Those directly around us affect our beliefs about ourselves and motivate us to greatness or hold us back. Do your surrounding entities have qualities you strive for? If not, why are you choosing this group or organization?

Making your company better and your group better will only make you better in long run.

The truth is when your parents said, “You are who you hang around” they were giving you excellent advice.

Utter Honesty

It takes a strong self-esteem to handle self-honesty as well as honesty from others.

I recommend asking trusted allies to assess your strengths and weaknesses. If you have trouble taking in advice, I highly recommend reading some self-help books on self-esteem. My personal favorite is Pia Mellody’s Facing Codependence (the title is quite deceiving).

It takes vulnerability to be open to learn and grow. And as crazy as it may sound, vulnerability actually takes strength of character.

Ability to Handle Criticism

Take it in stride. Criticism can be a tool of growth. ”How?” you ask. By using FLACK method.

1.Forget who is doing criticizing 2.Listen to what is being said 3.Assess what is true and what is not (Sometimes it is more about person doing criticizing, but see if you find any truth about criticism in your heart) 4.Change negative behavior 5.Know that you will have to fight old negative behavior for a long time before new behavior is easy habit

Fight criticism with FLACK!

Perpetual Search for Growth

A perpetual search for growth is absolutely necessary to BEING THE BEST. When searching ask yourself, “What do I need to do to make myself better?” “What do I need to do to make my company better?” “What do I need to do to make world better?”

Use a journal to track your growth. Write in it at least once per week. Write about where you want to go – plot your course and you’ll get there. Then review your journal monthly to see how far you’ve come. I make this guarantee…you will be surprised!

Keep searching and growing.

“If you don't keep moving forward, world will. Stand still for a moment and world will continue to pass you by. For to truly move ahead of pack, your pace must be twice as fast.”

Let’s Make A Difference! Sincerely, Marcella McMahon, COO Positive Results The b2b Sales Experts www.PositiveResults.com

If you find that your products do not require intensity of support required by a business format franchise then other sales partner options may be more suitable.

From a simple commission-based arrangement with an industry sales agent (or broker) to a more formalised licensing deal that may offer exclusive territory and advertising support, there are opportunities to get your partners working for you to increase your overall sales. 

Don't Just Leave It To Your Partner... However, it's not simply a case of thinking, "Let's sign a deal and let them worry about getting sales". No matter which option you choose there will be ongoing communication and support required from you if you want your sales partner to get best results.

And there are always potential pitfalls in any relationship. Remember, less committed your sales partner is to you, lower your products or services will appear on their priority list.  So here are a few things to keep an eye on if you want to stay on track for success:  * Agents - Stay in regular contact. Sell them on your products. Get them excited. Make sure your commission is competitive. Do you have an exclusive arrangement with them? Try to avoid agents who also represent competitive products, as they may have a conflict of interest.

* Distributors - Be aware of how your products fit with their ranging policies. Train their sales team. Help them to promote your products by way of co-operative advertising and sales incentives. Stay on top of any seasonal or dated stock. You don't want your distributor overstocked with old merchandise (because they will think twice before ordering current stock!).

* Licensees - Make sure your legal documentation is sound. Gain a thorough understanding of your licensees business so you know how your product/service is being used. Are they committed to you for a period of time, number of units, or value of sales? Limit license to their specific use so you are free to deal with other licensees.   * Franchisees - Use a franchise consultant to help develop your package. Remember your selection of new franchisees will be of paramount importance - people make business! Have procedures to measure customer service levels and operating standards (use random checks, mystery shoppers, contests etc). Gain co-operation and 'buy-in' from franchisees, rather than confrontation.

Sales Partners Online... It's no news to online businesses that they should use productive partnerships to increase their chance of success. For example: * An affiliate program can be compared to a sales agent. * Syndicating content can be compared to licensing (of information). * Patented code/software is commonly used under license.

Always do your sums and make sure your choice of sales partner presents best outcome for you. Look for commitment, synergy, innovation and growth potential in prospective partners - your future depends on it.