Recession? No problem!

It is common for negativity to be the dark cloud when discussing sales, whether in good times or bad. A pessimistic outlook can remove us from the game altogether. To thrive in undesirable market conditions, adopt a winning mindset. We will look at some strategies and tactics that you can employ to sell to buyers during a recession. By staying positive, connecting with new prospects, and prioritizing customer service, we do find potential upsides.

1. Embrace the Winning Mindset:

Regardless of the economic climate, there are always buyers. That money is out there. Acknowledge that there is a real potential for sales, and you position yourself for success. Instead of dwelling on negative assumptions (a loser’s mentality, and frankly, the coward’s way out), focus on your role as a sales professional. You’re the expert that guides customers towards products and services that can overcome their challenges. Again, remember that someone is always buying.

2. Elevate the Game:

Expand your knowledge of market conditions and understand the clients’ industries. The effects are felt by everyone, not just you. By staying informed, you can also educate customers about market trends and valuable resources they need. Not only do you build trust doing this, but you’re in a better place to find unique solutions to address needs.

3. Serve Your Customers:

Customers rely on sales professionals to offer solutions that will help their business thrive. How you can best serve your customers and help them stay in the game? Focusing on their needs and challenges! You must be their trusted partner. Build strong relationships that will last beyond the difficult times. Your communication now leads to valuable insights into their situation. Simple questions like “What do you need?” and “How can I help you?” achieve more than you might realize.

4. Uncovering Opportunities:

With all the problems, the tough times can still bring different opportunities. Sales professionals can uncover a silver lining within economic uncertainty. Look for ways to connect with new buyers and maintain a keep your focus on helping clients. Resilience and adaptability can identify potential avenues for growth.

Selling in a recession requires a positive attitude, a winning mindset, proactive strategies, and a customer-centered approach. Instead of giving in to negativity, we all must remember that buyers are always present. Names and places change, and these principles can be translated to your specific industry or life situation.

Keep your head in the game, stay informed, and focus on customer needs and do not neglect your own well-being. We can navigate the downsides and still seek out and allow future growth. Recessions (and life in general) will pose challenges, but with correct planning and a positive outlook, we can overcome them and we will be stronger on the other side.

Why am I not motivated? 7 Things to Consider

We’ve all know the feeling. We’ve all been there, and or we’re there right now. Once we may have been fully committed to our mission or purpose, and now we feel lazy, angry or apathetic. Whatever the case, things aren’t getting done. What happened?

This is way too-common. We hinder our progress even though we want to reach our full potential. Let’s look at some causes of this loss of motivation, specifically seven factors that lead to it. Understand these and address them accordingly.

1. Lack of Clear Goals, or None at all

Without clear and meaningful goals, you’re going nowhere fast. It’s challenging sometimes to discover purpose and direction, let alone act upon it an practice it daily, so some can get discouraged and a loss of motivation develops. Start thinking of specific, measurable, actionable, and time frames while navigating the dark waters. Goals provide a roadmap for our lives. When you’re in the no-motivation zone, set a small goal, and get it done! You can do it! It won’t seem like much, but it puts you on a better trajectory, and those little victories do add up.

2. Burnout and Overwhelm

You can’t overwork yourself in things that aren’t getting you ahead. Long hours put in just to make more money is not a long term solution. Quite the opposite. We need to work more out of necessity sometimes, yes. However, you are your first priority. Not your loved ones. Not your boss. You. We are all the same when it comes to this. We’re all using that weird thing between our ears trying to figure out this crazy place called Earth, so it is every individual’s responsibility to keep themselves in good health, proper finances and a positive attitude. Take time to relax, regroup and reorganize. Take care of yourself by setting boundaries and pursuing activities that replenish your energy. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Monotony and Routine, Day after Day

Consistency is important in whatever you’re doing, but repetitive tasks and busy work can negatively impact you. Our minds crave new challenges and stimulation. Rework these things in the mindset of discipline. If it’s not necessary, should you be putting in the effort? All that repetition gets boring. Introduce variety where you can. Seek out new experiences, and be creative creativity in your routines. Ask questions. Learn something. Every day is a gift. Use it.

