Tammi's World

It Reminds Me

Well today's the day. Leaving for Hartford tonite for my first official customer calls with this company. And I am ready.

Samples? Shipped
Presentation? Finalized and will be printed this morning.
Luggage?
Luggage?

Oops. Better get packed. The nice thing is with the heat I don't have to pull out the old suite and pumps. Nope. Silk and Sandles for this trip. Ahhhh - just like the days back in Florida, when you could be cute AND comfortable. While the heat is getting old, at least it's loosening some of those stodgy corporate folks up.

I'm only nervous because I'm traveling with my new boss. Meeting one of my reps for the first time. And the nervousness I feel is in terms of THEIR expectations. I don't want to disappoint. I don't know what they expect, and I'm confident that everything will go very well. But there is that "niggle" on the back of my neck. But it doesn't worry me. That niggle is what I call motivation.

Long ago, in a time many have forgotten (IOW, High School) I was a singer. In one of the top choirs in the state. When we put on a concert they were always sold out.

My senior year, I had a lot of solos. But the first one? Ohhh that was kinda scary. Right now I can't tell you what song I performed in, I just remember I was bound and determined I was NOT going to botch it. I worked and practiced constantly. Every where I went I was either humming or singing that song. For weeks. It was such an honor to be chosen to sing a solo with that group. There were SOOOO many talented folks in our choirs. Many are professional singers still. But back then? Yeah, I knew how important it was to nail the performance.

Opening night (because our concerts were always 2 night affairs) I was ready. My dress? A beautiful creation made by Mama. Long and flowy, a symphony of color. My hair was up and I felt like a movie star. I knew the song. Backwards and forwards. I could (and did) sing it in my sleep. I had practiced in the bathroom for accustics and to be able to watch myself sing. Couldn't have me up there making stupid faces so it was important to make sure I didn't get into that habit. In Other Words....I was as ready as you could get.

Curtain comes up to a full house. 900 seats in our hall. I had no butterflies. My hands were not shaking. But I had this niggle. On the back of my neck. It served to remind me just how important this whole thing was.

As I stepped forward for my part the lights blinded me. I couldn't even see the director. Instinct kicked in. As the introduction began I forgot for a while where I was. What I was doing. It was just me and the music. Singing in my bathroom. And when it was over the niggle was gone.

I knew I nailed it. I couldn't have done it better. Someone else might have been able to, but they had asked me to do it and I did the best I could.

That's how customer presentations are for me now. I read everything I can about the company. I learn what THEIR goals are. I learn my product and work very hard to match the two up. When I am sitting or standing in front of those buyers I lose Myself. It's about them. And I remember that I was chosen by my company to represent them. To "put on the show" as it were. There may be others who are better, but they chose Me. I do the best I can. Everytime.

And that niggle just serves to remind me - this is important. Focus.

When it's over the niggle will be gone, replaced by a rush of adrenaline that will carry me through the flight and drive home.

When I get up Friday morning I'll begin the focus on the next one. And there will be this feeling on the back of my neck...........

Posted by Tammi at August 2, 2006 05:20 AM | TrackBack