 135 store managers from all over the country to Maui as a reward for reaching their annual sales goals has become a Brighton Collectibles tradition.

Jerry Kohl and Laura Young are seen here congratulating them as a group. Pam Chambers and I had the honor of speaking to two different groups each this morning. We will have a different message for them tomorrow.

Kathleen the Organizer
Kathleen Mabbott from Brighton headquarters in California is responsible for more details than one might possibly imagine. Things like organizing a breakfast every morning, Luaus in the evening, sunset sails, and intimate dinners for groups of six or eight people each evening in the most exclusive restaurants on Maui.

Make that “Lahaina Grill”
Tonight I was privileged to host this group of excited winners at Lahaina Grill, formerly known as David Paul’s Lahaina Grill. I had Amy from Chicago, Tiffany from Houston, Christine from Peoria, Arizona, Megan from Nashville, Beth from San Francisco, and Michelle from Ft. Wayne.

Early Birds
We arrived at the Lahaina Grill just minutes before opening time, hungry and ready for a great evening of food, drink and conversation.

Terri Kohl arrived with her group at about the same time, Debbie opened up for us and in we went.

Terri and her group were seated in the VIP Room.

1st Class All The Way
My group and I were seated at a great table just inside. While eating I got e-mail on my iPhone from Jurg Munch, the owner of Lahaina Grill, explaining that his plane was delayed leaving Oahu today, or he would have been there to welcome us. He had nothing to worry about; as our waiter, Justin gave us outstanding service from start to finish, and the food was (as usual) fabulous.
I was asked lots of great questions about managing for excellence, most of which will become a part of my presentation in the morning.
Mahalo to you all for a great evening.

Oh No; Not Again

Self Portrait
I had to return to Dr. Lyndon Fong’s “House of Pain” for some added gum surgery today. After getting “shot up” and while waiting to be numb, I got on my iPhone and began handling e-mail. I couldn’t help but play with the camera and take this photo of myself.

Dr. Lyndon Fong
I then took a shot of Dr. Fong upon the completion of his work on me. This iPhone is bringing multi-tasking to a whole new level.

Later That Evening
Bring on the Drugs!

June 12, 2007 

Gum surgery is not a pretty sight, but if you ever need it, and are in Honolulu call Dr. Lyndon Fong.
Better yet, FLOSS, FLOSS and then FLOSS again, every day! I was told this at a very young age, but took my youth for granted, and am paying now.
Tomorrow morning I will be addressing 50 merchants at Waikele Shopping Center. They will NOT know how I feel. Dr. Fong’s great work (and some drugs) will be the reason.

To see this larger, (WHY?) just click on the picture and then click your back button to return to the blog.