Walk Like a Giant, Sell Like a Madman

3.2. Identifying Areas for Improvement

The ultimate goal of teaming up with a partner is self-improvement. None of us is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses. I am great on the telephone and talking with people in person, for example, but I have to constantly work on improving my written communication skills. Maybe you do a great job of making the initial contact with a prospective client, but you have trouble closing the sale or vice versa.

By identifying areas for improvement, you can more effectively focus your efforts and establish a more balanced, effective approach. In the following sections, I reveal several techniques for assessing your skills and identifying areas for improvement.

Keep in mind that balancing your professional and personal lives is key to long-term success, so you can include personal as well as professional goals when working with a partner. Setting a goal to stop smoking, start exercising, or spend more time with family is perfectly acceptable. I could never have achieved the success I've experienced without having a supportive family and a rewarding personal life. Balance enables you to achieve your full potential in all areas of your life.

3.2.1. List Your Lesser Strengths

What do you feel that you could do better to increase sales and customer satisfaction? Jot down a list of at least 25 areas in which you could improve. Instead of calling these weaknesses, Terry Wisner refers to them as lesser strengths. The following list offers some suggestions ...