Tell yourself all the things you need to hear, and do it out loud!

Here are the two greatest inventions of the last 100 (or so) years:

1. The thermos bottle. First mass-produced in 1904, it keeps hot things hot and cold things cold, all without batteries or computer chips. How does it know? Amazing, isn't it?

2. Bluetooth technology. It's great not because it makes you hands free but rather it allows you to talk to yourself in your car as much as you want without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself during rush hour.

You see, I talk to myself. I do it a lot. My kids have always laughed at me because of it. My mother used to say that talking to yourself was a sign that you have a lot of money in the bank but I am living proof that it's not true. I do most of my talking in the car, in the morning, on the way to work. Before Bluetooth, I would glance over while stopped at a traffic light to see the person in the next car looking at me like I was nuts. Now, no one pays attention at all. It is great. If you don't talk to yourself, you should start right away.

The most important part of this is the subject(s) you cover when you talk to yourself. First subject: is your thermos half empty or half full? Making that choice right up front in your monologue will dictate where the rest of it goes and will have a big impact on where the rest of your day goes. The world is full of crap; your mission is to avoid it. Talk to yourself with positive affirmations. It will be a good day. It will be a great day if you say it will. Role-play, out loud, discussions you will have with problem co-workers or direct reports. Make them positive. Practice presentations you will make to customers. Make them winners. Rehearse new opening lines you want to use to make more use of the phone and e-mail. Make them engaging. Tell yourself all the good things you know about yourself and don't let anyone tell you it's not so.

I actually have a Bluetooth car but the coolest part about this is that you don't even have to have Bluetooth to pretend you are using it. But don't pretend with yourself. Sometimes when you're out there on the road doing your sales thing you are the only friend you've got. Keep the relationship a positive, happy one.

If you are really having a challenging sales day and need someone positive to talk to, you can always call me: 315-472-6007 or my cell is 315-439-3485. Or drop us an email at tcuskey@fcpny.com. We can help with sales support, training, brainstorming and more. We are here for you, FCPNY members.

May your thermos always be full and the right temperature!