4. Negative Environment

If your environment doesn’t support you or is toxic, whether at work or at home, your motivation suffers. Now, not everything about that is within your control. However, if you’re not willing to fix it (or just walk away), you will continually be drained and discouraged. Avoid the negative people or get rid of them! Replace bad habits with good ones. Learn about handling difficult people. Remove yourself from your emotions and perhaps there’s actually some validity or moral purpose in their horrible tone or behavior. How do you treat others? Who do you actually spend time with? Who is better skilled at encouraging you to achieve your dreams? Who are you versus who you want to (and should) be? You must learn to distinguish these and similar concepts, because everyone has come from a hard place. Those hard places just look different to you.

5. Fear of Failure

The fear of failure does not exist. You read that right. You fear the pain. If you cannot face the pain, you do not deserve the joy. Success is measured in achievement, which means sacrifice, loss and pain. What matters is whether you got back up and tried again.

Don’t let fear paralyze you. It’s a lot easier to take the hit than to keep trying to avoid it. Taking risks and pursuing our goals takes courage. Motivation doesn’t appear out of thin air because it disappears just as quickly. Discipline yourself into a growth mindset. Your failures are where you learn the most important lessons.

You will do better on the next attempt, because you chose to do it just one more time. One more day. One more rejection. Eventually, that pain is gone like it never existed. Look back on your failures and really examine if you won in a different way. Celebrate that progress!

6. Lack of Progress or Results

We want tangible results and positive outcomes from our efforts. When we don’t see the results we want, such as a realistic example of what we would consider a success, we don’t see a meaning to it, it seems like nothing and we struggle with our own existence. Break out of the big picture and snapshot your goals. That means smaller chunks, or better said, build molehills before the mountain. Track your progress by removing what didn’t work, and celebrate small victories along the way. Turn that fear into fuel.

7. External Influences and Distractions

It’s almost impossible to get peace and quiet. Distractions everywhere. Mindless conversations. Music you don’t actually listen to while ads are trying to get your attention. Social media posts that make you angry? Choose to ignore rather than engage. Put your energy into something useful.

Motivation is a myth. Discipline, consistency and choosing to just keep going will get you through. We all face failure, but eventually it’s nothing. You must grow within the difficulty, whether the loss was truly devastating or mostly insignificant.

Start identifying any unclear goals, and revise how you’re approaching them. Take your time figuring this out, and don’t get caught up in things you don’t actually care about. Your time is valuable, so use it properly. Day to day, intentionally do what will reclaim your self worth. The small steps lead to a better journey.

If you’re wanting motivation, it’s a zero sum game. Discipline is its own infinite resource. Like a flame, you need constant nourishment. Feed the dream, not the fear. Address where you must improve and simply do it. Don’t give up. We’re all in this together.

Become a Negotiation Ninja! 7 Rules for Scoring the Best Price

Negotiation skills are a must for sales professionals (or anyone!) seeking to get the best price for their products or services. When kicking off a negotiation, these seven rules will help you stay strong and improve your chances of a successful close.

Rule 1: Start with a Bang

Launch your negotiation with a powerful and assertive first offer. Set a high starting point to establish the tone. This gives you buffer room for objections and concessions without compromising the desired outcome.

Rule 2: The Power of Precision

When presenting your offer, be precise with your numbers (for example, $19,575 instead of rounding down to $19,500). Precise figures make it less likely for your offer to be countered, giving the impression of careful calculation. This can sway the perception of value and increase the chances of your offer being accepted.

Rule 3: Keep Reasons to Yourself

Usually, it’s best to avoid providing justifications for the price. Justifications can lead to counterarguments or negotiations based on the reasons you’ve shared. Let’s be realistic. Customers know you have your own expenses in the business and you have to get paid for your work. They don’t really care about that, because they deal with their own, too. If you have an unbeatable reasoning that can’t be argued against, present it strategically and with care. It should strengthen your position, not weaken it.

Rule 4: Stay Cool, Calm, and Collected

During negotiations, maintain your composure and don’t let the other party’s reactions throw you off. (Too many people loathe or even fear working with customers. Seriously, the prospect cannot hurt you! Remember that, and you’re halfway home.) Whether they seem shocked or indifferent, avoid showing any signs of wavering confidence. Staying calm, and you solidify your position in the negotiation.

Rule 5: No Quick Concessions

When the other party reacts negatively to your initial offer, do not immediately sweeten the deal. Conceding to demands too soon only lowers your credibility, diminishes your leverage and displays weakness to the customer. Instead, let your prospect express their concerns before considering any adjustments to your proposal.

