It's not always bad

Okay enough ranting about my lousy job. It does have it's perks. Tonight was one of them. As a former Californian it's nice to find someone else that is, but who also appreciates the beauty of this region and brings something to it.

It was near the end of my shift, and this family walks up to my express lane because for some silly reasons all the other big registers were closed. They have a couple over flowing baskets and I was wondering how I was going to do this (express has very little counter space) with out looking like a slow bumbling fool. But get this, they pitch in and help bag and loud the carts. We talked a joked while I helped them for a good fifteen minutes I'd say.

Turns out they are from Monterey, CA. They hope to open a jewelry shop here in the area soon, but for now they go to the fairs and all. They chose this area because of the beauty of the scenery, and because of well all the reasons to leave California, need I say more. Exactly all the reasons I moved up here.

My shift ended late because of the great company I ended with, but it was worth it. On a few occasions now I have ran into people that I could help their business or could become potential customers for our business, and that almost makes it worth being a lousy cashier.

As I was leaving I regretted the fact that I didn't get their business card, or give them mine. But he did tell me to look for them at "Pig out in the Park" this weekend or at the Spokane county fair ground. So if anyone goes to either of these events and sees a nice family from Monterey, CA selling jewelry (charm bracelets I remember) let me know or tell them to visit this blog. I'm sure he will be looking to create some contact in the area for his business, and I just might be able to help.

Good night it's time to crash.

Cell Phones

I have mixed feelings about cell phones. As a cashier there are times when I just want to rip the phone away from the person who is rude enough to continue their conversation on the phone when I am TRYING to help them. On the road, is another time, when I just want to run people over who aren't watching what they are doing because they are on the damn cell. Oh and what ever happened to turn the damn thing off, or put it on vibrate, when you are in a meeting, luncheon, get together, or any event where it can be annoying to have a cell phone go off in the middle of a conversation or speech?

On the other hand I think they are great for emergencies and can be convenient when you just need to quickly get in touch with someone on an important matter.

But people let's get back to being human, for Pete's sake! Think about the other people around you that you are effecting with you rudeness or lack of attention. Gabbing on the phone can be rude and dangerous.

I've had cell phones in the past, but I must say I do like life with out a cell phone. At least I have my moments of peace while I am shopping, out eating, watching a movie, or what ever.

Tired!!

I just got home from a long night of work.

I don't see how some families do it. We have tried for the last nine months to live on one income. We did okay (meaning barely paying all bills, but we were paying them), until we decided to also start our own business. This has forced me to go back to work.

I'm working at night so we don't have to put our three children in day care. I'm tired! I'm not the only mother doing this either. Here is something for everyone to consider. The next time that you go shopping after work think about the mother behind the counter with a smile on her face after a long day of three children, still willing to drag her butt into work for low wages just to pay a few more bills.

She gets up at the crack of dawn to give her baby a bottle. Then crawls back in bed and prays that the three year old Hellion doesn't wake up too early so she can get some more sleep. Then it's up, breakfast for all and some computer time while the coffee kicks in. A little later is vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, laundry, dishes, and the other daily (and I do mean daily chores) around the house. Then at of about 10 or 11:00 it's some form of exercise (maybe the treadmill, crunches for the baby tummy still hanging on, work out routine, kick boxing, or what ever strikes her fancy). What ever she does she can't forget the exercise if she wants to stay healthy and look good. Then it's shower and get around for the day just before she starts lunch. After lunch it's time for some business (at least in my case), more laundry, water the lawn, and other odd projects. Now don't forget in the middle of all that she has to do she is also changing diapers, giving bottles, breaking up arguments and kissing boo boo's. Then she might have a little more time for something she enjoys. By 3:30 or 4:00 it's time to start dinner, so she has enough time to eat before going to work. By 5:00 or 6:00 she's at work until when ever they let her go. Now tell me your day behind a desk, in construction, teaching, fixing cars, delivering, whatever it is you do, was worth giving that mother a hard time or even not simply returning her courteous and friendly "Hello" tonight.

I am going to say this once and for all. Cashiers don't get paid enough to put up with the crap we deal with from people! And these stores wonder why they have such high turn over in cashiers? Shees you think it's because we don't like being the door mate for everyone?!

So the next time a cashier says "Hello. How are you doing tonight?" Try (reach deep down if you need to) and say "Hello" or maybe tell her you're doing great, or not great. But talk to her. Let her know you don't think she is a servant you can shit on. You'll make her day, and I'm sure she will go the extra mile to make your day as well.

Oh, and one more pet peeve. If the place you are shopping at has an express lane, please learn to count. Not only is it rude to the person behind you, but express lanes don't always have enough counter space for a bunch of crap.

Okay I'm cranky and tired. I guess I have said enough, so I will call it a night.

Baseballs, Car Windows, and Driving Don't Mix!

I had the scare of my life last night!

