Do you remember that scene when Tommy Boy put on Richard’s coat and started singing “Fat guy in a little coat”?
Do you remember what happened? Gold star if you said “The fat bastard tore Richard’s jacket”
Holy Schnikees I believe there’s a sales lesson in this . . .
Don’t be the fat guy in the little coat!
And for the hearing impaired . . .
DON’T BE THE FAT GUY IN A LITTLE COAT!
There are many facets to this simple yet effective theory.
Numero Uno : Be yourself! Don’t do things that don’t fit who YOU are. Don’t go through life trying to be a fat guy in a little coat! When you call a prospect, screw that koolaide you were told to serve and be yourself. Be natural . . . Be You! Lose the monkey style kung fu, salesy crap you read in your Dad’s sales book. Think your clients and prospects know when you wield the little coat, fatso?
Darn Tootin they do! Actually, can we stop the blog for a moment? That’s a prime example of being a fat guy in a little coat right there. I never say darn tootin. I meant to say HELL YES!
B (I meant to do that) Don’t think you suck because you suck at cold calling! You are simply embracing the little coat again. I bet if you aren’t good on the phone, you are good either networking, doing creative things, snail mailing, emailing, skywriting, smoke signaling or some other venue.
News Flash: According to a recent report from F.G.I.L.C. (Fat Guys In Little Coats) the revenue you generate in a manner that’s true to who you are still counts as freakin revenue!
So, why torture yourself dudes/dudettes? By all means, face your fears, work on your weaknesses; but lose the little coat Fat Ass!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against stretching. Life is all about stretching. We just need to do what fits us!
Many moons ago, at the beginning of my career, I was around some people that made me feel like a first rate loser (“L” emblazoned on my forehead and all) They told me my NY accent was too heavy, implied that I went to the wrong school, needed to be more polished, didn’t sell accounts that were sophisticated enough. Back then, it hurt and I questioned myself big time!
I questioned myself because I wondered if I could be like them. Thank God I wasn’t like them because at the end of the day even A-Holes would have called those folks A-Holes!
Fast forward several millennium later: time and experience (ie falling on my face, becoming comfortable in my own skin) has given Castain his polish, but that other stuff is my charm. And besides, my W-2 keeps winking at me saying “Nice Coat Uncle Paul”!
Perhaps those things about you, that you let others criticize, is really your charm?
I get lots of cool emails from you guys daily telling me that you like how “I keep it real”! I keep it real because this fat bastard wears the plus size coat instead trying to squeeze into the petite one.
Paul’s Warm and Fuzzy Ra Ra For Ya: Please don’t ever be ashamed of who you are! You are a unique brand with much to offer your customers and those around you. Find your unique voice, improve upon it but; be real or do something else!
One Caveat For Ya Dude: We’ve all met these “in your face” “love me or leave me” types of folks. I’m so not talking about trying that coat on! I’m simply suggesting that you find the coat that looks right on you, that’s true to who you are, while respecting those around you!
Coffee may be for closers but fat coats are for fat people and the little coats, for da small folk!
Today’s Reflection: Have a yard sale and get rid of the coats that don’t fit you. Be true to who you are. Celebrate who you are (within acceptable limits mind you) and remember . . .
You can get a good look at a T-Bone by sticking your head up, well you know the rest if you saw the movie.
Go sell something already!
PS Rent Tommy Boy some time in the next week. Laugh your hiney off and stop taking this so seriously! 🙂