Rule 6: Embrace the Power of “No” (or, Always be willing to walk away!)

Maintain your stance by confidently saying “no” and be prepared to walk away if necessary. Understand your limits and display you aren’t desperate for the sale. This leads you to negotiate from a position of strength, and the outcome is more likely to be in your favor.

Rule 7: Give and Take

In the cases where you must make concessions, guarantee that you receive something in return. A concession-for-concession approach (you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours, if you will) maintains balance and prevents you from giving away more than necessary.

Becoming a negotiation ninja is essential for sales professionals aiming to secure the best prices for their products or services. These seven rules are vital if you want to master your negotiation skills, increase your sales, or come to the right agreement in any situation. Negotiation is a dynamic process. Continue learning and refine your techniques every day. Your future success starts now!

Seven Rules of the Successful Salesperson

So you want to be a successful salesperson? It requires skill, knowledge, and the right mindset. Whether seasoned professional or beginner, following these seven simple rules and you become one of the best!

1. Master Your Product/Service

You must have know your product or service inside and out. Take the time to learn its features, benefits, and applications. You should quite literally be your own best customer. Learn it, use it, and demonstrate it. Genuine confidence in your product will impress potential clients.

2. Profile Your Client

Identify your ideal client, because it is crucial for maximizing your sales. Invest time in understanding your market, their needs and expectations. Tailor your approach, messages, and solutions to reach the right people. Remember, not all clients are a good fit, but sales is all about people, not money. If you can’t help them, find someone who can. You don’t lose a customer. You gain a future one.

3. Process, Procedure, Repeat

Implementing a basic sales process can significantly improve your performance. Develop an approach that guides you through the various stages of the sale from the prospecting stage to the close. The process will be more complex depending on what you sell, and the process itself should allow for flexibility and buffer room for anything that comes up.

4. The “Perfect” Pitch (doesn’t exist)

Craft a persuasive sales presentation, but don’t expect it to be fool proof. There is no “cookie cutter” method, because every client is unique. Your pitch must effectively communicate value and benefits (possibly even the shortcomings), ideally leading the client to make the right choice. Honesty is the key here. Address the specific objections (pain points) and goals of the client, demonstrating how you can meet their need and solves the problem. By the way, drop any high pressure tactics. You only back yourself into a corner and lose respect. You might be able to make someone uncomfortable enough to move them to buy, but it’s possible they will associate that negative feeling with you or the company.

5. Advance the Sale

It’s common for objections and delays to occur. Always keeps the sale moving forward, even if that means a strategic retreat. Be proactive in addressing those concerns, provide additional information, and answer questions promptly. Listen more than you speak, and never interrupt. However, don’t be afraid to ask for the order. That’s how you get one! A direct, confident and honest request works well. Otherwise, it’s just a conversation. Practice empathy, not sympathy. Empathy brings you to their level, and they will know you’re helping them and not just trying to get paid.

6. Value, Not Price

Instead of solely focusing on price, express the unique value your product or service offers. Show the benefits and outcomes your clients want, and demonstrate the value in terms of efficiency, cost savings, or better results. Although, it is possible your price is too high. If you’re more costly than a competitor, you have to be the best option available. One thing to consider is that if you wouldn’t pay double for what you offer, why should the customer pay you anything? Pricing is sometimes determined by an individual or department that doesn’t actually sell it. If that’s the case at your company, you may not be in the right one.

7. Self-Regulation

Managing your time and mindset is crucial for top performance not only as a salesperson, but in all of life. Time is more valuable than money. Stay organized, set clear goals, and adopt time management and productivity strategies. Embrace setbacks and rejections as learning experiences. The worst sales calls become your best stories! By expecting (and accepting) the challenges, you can keep your motivation and maintain your discipline.

By mastering your product, understanding your clients, following a structured (but flexible) process, delivering great presentations, advancing the sale, demonstrating value, and properly managing your time and mindset, you can elevate your sales career to heights you never believed possible. Implement these seven rules, and you’ll be on your way to becoming the best you can be!

Top Ten Customer Concerns During the Sale

Customers often have valid questions and concerns that deserve answers. By providing comprehensive information and reassurance, we can assist customers in making well-informed decisions with confidence. Let’s dive in.

