Why is Trust Easier Than Faith?

Faith is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something”.

Trust is “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.”.

Why is it so much easier to trust someone or something than it is to have faith?  I will be honest, the two words sometimes get confused in my head.  Nothing unusual with the onset of MS….

We trust every day – driving on the highway a car won’t cross the line, flying in a plane we won’t crash – yet when it comes to having faith in a Higher Power (I chose to call God), we want more.  I often hear individuals talk about struggling with the idea of a higher power, of having faith there is something greater who is loving and caring.  Yet, we readily jump in the back pockets of other recovering addicts “trusting” they will lead us in the right direction since they have some clean time.  It is a very fine line but who doesn’t like the thrill of walking a tightrope without the chance of falling.

Life has had its ups and downs lately.  Nothing dramatic and probably no more than usual. The impact my relapse has had on my life (and my relationships) rears it ugly head some days which can send me spiraling.  Life on life’s terms was never promised to be easy.  I have faith God will restore relationships completely when the time is right.  I have faith he wraps his loving arms around me, giving me comfort when I am weak and struggling.  I have faith he will help me close the door on Debbie Doubtful and Negative Nellie when they come to call.  I have faith when the time is right those relationships will be restored and all will be well.  I also face the fact, they may never look like what I want them to be but I trust it will be right for those involved.

Today, I don’t have to be the selfish, self-centered person I was (I want what I want when I want it). I wanted to fix, manage and control situations and people so I could feel better.  I can change.  It took me a long time to totally understand how self-centered I was.  My justification used to be to make a list of the things I did for everyone else, or to sacrifice what I wanted to do, so how am I being self-centered?  I have learned to trust others when they point out this definite character flaw.  It is my faith which allows me to believe they were brought into my life for a reason.  See the fine line???

As the world reels from the “virus”….. “who do you trust?” “do you have faith?”.  Are you being negative and jumping on the anger wagon during this crisis?  Does this “interfere” with your life?  My one day at a time perspective and the inability to remember things has helped me keep a positive attitude in light of all of the negativity.  Showing kindness towards others in dark times is more important than ever.  Thanking those who are working hard to stock shelves.  Thanking those who are helping others who can’t get out.  Stopping by my favorite small business to share some “angel love” and support them during this difficult time.  I trust we will get through this.  I have faith this is a blessing in disguise.  Sometimes darkness needs to come before there is light.  Look at the positive side of all the closings.  Be grateful you have a home to go to.  Be grateful you have family to be locked in with -even if we may want to kill them.  LOL.  Be grateful there is some food and some toilet paper.  Please no hate mail.

I know I have probably squirreled throughout this post but my heart was heavy this morning thinking about things.  As we start to talk and plan hubby’s retirement, the “woulda, shoulda, couldas” come along.  I loose focus on who I am becoming, loving myself (okay I will start with liking myself) and start to force the memories of the past.  Struggling for memories brings frustration which brings negative thoughts and questions everything.  It is only when I trust in my Higher Power and have faith he will restore those memories if and when the time is right, I find peace.

If you are struggling with faith, look for the little blessings in your day.  What you call coincidences, I call blessings or your Higher Power at work.  Maybe your Higher Power is a loved one who passed.  Maybe it is your dog.  Yup, it can be anything or anyone you want it to be who is greater than you.  I’m a visual person since processing words is tough anymore… so someone holding the door, a random smile from a stranger, a hug from another recovering addict, a random call or text from someone you haven’t heard from in awhile… These things are blessings from a power greater than yourself.  Are you struggling with finding supplies during the “stocking up”?  Maybe someone shares their toilet paper or drops off a meal for your family or gives you the gallon of milk from their cart.  These are all your Higher Power at work.  Have faith, even as small as a mustard seed……….they are really tiny!  All things are possible.

Check out of my favorite songs.  Listen and trust there is a plan for all of us…

So, just for TODAY, will you join me in trusting your Higher Power has a plan for you.  He will guide you when you swerve off course as long as you EMBRACE his love and open your heart to all he has for you.  As you do this, your faith will grow just like the mustard seed.