I work oh about a minute away from home now. I was coming home at just after 10:00 last night. To get from Wal Mart to my house I have to go around the corner at Quad Park. Well last night I wasn't even at the corner when I hear this loud pop and feel glass shatter all over my left side. I slam on the break screeching to a halt and the first thought was "who the hell is shooting at my car?!!!" Don't ask me why, but I wasn't thinking about the damn ball park. It must be the California blood in me. Not until I looked over and see this baseball sitting in my front seat. Then it dawned on me what happened.

I was still shaking so hard that I had trouble turning the car around with out hitting the other curb. Then I barely remember sliding into the parking lot. My limbs felt like jello and I didn't know if I was going to be able to stop the car.

Then I got out. Slapped the top of the car a little, while cry (which I couldn't seem to stop) and said out loud "What the hell else can go wrong?" I still didn't know if the park would cover the damages or what. I was afraid that I would be SOL because it happened on the road.

Then coming at me through the parking lot are two young men (about 15 but they behaved like young men). They came up to me. Looked at me, tears, blood, and bundle of nerves, and asked "are you okay?" I was able to calm down, blot the blood off my arm, and answer "I think so. Is there someone here I can talk to about taking care of my car?" They told me that yes the guy who owned the park was there and they would take me to him when I was ready. The other young man offer his cell phone too me so I could call my hubby and let him know why I'd be home late, so he wouldn't worry. The boys took a moment to look my car over while commenting "nice car and cool car." That helped to sooth my nerves and help me smile because I love my car, it's a bright yellow Trans Am.

So I get up to the park a little more composed by now and meet Bob. He was a nice man, and didn't argue with me or question the damage. Again like the boys his first comment is "are you okay? Do you need to go to the Immediate Care?" I answer with a smile that I've got nicks and cuts on my arm, but nothing deep. That other then being shaken up I'm okay. Then we discuss who to call about replacing my window. Turns out to be someone I know and trust to take care of my window, Kim and Eric at Reliabel Auto Glass. They do a great job! When we were done he said "thank you for your understanding." I'm sure he gets people yelling at him for something he can't help.

We'll look back some day and think it was funny, but it wasn't so funny last night.

Genealogy, Getting Started

Sam said...
Amy, but what if we don't have the elderly to go off of?What tools should we use?Or are we at a standstill?
1:48 PM

Sam, thanks for the questions. I haven't been doing this long, but I hope what I list here for you can help you get started. Where to start and where to look?

• Family; they are the best starting point. Family members can fill in at least one or two generations of at least names and hopefully dates for you. However, the best part are the stories they will tell you. Write down all of the stories. They may come in handy later in finding your family members. However, don't just take there word for all of it. You may need to get documentaion because as I experienced they can give you incorrect information that sends you on a wild goose chase.
• Certificates; the next best thing. There are many types of certificates or government papers you can use to help you with you family tree. Birth certificates can give you the persons date and place of birth, but most importantly the maiden of the mother. Without the mother's maiden name you won't be able to go any further on her lineage. Death records will give you birth and death information as well as parents names if the person filling it knew that information. Social Secuity can tell you a little, and may even give the mothers maiden name. Landrecords, military and tax papers may also give you clues as to who your ancestor was and were they lived.
• Census Records; one of my favorite forms for genealogy. If you can aford it you can access the acctual forms on www.ancestry.com. It's about $199 per year subscription. They also have a two week free subscription which is what I used. They were started in 1790, but it wasn't until about 1870 that all the family members names were listed. Prior to that it was only the head of houshold listed. Census records will tell you where your family was living every ten years. Their ages, marrital status, place of birth, parent's place of birth, occupation, and more. With Census records you can write a little story about your family member.

These resources will get in you started on the next two to three generations. It gets a little more difficult past the 1870. I'll go into what you can do to contiue your research beyond that point in another post.

Happy Hunting!

Our Jesse Chisholm Connection

When I meet my husband I was told, proudly, by his family that they were related to Jesse Chisholm, a famous Oklahoma Indian trader. Well I wasn't so sure of it, and became even less convinced when in my genealogy search for his family I found no connection. Then I found it! He is a descendant of Jesse Chisholm. His Great Great Grandmother is Mary A Chisholm. Here memories are even posted on websites such as http://www.chickasawhistory.com/cooke.htm

What I was told by his family is that his Great Grandmother was a Chisholm. Well she was in a way a Chisholm. However, her last name was that of her father COOKE. Until I was able to decipher that incorrect information I was unable to make the connection.

Here is the Chisholm family going back to 1755. They were Scottish however, I have yet to find when they migrated to the USA.


Descendants of John D Chisholm


Generation No. 1

1. JOHN D1 CHISHOLM was born 1755, and died 1818. He married (1) BETSY FAULING. She was born Abt. 1760. He married (2) UNKNOWN. He married (3) MARTHA HOLMES. She was born Abt. 1770. He married (4) PATSY BROWN. She was born Abt. 1760.

