How sad that the only reason many of us know what this means, including myself, is because we watched the movie "Dead Poets Society". Even worse, is that the words came from the mouth of Robin Williams, who prior to this was famous for being Mork from Ork, saying things like "shazbot", sitting on his head, and freezing people on the sitcom "Mork and Mindy". Regardless of the messenger, the message was pretty clear, despite the fact it was written in Latin: "seize the day".
I believe that when I was younger, this phrase meant that I could act like a jackass and do crazy things because I was living every moment to its fullest. "Carpe diem" we would shout when we got drunk and jumped 60 feet off a cliff into the waters of Lake Havazu, or went tearing down a mountain road on motorcycles in excess of 120 miles per hour. What we really should have been shouting was "holy shit I can't believe I'm doing this!"
However, now that I am a bit older, I realize that it can mean many things to different people depending upon who you are, you're lifestyle and what type of day you wish to seize. As a sales person it can mean that if you see an opportunity you should seize it before it is lost. For a parent it could be as simple as telling your child you love them before they head off for school, or for a couple sharing love for one another and reminding yourself why you're together. There are a myriad of ways to embrace the concept of carpe diem both personally and professionally. Here are a few ways for you to lighten up your day by seizing the moment.
1.) While Shopping: When the cashier says, "I can help the next person in line", and opens a register, make sure YOU are that first person in line,whether you are entitled to be or not. If you have to knock down kids or an old lady to do it, who cares, as long as you seize that spot. First come, first serve...sorry grandma.
During the holiday season, people actually fight to get the hottest selling items on the shelves. Be sure that you don't get left out in the cold and make sure to get there early or late, but don't ever leave the house without a Taser or at least mace. You never know what you'll need to do, in order to make your children happy. Get that gift or go home a loser.
2.) In The Office: If there is only one doughnut left from the dozen that someone brought in, make sure that YOU are the person to eat that last doughnut. Even if you're not hungry, grab that last bear claw or crawler because it's the little victories that count. Maybe there is only one cup of coffee left in the pot, be sure that you get it before anyone else does. Or perhaps there is just one piece of cake left from a birthday party, take that piece before the rest of the office, even the person whose birthday you are celebrating. Hey, it's their birthday, they'll receive plenty of presents, they can do without one measly piece of cake.
3.) As Your Driving: There may be only one parking spot left in the mall, especially this time of the year, but make sure you take the opportunity to snag it for yourself. Sure people have been circling for hours and you just pulled into the lot, but if you can get to the spot first, you win! Be careful not to run over any pedestrians in the process.
I would recommend other ways to practice carpe diem while driving but these might be interpreted as "road rage", and I don't want to have any of you be involved in an accident. Seriously, it's not fun.
4.) At A Restaurant - Nothing is more frustrating then walking into a place ordering your food, and having no place to sit because one person is taking up an entire table to themselves. Seize the day and seize a spot next to that person. Then proceed to be so overly disgusting or annoying that they leave the table to you and your friends. I find that being way too enthusiastic and "chatty" always does the trick for loners who want to just eat their food. You either get the table or a black eye, but it's worth a try.
5.) In The Field - Here is where you can really make an impact on your income and your life. If you sense that a prospect or customer is about to close, you should immediately seize the moment. Some people call it using your "antennae" or your "sales sense". However, all good, and I repeat GOOD, sales people can almost feel when a prospect/customer is close to making a decision. As a rep you have to take that opportunity and close the customer/prospect. If you don't close, then you don't get a sale and they don't get the benefit of your product or service. Because keep in mind, that Sales is about helping people achieve their goals, and not only about making money...Did I just write that?
Although we all enjoy the making money aspect of the job.
Have a great day selling!
-M
1.) While Shopping: When the cashier says, "I can help the next person in line", and opens a register, make sure YOU are that first person in line,whether you are entitled to be or not. If you have to knock down kids or an old lady to do it, who cares, as long as you seize that spot. First come, first serve...sorry grandma.
During the holiday season, people actually fight to get the hottest selling items on the shelves. Be sure that you don't get left out in the cold and make sure to get there early or late, but don't ever leave the house without a Taser or at least mace. You never know what you'll need to do, in order to make your children happy. Get that gift or go home a loser.
2.) In The Office: If there is only one doughnut left from the dozen that someone brought in, make sure that YOU are the person to eat that last doughnut. Even if you're not hungry, grab that last bear claw or crawler because it's the little victories that count. Maybe there is only one cup of coffee left in the pot, be sure that you get it before anyone else does. Or perhaps there is just one piece of cake left from a birthday party, take that piece before the rest of the office, even the person whose birthday you are celebrating. Hey, it's their birthday, they'll receive plenty of presents, they can do without one measly piece of cake.
3.) As Your Driving: There may be only one parking spot left in the mall, especially this time of the year, but make sure you take the opportunity to snag it for yourself. Sure people have been circling for hours and you just pulled into the lot, but if you can get to the spot first, you win! Be careful not to run over any pedestrians in the process.
I would recommend other ways to practice carpe diem while driving but these might be interpreted as "road rage", and I don't want to have any of you be involved in an accident. Seriously, it's not fun.
4.) At A Restaurant - Nothing is more frustrating then walking into a place ordering your food, and having no place to sit because one person is taking up an entire table to themselves. Seize the day and seize a spot next to that person. Then proceed to be so overly disgusting or annoying that they leave the table to you and your friends. I find that being way too enthusiastic and "chatty" always does the trick for loners who want to just eat their food. You either get the table or a black eye, but it's worth a try.
5.) In The Field - Here is where you can really make an impact on your income and your life. If you sense that a prospect or customer is about to close, you should immediately seize the moment. Some people call it using your "antennae" or your "sales sense". However, all good, and I repeat GOOD, sales people can almost feel when a prospect/customer is close to making a decision. As a rep you have to take that opportunity and close the customer/prospect. If you don't close, then you don't get a sale and they don't get the benefit of your product or service. Because keep in mind, that Sales is about helping people achieve their goals, and not only about making money...Did I just write that?
Although we all enjoy the making money aspect of the job.
Have a great day selling!
-M
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