Here is a wrap up from some of the Olympic news this weekend fro London, and what it means to you as a sales leader.

Last week I was on site rolling out our Retention and Growth Formula (TM) for a large sales convention. We brook the group into 8 teams and gave them an hour after the session to create their own VORTEX retention plan. Here are some of the best ideas form the presentations:

While our canoe may not have been a picture of good team relationships, it is imperative that when you are working with clients, you develop multi-dimensional relationships. What do I mean by multi-dimensional?

The Olympics are in full swing and I am excited because Athletics (track and field) are just about to start. Usain Bolt is one of my favourites! I hope you have been enjoying our series of the sales lessons you can learn form the games Any lessons you have learned so far that you want to share?

You can be the best in the world and have a bad day. Cyclists, who have won big events this year, are not medaling in the Olympics. Phelps is not wining all the medals. World champion gymnasts are hitting the floor, sitting down on apparatus and losing spots in the final. Divers are missing their dives. Unseeded Poland defeated 3rd ranked Poland in Volleyball. The key is to move past it the disappointment fast. Brush it off and live to fight another day

Sales Olympics: Lessons from the Games Part 1Your mental game is critical. If Michael Phelps can't get his focus and confidence back, he will not win as expected. Don't let an early loss ruin your entire month. Refocus, regroup and develop a new path to success.

Why would you purposefully create a bad experience for a customer who has chosen to do business with you when many competitive options exist?

Do you still feel that cold calling is the best first contact with a new prospect?

Last week I posted that Fairmont Sonoma refused to take my money when I inquired about a suite upgrade. (One was available but they would not allow me to pay for it).

Think about your own corporate polices. Do you have any that actually make it impossible for the client to spend money with you?

Once we realize that we all have to be prepared to walk away when there isn't a fit, those clients that we do continue to work with can become long-term profitable customers - even customers for life!