Children of JOHN CHISHOLM and BETSY FAULING are:
2. i. IGNATIUS2 CHISHOLM, b. 1778.
ii. JOHN D CHISHOLM, b. 1776.
iii. ELIZABETH CHISHOLM, b. Abt. 1780.
iv. DEBORAH CHISHOLM, b. Abt. 1782.
v. ELIJAH CHISHOLM, b. Abt. 1784.


Child of JOHN CHISHOLM and UNKNOWN is:
vi. JAMES2 CHISHOLM, b. 1770.


Child of JOHN CHISHOLM and MARTHA HOLMES is:
vii. THOMAS2 CHISHOLM, b. 1793.


Generation No. 2

2. IGNATIUS2 CHISHOLM (JOHN D1)1 was born 1778. He married SISTER OF CORN TASSEL, daughter of CORN TASSEL SR.. She was born Abt. 1780.

Notes for IGNATIUS CHISHOLM:
Ignatius was of Scottish descent. He worked as a merchant and slave trader in the Knoxville area in the 1790's.

Sometime around 1800 Ignatius married a Cherokee woman, the sister of Corn Tassel. Her name is unknown. They had three sons. The last child William was born in 1815, and sometime after Ignatius separated from his mother and moved to Arkansas Territory. When Tahlonteskee's group moved west to Arkansas in 1810, Jesse's mother joined them.

No one is quite sure what happened to Ignatius.

Children of IGNATIUS CHISHOLM and SISTER TASSEL are:
3. i. JESSE3 CHISHOLM, b. 1805; d. 04 Apr 1868.
ii. JOHN CHISHOLM, b. 1810.
iii. WILLIAM CHISHOLM, b. 1815.


Generation No. 3

3. JESSE3 CHISHOLM (IGNATIUS2, JOHN D1)2 was born 1805, and died 04 Apr 1868. He married (1) NANNIE BOWLES. He married (2) SAH-KAH-KEE SARI MCQUEEN. She was born Abt. 1810. He married (3) ELIZA EDWARDS 1836, daughter of JAMES EDWARDS. She was born 1810, and died 1845.

Notes for JESSE CHISHOLM:
Jesse came to Arkansas with his mother and two brothers in 1810. He moved to the Cherokee nation in the late 1820's and settled near Fort Gibson in what is now eastern Oklahoma.

Jesse married Eliza, the daughter of James Edwards in 1836. Jesse's father in law ran the trading post near what is now Hughes Co., OK. Jesse took supplies into the plains. He learned many languages and was highly sought after as a guide and interpreter. He interpreted treaties for the Indians in Texas, Indian Territory, and Kansas.

He was known as an honest Trader and peace maker. He was respected by the US Army and the Indians. He was adopted into many tribes. The Comanche's knew they could sell children they had captured in Texas to Jesse. He would then try to find their families, and if he couldn't he'd adopt them himself.

Jesse died of food poisoning after eating buffalo meat that had been cooked in a copper kettle at Left Hand Spring, near present day Geary, OK on April 4, 1868

His tomb stone says a lot about who he was. It reads:

"No one ever left his home cold or hungry"

Child of JESSE CHISHOLM and NANNIE BOWLES is:
4. i. JOSEPH4 CHISHOLM, b. Abt. 1835.


Child of JESSE CHISHOLM and SAH-KAH-KEE MCQUEEN is:
ii. JENNIE4 CHISHOLM, b. Abt. 1830.


Child of JESSE CHISHOLM and ELIZA EDWARDS is:
5. iii. WILLIAM EDWARD4 CHISHOLM, b. 15 Sep 1837; d. 19 Nov 1880.


Generation No. 4

4. JOSEPH4 CHISHOLM (JESSE3, IGNATIUS2, JOHN D1) was born Abt. 1835.

Child of JOSEPH CHISHOLM is:
i. JOHN5 CHISHOLM, b. Abt. 1875; m. MARY MURPHY; b. Abt. 1880.


5. WILLIAM EDWARD4 CHISHOLM (JESSE3, IGNATIUS2, JOHN D1) was born 15 Sep 1837, and died 19 Nov 1880. He married (1) JULIA ANN MCLISH. She was born 1846, and died 1883. He married (2) HESTER BUTLER COCHRAN. She was born Abt. 1847, and died Bet. 1894 - 1896.

Notes for JULIA ANN MCLISH:
It is noted by Chris Robbins in the Robbin/Saunders Family Tree that Julia was Cherokee Indian.

