My first glimpse of Mike Levenseller was in the old Kingdome when WSU played USC and Ricky Bell ran wild for 347 yards. Bell still holds the single game rushing record for Southern Cal to this day. Jack Thompson threw balls all over the yard and "Levy" was the recipient of most of them. He was by far the best receiver on the field that day.
It was 1976 and that was then and this is now. Levy has coached a butt load of great young men at WAZZU since, with many of them moving on to great careers in the NFL. And there's another one in the making when Marquees Wilson finds a spot on an NFL roster someday soon.
I always looked forward to Levy and the boys coming to the Tri-Cities for the annual Cougar Golf Classic. It was great to spend quality time with the real Levy, not the coach. We would talk about how he's putting his great hands to work in his garden, and we would enjoy a glass of red wine too. Humble, hard nosed, focused, and genuine is the best way I can describe the man who has been a Cougar through and through for the past three decades.
There will be a new look next fall when Mike Leach's Cougars take the field. We won't see Levy on the sidelines calling the plays, and coaching up his receivers like he has since 1992. If Bill Moos has his way, it will be a sellout, and public address announcer Glenn Johnson will be saying "that's another Cougar first down!" 30 times or more. The Palouse Pirates will be out in full force.
You can bet one of the people in the stands will probably be Mike Levenseller.
And I bet Leach wishes he still has eligibility left.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
It's a much brighter crimson now
There's no give up in the Washington State Cougars. And regardless of what people think, this is a testament to head coach Paul Wulff. After getting drilled by Arizona State 42-0 on the road last year and then losing to Cal 20-13 at home, Wulff's team came back and dominated a solid Oregon State team on the road the next week winning 34-14. They could have thrown the towel in on the season and quit, and let's be serious, what more did they have to play for after getting thrashed by the Sun Devils and dropping to 1-8?
I think it says a lot about Wulff and how his players are responding.
Yesterday in Boulder, the Colorado Buffaloes learned that if they are going to compete in the Pac 12 conference they are going to have to play all 60 minutes. I thought for sure the Cougs were done when they went down 10 points and were having a hard time stopping the Buffs. The defense has to improve drastically or it's going to be another long season for the crimson and gray.
I just hope Wulff's players saw how emotional he was after the game Saturday. Wulff has been criticized for his lack of emotion. It means that much to him and he needs wins badly or he will join many others in the unemployment line. Yesterday's win was a pivotal one, and if you think the Oregon State game last year was a turning point in this program, you might think again.
Yesterday's win was a huge one.
It's no secret WSU doesn't have the talent that some of the other big schools in the conference do, but they still possess some big play potential at some of the key positions. The quarterback position is solid not to mention the big play potential at wide receiver. My Hermiston Cougar buddy Mike Snyder said it best in the third quarter when he said, "Wilson will be the hero." He sure was and if he continues to make the big plays this could be a long year for some of the opposing defensive secondaries. Even I could have hauled in that pass late in the game. You could build a Walmart in between Wilson and the closest Colorado Buffalo.
After UCLA next week on the road, the Cougs return home for Homecoming on October 15th against a solid Stanford team. Hopefully Martin Stadium will be rocking as the leaves will start to turn color in the Palouse.
The program has already turned color. It's a much brighter crimson now.
I think it says a lot about Wulff and how his players are responding.
Yesterday in Boulder, the Colorado Buffaloes learned that if they are going to compete in the Pac 12 conference they are going to have to play all 60 minutes. I thought for sure the Cougs were done when they went down 10 points and were having a hard time stopping the Buffs. The defense has to improve drastically or it's going to be another long season for the crimson and gray.
I just hope Wulff's players saw how emotional he was after the game Saturday. Wulff has been criticized for his lack of emotion. It means that much to him and he needs wins badly or he will join many others in the unemployment line. Yesterday's win was a pivotal one, and if you think the Oregon State game last year was a turning point in this program, you might think again.
Yesterday's win was a huge one.
It's no secret WSU doesn't have the talent that some of the other big schools in the conference do, but they still possess some big play potential at some of the key positions. The quarterback position is solid not to mention the big play potential at wide receiver. My Hermiston Cougar buddy Mike Snyder said it best in the third quarter when he said, "Wilson will be the hero." He sure was and if he continues to make the big plays this could be a long year for some of the opposing defensive secondaries. Even I could have hauled in that pass late in the game. You could build a Walmart in between Wilson and the closest Colorado Buffalo.
