The Pierce Marrs Show

You do not have to be a sports fan or from Tennessee to have heard of Pat Summitt, thirty-eight year head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. My pastor, Tom McCoy, mentioned Pat’s retirement and some facts about her journey from a rural Tennessee farm to the winningest Division 1 Basketball Coach of all time, men or women.

In 1974, Pat was paid $250.00 per month, washed the uniforms and drove the team van beginning a thirty-eight season winning streak with a record of 1098 wins and 208 losses. She has won eight NCAA Championships, surpassed only by the ten titles won by UCLA coach, John Wooden.

Who could possibly qualify or desire to follow this kind of legacy? Holly Warlick.

“This is what I do,” said Warlick. “I’m a basketball coach, and I’ve been it all my life. I’ve learned from the best, so I don’t see it as I’m following a legend. I’m following a mentor who’s prepared me for this opportunity and it happens to be at the University of Tennessee. Very honored, privileged, and I’m ready to go to work.”

A mentee is defined as a person who is being guided by a mentor. After playing for Summitt as a walk on in 1976 and becoming a three-time All American, Warlick returned to coach under Pat for the past twenty-seven years. I believe Holly is prepared.

This mentor/mentee relationship is very personal to me since I found myself on my own after my parents divorce prior to my sixteenth birthday. Fortunately, God placed a long line of people in my path to guide me and I feel blessed to have had the eyes to recognize them.

My good friend Deb Ingino wrote in a recent blog that to be an effective leader, you must create your own “dream team.” Every leader must be smart enough to know that they cannot do it alone. Deb says your team should consist of four types of people, Teachers, Encouragers, Allies and Mentee’s.

Leadership is influence. Leaders who mentor potential leaders multiply their effectiveness. There is no success without a successor.” ~ John Maxwell

Are you a mentee? If not, you should be. If you are, then pass it on. The mentors in my life have made all the difference.

Have a great week!

Pierce

You can learn more about leadership from Deb Ingino by going to StrengthLeaderMentor.com.

Pierce Marrs and Steve Hayes recap the episode that aired April 13th, 2012. Sharks Barbara, Kevin, Damon, Mark and Robert review  “Blondie’s Cookies”, “View Sport”, “Sullivan Generators” and a first…James Martin with “Copa di Vino” is the first contestant to make a second trip on to the Shark Tank.

You can contact Pierce and Steve or comment on the show at MarrsCoaching.com. Call and leave a question or audio feedback at 615-59-COACH or 615-592-6224.

You can contact Pierce and Steve or comment on the show at MarrsCoaching.com. Call and leave a question or audio feedback at 615-59-COACH or 615-592-6224.

If you have a business you would like to pitch to the sharks, ABC is casting for Season 4. Click here to see the details.

Shark Tank Fan Podcast, Season 3 Episode 10. Pierce Marrs and Steve Hayes recap the episode that aired March 23rd, 2012. Barbara, Kevin, Damon, Mark and Robert  review the “The Ave”, “Barkems”, “Brewer’s Cow Ice Cream”, “Go Go Gear”and an Update on “Ride On Carry On”.

You can contact Pierce and Steve or comment on the show at MarrsCoaching.com. Call and leave a question or audio feedback at 615-59-COACH or 615-592-6224.

If you have a business you would like to pitch to the sharks, ABC is casting for Season 4. Click here to see the details.

There are several steps to a successful sales process. The first and last steps of this process may be more feared than any other. The first time you reach out to a new prospect or the “cold call”, and the “close” or gaining commitment.

I make many comparisons to building personal relationships when developing your sales process. Cold calling should be no different. When we meet anyone for the first time, whether personal or business, seldom do we ask for a large commitment from them when they hardly know us. If we do, the stress and tension may cause the other person to want to run in the other direction.

Why are we surprised at the prospect’s rejection when we hit them with our memorized “sales pitch” before we take the time to get to know them or their needs? Are you drawing people to you or repelling them? The first step to a successful relationship building process is to build trust and rapport.