Children of WILLIAM CHISHOLM and JULIA MCLISH are:
i. MARY A5 CHISHOLM, b. 01 Jan 1868; d. 30 Mar 1946; m. WILLIAM VAUGHN COOKE, 09 Mar 1887; b. 1859.
ii. ELIZA E CHISHOLM, b. 29 Mar 1864; d. 18 Feb 1886.
iii. ANGELINE BIDDIE CHISHOLM, b. 14 Jan 1866; d. Feb 1894; m. SAM SILAS LEE; b. 21 Sep 1866; d. 03 Jan 1921.
iv. ALICE CHISHOLM, b. 12 Feb 1870; d. 19 Oct 1911; m. ALLEN STOKE ASBURY; b. 25 Apr 1867; d. 22 Apr 1950.
v. CORA ANN CHISHOLM, b. 23 Sep 1872; d. 06 Jan 1926; m. JOHN F MCKEEL.
vi. STELLA "ESTELLE" CHISHOLM, b. 06 Jun 1875; d. 1946; m. WILLIAM THOMAS WARD; b. 23 Oct 1870; d. 1936.
vii. JULIA ANN CHISHOLM, b. 15 Jan 1878.
viii. WILLIAM CHISHOLM, b. 1880.


Child of WILLIAM CHISHOLM and HESTER COCHRAN is:
ix. CAROLINE5 CHISHOLM, b. Abt. 1860.



Endnotes

1. Geocities.com Chapter Bio of Jesse Chisholm.
2. Handbook of Texas Online, Jesse Chisholm III.

And as they say the rest is history. Mary Chisholm married William Cooke. They had a daughter, Stella Cooke (my husbands great grandmother). Stella married James Rubin Ward, and they had my husbands grandmother, Ruth Ann Ward. She married Earl"Porter" Crooks. (Hince the Crooks name I have today) Well I'll pick up the history of the Ward and Crooks lines another time. We could probably write a book about Porter alone. LOL. He was a character.

Keep in mind when searching for your family. Names change spelling, our elderly realtives don't always have the most reliable memory, records can be incorrectly maintained, and there are many other things that can get you off track or keep you from pursuing a correct lead. It's like putting together a puzzle. You have to try the information several different ways until it fits or you know for sure it doesn't fit.

Happy Hunting

Once again a new direction for me.

After talking to a few blogger pals of mine I have decided to change the purpose of this blog. Not to say I won't still discuss things about great customers service and such, but I am going to take this blog in the genealogy direction. No one seems to be interested in sales, but I have grown a great passion for genealogy. I have always loved history, and now I am apply history to my family. So I will be posting information on here about my family history, and feel free to share information about your family as well. Maybe we have a connection we don't know about.

Working for a Living

Well I started work last night. I couldn't avoid it any longer. We were just not able to make it on one income for a family of five. Yes, there were a few things we could have done with out, like starting our own business on the same income, but what do you do when you have two feet in the door, and the bills are already piled. Some day it will take off, but in the mean time I'll have to work.

I had to find something working nights in order to avoid paying over $900 for daycare, so there goes my profession. That left nothing available using my skills. In the end it came down to two choices. Both interviewed me and offered me a job. Wal Mart needed help now, and UPS had to put me on a waiting list (hopefully for a job in the next one to two months). So I started with Wal Mart last night. Now to put this into perspective what I will make there will not even be enough to cover my grocery bill for the month. It's part time at barely above minimum wage. But at least it will give us some extra money to try to catch up on our bills until UPS calls. Now here is the difference. UPS offers full benefits for the entire family for part time employees and pays a deal more. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!

But Wal Mart is no easy job either. These cashiers work hard and they put up with a lot of crap from customers. If you have never done retail you should try it for a couple weeks. You'll learn to appreciate what they do for very little money for their efforts. Now I don't doubt there are lousy cashiers, I won't argue that, but there are a lot of demanding and rude customers who have never had to work in retail who need to show more respect. Just my opinion! So far though I would say Wal Mart isn't a bad place to work. I understand the low pay, really. It's a great way to weed out the lousy employees, and promote those that do a good job. Some of the Wal Mart employees who have done a great job and moved up do make a pretty good living I hear.

So in the mean time I'm still home with the kids during the day, and dad takes care of them at night. I don't have to stress over lousy Idaho daycare, or pay them more then my damn mortgage to watch my kids while making barely more then I pay them (that is if I went back to my profesion, I won't even make that at Wal Mart).

By the way Dad survived and did a great job last night. He didn't even complain! I do love him, even when I want to ring his neck.

Paterson Principle 8

8. Planning Prevents

Wandering and

Provides Direction

As a salesperson I'm sure you have had days when you weren't sure by the end of the day what you had really accomplished, but you felt like you were running around like a chicken with your head cut off! Been there done that.

The problem with days like that is they were not planned out and you didn't have a clear direction that you and your associates could stick to. It's very important that you are very organized and plan out everything you need to do ahead of time. You also need to be very clear with your co-workers when you are and ARE NOT available to take phone calls. You need to set aside time each and every day for making phone calls with no interruptions. I can't stress that enough.

So here is where you start set down and design a form that will help lay out everyday what you must accomplish, what you would like to accomplish and what needs to be done in the near future at least. Then create another form that will help you keep track of everything you do that day on a points system. Give yourself credit for what you do, even the little things. This will help you see the whole picture. What areas you are strong in, where you are week, what you tend to neglect or procrastinate on, and more. Set a daily points goal. Don't go home until you have achieved your goal.

