More than a decade ago, I was stating my goals for the year as well as being reviewed. My supervisor would assess whether or not I had accomplished last year’s goals. I won’t ever forget the look on his face when I told him I would double sales in a particular category. He told me that I set very lofty goals and wanted to write something else for my file. I finally convinced him to keep it there.
He did not really my best interests at heart. If I did not reach the goal, I would not receive a bonus and, neither would he.
For three months, he watched me order basic and exotic items. He and his supervisor would tell me that I had too much inventory and question my motives of putting everything on sale.
It was simple. I beat my competitor’s price, I never ran out and I had a few items that no one else had. It helped that my nearest competitor was 10 miles away.
The numbers were in, I beat my goal, I got my bonus and so did he. Sadly, he never congratulated or thanked me. This is the moment when the entrepreneur inside of me realized I could never work for someone else.
Within myself, there is a competition to do my best and be the best. I am not tooting my own horn, nor am I a braggart. I am describing this feeling within me that tomorrow I can do better. I am constantly watching what my competition is doing and what works or doesn’t work.
Admittedly, I sometimes shoot myself in the foot and become depressed when what I hoped for was not achieved. Once I snap out of it, I remember that evaluation a decade ago , telling me I couldn’t do it. I have had to become my own cheering squad because not only is the business of reselling a bit solitary, but unless you are in a meet-up group, no one really knows what you do.
When aspiring to be the best, give yourself permission to toot your own horn! Tell your story about what drives you to get out of bed each morning. Don’t be afraid to set those lofty goals and work hard to meet them. Above all, make sure they are your goals and ignore those that look at you incredulously. Only you have your true interests at heart.
#JewelsForThePauper
Where every item is Fit for a Queen
But
Priced for the Pauper
