Why I love to do and why you should care

I love to do things. I love to turn thoughts into action. Why? I believe that life is about progression, creation, growth and learnings. So we can contribute to others and make the world a bit better. It’s about creating legacy!
That’s why I love sales.
There is no other profession where you can see the fruits of your actions clearer than in sales. You can set yourself goals. You can measure your performance. You can achieve it and overachieve it. But most importantly you get constantly challenged. Every call, every meeting, every purchasing process is different. You constantly need to adapt yourself to new situations. No day is like the one before.
In sales it only matters what you can sell today. Rest on your laurels and you will be leapfrogged by the next “big talent”. You need to stay on top of your game and make sure that you produce results today.
Sales is more than just a transaction of goods or services against money. It`s about influencing people. It`s a skill to that helps you influence people to do something that is in their own interest. Think about it: Your friend wants to lose weight. If you master the skill of sales, which is the skill of influence, you can help him to “jump of the cliff” to create the results he wants. If you want your children to eat healthy, you need to be able to influence them in how they view an apple and a bar of chocolate.
The punch line is this: Sales is buzzword for having an impact on people and help them to do things they want and are good for them.
Of course, motive does matter. If you are good at influencing others you need to use it with integrity.
Thats why I love to work with people.
In all areas of my life I love to work with people. At my position in Meltwater as Managing Director, I am responsible for running a business and creating results. In todays world where skills are getting commoditized, developing people is vital. You have learned something? Great. Teach it to someone else and multiply your impact. I am stunned how many smart brains gather knowledge and experience and want to take it into their graves. If you really want to make an impact, share what you know and have a passion for. Talk to your teams and find out what they are passionate about and connect it to the purpose of your business. It`s how you help the world and create your own legacy.
You don’t create legacy by doing it for the “quick buck”. You create legacy by focusing on the underlying variables of what makes a business work. And business is done by people. Create a culture where you focus on people and not on your P/L of the next 3 month.
It all boils down to this:
”If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Thats why I love business.
Business derives from the ancient English word “bisig”, which means to be busy. Its about doing. Being active. About doing business. For me, business is more than that. It`s about an exchange. Its about giving value upront without expecting an immediate return in the first place. It`s about putting the person, party or business in the center of the talk and understand the problem and offering a solution. A solution that you can provide with your skills that you have acquired and want to share.
But it is also about creation and contribution. Just image: One person is good in building the ship, while an other one is good in sailing it. Together they can collaborate to create more value for themselves and for others.
Thats why I love technology.
The beauty of technology is constantly changing and improving. What was top notch 12 month ago is mediocre today. It is a mirror of progress of todays society and shows what humans are capable of if they work together.
But also, it helps us to do things. Just think about the internet. In today´s world everyone, can create and distribute content with zero costs. Everyone can create a business or brand just with a smartphone in their pocket. It helps us to DO things!
But the reason why technology has a crucial impact on us as human beings is that we need to adapt to it. What`s new will eat up what`s old. Technology forces us to grow and adapt instead maintaining the status-quo.
Thats why you should care about the above.
We are on earth only to visit. It is a privilege to live a life as a human being. Congratulation, you are human. You have won the lottery of universe! Now what will you do with it? I ultimately believe that we are here for doing good and make the world a better place.
Why instead of tearing shit down, you don`t create something for the next visitors to come?
You have been gifted with talents. Maybe you don’t know them yet. If you don’t know them, find them. Discover them. If you know them, don’t just sit on your sofa. Do something with it. You are here to do, create, learn and contribute.
Know you may think:”But wait a moment, I just want to he happy. So why should I care about doing stuff for myself and others?” Because fullfillment and happiness comes from growing and contributing.
Life is about we, not me.
So, to repeat myself: You have won the lottery. Will you do something with your entry ticket or will you throw it down the trash? You decide.
And that`s is why I love to do things.
