Common Sense Ideas for Becoming the Career Star You Are Meant to Be

Today is Monday, so this post is on self confidence.

Dottie Walters passed away on Valentine’s Day.  You probably don’t know who she was, but in certain circles – professional speakers – she was a legend.  Dottie Walters was one of the pioneers of the speaking business.  There is no aspect of it that she didn't touch or influence. Her book, Speak and Grow Rich, is one of the all time best sellers in the speaking industry. She also produced audio recordings, books, booklets, and her news magazine for speakers, Sharing Ideas. One could even hear her being interviewed at 30,000 feet, as she often was highlighted in the airlines audio programs.  Dottie Walters was a true icon.

However, I’m not writing about her here, because she influenced the lives and careers of many professional speakers, mine included.  I’m writing about Dottie Walters here because she was one of the most optimistic people I know.

In 1948, she was a stay at home mother of two.  Her husband’s dry cleaning business was on the verge of collapse due to a recession, leaving them with little income and $5,000 in debt.  Dottie became a saleswoman for a newspaper – first ads than circulation.  Then she founded a business, Hospitality Hostess Service, kind of like Welcome Wagon.  She built it into a four office, 285 employee business with 4,000 continuous contract advertising accounts.

She began reading everything she could about sales.  She found that all of the books she was reading were written for men.  She went to the library to find some books on sales that were written for women.  When she asked the librarian where the books were for women in sales, she was told, "There are no women in sales, so there are no books for them!"

But that very night, in an empty slot on the library shelf, Dottie saw a new book, not yet produced! She visualized the title Never Underestimate the Selling Power of a Woman! and felt a great tug at her heart. She must write it. As she worked on it, she had no idea that it would be the first book ever written for women in sales by a sales woman.

In 1962, before it first hit the shelves, Tupperware® bought out the entire first printing for their team, including a front section with a letter and picture of their President. They booked Dottie to speak at their big rallies around the country. Many other direct sales companies followed suit.

She went on from there to produce audio programs, and become one of the founding member of the National Speakers Association. 

Dottie Walters was a legend because she believed in herself.  She always looked at the bright side – even when she was selling newspaper subscription while pushing two children in a stroller.

Here are a few of my favorite “Dottieisms”.  Enjoy them, but take them to heart.  Dottie Walters set a shining example – not just for sales people and speakers, but for anyone who wants to be a success in their career and life.

• Listen to the great conversation of mankind.
• Never sell one when you can sell 2-3-4- or a subscription.
• Look at the marks on your fingertips. You have been programmed to accomplish great things.
• When the angel knocks and yells at the door of your heart -- open it! The bolt is on your side. Then arise and go forth!
• Bill Marriott told me, ‘Failure? I never encountered it. I just stumbled over a few temporary set backs.’
• Earl Nightingale told me when I was feeling low: ‘Arrogance is Gods' gift to shallow people. Move on!’
• Mark Victor Hansen told me: “When they say ‘no! just say ‘next!’”
• No one else knows what you are capable of.  Put your fingers on your wrist and feel the beat of your own heart.

I never met Dottie Walters, but she has greatly influenced my life – and the lives of thousands of others.  We lost someone really special on Valentine’s Day this year. 

Me?  Right now, I have my fingers on my wrist, feeling the beat of my heart, and I’m moving forward in a self confident manner.  I hope you are too.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.  Check out my other blog: www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a small business.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open.  Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.