Terri Dunevant

The Solution Called “Me”

Terri — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:38:06 +0000

There is only one you. I understand that if our DNA strand was to be strung from here to the sun, it could be done so 400 times! And that DNA strand is different for each one of us! I believe we are each created for a specific purpose and each of us has a gift that only we can give – the gift of “me” or “you”. If we decide not to do something we feel called to do, we are depriving others of that gift.

As a part of my reinvention and aligning personal and professional mission statements, I can apply my belief of unique creation to my work in sales, and even more specifically to cold calling. I call other businesses not only to offer them solutions to business issues, but also to offer them the gift of working with me.

If we let the fear of cold-calling keep us from starting a new pipeline, then we are depriving those whom we would start new business with of the gift of working with a unique “us”. Yes, they may enjoy a product or service from someone else, but will they enjoy it as quickly, with as much honesty, integrity, and friendliness by having to wait for another representative?

Choosing Your Own Advisory Board

Terri — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:54:38 +0000

Can you think of a time when your very own “Advisory Board” wouldn’t have been a handy tool to have? Especially when you are reinventing your business or yourself, you need the motivation, feedback and accountability of others; not just random others, but a carefully composed group of about five. Unlike today’s business headline about the folly of allowing Apotheker to play a direct role in choosing his own board members, I suggest you appoint all the members of your group. Make sure however that you avoid appointing old “cronies,” as close allies have only a little more value than a mirror. Here are some qualities to look for when considering members for your personal advisory board:

Experience in areas where you are weak
Opposite quadrant of personality chart
Do business with same target market, but offer different service/product
Sell the same thing as you do, but to a different market

You know you’re on the right track when after a meeting, some of the feedback was annoying, yet you are still motivated to go forward and have the resources to do so. Doesn’t it seem completely logical that someone trusted to be the CEO of a company should be trusted to make a few sound recommendations for their board?

“Don’t Tell Me I HAD A Choice!”

Terri — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:12:09 +0000

Have you ever felt like you followed the difficult road and the only support you received was the comment “Well, it was your choice; you didn’t have to do it!”? If you’re like me, a strong personal mission statement supported by knowing who you are and what guides your values often makes your decisions “no-brainers”. It doesn’t make sense to me when people judge me and my husband for having adopted 3 small children in our late 40’s (negatively or positively); they were relatives that needed a home, we had room. Was adjustment going to be tough? Yes, more than any idealist could imagine. Was this the kind of decision we could go back and change? No, it would’ve been as ridiculous as sending one of our natural children back to the womb. Our choice was in how to move forward; and boy has it been well worth it in blessings!

I anticipate that those laid off from Bank of America recently will be able to take advantage of being forced to reinvent themselves, being placed in a position where the only choice is to take their next step. I hope there is little regret for being where they are today and that all of us around them focus on ways to encourage them during this adjustment period. I know it will be well worth it.

Success is Exhausting

Terri — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:35:28 +0000

As I recall 9/11/01, after my prayers, what next comes to mind is the strength we show as Americans from that point. Defeat has never been in our vocabulary, only how we would reinvent. We may experience a lull time, a mourning, a “catch our breath” moment; because we know that reinvention will be successful, and exhausting. Over my entrepreneurial years, I have learned that I will eventually prevail, that any temporary failures are only parts of an ultimate success. This lesson is so ingrained that I’m very careful as to what I put out there as a goal and I’m hesitant to start the journey. Is this the same thing as “fear of success?” I don’t think so, success is awesome! But contemplating what we want to do next, dreaming about what that next step will be, without the commitment to specific direction yet – that’s not exhausting, that feels cozy and safe. This “down time” is a vital segue however to reinvention. So give yourself the time to dream and recharge, then follow the American Spirit and rise to the journey…

“No Thanks, I’m Good”

Terri — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:00:57 +0000

On discussing the topic of reinvention, a friend of mine told me he was quite happy with the way he was and didn’t see how making any changes to his outlook, procedures or looks could make any difference. To quote Andrea Sittig-Rolf in her overcoming objections techniques, “That’s exactly why we need to talk!” If you have never experienced the exhilarating effects that reinventing yourself have on your confidence, on those around you, including your family, then you haven’t tried one of the best drugs in the world!

It’s no wonder customers think I’m high all the time as I enjoy watching others learn the process as much as indulging myself. When you upgrade your outlook, others ask you what has changed about you. When you improve your procedures, people take notice and want to be around you more. When you complete your reinvention with just a touch of a new style, you actually encourage and motivate not only those close to you, but also associates, clients and prospects in business to want to learn from you as model progressiveness.

Why Reinvent?

Terri — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:20:27 +0000

When watching the Chick-fil-A Leadercast this past May, I took to heart the advice of Head Coach of the Texas Longhorns, 2009 Big 12 Coach of the Year, Mack Brown. He said that you needed to reinvent yourself every year; just because you’re the best one year doesn’t mean you have all the answers for the next year. It immediately made me think that if I was still working on perfecting a goal I set a couple of years ago, there’s a possibility, that goal needed to be completely revamped!

But I’ve achieved some pretty major sales goals recently; surely I shouldn’t stray too far from the formula at this point?

According to Mack, you shouldn’t stray from the winning attitude, hard work ethic, and persistence, however…. if you don’t change your formula, everyone will know what to expect from you and be able to beat you! Now my understanding of football is limited to being an NFL cheerleader from way back, but I do get it; the competition knows your famous plays from last year and can either copy them or come up with ways to beat them. To stay “the best”, you must be innovative and reinvent you and or your team while maintaining all the spirit that makes you who you are.