Pros Win, Amateurs Whine Article by: Jim Rohrbach
Which one are you?
Do you consider yourself a professional? There’s a lot of folks out there who aren’t quite sure — they do reasonably well when the economy is good, but when it slumps they cry, “Woe is me!” Professionals maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity that begins with their thought process. Here’s the difference between what goes on in the mind of the pro versus an amateur… Pros win, amateurs whine:
Amateur: “Things are just so HARD in this market.”
Pro: “If it were always EASY, any bozo could do my job.”
Amateur: “The economy really sucks.”
Pro: “I’ve noticed there are some interesting challenges in this environment that can lead to opportunities.”
Amateur: “Nobody’s buying.”
Pro: “There are people out there who absolutely need what I have to offer, especially now.”
Amateur: “If only I had better prospects …”
Pro: “It’s my responsibility to find great prospects and turn them into clients.”
Amateur: “Everybody’s saying my price is too high — I can’t close any deals.”
Pro: “I’m glad I’m able to show people the value of investing in what I have
to offer.”
Amateur: “I should probably pick up a book to learn something new, but who has time to read?”
Pro: “As a professional I’m committed to improving my skills through reading, listening to personal development audio programs and going to seminars given by experts in my field.”
Amateur: “Why should I go the extra mile for them? What’s in it for me?”
Pro: “I’ll go the extra mile for them because of what’s in it for me.”
Amateur: “When my business gets better I’ll hire a coach.”
Pro: “Like a great athlete, I’m always looking to get the edge on the competition, and my coach holds me accountable for keeping it.”
What kind of conversation are you having with yourself, especially in a tough market? Are you winning, or whining? Hope it’s the conversation of a pro, which means you’ll win.
PS — I want to acknowledge Ben Stein, who, via email, inspired the title of this article. I think his commercial with Shaquille O’Neal is priceless — he’s got a real future ahead of him in that arena if the economist thing doesn’t work out …
Success Skills Coach Jim Rohrbach, “The Personal Fitness Trainer for Your Business,” coaches business owners, entrepreneurs and sales professionals on growing their clientele. He has helped hundreds of individuals to achieve their goals since he developed his first coaching program in 1982. To arrange a Free Consultation with Jim, go to www.SuccessSkills.com.
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