Have a blessed day!

Using Messaging For Business

 

Just a reminder to set your clock BACK tonight.  Yes, it is getting closer to Spring and warmer weather.  I am so excited….

Do you have phone fear?  If you are in direct sales, you have heard the importance of picking up the phone and calling people. Phone fear is feeling like the phone weighs 100 pounds when it comes time to make business calls.  If you experience “telephone fear” and you can overcome it, you’ll make more money. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

I used to have total phone fear which meant I never picked up the phone.  Then someone said “just call and thank them for their business” and plant a seed.  I wrote out a mini script and it worked.  Yes, I do leave lots of messages but I do get some call backs and the chance to talk to some customers.

Now, I seem to have texting and PM fear.  I am doing to my customers the thing I hate most about getting text messages from other direct sellers.  It is time to make a change.

Thank you to Creative Success Systems for these four texting tips.  These techniques are easy, you’ll feel 100% authentic (not like a pushy salesperson), and they’ll increase the likelihood of your customer replying and purchasing.

#1 Don’t mention your company or product.

I know you have received messages where people just ask  you about buying or booking without any interest in you as a person.  You know the message has been copied and pasted a million times.  I have made the same mistake when reaching out to my customers.  I usually feel pressured to buy something or I ignore the message.  So why wouldn’t my customers feel the same way.

Are you friends on Facebook?  Check out  what’s happening in their lives. Send them a message via text on Facebook and ask: “How is your daughter feeling?” “How was your vacation to Disneyland?” “I love your new haircut. Who did your hair?” Get them to talk about themselves. They’re much more likely to respond to a personal question than one about your product.

Often they mention the product you sell. If they don’t, then ask, “I’d love to find out how the product you ordered is working for you. Do you have a minute for me to ask you a couple of quick questions?” Asking permission to talk about products easily transitions the conversation from a friendly chat into one between a concerned consultant and an interested client.

#2 End every message with a question.

How many times have been texting or sending a message on Facebook and the conversation just ends?  Go back to those conversations and see if the last thing you said ended with a period or a question mark.  When you ask questions, people feel compelled to respond.

How many times have we just answered their question or given them information about a product and hoped they would order?  The trick is to add a question at the end of your comment.  For example, if a question is asked about thermals, “what do you usually take for lunch?” or “what were you thinking of using it for?”

By digging deeper into the customer’s needs, you accomplish two things. First, you keep the conversation going so you can create a level of interest in a number of products. Second, you increase the likelihood of closing a deal. I definitely need to practice this one.

#3 Invite them to buy.

Did you know people seldom buy something without an invitation? Think about the last time you bought something.  Did someone ask you “can I help you find something?”?  The salesperson is usually eager to meet your needs, and help you buy what you’re looking for.  There are even pop-up boxes on websites for you join their mailing list or buy their products.  Sometimes even a chat box for customer service to make it a more personal experience.

Social etiquette is we wait for an invitation before we make spending decisions. This rule is the same when you are messaging someone. They’re waiting for you to ask them to purchase or invite them to visit your web site or book a party.

#4 Keep it short and sweet.

Do you read a full text or a long message on Facebook? If it is more than 2 lines, do you skim it and then move on?  So do your customers! Remember Rule Number 1 above, and keep your comments focused on their lives.

The first message is to test the water to see if they’re too busy to talk. On Facebook, only message when you see the green light.  They aren’t always online when it’s green, but the chance is a little higher if it is. After you get a response, reply to what they say, no matter what they say. “I’m sorry XYZ happened.” “Congratulations!” “That’s so exciting.” Validate what they say. Ask ONE additional question and then WAIT again before you move into a business discussion.

Using these four simple techniques may take a little longer to follow-up with customers.  You may not breeze through your list of calls quickly BUT isn’t your goal to build relationships with your customers.  These tips will result in repeat business, more recruit interviews, and growth in your overall business.  I am putting them into action TODAY!  What about you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!