“It’s Not About You!”
“It’s not about you!” This is the first sentence in Rick Warren’s bestselling book, The Purpose Driven Life. In order to be successful in your personal life, professional life and your faith life, it all comes down to this one concept…
It’s Not About You.
Let’s look at this from the professional perspective. In the business world, many sales people have the reputation of being self-centered and projecting an attitude of, “It’s all about me!” Some of that comes with the territory of being successful in the business world. But, I think some of it stems from either poor training, or an unguided or confused moral compass… or both. If either of these are not properly checked, then you could end up thinking that it is… all about you.
Most sales professionals are competitive and we all like to win. One way to keep score is by what kind of a commission/bonus structure is in place as a motivational tool to drive us to succeed. The more successful the sales person, the higher the compensation, the higher the compensation then comes the nicer cars, the bigger house, the more lavish vacations, etc.
Success always comes when you focus your efforts on serving the customer. But what happens when your focus begins to shift from the customer’s needs to serving your own needs? Because through your success you drive a nicer car, live in a bigger home and take nicer vacations, and now you’ve got to maintain that lifestyle. If that happens, then you’re headed down that dark and lonely path of self-centeredness. At that point, it’s easy to lose sight of who and what it’s really all about…YOU or the CUSTOMER?
I’m not saying you shouldn’t work hard to enjoy the fruits of your labor, just don’t work for the fruits, work to serve the customer, the fruits will come…20-fold!
In my world, you’ll never be the best version of yourself, unless you learn the value of service by serving others above yourself in everything you do.
Wow! This is phenomenal. I don’t like what you said, I LOVE what you said; that book was also amazing. I suggest anyone dealing with customers ought to read it. When it comes down to it, business and in life, christian or not, serving others is what LIFE is all about. And if you’re not serving others, you’ve missed it. Good thing is we can change. We can learn to serve others, each other. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Mr. Rovi.
Alexis, thank you for your thoughts, and taking the time to respond. I do believe serving is so important.
Well said, John.
We have been taught over the years that you only have one chance to make a first impression. You have the choice to make that introduction and become a partner or be a player.
In the world of networking you can work it or you can gain the trust and respect of your co workers, peers, customers and their customers .
True satisfaction is gained only when you put the needs of others before your own and yes it will reap a bountiful harvest.
Who really is successful; those who have the joy in their heart that they have lifted someone up. They can lay there head down at night and rest knowing that they have shown compassion and kindness to someone in need. They have helped keep others employed, families feed and clothed and contributed to the well being of someone other than themselves.
It only takes one to start a chain reaction… be that first one in the chain.
Living life abundantly …