After UCLA next week on the road, the Cougs return home for Homecoming on October 15th against a solid Stanford team. Hopefully Martin Stadium will be rocking as the leaves will start to turn color in the Palouse.
The program has already turned color. It's a much brighter crimson now.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Some tips on gaining significance in our lives
Is there a chance that you could be at the stage of your life where it's time to change directions or turn it up a notch? Are you getting complacent? Maybe you aren't enjoying your job or life as much as you used to?
You may not be alone.
Many of us experience what we refer to as the halftime of our lives or the midway point. We have accomplished a level of success that we are content with but know in the back of our minds that we really need to push ourselves to achieve something different in our lives. Something that is more rewarding and gives us that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
We are all looking for significance.
Here are some tips that just might help you reel in some of those things that you have always been looking for:
Have fun in everything you do. People want to do business with people that are having fun. People also want to hang out with people that are having fun. The fun people in the world have a tendency to attract others. All of us want to have fun and with fun the success will follow.
Do something you are passionate about. If you are passionate about what you are doing it will spill over into everything you do. Passion wins in many people's minds. Again, people want to surround themselves with people that carry a lot of passion around. It too draws others closer.
Find that one thing that gives you solitude. We all need that "happy place" that lets us unwind and forget about the everyday stresses that tend to control us sometimes. For some of us it might be reading a book, taking in a movie, or maybe going to that special place that helps you forget about work. Whatever it is find it, you will be glad you did.
Always keep a mentor close. We all have our own board of directors that we go to in time of need. They are the ones that bring us back into the right frame of mind that keeps us on track. They are also the ones that help us make the major decisions in our lives like buying a house or car, or a big purchase. Mentors are a very powerful piece of the puzzle that all of us should have. If you don't have one, seek one out.
Start the day on a positive note. There is nothing better than starting your day with something positive or uplifting. Maybe it's a coffee or breakfast meeting with a client or friend, or maybe a morning bike ride. It might even be a walk with the dog. If you start your day with something positive, it sets the tone for the remainder of the day.
Give to a charity or volunteer yourself. There is nothing that can give you the feeling of significance more than volunteering or giving back. Have you volunteered on a board lately or a non-profit organization? Have you donated to a charity?
To gain significance we always have to sacrifice something. And it is comforting to know that our significance will last beyond our lifetime.
You may not be alone.
Many of us experience what we refer to as the halftime of our lives or the midway point. We have accomplished a level of success that we are content with but know in the back of our minds that we really need to push ourselves to achieve something different in our lives. Something that is more rewarding and gives us that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
We are all looking for significance.
Here are some tips that just might help you reel in some of those things that you have always been looking for:
Have fun in everything you do. People want to do business with people that are having fun. People also want to hang out with people that are having fun. The fun people in the world have a tendency to attract others. All of us want to have fun and with fun the success will follow.
Do something you are passionate about. If you are passionate about what you are doing it will spill over into everything you do. Passion wins in many people's minds. Again, people want to surround themselves with people that carry a lot of passion around. It too draws others closer.
Find that one thing that gives you solitude. We all need that "happy place" that lets us unwind and forget about the everyday stresses that tend to control us sometimes. For some of us it might be reading a book, taking in a movie, or maybe going to that special place that helps you forget about work. Whatever it is find it, you will be glad you did.
Always keep a mentor close. We all have our own board of directors that we go to in time of need. They are the ones that bring us back into the right frame of mind that keeps us on track. They are also the ones that help us make the major decisions in our lives like buying a house or car, or a big purchase. Mentors are a very powerful piece of the puzzle that all of us should have. If you don't have one, seek one out.
Start the day on a positive note. There is nothing better than starting your day with something positive or uplifting. Maybe it's a coffee or breakfast meeting with a client or friend, or maybe a morning bike ride. It might even be a walk with the dog. If you start your day with something positive, it sets the tone for the remainder of the day.
Give to a charity or volunteer yourself. There is nothing that can give you the feeling of significance more than volunteering or giving back. Have you volunteered on a board lately or a non-profit organization? Have you donated to a charity?
