Whatever You Choose, Be Memorable!

Credit: Peggy Gillespie

"Be memorable. Be so good they can't ignore you. Make an impression that keeps your name at the surface."

This advice was shared with me early in my career by a company owner on a recruiting call. I declined the offer and many more like it (from the same guy) for 16 years. I liked what I was doing.

Eventually I wound up working for him. It was the best career move of my life. Every opportunity that has come my way, since, was put in motion by working for Buddy Towery.

Buddy practiced what he preached. His plant, his equipment, the restrooms, popcorn in the viewing room, cartons and invoices were perfect. Everything he did said the same thing. "We know what we're doing and you're going to love our work." If you saw his plant...you remembered it.

Buddy didn't apologize for price. He was clear. "We can't deliver top shelf work without investing in top shelf people and materials. Those things cost money." This mantra only helped sales. It made our numbers bigger. It made them grow.

I like that. I like being memorable. I like being someone the market can't ignore.

I don't like apologizing for what things rightfully cost. I don't like apologizing for insisting on being profitable. I refused to work with clients that expected this when I was selling and it paid huge dividends. The people with the most money want the best stuff anyway.

So BE MEMORABLE!

If you've done your market research you know the prospect you're calling needs your stuff. Offer it to them. Ask to demonstrate your value. Be memorable...not apologetic for a price.

If you're wondering about the robe...it isn't mine. It was provided by a hotel I was staying in blocks from Capitol Hill. I'm not sure I understand everything I know about that either. It's Washington D.C.

I was awakened at 3:00 am by giggling and shrieking women. It was so loud and went on so long I had to cross the hall and ask them to calm down. I'm betting they won't forget me.