In his book The Road to Character, David Brooks discusses the difference between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” Resume virtues are those skills you bring to the marketplace—qualities like drive, competition, and gregariousness. The Eulogy virtues are the ones people will talk about at your funeral.
Remember the lion in the Wizard of Oz? He traveled far, risked his life, and defeated the Wicked Witch of the West in the hopes that when he reached the Emerald City, the great Oz would grant him courage but it was all smoke and mirrors. Too often salespeople hope someone, anyone, will give them the answer. But no one will ever hand you a badge of courage unless you earn it.
Ok, I admit it. When I first heard about LinkedIn, years ago, I thought it was a stuffy Facebook. So, I did what many people do. Posted the obligatory profile picture, scribbled in some work history, and occasionally accepted an invitation. Until I met digital transformational expert Mario Martinez, CEO of Vengreso, that is. Everything changed.
It happens all the time. You’re lucky enough to land a qualified prospect, you create strong rapport, your customer loves your product, the price is right. There’s just one problem. They need to speak with their brother (or mother, or doctor, or lawyer, or board members) about it. This brother, of course, is vacationing in Italy and can’t be reached. I call this third party “The Ghost in the Room.”