So now you have a form, right? Don't know where to start? Contact me I'll be glad to share what I have used and help you design yours. Once you have the form you need to lay out a weekly schedule. I don't mean a detailed who you are going to see schedule, but one that sets aside a couple hours for phone calls, couple hours for visiting prospect, time for customers, and most importantly 30 minutes to an hour first thing in the morning for planning each day. That will be your weekly highway. Then each morning set down during the time you have set aside. Turn off the phone and shut your office door. Plan out every one you need to see, call, email, do quote for and anything else that pertains to your business for that day. This is your daily city map with every little detail and time allotted for each action. Another way to plan even in advance is a software program I use called ACT! It's great at helping you organize you contacts and your schedule.

Think of this. You wouldn't go on a road trip with out mapping out a plan and a direction you are going, right? If you did you'd probably go in circles and never accomplish what you set out to do. The same applies to sales. Don't set out on your day with out a clear plan of where you are going, who you are seeing, what you want to accomplish with each person, who you will call that day, etc.

I would be glad to help any one that needs one on one help with their sales career. Just let me know.

Paterson Principle 7

Oops! My week got away from me. Sorry this is late.

7. Your Library is

the Artesian Well of Knowledge

"You determine how much of a fortune you want to earn by how much you decide to self-educate" - Jeffrey Gitomer

I love that quote. Another one I believe in is "Your life is what you make of it." We are as successfully in life as we make ourselves. Some people may not agree with me on that, but I truly believe that most people who have nothing in life have done nothing. Those who are successful in life have worked hard to get there (of course there is the occasional child born with a silver spoon in their mouth).

The best way to succeed is to self-educate. How many books do you have in your library? What kind of books make up your library? How much time do you set aside DAILY to read? You can't learn unless you have books to read. True there is the library, but to invest in a book will give back to you ten times more, because you won't just read to book once (quickly) and then return it, but you will continually refer to it for reference or clarification. You may have a friend who is very successful. Ask to see that friends library, and you'll see why. Maybe you do have a lot of educational books, but what good are they if you do not set aside time DAILY to read them!

This is your task this week. Get a good educational book to read. Here is a list of books that I highly recommend for success:

1. "How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success" by Frank Bettger. Frank sold Life Insurance during the Depression and was the highest paid salesman in America. (This is also the book we are studying at Selling North Idaho book club on Thursday mornings at 7:00 at Z-Spa in CDA. Come join us, and learn!)
2. "Rich Dad Poor Dad" Highly recommended by associates of mine, but I have not yet had the chance to read it.
3. "The E-Myth" also highly recommended by associates of mine.
4. "The Paterson Principles of Selling" revived and revised by Jeffrey Gitomer (the book I am using for this study)
5. "The Sales Bible" by Jeffrey Gitomer. One of my favorites. I also HIGHLY recommend his seminars. Also go to his website wwwbuygitomer.com and sign up for his Caffeine Ezine. He is highly motivational for sales people. I have worn my book out because I constantly go back to it for new ideas.
6. "The complete Idiots Guide to Cold Calling" by Keith Rosen. If you have trouble making that first call to get the appointment with a prospect this is a very easy book to follow and get ideas from. Many different styles to try out until you find what works for you.
7. "101 Way to Promote Yourself" by Raleigh Pinskey. Also one of the books for our book group. Many great ideas. I'm still working on this one.

How many of these have you read? Are you saying ouch, or patting yourself on the back? Well don't pat yourself too fast if you don't use your books regularly for reference or continue to educate yourself further. There is one concept that I see so many sales people struggle with, but if you want to be successful you better wrap your brain around this "you will never know it all." So set aside an hour a day to read and learn. If it is hard to make yourself read a sales book, then start with something you are interested in. Get yourself in the habit of reading an hour a day, and then it will be second nature.

Welcome to Success

Employees Assets or Liabilities

I'm kind of interested in what you think on this subject. I have worked for companies that treated me and payed me like I was an asset to the company. They asked for and respected my ideas and oppions. Many of them I have remained friends with, and I have always considered them a part of making me the woman I am in business today.

However, on the other hand I have worked for companies that saw their employees as disposable liablities. They didn't pay worth a darn and had the attitude "if you don't like it there's the door." Why is this? I understand there are some people who aren't good employees and are unreliable, but why treat everyone that way. Why not hire and treat people as though they were an asset to the company? Then if they just aren't working out, let them go? I just think you would get more out of your employees and they will be more willing to go the extra mile for you if you simply showed them so respect for their contribution to the company.

I'm just thinking out loud, but feel free to put in your ideas on the matter.

Paterson Principle 6

6. Studying.........

The First Discipline

of Knowledge

I more or less touched on this principle last week. Basically "practice makes perfect". You can read how to books on improving you selling, but if you don't practice the techniques you learn you are dead in the water.

