AMAZING POEM For Newtown, CT Children & Families!!

All of us get these random emails send by friends, family and spammers.  But, rarely would I ever think of forwarding them, and never before have I taken the time to write about on here on my blog.

All of that changes today, because today I received the most touching chain email of my life.  Maybe "Chain" email is not the right word, maybe inspirational sharing is better.  What ever the title the result was the same.  

After reading the poem written by Cameo Smith, I was beyond moved.  Finally a person who decided to write something not demanding action from the government, or sorrow for the parents.  No, this was an email helping everyone see that these children are okay, and in the best of hands.

So please take a moment to read the poem below and share it with your friends, family, coworkers, etc... and remember how lucky you are to have those people to share this with.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

“this is heaven.” Declared a small boy.

“we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,

But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

Those children all flew into the arms of their King

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

One small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all the hurt, the sorrow and woe

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”

“may this country be delivered from the hand of fools”

“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”

Then He and the children stood up without a sound

“come now my children, let me show you around.”

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight.

“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

-Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf , PA

Selling My Childhood Home

Trying to sell the home I grew up in.

WOW!

What a weird mix of emotions this is causing.

After my fathers passing I knew this was something I was going to have to do, but nothing really gets you ready for this undertaking.  Just walking into my dad's bedroom felt like I was crossing into a foreign country illegally.  Then having to go through all his clothes and personal effects was almost to much to bare.  But, today was the icing on the cake, receiving the MLS link to the place I called home for my entire childhood.

http://www.coldwellbankeronline.com/property/details/2924300/MLS-08235204/1225-Jamie-Lane-Homewood-IL-60430.aspx

There are so many stories and memories made in and around this home.  From snowball fights across the driveway to making the front stairwell into a slide.  It was the one place that was consistently in my life, till now.

But, at some point I guess we all have to let go of some of the physical items of our past and just focus on the memories of them.  Still, this is not an easy undertaking.  I am so happy I have my friends and family by my side helping me get through it.

Through Your Neighbors Eyes

When I first decided to come and stay in my dad's house after he passed I was not sure if I was doing the right thing or not.  But, today I was reassured my decision was the right one. 

A neighbor of my dad's for over 13 years came by to ask him about the dumpsters in his drive way, not knowing he passed.  After sharing the news of his passing she broke down.  Once she was able to speak, she shared with me that though they did not talk much, he was her only friend in the neighborhood.  She told me stories how he would come help her get her snowblower running each winter, and give her pointers on keeping her yard looking good.  She said every time she spoke to her family out of state, she always would tell them about John, the amazing man who lived on the corner.

My dad was an extremely private man, but always eager to offer a helping hand whenever he could.  He lived his life to serve others, in the military, working as a teacher and deacon, raising me, and of course how he treated his neighbors. 

I wanted to share this story with everyone today so you can think about it the next time you see a person needing a little help, to make sure to help them out.  Because, hopefully after you pass, your children can be at your home and hear such a touching story from your neighbor like I did today.

Sales Poem

So I had to write a poem for my Literature class, and decided to write it on my favorite subject, SALES!  Would love some feedback and comments on the poem.

My Life, My Sale

By: Michael C. McMillan

A name and number is where it starts

Five minutes of attention is all I want

For six long months I call without losing heart

I wonder what skills you need me to flaunt?

Finally I reach you, and you are interested in what I have to sell

All my work seems to have paid off, if I can just make this sale

Then right as I feel you are one of my newest clientele

 You let me know senior leadership may have to bail…

So as quick as I can I get to the airport

Contract in hand, I will not let this deal fail

Yes, I know how to make sure to win this sport

I hope your team is ready, because I am ready to land this whale!

            A last minute meeting with your entire team

            Then out with a signed contract and the fulfillment of my dream!

How Far Do You Go For Business?

So this week was an exciting week at the AGA/EEI Customer Service Expo in Fort Worth, Texas.  Had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people, and get the full Texas experience...LOL!!!

The one thing I took away from this trip is that to be in sales requires you to be willing to always live outside your standard comfort zone.  For instance on this trip to Texas at the big networking social event on Wednesday evening I found myself faced with doing something I NEVER thought I would ever do, ride a mechanical bull...

LOL!!  I still am laughing at the fact I was brave enough to get my butt up there to do this...

Why, did I decide to do this you ask?  Simple, because as I sat there watching almost the entire group go up and do it one by one and get their photo taken doing it, I knew if I had any shot in connecting with these people after the show I had to get up there and do it.  And here was the result:

I lasted a whole 15 seconds on that bull before getting bucked off.  And you know what, I had the time of my life doing it.  Now granted it was a little embarrassing to say the least, but the photo and experience was well worth it.

So this leads me to the question I ask in the title, what are you willing to do for business?  Could you have put your pride aside and got up on the bull to ride it?  If not, why not?  Sales is all about building a bond between your company and another, and common experiences is the sure fire way to make sure that happens.  So next time you are at a social affair and you see something you would NEVER do, take a minute and ask your self, could this help me drive business and build a closer relationship with my prospects?  If the answer is even maybe, get up on that bull and have a good time!

Very Cool infographic of how and agents accent effect Customer Satisfaction!!