The first Halloween I remember trick or treating was when I must have been around 6-7 years old. I was dressed up as Captain America. I had the the whole packaged suit, replete with cape, a makeshift shield, and the cheap plastic mask that caused beads of sweat to form on your forehead within seven seconds of donning it. I remember Dad taking me up and down the neighborhood appealing to friends and strangers to give me rock hard candy that would send me on a sugar high, while helping to fund our dentist’s retirement.

Oh, if it were only that easy as adults….

As adults, we “dress up” in our best attire, go knock on doors of people we don’t know, pretend to be someone “better” than what we are, and ultimately ask for a treat. More often than when we were kids, it ends in a trick, not a treat.

This analogy goes beyond sales. Think of your own business, career, and life. How many times have you tried to be someone you’re not (maybe in your own mind a better someone) to impress somebody else? Might be at a social function, a golf course, a meeting with the board of directors, a sales pitch to investors, your banker when seeking a loan…. you get my point.

Here’s your treat for today – Be yourself. Dress for the occasion (rule of thumb is always be slightly better dressed than your “audience”). Be warm and engaging. Ask more questions. Care about the answers. Don’t pitch your business; demonstrate your incredible value. Have fun. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Have big picture perspective. Boldly aim high. Be unleashed.

Trick or treating was fun as a kid. It can be fun as an adult, as long as you commit to going as the best character you can – yourself.

Join in on the conversation on my blog…

Quote of the Week:

“I’ve arranged with my executor to be buried in Chicago. Because when I die, I want to still remain politically active.”

~ Mort Sahl – Canadian born, American comedian

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