NO COFEE NO WORKEE

Enjoy Coffee Daily

Is there anything that tastes better than that first sip of fresh piping hot coffee? Strong coffee, served in the perfect mug, preferably with the large handle so one can hold the cup close to the face with both hands firmly wrapped around the bowl. A smile escapes as we feel a slight tickle under the nose while blowing into the rising steam. The eyes glisten a little as they gaze into the dark brown liquid flowing near the brim. Then the long inhale through the nostrils just before we take that precious first sip. This steaming flavor packed drink that brings the body to life in the wee hours is nothing short of heaven to the senses.

In my opinion, no good day in sales can be had unless there is coffee at the start of it. In fact, its a prescription for success and I pity the competition for not knowing they need this jump start. I picture them trying to get moving on that first call of the day and something just doesn't fit right so they move on to make the second call, which is equally uncomfortable. If they had simply taken the extra 30 mins this morning to savor those moments of delicious silent heat that puts that fire in our belly, their day would probably look different. Coffee, its practically dragons blood itself. Every good sales person knows that without our fire, we wander around all day trying to cold start something then fan it in desperation trying to get some heat. Even if we manage to get a small spark that ends in a deal, it never really feels as solid as it should.

The company I recently worked for must have known the secret because they have a beautiful coffee machine in the eating area. This machine has water piped right to is so it never runs dry and a wonderful man from the canteen vendor comes round each morning to place enough fresh coffee beans in the ingenious machine to last the entire day. I arrived every day with my favorite mug and placed it in the special holder located under the drip spout. Once the mug is in place, you need only choose your favorite concoction from the menu, mine is simply black, and then press the start button. The amazing machine begins to grind your beans to perfection then ever so gently runs the pre-heated perfect temperature water over the grind then the black gold begins to fill your mug. Oh the wonderful smell when the brew is finished and you can't help but take a small sip as you begin the walk to your desk. The possible selections are practically endless, from lattes, to mochas to extra stout there is something for everyone. No money is needed to fill up either, you see the company understands how important this dragons blood is to their staff so they spring for your coffee all day long. Leadership knows their staff needs fire in their bellies in order to perform.

You know the fire. It's that heat in your gut that presses you forward every time you pick up that phone or open the door to talk to a DM. The fire burns in you and nothing can quench it not even the big deal you're turning in at this very moment because once that deal is signed, the coals are once again stoked and you burn to forge another deal. Like the blacksmith you use your fire to hammer out and shape each deal. The blacksmith and the glassblower use a bellows to oxygenate the coals in the hopper. The pumps of air feed the dragon within the forge until the heat is so intense the steel or glass is no longer rigid but now pliable. Tool and skill are used to move the steel or glass into something useful or desirable. Without fire in the forge, the steel and glass are cold, rigid, and unworkable.

Why would you start the day without stoking the forge? Enjoy your coffee. Use this time to reflect on previous days. Plan your strategy and warm up your brain. Generate determination and set your sights on a goal for the day. If you start your day with this simple ritual, you can't miss.

No Coffee no Workee.