A friend and I finished our dinner and we headed out to the “Castainmobile”. I asked him if we could make a quick stop at the grocery store and with a nod of his head, we were on our way.
Once we were properly armed with our shopping cart, I confessed that we weren’t there for me, we were there for him. I told him to fill the cart.
A rather familiar wave of emotion consumed my friend when he realized that his family would have food in the house. I say it was “familiar” because I had the same look on my face when someone did it for me when I was down on my luck back in ’95!
I believe that as wonderful as this life can be, there are times when it feels that all is lost. That someone in that great bakery in the sky has baked a “screw you” pie just for you!
Quite frankly, worrying about food is not only disheartening, its freakin humiliating!
I know because that’s how I felt 16 years ago!
What does this have to do with this blog . . . Everything because I’m about to turn a bad situation into something that will create something very cool . . . for a lot of people.
Read on Sales Playbook citizens 🙂
What if each of us were to take our Jedi skills and harness them for the ultimate good and . . .
1) Have a “Canned Sales Meeting” sometime this month where we ask all the participants to bring a few canned or non perishable items to donate to the local food bank.
2) We take that network that we’ve been sitting on and we pass this concept along to them and ask them to pass it along to their network. Think Linkedin connections, Twitter and Facebook friends, people from your local chamber, your suppliers etc
3) If you are a blogger, perhaps you could encourage your readers to host a “Canned Meeting” and pass the word on to their network.
And just for the heck of it, here are lots of Meeting Ideas to make sure you serve your “Canned Meeting” up with some awesome content!
Here’s something very cool for you for your efforts.
Take a picture of your “Canned Sales Meeting”, email it to paul@yoursalesplaybook.com and at the end of the month I will put all these into a hat and select a winner!
The winner will receive 1 free customized 45 minute webinar for their team and (2) free 45 minute coaching sessions.
There are no strings, no catch . . . you do this for the needy and you get a chance to win something from me!
The real winners will be the needy in your community!
Perhaps you can use your Jedi sales skills to sell your boss on making your next meeting, a “Canned Meeting”?
The point is to use that gift you were given to do some additional good.
The food banks get slammed this time of year folks and this will make a huge difference to someone . . .
Like it did for me at a time in my life when I desperately needed . . .
the gift of another round!
Paul Castain is a badass who trains individuals and teams to be lethal. To hire Paul to train, coach or speak click here
Paul,
Extremely cool, useful-to-the-hilt idea that has a ton of potential good that can result from it. On behalf of those who need it, thanks.
Cheers,
Pa
Thank you Paul!
Hey Paul,
Wonderful story.
Something like that happened to me when I was younger.
Me and my wife were going to eat dinner before going to the theatre, I was 15 at the time and we didn’t have much money – we were looking at the menu and decided to share a meal because we couldn’t afford anymore.
We got our food and sat down to eat – all of a sudden a man stopped by our table and said “Here, take this meal, I overheard you two talking and I wanted to help” and he put his tray with food infront of me so I could eat as well.
It was incredible, he just left, wanted no credit and we just sat there in chock.
This could be your best blog ever!
Thank you Jeff . . . I really appreciate it!
That really is a incredible Daniel . . . I’m truly amazed by the generosity of others!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share your story!
Great idea Paul, demonstrating how a little can go a long way. I really hope this idea snowballs. Unfortunately our meetings only happen 1 or 2 times a year (next one potentially in February). The good news is, it is always a good time to give back. I will definitely look to implement this then and personally give back by giving to the holiday food bank drives at the grocery store I frequent.
The snowball begins…
Thank you Adam . . . here’s to a boulder size snowball my friend!
Brilliant this idea takes the drop of water ripple effect, I’d be willing to bet, Worldwide. I am alone in my state and am Skyped in to sales meetings but I am going to post this on my company group page as well as tweet it and forward it to my Regional Manager and District manager.
Thank you Elizabeth . . . Let the ripples begin!
Have a fantastic day!
I stopped, I read and I thought……Thank you for making me do all 3. Now what can I put into action? I will contact my Women In Business Group and request that the November meeting (or Dec if I am too late), be a canned meeting…Keep ’em coming….
Thank you so much for helping us spread the word!
Yeah dog! we do the toys for tots and the pantry drive each year at a networking event. Some of the best attended and pleasing events ever. One more fine post my friend!
And thank you and your team for giving back the way you already do.
Thanks Patrick . . . I always appreciate you stopping by my friend!
dammmm you Paul! Every time I make a promise to myself to not be deeply moved by something you share, you whup ass on my best intentions. Your generosity of spirit is truly a blessing, bucko, and it is we humble sales supplicants who are blessed to ‘know’ you and your big ole heart.
Coming as it does, betwixt the Canadian Thanksgiving the the US Thanksgiving, and given that many of your minions are in Norte America, well it’s just a beautiful idea my brother, and I salute your damnably fine soul for this gem.
Great Idea Paul
Thanks Greg!
Love it- thanks for you ideas, your enthusiasm, your willingness to share both ideas & enthusiasm.. & quite simply – your passion… it’s contagious.. and that’s a GREAT thing! 🙂 Have a great day!
And thank you for the kind words and your support!
Have a wonderful day!
Done and done! Thanks for this terrific idea!
Thank you 🙂
As mentioned on your SalesPlaybook site, you hit it out of the park again Paul!
A great way to help your friend and since you experienced that same thing you know exactly how he feels! Way to go Paul!
Cheers,
Larry
Just dropped off two large boxes of canned items to the local food bank here in Denver yesterday and $50.00 cash.
Your Rock Uncle Paul Brilliant idea!