1. Suitability for Individual Needs: Customers often wonder if the product will meet their specific requirements, especially when testimonials showcase different perspectives. Testimonials only do so much, however. I personally don’t want an abundance of other people’s experiences clouding my judgment. I read them, yes, but it’s not my story. Only when these testimonials match what the seller claims do I really pay attention. (By the way, don’t pay people to review your product or service if they haven’t used it. Your best bet is real, organic feedback.)
2. Evaluating the Right Choice: Multiple vendors offer similar products, so customers question which product is best. Encourage them to research and explore different options, comparing features, benefits, and pricing, even if the right option is a competitor. That’s right. It’s not a popular opinion, but who do you think they eventually come back to when you look out for their interests? You know the answer.
3. Hidden Costs and Upsells: Nobody wants to pay more than the posted price. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable, yes. Concerns about undisclosed expenses or necessary add-ons are certainly valid. Address these concerns by providing transparent information about any additional or future (ongoing) costs.. Your goal is to ensure customers have a clear understanding of the full investment.
4. Financial Feasibility: Can I afford it? Every customer is asking themselves this, and so are you when you buy something. Understanding the product’s value is essential, but customers also need to evaluate their financial capabilities. Is it priced right? Does the competitor give essentially the same thing at a more reasonable rate? Did you discuss payment plans? There is a whole world for salespeople dealing with the “best (or lowest) price possible” customers. I believe the salesperson would be willing to pay what they’re asking for if they were the customer. If you think you’re over-priced, you probably are. Customers can see right through that.
5. Ensuring Product Reliability: Customers worry about buying things that fail to meet expectations. Everyone has made a bad purchase at some point, and it’s never fun. We must ensure a hassle-free experience and promptly address any concerns customers may encounter. Poor customer service will come back to haunt you (and so will poor treatment of employees!). The customer pays your salary. If they leave because they weren’t satisfied, that’s on you, and at that point you don’t deserve their business. People never forget how someone made them feel.
6. Managing Others’ Opinions: The opinions of friends, family, and peers can influence a customer’s decision-making process. Encourage customers to trust their judgment and consider their needs when evaluating a product. Don’t make the sale more complicated. It’s a good idea to address objections before they arise, however the risk in this is you could be creating a problem that didn’t exist before. Stick to the problem at hand and solve it!
7. Trust and Legitimacy: Customers seek assurance about a company’s credibility and legitimacy. We can build trust by establishing a transparent and reliable reputation. They have so many ways to find what they’re looking for. Whether you’re in person or online, they’ll likely be looking up your company before you ever hear from them. Obviously, you need to stand out in a good way. One bad report (testimonial, news story, rumor) can follow a company for years, and they will associate that with individual employees. Keep your business ethical and keep improving. The public will thank you with more sales.
8. Compatibility and Features: Customers often have concerns about product compatibility with their specific operating systems or desired features. We provide detailed information about system requirements and product capabilities, ensuring customers can determine if the product meets their technical specifications. One example is Mac vs. PC. In general, software is programmed for one or the other, so be careful not to sell the wrong thing. The sale isn’t really over until the product or service is used and the buyer is satisfied. A simple misunderstanding about compatibility or a feature can derail the entire purchase. Depending on size or severity, you could lose the customer, and they will tell as many people as possible about that.
9. Time Commitment: Time is more valuable than money. Customers want to ensure their investment is worthwhile. Provide accurate estimations of the time required to use the product effectively, and encourage them to take advantages of all services available to them. This is the old “more bang for your buck” concept. How often is a simple process overlooked because no one told them (or you for that matter)? You could be spending too much time not selling and just doing busy work. (I could talk forever about that. The average “sales associate” doesn’t know much about selling. It’s often just a title.) Your job is people, not profit. Making money is a byproduct of helping someone else. Time spent addressing customers’ interests is never wasted.
10. User-Friendliness and Support: Some customers are new to a your product or industry. Offer comprehensive training resources such as detailed guides, video tutorials, and dedicated customer support. Most importantly, answer their questions or find someone who can. The goal is to empower customers to navigate the product with ease. If you do this part right, they’re almost guaranteed to be back.

The Flawed Logic of Comparing Financial Resources

When it comes to financial resources, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We may look at someone who has more money than us and think that they must be the lucky ones, or maybe they did something illegal or unethical. More likely, though, they have worked harder for what they have. After all, who really wants to buy from a crook?

