F;"J Your Solnt Bliss

( Continued from previous page) of my selling activities (prospecting, presenting, closing, follow-up, client retention, etc.) and have a positive impact on production?

. Could I see myself doing it week in and week out with enjoyment? Said another way, could I find it easy to commit to the practice and make it my specialty?

This is where we really need to think outside the box and be open-minded in developing a creative approach. Here are just a few examples of what top-producing specialists have incorporated into their work:

One salesperson loved to cook and bake, so she put her bliss to work and would bake treats of all kinds and deliver them to prospective offices in need of her company's services. As an add-on bonus, she would teach prospective clients some helpful hints on cooking/baking free of charge.

Another salesperson loved to exercise. A self-proclaimed gym rat, she used her joy of working out to share nutritional information and even train many of her prospects and later clients a few times a month as a free add-on service to her core business product.

One guy incorporated public speaking into his prospecting activities and found various forums to speak on behalf of his industry as well as his products/services. In a very short time, he built credibility and a large book of business because of his bliss.

A golf enthusiast helped his clients with their golf swing.

There are probably some organizations that get together and share a bliss similar to yours or other places to practice your bliss and develop relationships. The only limit here is one's own creativity and imagination.

Five - Narrow the list to the top five that you most love to do and start enjoying your work! The key: Get creative!

T'ip Two: I)eclare yorrrrnlf o spo"ioli"t.

Using one or more of your top five, develop a creative brand message and deliver it effectively. For example, the Technology Lady to the building products industry or the Friendly Fisherman for your wholesale lumber needs.

Tip Tlrrnn: (lontntit b the "ntusts" of yott iob.

Company requirements such as attendance at all meetings, completed paperwork turned in on time, parking in designated employee parking, etc., are examples of the "musts." The professional salesperson is the one who complies with the requirements of his or her employer. Prima donnas abound in the sales profession. Don't be one of them. Selling is one of the most time-flexible professions available. This is good news, and a major benefit to this vocation. In a 4O-hour week, it's possible that your musts may only require five to l0 hours of your time, leaving 30 hours or more to "live your bliss."

Do what you love to do and be of service while doing it. Service to others will make you successful in any endeavor you choose. Now go get creative and enjoy the daily journey. Before long you'll be searching for ways to slow your business growth. Not a bad problem to have!

Allied Buys Spartan Supply

Allied Building Products Corp. has acquired roofing distributor Spartan Supply Co., Culver City, Ca.

As part of the acquisition, Spartan Supply will retain its name, but relocate in November to a new facility in nearby West Los Angeles.

"The acquisition of Spartan will allow Allied Building Products to enter a high-end, niche market and fill in logistical distribution gaps," said Greg Bloom, v.p. of Allied's western regions.

Founded in 1978, Spartan Supply specializes in high-end roofing materials, such as imported and domestic slates, specialty clay tiles, and copper products, as well as built-up, singleply, wood shake and composite shingles, skylights, metals and fasteners.

Allied Building Products Corp. operates over 180 branches in 29 states, including 17 locations in California.

Crews Contain Sawmill Fire

Firefighters and mill employees extinguished a conveyer belt fire at Sierra-Pacific's lumber mill in Aberdeen. Wa.. before flames reached the sawdust storage area.

The May 3O blaze apparently started in sawdust and bark on the belt and spread for 200 feet.

No injuries were reported, and damages had not yet been assessed.

The firefighters' efforts were hindered when they discovered three inoperable fire hydrants, before locating a water supply.

Guns Vanish At Ace Store

With surveillance cameras inoperable at the time, police have few clues in their search for a suspect who stole five semi-automatic handguns from Ace Hardware, Richland, Wa.

The weapons disappeared the afternoon of May 25, while the store was open.

The suspect was able to remove a lock from a display case and steal five pistols. An Ace Hardware employee said that he had stocked the guns earlier in the day and remembered securing the case.

Authorities have not ruled out any possible suspects, including employees, and hope customers come forward who may have witnessed anything suspicious. Some fingerprints and other evidence were sathered at the scene.

Police are also investigating local pawn shops to see if any of the guns show up.