Hi Friends, Here is your end-of-the-week insight into what I see going on in the business world,...
Hi Friends,
Here is your end-of-the-week insight into what I see going on in the business world, what I’m thinking about, and what I’m learning about. Forward anything that you feel inspired to share. If this was forwarded to you and you found value, subscribe here for a weekly edition!
What I’m Hearing From Sales Leaders/Professionals
This week, I took some time to reflect on the past year and the time spent coaching CEOs and AEs. Not sure who needs to hear this, but you are not alone. You would be surprised how often, regardless of industry, product, buyer, etc., the same problems or requests for advice pop up.
When I say the same problems, I mean both large and small. Things as important as major go-to-market strategic decisions, hiring, firing, restructuring, and investment, all the way to review of emails, walk-through of decks, and the simple question, “What do you think I should do next?”
The one thing that all of the people I coach have in common is that they are not afraid to ask for help, no matter the size of the request or where they are in their careers.
I have had the same/similar questions asked by CEOs of unicorns and founders who are only a few months into their journey. The same goes for questions from AEs. The most experienced to the novice often just need a sounding board to confidently move forward.
When my sister-in-law was pregnant with my niece (pic below), my wife and I sat down with her and my brother to give them a gift. That gift was the following: “Parenting is hard. If you ever need a sounding board or a release point that won’t judge you and that won’t have any impact on your relationship with them, call us. Our gift to you is 100%-judgement-free listening when you need it.”
I am now offering that gift to all of you. If there is a sales or business question or thought that you want to share but are afraid others may judge you, please reach out. I promise you I won’t judge, and I have likely already heard it. Enjoy the baby pics!
What Made Me Laugh
I used to think babies, including my son, were smug and judgy. Then my niece was born, and I realized that not all of them are. The one below is, though. But I guess he is judging the decisions that led his parents to dress him that way.
This Week’s 40/20
For every 40 hours of work, I believe you should spend 20 (additional) hours mastering your craft. This is how I spent some of my 20 hours this week.
This past week, two hall of famers, Mallory Mullen and Kristina Herbst, visited my house for dinner. Mallory brought over a wonderful bottle (according to those that imbibed) of Stags Leap. Kristina introduced my family and me to mulled wine (and her baby—see below). She said it is a tradition in her family around the holidays. If you, like I was, are unfamiliar with mulled wine, it is spiced wine that is heated. It is traditionally served in Europe around Christmas time. I am excited to see what my family (I don’t drink) thinks of it. What are some things that are unique to you and your family that I should consider trying this holiday season?
Potpourri for 800
Potpourri (shoutout to Jeopardy!) is a category that covers a variety of topics.
The world is full of good people. I think too often we lose sight of that fact. This story about a troubled young man named Max who was saved by a dog and a man named Kenny will restore a tiny bit of faith in the world. If you want more feel-good stuff, click on this link!
Quote for My Son
Every day, I leave my son a note with a quote. This was my favorite from this past week:
“You’ll achieve much more by being consistently reliable than by being occasionally extraordinary.”
– Sahil Bloom’s grandfather (note: in his newsletter, Sahil did not give his grandfather’s name)
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Let me know what you think about this week’s edition of Fuentes Fridays. Which section was your favorite? How can I make this better? Shoot me a message on LinkedIn @willfuentes.
Until next week!
Thanks,