That said, they have no more and no less worth as a person than anyone else. However, those comparisons are flawed on several levels and can be detrimental to our own financial well-being, not to mention our overall life experience. I’ve been there. Negativity bleeds into everything. Let’s be positive!

First of all, the amount of money someone has does not necessarily reflect their work ethic or worth as a person. It’s possible for someone to inherit a large sum of money without putting in any effort or to work hard and still struggle financially. Comparing ourselves to others based on financial resources alone is an incomplete and inaccurate measure of success.

All that can lead to feelings of jealousy, envy, and inadequacy. We become fixated (sometimes obsessed) on what others have and what we lack. This is demotivating, destructive and hinders progress towards financial independence. Focus on your own financial goals and what you need to do to achieve them.

Comparing ourselves to others ignores the unique circumstances that shape our financial journeys. Each of us has our own strengths, weaknesses, and challenges that we must navigate on our path to financial success. What works for one person may not work for another, and it’s important to recognize and respect these differences.

Let’s Learn to Speed Read

Speed reading is the ability to read quickly and efficiently while still maintaining comprehension and retention of the material. Whether it be to read more quickly for work or to get through a large stack of books, many are interested in improving their speed reading abilities. While speed reading can be learned through practice and training, we must also focus on comprehension and retention. Here are some techniques to help improve your speed reading journey.

1. Eliminate Subvocalization

Subvocalization is the habit of mentally pronouncing words as you read them. This slows down your reading speed because your brain has to process each word as if you were speaking it out loud. To eliminate subvocalization, try focusing on groups of words (“chunks”) instead of individual words, and use your peripheral vision to take in the text. You can also try using a pen or your finger to guide your eyes across the text, which can help you avoid the habit of subvocalizing.

2. Use Peripheral Vision

Using peripheral vision can help you take in groups of words at a time, which can improve your reading speed. Try looking at the center of a paragraph and allowing your eyes to scan across the page without fixating on individual words. This takes practice, but in time, you can train your eyes to take in larger chunks of text.

3. Gradually Increase Reading Pace

Another thing to try is start with small increments and gradually increase your pace. For example, start with a one-minute reading session and work your way up to longer sessions. Similarly, you can start by reading shorter texts and then gradually move on to longer and more complex materials. This allows you to build up your reading speed and comprehension in a manageable way, and may also be effective if you need to memorize something.

4. Practice Regularly

“Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment.” – Zig Ziglar

Consistency is key! Set aside a dedicated time each day or week to work on your reading skills. It’s also helpful to choose a quiet and distraction free environment to practice in, as this can help you focus and stay motivated.

5. Use Speed Reading Software

There are several speed reading software programs available that can help you practice and even track your progress. These programs feature techniques such as rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) to display text (one word a time or in chunks) at a faster pace than normal reading speed. Some popular apps include Spreeder, AceReader, and 7 Speed Reading.

Remember, speed reading is not just about reading faster; it’s about reading more efficiently and effectively. By focusing on comprehension, retention, and the use of techniques such as eliminating subvocalization and using peripheral vision, you can improve your reading speed without sacrificing your understanding of the material. With practice and dedication, you can become a more efficient and effective reader!

You Might Disagree, but That’s OK

I don’t like the word “entrepreneur”. I get what it means and what it implies. That concept is fine. However, using a term like that comes with a certain level of expectation. Think about this: if one million people are calling themselves “entrepreneurs”, it is not really exaggerating to say that at least 90% of them are broke (as far as profit and income from said business).

I suppose by definition that I am an entrepreneur. I work on my own business ventures, but it’s not in the traditional sense of the word. As a (currently independent) author and recording artist, I must take the initiative in promoting my own work.

Actually, this sort of begs the question of what the opposite of an independent artist is. I mean, if you’re a big name professional celebrity or whatever, you’re not “independent” anymore. Even if you did the work, went through the rejections and haters, clawed your way out of the trenches and made a smash hit, what exactly did you become?

This is one form of entrepreneurship (ironically, I’m OK with that word), and producing entertainment is hard work any way you look at it. In reality though, I don’t want to graduate to the point of being a “dependent” artist, if you will. I want all the rights full control of my content and releases. It is my intellectual property, and I’m dang proud of it!

Back to the dirty e-word, it seems too easy to call yourself that, especially if you haven’t actually built up something. Anything at all. In fact, if you don’t have a “real job” while you’re on your personal grind, I question just how good your own “business” is (or could be).