To gain significance we always have to sacrifice something. And it is comforting to know that our significance will last beyond our lifetime.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
6 reasons why it may be time for a new rep
Do you have a product or service that requires a good rep handling your business? It's no secret good salespeople are hard to come by. Some have the innate ability to take care of the customer, while others just don't like their job and it shows in the way they correspond with their customers. Sometimes we need to take a hard look at the people that are handling our accounts and make sure it's the right fit. Here are some reminders on why it could be time for a change:
They very seldom pick up the phone and call you. In this day and age many people hide behind their computer's mouse and think a quick email is a sales call. Wrong. It is more and more important to be in front of people and continue to cultivate the relationship between buyer and seller. People that don't exercise this will pay dearly down the road. The old saying stands, if you don't take care of your customer, someone else will.
They act like you report to them and forget YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER. If you lay out your expectations in the beginning and your rep doesn't follow them, then it is probably time to find someone who will. Business is more and more competitive all the time and the salesperson that cares about your business or service will win out.
They don't take accountability for their mistakes, often times blaming someone else. One of the best things you can do as a salesperson is admit your mistakes and move on. You become more human in the buyer's eyes. Not taking accountability for your actions can be deadly. Accountability is key in the sales cycle.
They show no flexibility. To be a good salesperson, you have to be flexible. It's important to stick to your guns but it is also very important to bend a bit. If you don't, someone else will. Showing your customer that you are in their corner is one of the most powerful things you can do as a salesperson.
They don't take ownership in your accounts. To show you care, you have to care first. This means taking ownership in your accounts and treating them like it was your own company. This shows the customer that you are in it together and care deeply about the success of their accounts.
They don't continue to strengthen the relationship. You've tried and tried to keep the relationship going but they don't play. There is nothing more important in the buyer and seller relationship than building trust and respect. People that are passionate about building these relationship have much greater success than the ones that don't. If you are working with a rep that makes no effort to strengthen your relationship, it's hard to swallow, but it's probably time to move on. You will be glad you did!
They very seldom pick up the phone and call you. In this day and age many people hide behind their computer's mouse and think a quick email is a sales call. Wrong. It is more and more important to be in front of people and continue to cultivate the relationship between buyer and seller. People that don't exercise this will pay dearly down the road. The old saying stands, if you don't take care of your customer, someone else will.
They act like you report to them and forget YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER. If you lay out your expectations in the beginning and your rep doesn't follow them, then it is probably time to find someone who will. Business is more and more competitive all the time and the salesperson that cares about your business or service will win out.
They don't take accountability for their mistakes, often times blaming someone else. One of the best things you can do as a salesperson is admit your mistakes and move on. You become more human in the buyer's eyes. Not taking accountability for your actions can be deadly. Accountability is key in the sales cycle.
They show no flexibility. To be a good salesperson, you have to be flexible. It's important to stick to your guns but it is also very important to bend a bit. If you don't, someone else will. Showing your customer that you are in their corner is one of the most powerful things you can do as a salesperson.
They don't take ownership in your accounts. To show you care, you have to care first. This means taking ownership in your accounts and treating them like it was your own company. This shows the customer that you are in it together and care deeply about the success of their accounts.
They don't continue to strengthen the relationship. You've tried and tried to keep the relationship going but they don't play. There is nothing more important in the buyer and seller relationship than building trust and respect. People that are passionate about building these relationship have much greater success than the ones that don't. If you are working with a rep that makes no effort to strengthen your relationship, it's hard to swallow, but it's probably time to move on. You will be glad you did!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Follow your dreams
As I'm sitting here at our new second home in Lake Chelan I just realized something. I haven't written a blog in a long time! So I figured this is a good time to change that.
The last few months have been pretty hectic, the emergence of summer and all the work things that go with it. I'm still overwhelmed by this place, it was always a dream for me to have a place in Lake Chelan. It's nothing fancy, but it sure serves its purpose.
All of us have dreams, some of which we think will never come true. We dream in business, we dream in relationships, we dream in the toys we want, we even dream about stuff we wish we didn't. But one thing stands true in all of this. If we follow our dreams with enthusiasm, tenacity, hard work, and dedication, they will come true.
