So often we think about the don’t haves vs. do haves. I used to say this all the time, “If I had this __________ I could compete so much better in the marketplace.”   Both personally and professionally we’ve all worked hard and sacrificed to get that “I don’t have” thing, just to find out that once you have gotten it, there’s an entire new set of challenges.

74% of us have Glossophobia (National Health Institute Study 9-4-16). Before you say you are not afflicted, glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. So – now that you know – does this include you?

“And all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” William Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT act 2, scene 7.

LinkedIn is the king of social selling for most industries and hospitality is no exception. However, you may be missing some opportunities if you spent all social selling time there.

I got up this morning with a feeling of dread in my stomach, combined with a flood of thoughts of what I needed to do today, “I’m all jitters and nerves. My boss says I have to make 20 new prospecting calls by end of day, and I don’t want to do it.” I froze, and decided to do something else for a little bit to get up my courage. Maybe I’d write a proposal, research the potential client, re-organize my desk, answer pressing or non-pressing internal emails, go get a cup of coffee, or maybe text my friend. All to avoid the inevitable…talk to a stranger.

“My favorite word in the English vocabulary is ‘No,’ ” my wildly successful, jewelry salesman father once told me when talking about his customers. Curiously I said, “Why no? I would think that would be your least favorite word.” Confidently, he responded in his deep, Brooklyn accent, “It’s simple, Lissa. It’s my challenge to uncover what’s missing, and educate them, so they get what they need. They don’t know what they don’t know.” He was a smart man, but the words that resonated in my head were, ‟It’s simple”. Just educate your customer on the value of your product or service, and you’ll be on the way to a sale. Unfortunately, to others, “no” engenders a pit in your stomach that stings and discourages. It means they have been personally rejected.

Online Travel Agencies: Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you must make your peace with them because they are not going away!

How many times have you called a hotel looking for a room, and heard the guest agent on the other end either give you a price for the room and nothing more, or quickly add the features in a perfunctory, flat tone, “We have a pool, microwave in the room, free internet, free continental breakfast, and a workout room.” Questions immediately arise in my head, “Really? Doesn’t almost every hotel in the area offer those amenities? What makes your hotel special? What am I really getting for my money?”

Well now, aren't you the selfish one! Exercising like you do, taking your meds as you should, eating healthy. It's all about YOU, isn't it? Mom taught you to share. Your teachers admonished you for being self-centered if you kept a toy to yourself. Even the library fines you if the book you borrowed isn't brought back on time. So, what's up?

According to Microsoft estimates, over 30 million PowerPoint presentations are made each day. If you find that staggering… think about how many people have to sit through them! I’m sure at one point we’ve all fallen victim to an ill-conceived slideshow. As a designer, I am often called on to assist with presentations, ensuring Signature’s best face is put forward.