People are very busy and the last thing they want is a salesperson calling or interrupting their day, however, they may need what you have. How will you get them to listen? Here are just a few tips to get you started:

• Remember, the objective of the cold call is to get you an appointment. Nothing else. This is not the time to tell them all about your product or service.
• Attitude is King! On the phone or in person. Look and feel up. Look in a mirror while you are making phone calls to make sure you a conveying the proper attitude.
• Consider sending an introductory letter or some type of promotional product to introduce yourself. This will give you a point of reference when you schedule the appointment.
• When you ask for the appointment, be specific. Ask them if Tuesday at 2:00 or Thursday at 10:00 would be better?
• Respect their time and be brief. Earn any extra time they give you.

*Bonus tip: The person at the front desk is one of the most important people in the company and can determine if you get to see your prospect or not. Do not take them for granted.

Fear of rejection is the major reason people avoid this part of the process. Be friendly and keep the best interest of your client in mind to overcome this fear. Also, set clear goals to keep you motivated and understand that consistence and persistence is your friend.

Depending on your personality style, you may see cold calling as a competitive challenge or it may scare you to death. Regardless, you must find a cold calling style that fits your personality. Breaking the ice and connecting to new people is a vital part of a Relationship Sales Process.

Have a great week!

Pierce

Shark Tank Fan Podcast, Season 3 Episode 9. Pierce Marrs and Steve Hayes recap the episode that aired March 16th, 2012. Guest Shark, Barbara is back and joins Kevin, Damon, Mark and Robert where they review the “Tower Paddle Boards”, “Instantlifts”, “Vinamor”, “Miso Media” and an Update on “Readerest”.

If you have a business you would like to pitch to the sharks, ABC is casting for Season 4. Click here to see the details.

Have you given much thought to what it takes to be happy? I feel this an appropriate topic since most all of us have the desire to be happy. I say most of us because I have met numerous people who have chosen misery as their desired state of mind.

I am sure you have heard the saying, “Material things do not make you happy.” I agree and add, being poor does not make you happy either. I have met some miserable wealthy people and some very happy people who have few material possessions.

Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary defines Happiness as a state of well-being and contentment. So the question should be, how do we attain well-being and contentment?

I listened to Chris LoCurto interview Jenn Lim on the Dave Ramsey Entreleadership Podcast. Jenn is the CEO & Chief Happiness Officer of Delivering Happiness, creator of the book Culture and Consultant at Zappos. Jenn stated in the interview that happiness is subjective and different for everyone.

I also listened as Roy H. Williams discussed Richard Exley’s recipe for happiness on his Monday Morning Memo. Jenn and Richard have similarities in their thoughts on this topic so I have combined them here:

1. Commit to a cause greater than yourself, a higher purpose with a clear vision.
2. Have passion and be true to yourself.
3. Value people rather than things. Develop relationships and connectedness.
4. Give thanks for what you have instead of complaining about what you don’t have.
5. Have a sense of progress, continue to learn and grow.
6. Celebrate the ordinary and find joy in life’s daily pleasures.

Sometimes people confuse pleasure with happiness. Jenn describes this as temporary and will not last. I mentioned earlier that I have met many people who have chosen misery. I believe it is a choice and you can choose to be happy. I also believe many people have the misconception that someone else can make them happy. Happiness comes from within.

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be ~Abraham Lincoln

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live ~ Ecclesiastes 3:12

What would you add to this list? Comment below to tell me how you attain happiness.

Have a happy week!

Pierce

Shark Tank Fan Podcast, Season 3 Episode 8. Pierce Marrs and Steve Hayes recap the episode that aired March 9th, 2012. Guest Shark, Barbara is back and joins Kevin, Damon, Mark and Robert where they review the “The Profender”, “Nardo’s Natural”, “Rent-A-Grandma”, “Litter” and an Update on “Pork Barrel BBQ”.