The thing to ask yourself is "Do I have enough discipline and desire to work my butt off for my accounts, or do I expect my charm and good looks to land a few here and there for me?" If it's the later, then you are in the wrong business! You might have better luck as an actor(ess)! If it is the first then keep it up and you'll get there. But don't forget one way to improve yourself it to work with and help others to improve.

Take one technique ever week and work on only that technique, master it for that week. After that I can guarantee you it will come more naturally. But don't forget it. You skills are just like a motor, if you give it regular maintenance and use it regularly then it will treat you well. But if you forget to maintain it and you let it set for a long period of time with out use, it becomes rusty and unusable. So work hard to learn and maintain your skills.

Starting next week I'll give you things to do! So go back and read all six principles up to this point and motivate yourself to dedicate yourself. Then next week you'll be raring to go!

Selling is not for the lazy!

Paterson Principle 5

5. Survival is a Combination of

Knowing and Doing

"All sales people know what to do. Problem is they don't do it" - Jeffrey Gitomer

Isn't that the truth. So many of us, myself included, know many styles and techniques for selling. The problem is we get comfortable, get in a rut, or just get plain lazy. In this business you can not do that. You must stay on your toes and be ready for changes and new things all the time.

So here's an idea, become a mentor. Find someone in your own business or in another business who is new in sales and is open to learning more from your experience. Volunteer to mentor that person, and while you are training and mentoring that person challenge yourself to look at yourself and go back to the beginning. Start doing the things you have quit doing because you think that you are above that or you don't have time. Then hold on and watch your sales career come alive again! I guarantee you this will work.

If you are new in sales and would like to learn more, find a mentor, join us at Selling North Idaho Toastmaster (also a sales book group), or send me an email. I'll gladly help you in your sales career. It's always a good idea to have a mentor. Someone who can teach you, be your support when things aren't looking so good, or celebrate with you when they are going great.

Here's another idea. Try everything you hear of. Don't discredit any technique until you have tried it. Educate yourself, don't expect someone else to tell you what to do. The Television and useless use of the internet are your enemies. Turn them off, get books on sales (I highly recommend Jeffrey Gittomer's Sales Bible, and Frank Betgers How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success), find a mentor, try new things, dedicate yourself to your career (although don't forget about your family, they come first), and watch your career take off!

My career took off when I started reading sales books (thanks to Gitomer's seminar), found a mentor, dedicated and disciplined myself, and started networking with different groups.

Sunshine!

It's so beautiful outside that I find it hard to check in and add a post to my blog lately. I've been watering my yard like crazy and tending to it. I am actually getting a lawn this year. The last couple years have been awful. I don't have the money to poor into my yard, so I've got to struggle to get any lawn at all to grow. This year it's happening!

I'll tell you it's not easy living on one income. Since the birth of our third child in December I have been home. Well, I'm now looking at trying to go back to work, but finding work in the evening is very difficult as well. I don't want to work during the day because I really DO NOT want to put the kids in daycare anymore. They are so much better off with me home, and I enjoy it too. Yes, even during those moments when I just want to scream too. Plus I need to be at home during the day in order to run our business.

Speaking of daycare's I'll have to tell you about my daycare hunting experience one of these days. But I will say it is so amazing to me the conditions people will leave their children in, and the kinds of daycares that are allowed to operate. I'll have to come back to this story later.

Well this weekend is my oldest boys birthday. He'll be eight, and my hubby and I have been married for over 11 years. My nieces and nephews in California are teenagers! Okay stop it! I'm making myself feel old. Then again I have a seven month old too. Whew! Okay that feels better, I'm not so old after all, at least I don't feel old.

Yes, I'm still burred in the search for my ancestors too, although I spend fewer hours on it lately. The one part that is irritating me is our connection to Daniel Boone. I have heard all my life that I am related some how to Daniel Boone on my dad's side of the family. I have yet to make the connection. However I have discover other famous settlers and explorers that I am a descendant of. It's really interesting to find out that you are related to people in history, life Simon Sackett, one of the six original settlers sent over by the King to settle Newtown, Mass. (now Cambridge), or his grandson Cyrus Sackett who helped to blaze the way, fight the Indians (not a part I'm proud of), and settle Kentucky. I also found that my dad is a descendant of the Wycoff family. The Wycoff (the American spelling they took on in America) family were Dutch settlers who original settled the Flatlands of New York.