I have been coming to Chelan for 40 years or more and one thing always remains the same. It's that place that I go to that always brings out the things that are important to me. History, family vacations, beauty, and the ability to put the stressful things in my life behind me. That's what I'm talking about.
Do you follow your dreams? What big thing have you always wanted and never achieved? It's right in front of you.
Follow your dreams.
The last few months have been pretty hectic, the emergence of summer and all the work things that go with it. I'm still overwhelmed by this place, it was always a dream for me to have a place in Lake Chelan. It's nothing fancy, but it sure serves its purpose.
All of us have dreams, some of which we think will never come true. We dream in business, we dream in relationships, we dream in the toys we want, we even dream about stuff we wish we didn't. But one thing stands true in all of this. If we follow our dreams with enthusiasm, tenacity, hard work, and dedication, they will come true.
I have been coming to Chelan for 40 years or more and one thing always remains the same. It's that place that I go to that always brings out the things that are important to me. History, family vacations, beauty, and the ability to put the stressful things in my life behind me. That's what I'm talking about.
Do you follow your dreams? What big thing have you always wanted and never achieved? It's right in front of you.
Follow your dreams.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
This culture still needs the old school way of doing business
I had the distinct pleasure of visiting some markets recently for the first time. It was very enlightening to visit with station managers and discuss their challenges moving forward, and the opportunities as well. There's a real concern amongst the business leaders with the culture we are currently engulfed in. It is called social networking and the Internet.
Social networking is attracting attention at a rapid pace. Organizations are hiring people that are dedicated to handling the so called social networking side of the business. Building Facebook and Twitter pages, Tumblr, Blogspot, Word Press, Foursquare, you name it. We all know time is money, and putting these programs together can be very time consuming.
Nielsen recently released information that 70% of people make their purchasing decisions based on recommendations from friends and family. We all have our own board of directors we seek out when making those buying decisions. It could be a family member, friend, or maybe even a friend on Facebook.
The old school way of doing business will never change. In fact, it will be more important than ever moving forward. Establishing relationships will be pivotal for success, specifically the relationship between the company and the customer. People buy from people they like, and people they are comfortable with. Someone they know will always be there if a problem arises.
These new media platforms that we are experiencing and enjoying are transforming the consumer. Don't you hate it when you call a business and you get an automated response? "Press 2 to reach the sales manager".
Is that what you would call customer service? Isn't customer service when you meet or speak with a live person? You can look them in the eyes and really experience what they are feeling?
I've always been a big fan of WOW-ing the customer. Exceed their expectations. To WOW a customer means it has to come from your heart. We must learn to adapt to these new marketing strategies but still keep in mind the old fashioned way of doing business. One-on-one attention with our clients. More face to face meetings instead of texting or emailing back and forth.
It's the old school way of doing business. To be successful, it will be more important than ever moving forward.
Social networking is attracting attention at a rapid pace. Organizations are hiring people that are dedicated to handling the so called social networking side of the business. Building Facebook and Twitter pages, Tumblr, Blogspot, Word Press, Foursquare, you name it. We all know time is money, and putting these programs together can be very time consuming.
Nielsen recently released information that 70% of people make their purchasing decisions based on recommendations from friends and family. We all have our own board of directors we seek out when making those buying decisions. It could be a family member, friend, or maybe even a friend on Facebook.
The old school way of doing business will never change. In fact, it will be more important than ever moving forward. Establishing relationships will be pivotal for success, specifically the relationship between the company and the customer. People buy from people they like, and people they are comfortable with. Someone they know will always be there if a problem arises.
These new media platforms that we are experiencing and enjoying are transforming the consumer. Don't you hate it when you call a business and you get an automated response? "Press 2 to reach the sales manager".
Is that what you would call customer service? Isn't customer service when you meet or speak with a live person? You can look them in the eyes and really experience what they are feeling?
I've always been a big fan of WOW-ing the customer. Exceed their expectations. To WOW a customer means it has to come from your heart. We must learn to adapt to these new marketing strategies but still keep in mind the old fashioned way of doing business. One-on-one attention with our clients. More face to face meetings instead of texting or emailing back and forth.
