Idealism in the Real World

"Tell me what it takes to let you go...", Aerosmith first sang 20 years ago in one of their all-time favourite hit songs ("What It Takes", Pump Album, 1989). Now the question still remains, although slightly changed in the following way - Tell me what is takes to be an Idealist in today's world of pragmatism and mercantilism.

I strongly believe that the ideals are a driving force for the evolution in the society and the business. Knowing what does an ideal state of a thing or situation mean will enable us to pursue it consistently. Even though it's hard to reach it, having a clear vision will always keep us focused. Compromising the ideals could result in a short-term success but will harm our identity comprising of values, principles and inspirations. This mix unleashes our true creativity, makes us confident and determined.

What does it take to be an Idealist these days? Here are some of the important components:
- strong will;
- consistent set of values and principles;
- supporting cultural environment (friends, family, relatives, partners etc);
- clear vision for success;
- commitment to the pursue of ideals;

Idealism is a good source for inspiration and important behavioural guide. It can add another piece of love and enthusiasm in our work and/or relationships. Though, it's not the panacea for success and should be balanced by the relevant doses of realism and optimism. Otherwise, we will lose our perspective of the present situations. Being idealists means that we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Having along a realistic view will ensure that this light won't blind us on our way. Optimism will nurture our will to walk towards the light but being careful as it may be a coming train ;)))

I like being Idealist, knowing what I want to achieve and what's the state of success. Mixing it with realism and optimism is hard but I can do it. Besides, combining idealism with optimism and realism is an ideal state itself, isn't it? :))) What do you think, folks? I'll wait for your comments and thoughts on this topic.

Cheers,

Victor Tomov

My recent conclusions about the successful salesperson qualities

Hi there folks,

As you know, I'm in a process of finding a new job. Apart from the applications, I have free time to study by reading plenty of interesting articles on online marketing (my current professional passion), branding, customer service and sales management. For everybody interested in the aforementioned topics, I'll strongly recommend subscription for the ClickZ newsletters with White papers on marketing and its online implementation. Just follow this link www.clickz.com/subscribe.

After completing the self-reflection stage based on my previous working experience and getting valuable insights, I've reached the conclusion for the most important characteristics of the successful sales person. Here they are:
- strong in-depth knowledge about the product;
- personal advocacy for the product based on valuable positive experience;
- total focus on the customer's needs - exploration, definition, addressing, caring and loving;
- empathy;
- honest, polite, delicate and gentle behaviour allowing the customer to feel appreciated, safe and in control of the situation;
- ability to match, present and emphasize on the most important product characteristics that may influence and educate additionally the customer in his/her buying decision;
- active listening ability;
- proactive approach;
- confidence and decisiveness.

I'll be glad to hear your comments on the presented salesperson profile. My believe in the concepts of 'relationship building marketing' and the 'customer care' have helped me to establish this vision for a really successful sales that drive long-term results and customer satisfaction. I'm eager to demonstrate my selling and negotiations skills in my next job if it requires it. Therefore, I will prove that this is the right mix of qualities in this area.

See ya in the next post :)

Victor Tomov

Public money raising for charity

Hello there dear friends,

As most of you have already noticed, now in Bulgaria the TV show VIP Brother is realizing one great initiative of raising money for different charity causes. The mechanism uses the means of sms text messaging and calls to a specified numbers along with individual donations. In this case, several parties are equally involved - the TV, the show' producers, the spectators, some rich people and the mobile operators.

It was announced that half of the collected money goes to the 3 mobile operators - GLOBUL, M-Tel and vivatel/BTC. The rest is divided by the producers, the TV and the donations fund. Indeed, a simple calculation may show that no more than 30% of the total sum raised by sms reaches the main goal of the charity campiagn - to help the unprivileged children in Bulgaria. This means that out of 1,20 lv only approx. 0.40 lv go for the cause.

My retoric question is - was it possible for the mobile operators, the NOVA TV and the producer to take a valuable part in this noble initiative by simply waive their shares and ensure that all the money from sms messages reach their intended destination?

It's easy to motivate the normal people that struggle each day for their salaries to donate, but it's far more important to support their efforts by personal example as an organisator.

Now almost 1 200 000 lv are raised. If the operators, NOVA TV and the producer supported the cause, this amount can tripple and a lot of children will receive a great chance to survive, improve their living conditions and involve themselves fully in the society!!!

I think this is possible and absolutely easy. The only thing necessary - these corporate and media big fishes to start walking their social responsibility talks.

What do you think about that? I'll be gad to hear your opinion in the comments field :)

Cheers!

Victor Tomov

Looking for the perfect... job!

Again, I'm on the road - the highway of the professional realization and career development. Looking for the perfect job!

One thing I've found very useful is the self-reflection skill I exercise these days the most. By reading different books, one of them I will recommend to everybody - 'The 80/20 revolution' (by Richard Koch), I crystallize my job seeking approach.

Here are some conclusions about what I'm looking for:
- a company with clear vision and mission towards excellence;
- a strong and socially relevant corporate cause I will be expected to defend and fight for;
- a manager with in-depth specific knowledge and ability to communicate and motivate effectively;
- a job description focused on marketing communications (especially branding), consultancy, analysis, project management and execution, negotiations;
- a friendly environment with no intrigues and back-talking.

When I find this company or entity, I will be more than happy to give all my best to help it achieve the excellent results and sustainable growth. I'm ready to devote my energy and unique mix of values, view-points, knowledge and skills on diverse range of topics - marketing, economics, sustainable development, social responsibility. The ideas, the creativity, the personality, these are the most important components of every successful enterprise. Finding the perfect job is all about matching your passions and skills with certain business needs. It requires patience, will and a little bit of luck :)

I don't believe to any employer that uses the cheap negotiating trick of emphasizing on the global financial crisis when discussing its remuneration and hiring policies. It's not about crisis, it's all about right people for the right job. If I see that a workplace deserves all my devotion, then I will give it and will be motivated to fight against and overcome the critical business situations. Nowadays, no longer the capital rules, it's the talents who do!

Interested in discussing this topic further? Don't hesitate to write your comments, folks :)

See ya in the next post,

Cheers!

Victor Tomov