NOTE: I will excuse those with disabilities/illness/etc., of course. There are numerous options for selling products from home or a work-from-home job. I’m speaking to those who are so convinced they’re all that and everyone should know it, but they have nothing to show for it. That’s just pride.

Pride is bad. Being proud of something is fine. I can personally say that it’s a bad idea to not work. Swallow that pride and get to work. This had to be told to me, and I didn’t like it, because it was true. This isn’t to say give up on whatever you’re trying to do. If you’ve got a product, song or something else, SELL and PROMOTE IT, however you can, no matter your situation.

In my book Selling to the Worst Customers, I tell about a personal experience of being a bad customer myself. As they say, it takes one to know one. I was crawling through those trenches for quite awhile, and that day, it came to a head.

The person in question was a self-proclaimed “entrepreneur”. I can appreciate what he was doing, and he had actually built up a real company and had clients. Wonderful. So far so good. Once he said the e-word, I could only see him as a giant question mark. I need more information than that.

Obviously, no one should be forced to go over all the paperwork and intricate details of their business with anyone (other than what the law requires). I didn’t expect that, but I wasn’t convinced by a stream of promises without any indication that it will work for me. Nor was there any guarantee it would.

I’m a business minded sales person. For that reason, I cannot be only about the money, nor should anyone else, regardless of what you’ve heard. Money is simply a medium of exchange, only as good as the person using it. That’s reality.

Without people, there is no business and there are no sales. That’s a fact. The billionaire is just as valuable as the homeless person. Whether we can serve either is a different question. We are all the same.

That portion of the book was difficult to write, because it was a very bad experience. I can look back and will be quick to admit my own mistakes that day. I cannot, and will not, excuse one of the employees for hanging up on me on another day. The same goes for a personal letter I wrote to the business owner that was never responded to.

I get it. I can be a difficult person. I work on that everyday. One thing I can say is that I felt like I was being backed into a corner and pressured beyond what I could handle. If that’s what they think sales is supposed to be like, they really need to get out of the business.

Paraphrasing the great Maya Angelou, people forget what you say, but they never forget how you made them feel. Seriously, people. Watch what you say, and more importantly, LISTEN. I was interrupted several times. I was hung up on. I was not responded to. Years later, it still makes me cringe.

I cannot confirm it, but I was probably being profiled by the way I looked and was dressed. No, that was not “qualifying” me. There’s a difference, and even then, your eyes can lie to you.

“Walk up and qualify!” – Victor Antonio

There’s more to be said, but for now, you really ought to get my book and read about it. I hope that company does.

Selling to the Worst Customers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTCMCWLM

Treat People Right

I don’t like to get political, so I’ll keep this as tame as I can. A transgendered coworker was being improperly treated today. I didn’t witness it myself, but if I had, my own job may be been in jeopardy, because bullying is unacceptable in the workplace.

To be told to simply “let it go” doesn’t solve what’s really going on. That only acerbates the problem. In other words, it’s letting the offender off the hook. Had I been there to see it, I would have politely (and firmly) told the customer not to come back.

It’s not even a sympathetic thing on my part, although I am sympathetic to the LGBTQIA+ community. I can’t say I understand it exactly, but that’s the point. We don’t know what it’s like until we have been in someone else’s position.

I do completely understand being misunderstood by peers, confusion about identity, wanting respect and so forth. We all can relate to that regardless of age, who we’re attracted to, what’s between our legs, or whatever pronouns one decides to use.

That said, if someone has a preference to pronouns, respect the individual. It’s not that hard. It’s not really worth it or useful to debate this point. What I will say is that words like “sir” and “ma’am” really need to be phased out.

Being called “sir” really bothered my coworker. After all, she is a consenting adult and identifies how she does for her own reasons. It’s not for me to decide, nor is it for anyone else.

(I do not support any government mandates regarding pronouns. That should be based on an individuals’ preference and not forced on anyone to use it. “Convince someone against their will, they’re of the same opinion still.” To be honest, this is why some people are anti- whatever, simply because of how the opposition presents their case.)

I don’t even like being called “sir”, and I only use it and tolerate it for professional reasons. Pay close attention:

“Sir” – short for “sire”, “master”, “mister”

“Ma’am” – short for “madam” or “missus”

It’s paraded in a mask of respect, but it’s really archaic lip service.

