A successful sales lesson

Like the bungy cord itself, which is made up of hundreds of small rubber strings bound together, the team at Taupo Bungy worked together to ensure a successful jump.

I can learn much from their smooth process that enabled me to achieve my goal of leaping off a platform 100's of feet above a river.

From the moment I stepped up to the counter, it was like a choreographed dance sequence. The guy behind the counter took my money, I signed the waiver & received an explanation that there was no refund.

When I got to the platform they rechecked my weight (in case I lost too much weight between paying my money & getting to the platform) strapped me in, double checked the binding and explained what would happen. They took me to the edge of the platform and it was as simple as smile at the camera, 3, 2, 1 BUNGEEEEEEEE.... and off I went.

Now, I expected them to ask me are you ready? Or are you sure? But they assumed that I paid my money, I wanted to bungy and their job was to ensure I achieved my goal.

How many times in sales do we get to the crunch question and the sale fails? I believe we would be more successful if we assumed that we are offering what the client wants and get on & do the business.

We can learn from this lesson and develop a process that ensures success from the start.

Travel tips for New Zealand #3 - Rotorua

Paradise Valley Springs advertises being able to pat lion cubs as its main draw card, however in my opinion the fresh water spring was the highlight.

Make sure you take a drink bottle so you can fill it directly from this amazing spring. The water is cold & so very fresh.

The animals are varied and interesting and you are able to pat many of them. You can buy a small bag of grains to feed the animals and trout as you walk around.

It's worth packing a picnic although a small cafe is on site.

Travel tips for New Zealand #2 - Rotorua

We were a little disappointed at the quality of the motel in Rotorua. Don't always believe what you see on the internet. The mineral plunge pool was more of a paddling pool. My advice is to do your homework first.

The first attraction we went to was the gondola & luge. This was a lot of fun & I would highly recommend it. The gondola provides some great views. The luge is a huge amount of fun, for all ages & abilities. It is very safe.

There are lockers available for your bags at the top of the gondola plus food and a souvenir shop. You can buy photos of yourself as you speed down the luge course or travelling in the gondola.

Best to go early in the day during busy periods as the course fills up but the lines were well managed.

Travel tips for New Zealand #1

I had an idea to share what we did & learnt on our holiday to Rotorua, Taupo & Auckland (North Island, New Zealand), so that others might also have a memorable and enjoyable experience. I'll post a few blogs over the next few days/ weeks.

We travelled by van, breaking up the journey with regular stops.

One of the best things we did was to give each family member (Mum, Dad, 2 girls & 2 boys) a sports bag. If something didn't fit, we didn't take it. This meant there was no excess luggage or cramped conditions in the vehicle.

When travelling in New Zealand in summer take:
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Shorts
Pants
Tops
Socks
Swim wear
Enough underwear for the whole trip
Laundry bag
Camera
Journal or travel diary
Map
Drinks & nibbles
Good footwear

Tap water is safe to drink.

New Zealand is generally a safe country to travel in, but like every country has its criminal element. Lock valuables away and don't stray from groups late at night.

By planning ahead you will make the best use of your time in this beautiful country.

Lessons my kids have taught me #4

I don't want to be famous.

I remember when my kids admired and wanted to be like Britney Spears but I look at the sad life that many celebrities lead and I wouldn't want to swap my life for theirs.

I read a great quote the other day which said that happiness is found in what you have, not what you want.

Lessons my kids have taught me #3

Sometimes my kids don't give a bugger (that's kiwi speak for (amongst other things) not caring what others think about you).

I like the way they are confident about who they are.

Sometimes I can be too concerned about how I think others might view me (especially the PlayStation tan look at the pool), but I try to learn from my kids & not care what I look like.

Lessons my kids have taught me #2

“Be what you are. Give what is yours to give. Have style. Dare.”
Stanley Kunitz (1905 – 2006) American poet

This Christmas my youngest son gave the family gifts. I was most impressed with mine. It was a booklet containing 4 shoulder massage vouchers.

Rather than spending money on stuff I didn't need, he used his skills to develop a unique gift that he knew would be appreciated.

He taught me the best gifts are not usually the ones bought from stores.

Lessons my kids have taught me #1

One of the best business lessons I was taught was at the end of our family holiday.

My 17 & 15 year olds decided a bungy jump at Taupo sounded like a good way to top off the holiday.

I thought if they can do it, I’m not too old to have a go (although I was upset I had to check the 41 to 64 year old box on the form).

It was an amazing sensation as I jumped off the platform & was thankful to the professionals who had secured me safely.

Afterwards there was a feeling that we really can do anything we set our minds to. The important steps are:
1. To set the goal
2. Work out how to reach the goal
3. Ensure the right team is in place to help reach the goal
4. Take the leap & get started on the goal

The lesson I learned was that I am capable of more than I thought.

Setting stupid goals

I don't know why I did it - probably just for the challenge.

3 years ago I set a stretch business goal - and I achieved it.
2 years ago I set a higher goal - and I achieved that too.

Last year I set a goal that was twice the previous year. I didn't need to, but I wanted to see what would happen. As I got closer to the end of 2007, I resigned myself that I would go close but wouldn't achieve the milestone.

But 3 days before Xmas it happened! I achieved the ridiculously high goal. I was thrilled (and relieved).

My boss is already talking about a 10 percent increase in business. I'm already thinking about increases in multiples.

I have learnt goals are truly powerful motivators.

I encourage anyone who wants to achieve success to plan for it.