It's the old school way of doing business. To be successful, it will be more important than ever moving forward.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
One of a kind car salesman
I will never forget this salesman. Years ago I was in need of a car to get me around for a busboy job I had at Red Robin in Seattle. It happened to be the flagship Red Robin, and I was proud to work there. The only downside was my commute from Bellevue to Seattle. Back then during rush hour it probably took me 30 minutes or so. Who knows how long it would take now.
I walked into University Chevrolet in the U-District looking for that perfect car for my needs. Little did I know at the time that this would leave a lasting impression on me for the rest of my life. I met a salesperson that I still think about to this day.
What a difference a personal note will make.
My brother-in-law and I sat in his office and we discussed what we were looking for. After meeting with this guy for a few minutes I noticed numerous trophies and sales awards littered throughout his office. I didn't count but there had to be close to 50 of these awards. I was a little dumbfounded because this guy wasn't impressive by any means. He was an older gentleman, and I would say definitely on the shy side. He asked us what we were looking for and we ventured out on the lot. I stumbled across this little Ford Courier and I knew then this was the one. The interior floor boards were brand new, they did a nice job of dressing up this little truck. It had a four speed manual transmission, perfect for a 20 year old. Little did I know in time it would become a hassle in the stop and go traffic from Bellevue to Seattle.
He made an impression on me I will never forget.
I don't know how long I kept that truck, but I would say it was four or five years. It burned oil, got decent gas mileage, but I slowly became tired of the manual transmission and lack of room. It served it's purpose and fulfilled my needs at the time.
I received a birthday card for the next 10 years.
What's amazing about this is I probably moved 7 times in the next 10 years and he still found me. The card was always on time and it was always handwritten. At the time I couldn't understand all the trophies in his office, because he didn't really do anything that stood out.
Now I do.
Thank you notes and birthday cards go a long way. They are unforgettable, at least for me they are. I try to make a point of sending cards because of my experience with this salesman.
My guess is this one of a kind salesman retired or passed away because the cards all of a sudden stopped coming. He was older at the time and I could tell he was nearing the end of his career. He didn't look healthy to me, but he had a heart of gold. To WOW a customer it has to come from the heart. He had a lot of heart.
I think of him every time I send a note or card to someone. Sometimes it's the little things that can go a long way. It sure did in this situation.
He was a one of a kind salesman.
I walked into University Chevrolet in the U-District looking for that perfect car for my needs. Little did I know at the time that this would leave a lasting impression on me for the rest of my life. I met a salesperson that I still think about to this day.
What a difference a personal note will make.
My brother-in-law and I sat in his office and we discussed what we were looking for. After meeting with this guy for a few minutes I noticed numerous trophies and sales awards littered throughout his office. I didn't count but there had to be close to 50 of these awards. I was a little dumbfounded because this guy wasn't impressive by any means. He was an older gentleman, and I would say definitely on the shy side. He asked us what we were looking for and we ventured out on the lot. I stumbled across this little Ford Courier and I knew then this was the one. The interior floor boards were brand new, they did a nice job of dressing up this little truck. It had a four speed manual transmission, perfect for a 20 year old. Little did I know in time it would become a hassle in the stop and go traffic from Bellevue to Seattle.
He made an impression on me I will never forget.
I don't know how long I kept that truck, but I would say it was four or five years. It burned oil, got decent gas mileage, but I slowly became tired of the manual transmission and lack of room. It served it's purpose and fulfilled my needs at the time.
I received a birthday card for the next 10 years.
What's amazing about this is I probably moved 7 times in the next 10 years and he still found me. The card was always on time and it was always handwritten. At the time I couldn't understand all the trophies in his office, because he didn't really do anything that stood out.
Now I do.
Thank you notes and birthday cards go a long way. They are unforgettable, at least for me they are. I try to make a point of sending cards because of my experience with this salesman.
My guess is this one of a kind salesman retired or passed away because the cards all of a sudden stopped coming. He was older at the time and I could tell he was nearing the end of his career. He didn't look healthy to me, but he had a heart of gold. To WOW a customer it has to come from the heart. He had a lot of heart.
I think of him every time I send a note or card to someone. Sometimes it's the little things that can go a long way. It sure did in this situation.
He was a one of a kind salesman.
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