How smart are you? You may have an IQ that rivals Einstein, yet you’re still only scratching the surface of ideas and strategies that can potentially propel you forward.

Irrespective of how clever you are, you’re limited by two cerebral hemispheres. Imagine multiplying your thinking capacity by 100%, 200%, or 300%, or more? This is why periodic collaboration with people that are driven by the same cause is such a winning strategy.

Brains-trusts and masterminds groups are not new. Initially I came across this concept in my early twenties when I read Napoleon Hill’s inspiring work, Think and Grow Rich. While I dont suggest channelling the dead for their inspiration, I do strongly advise you take time-out to habitually brainstorm, share ideas, best practices and strategies.

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If customers really knew what was going on behind the scenes — many would be reluctant to buy.

Production creates the product and salespeople are entrusted to sell it. These two areas must be in unison but often collide with force. To salespeople production can be considered slow and inflexible. And according to production the salespeople can lack detail and over-promise. Morphing these two contrasting perceptions into a cohesive reality poses some very real challenges.

To be effective salespeople need to believe in what they sell. Any attempt to mislead customers will be met with resistance. Successful salespeople invest time understanding the inner workings of their product. They dont need to be experts, but they possess the ability to articulate the process involved in creating what they sell. This safeguards overpromising and also helps to build trust with customers.

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