When I was younger, I could not accept this, and why should I now? It’s not a “don’t call me “sir”, I work for a living” mindset. (The military has their reasoning, and respectfully, they should know better by now.)

Think about that. As a child, you may have been subjected to an upbringing or some methods that were originally used on peasants and slaves. I am no one’s property. I am no one’s victim. I am not a child. When I was younger, I should have been afforded opportunity to ask why, and they should have given me a simple answer with a discussion.

Not “because I said so”. (Although, that makes a great title for my blog!)

That is a great way to lose credibility with your children, and if you don’t believe me, you will. You’ve probably already seen it. Kids imitate. It’s that simple, and yes, you taught them that bad habit/behavior, because the parent is the most prevalent role model. They are also a counter model, as in, if you’re perceived as competition, they will intentionally do the opposite. (At that point, leave them to learn some things the hard way, because eventually, you have to).

Being told “no”, can result in the opposite being done. That’s obvious enough. So how do we create respect at home, work, school or anywhere? Set examples. Teach communication and not criticism. If you’re somehow determined to continue the archaic whip lashing, show people with your own actions how authority is supposed to behave.

Many people will come around if they have a reason why, or more accurately a “because”. It’s very unwise to follow blindly and even worse to expect it from others. Yes, I would have told that customer why, because and that’s that.

We are running a business, and we respect all free speech. Not the restriction thereof. I can tell first hand how our team’s diversity has enhanced our performance. It’s because we have a common goal–our job–and we recognize each other as equals.

There are some things I want to work with the team on regarding sales and customer service, of course. I have a lot invested in my own learning and experience in both, as well as my publications regarding them. I have a strong need to set that example, and not because I want to make money (and I intend to make as much as possible).

It’s the right thing to do.

People are people. Children, are people, too. There are variables as to how minors and adults socialize and learn, but the principle stands. Who are you really helping being critical of someone who lives differently? You’re all of a sudden an expert at how others should live? I doubt that. You’re probably barely figuring things out day to day, just like me.

I simply had to put an end to my own pride and ignorance to actually get somewhere. I actually did something about it when I recognized I was the problem. All those people you’re blaming for your problems have one thing in common–YOU.

Abuse is ugly and words hurt. Yes, we can move on. Yes, we can improve. The thing is, we never forget how someone made us feel. Interactions must be kind, polite and informative for all parties. Professionalism is a joke if you don’t practice it yourself and are inflexible in your approach to it.

New upcoming album! (and rant)

In 2022, I released my first original song in about ten years.

Also available on other major streaming services.

So if you haven’t heard that, it’s worth a listen. Anyway, getting on topic, my current musical endeavors are certainly more progressive than anything I’ve done before. This may be the first time anyone has undertaken such a creative concept.

I had the idea to somehow mix folk with electronica. This has since morphed into added electric guitars and something else. Artificial intelligence. This will be a project with live instruments, electronic dance music (EDM) and introducing AI!

There has been talk recently whether AI generated music will replace music as we know it. No. I am convinced that whatever might be (or rather assumed to be) happening now is no indicator of musicians or real people becoming irrelevant.

In the (impossible to predict, if even possible at all) event of AI “self awareness”, it will not be competitive in nature. AI as we understand it is a collaborative effort of a team and is mostly used to compliment technology we already have.

Rather, this “self awareness” will be collaborative in nature. There will be a level of survival for AI, yes, but not in an “us versus them” way. I see it more of working with humanity, as there will be extensive record of human history and how we have survived.

I disregard any propaganda or conspiracy theories of the “end of the world”. I’ve been hearing the same rhetoric for decades.

Yes, I have. Laugh or think whatever you will, but it’s true.

I won’t go into how fear finances the news media. You know it does. I’ll just say that the basic instinct of human survival extends from the individual to the collective, including the entire population. Humanity is capable of anything EXCEPT the intentional destruction of our own species. Period.

OK, philosophical rant aside, I wanted to make a combination of human imagination and artificial production. It’s all overseen by yours truly, and I’m looking for collaborators! If you’re a musician or can take a rugged Audacity file and turn it into gold, get in touch with me on social media. Be part of something no one has ever experienced!

Instagram @jonathanbaltzly

Twitter @jgbaltzly

https://www.facebook.com/JonathanBaltzlyMusic/