The Wycoff house was built about 1652 and occupied by Pieter and Grietje Wycoff about 1655. It remained the home of Wyckoff descendants for about 250 years. The Wyckoff House is the number one Landmark in New York City as well as the oldest house in New Your State It is also a National historic Landmark. In 1982, it was restored as a living museum to honor the Dutch presence in America. When the English took over New Amsterdam (renaming it New York in 1664), they made all Dutch take surnames, which had not been Dutch custom. Our Dutch ancestor chose the name "Wycoff" Most Wyckoff's (in any of the various sixty three spellings) in the U.S. today are descendants joined together and saved the origin all Wyckoff house in the Flatlands from destruction. Pieter Claesen, founder of the Wyckoff Family in America, came to Fort Orange, Province of New Netherlands, April 7, 1637, on the ship Rensselaerswick. In the log of that ship is the following: "This ship sailed from Amsterdam, Holland, 25 Sep 1636, anchored off the seaport, The Texel, 8 Oct 1636, reached New Amsterdam, New Netherland, 4 March 1637, and Tuesday 7 April 1637, about three o'clock in the morning we came to anchor before Fort Aeranien, the end of our journey upward." The Rensselaerswick was outfitted by Killian Van Rensselaer, a diamond merchant of Amsterdam, who had a speculative contract with the Est India Company for the grant of a large body of land near the headwaters of the Hudson River, under which he was required to transport men and animals to the new country. There is no complete list of the passengers on this ship, but among those named are Pieter Corneliseen from Monnickendam, North Holland; Pieter Claesen Van Norden, And Simon Walischez. These three did not remain in New Amsterdam, but went on to Fort Orange. Her Pieter Cornelissen became prominent in the affairs of the colony. He may have been an uncle of Pieter Claesen, although the two are not mentioned together in the records of the Van Rensselaer estate. These records show that Pieter Claesen was on of the thirty-eight laborers sent on the Rensselaerswick to be assigned to various farmers on the Rensselaer estate, and that under the date 3 April 1637, he was assigned to Simon Walischez. According to a scorched fragment of the records of the estate, saved from a fire in the State Library at Albany in 1911, he was to receive 50 guildres per year for the first three years and 75 guildres for the last three years. About the time when the contract matured, Simon Walischez' lease was canceled on the grounds the he was an unsatisfactory tenant and the final settlement was made by the Van Rensselaer Estate. According to the report, Pieter Claesen was 18 years old when he made his settlement with the van Rensselaer estate. Soon after this he rented a farm for himself and married Grietje van Ness, the daughter of a prominent Citizen of the colony. Their two eldest children were born in Renselaersweck, but the church in which were kept the records of their birth and the marriage of their parents, was burned and the records destroyed. With his wife and two children he went to New Amsterdam in 1649. Here he remained until 1655, when he signed a contract "to superintend the Bowery and cattle of Peter Stuyvesant in New Amersfoort" and moved into the house on Canarsie Lane in Flatlands, Brooklyn, now known as the Wyckoff Homestead. Pieter Claesen prospered and became one of the most influential citizens of the little frontier settlement. He had bought.

Okay so enough history for today. I just love history, especially when I find out it's part of my ancestory. It makes you feel like you came from something. Although with that comes the parts of history you don't want to admit you are a descendant of, such as slavery. Most of my roots are from the South, so it's a part that I'm afraid did exist in our family, I've just yet to uncover it.

Paterson Principle 4

4. Boot Camp Separates the Salesman

from the Wana-be Salesman

"Industry is cheap. It is laziness that costs. It has cost many a bright man a bright career" - John H Patterson

Business owners, here's something for you to think about. Are you having trouble finding salespeople who really know how to sale, or that have the right personality? Try this, hire your next employee with the right personality and then train that person to sale. It is easier to train a salesperson with the right personality and desire then to train an old salesperson set in their ways who thinks they know it all.

Salespeople, keep this in mind. You will never know it all! There is always room for improvement. So train yourself daily! Set aside 30 minutes everyday for your training, and 30 minutes every morning to plan out your day. If you are new in the sales field start networking and find a mentor to help you. I have my mentor and I call on him regularly to help me. If you have been in the game for a long time then search out someone new with the desire to learn, and mentor that person. Amazingly my mentor says it even helps to motivate him when he works with me.

I have a couple forms that can help you organize your day and one to help you measure your daily progress. Send me an email if you would like a copy at amyrebba@adelphia.net. If you have a sales team that really needs help or your just one sales person looking for a mentor let me know. I would be glad to help out other salespeople and business owners to improve their sales.

Sex Offenders among us

This is so disturbing to me. I'm very grateful that Shasta Groene was found, thanks to someone paying attention and responding quickly. However, it got me thinking. Who am I living near? Who are my neighbors, really? So I pulled up Idaho's sex offender registry. I was shocked to find that we have 58 offenders living right here in Post Falls, another 78 living in Coeur d'Alene, and no telling how many in Hayden. I was too discussed to keep looking.

Then I got to thinking, it's not enough just to find out how many are in my town. I needed to look further and find out how many may be living near me. That's when I became really disturbed. I live over by Wal Mart and found that there are two living just under the Highlands Golf Course, three living in a trailer park near by, one living just behind us, and few others on a near by street. Then I looked around the school. Now I thought these sicko's couldn't live within a certain distance from the school. Well a couple block away from the high school are two offenders and a couple more down the street from the elementary school my son goes to.

