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“Hidden Figures” was terrific, wasn’t it? We watched it on Thanksgiving after dinner. Another that’s similar (at least for me) is “The Imitation Game.” About the holidays it is weird to be on our own. I was just on the phone with my soon to be ex-wife. We still care for each other and miss each other but we live almost 1,000 miles apart so we won’t see each other for Christmas. She has a friend to visit on Christmas Eve and another on Christmas. I suspect I’ll be alone with Miss Peanut, my cat. I think I’ll bake a turkey leg and thigh. I love the taste. Maybe crack open a bottle of wine and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” but my wife suggests that I not do that since I tend to get misty eyed at that movie. I hope you enjoy your company’s party. I hated them! It’s all so stilted and odd, trying to socialize while also around wives and husbands who don’t really want to be there. And if you don’t show up, people notice, so you have to. At one company we had a catered Christmas lunch, which was only for employees and that was fun. We received lottery tickets based on donations we made to a local charity that we then used to “buy” prizes. And after, we took the afternoon off!

You look great. I walk my dogs around the neighborhood, but I really need to take advantage of our parks and do some hiking in a more natural setting. Being in nature is so rewarding and fulfilling.

Thanks, Emma. Good point. I will take your advice.

Outside sales is very hard, requiring a lot of self motivation and drive that most people don’t have or are afraid of. It sounds to me like you need to consider how well you qualified those prospects. If they don’t have or percieve the need then they aren’t qualified. And all too often, unqualified prospects may give the salesperson things to do instead of just being straightforward and telling them that they have no intention to buy. Why? Because they don’t like confrontation and they hate hurting you. So, at some point while qualifying the prospect it’s a fair question to ask: do they understand the need and want to address it? If not, see if you can understand why, and see if you can help. If it’s then still a no, then it’s time to thank them for their time and promise to follow up later, perhaps in six months. They will greatly appreciate your candor.