I thought you know this is just to close for comfort and considering that my neighbor has four girls I took my findings next door. I shared all of it with them, and just my luck another mother from down the street was there. They recognized one man as someone that worked for a family member. Then they recognized another man as one that lives two doors down from their friend. And to think their children may have been around these sicko's and they didn't even know who they were.

I left California seven years ago because I didn't want my children to grow up in the gang infested town I grew up in. But at least with gangsters you can see them coming. Sex offenders, some of them, look like the everyday guy next door.

If you have children. Don't be foolish enough to think that it'll never happen to you, or that it can't be the nice family guy next door. Because it sure as hell can.

I agree with Steve Groene. I read somewhere today that he thinks these people should be REMOVED from the street. I agree. Put them in a control environment where they won't be tempted by the child they see walking down the street. I'm not saying put them in prison per say. But create an environment for only such people. Sterilize them and put the on an island. Heck that's how Australia got started.

Just don't waste anytime finding out who your neighbors may be. Get on the Idaho Sex Offenders web site. Then take the time to map out where these people are. Inform your children about these people and show them the faces of the ones that live near by you or their school. Don't take any chances. The lives and well being of your children are too important and should be your first priority! Do it today!

Paterson Principle 3

Oops where was my head this week. I forgot our next principle on Friday. So here it is.

3. Positive Mental Attitude

is Determined by You,

Not Others.

Did your parents ever tell you "you better change that attitude missy." Oh maybe that was only my parents. That was usually my mom's warning that if I didn't replace the sour look on my face she would smack it off for me. Believe it our not your attitude shows in your face, no matter how hard you try to hide it. How about this have you ever forced a smile on your face, when inside you were about to scream and someone asks you "what's wrong?" That should tell you 1) people see right through fake and they hate it 2) you're not very good at pretending.

So why pretend or be fake? Why not change the way you think. Here are some steps to accomplish this goal.

1. Be careful of your associations. People with bad attitudes bring down those around them.
2. Gittomer has a great idea. Every morning read a couple pages from a positive, encouraging, inspiring book.
3. Find phrases of encouragement and post them on your computer screen.
4. exercise daily. I love this one and it goes a long way toward helping me. I've been really bummed lately because my asthma has kept me from getting on the treadmill every morning which is my usually routine (maybe next week it'll be better).
5. Set goals that challenge you but that are achievable. Then when you achieve them you'll be amazed how that will boost you attitude. If the bosses goal seem out of reach then set smaller steps for your self in working up to those goals, and enjoy the journey instead of stressing over the end result.
6. I'm sure there are many more maybe you could come up with another attitude booster and share with the rest of us.

Now this weeks posting can apply to everyone. It's not just a sales thing. When you have a sour attitude the glass is always half empty and nothing ever goes right. But when you see the glass half full and you know there is a silver lining behind every cloud, and you realize everything happens for a reason then nothing can penetrate you shell and bring you down.

Have you ever noticed that some people always get the breaks in life and they are always so full of life. Well that can be you, so take some steps to make it happen.

Your life is what you make of it!

More Family History

OH BOY! am I addicted to this genealogy stuff. I'm driving my husband crazy because I'm either on the phone or on the computer researching our family.

My husbands family wasn't too terribly hard to research. I've hit a few road blocks. I still can't find anything on his grandmother (the only grandmother still alive) She'd not even sure where she was born, but most likely OK or TX and the absolutely nothing on her mother other then her death.

Now my family on the other hand has been much hard then I expected. I have only been able to find one of my great grandmothers and her ancestors. Pretty much everyone else is eluding me.

I can't stress enough how important it is to maintain your family history and pass it down, so that others know where they come from and don't have to go through the lengthy search that I have had to go through.

Paterson Principle 2

Paterson Principle 2

Sorry for dropping this over the last couple weeks. I am starting to unravel some of the mysteries and myths in our family history. It's very addictive, but it's time to get back to business again.

Our Paterson Principle for this week is #2 SELF BELIEF. You must believe in your ability as a sales person, your company, and your product. When you believe and have the confidence it will show to others. However, if you have any doubts then others will see that and it will undermine anything you are trying to say.

The phrase "Actions speak louder than words" comes to mind.

• What do you believe in?
• How can you improve your beliefs?
• How do other (co-workers, family, friends) influence your beliefs?
• Are you associating with those who will influence you beliefs in a positive way?
• Do your beliefs come across to you prospects as strongly as your words? (they better)

Jeffrey Gittomer suggests that you go out and buy a copy of "The Little Engine that could" or go get the crayon marked one out of the kids room and read it. It's not just a kids book, it's a philosophy for life.

Read the book to your children. Spend valuable time with them and learn a valuable lesson for your self.

SNIT Members

For the SNIT Selling North Idaho Toastmasters group that visit this site I will keep posting sales information for you. However, I will not be at the meeting for a while. So please send me emails or call me if there is information covered in the meetings and you want to continue to contribute to the growth of other sales professionals.