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TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

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Are You Inspired to Move Forward?

One email and lyrics to a song had me realizing the necessity of answering the question, are you inspired to move forward?  Motivation has us doing practical work, such as setting and following up on goals.  However, inspiration brings creative thought into the picture and speaks to our internal peace of mind. It may seem evident that entrepreneurs can easily use their inspired thought to move forward.  But it may be seemingly impossible for employees to incorporate inspiration from within. Today’s story shares it is always possible to move forward with inspiration and gives reason for giving it a try.

____________________

My Story

An email exchange sparks the beginning of today’s story.  Upon receiving my project idea and proposal, the message to me found me in sales mode.  ‘My idea will get lost in the highly competitive sales playing field’ brought a smile.

My response was,

‘A busy playing field yes, but I’ve come to learn that there is no real competition. We each have a unique thought process and approach.  You mention the lengthy section noting the recognition I received over the years.  As you read through the project and realize some ideas may sound ‘different,’ consider all the recognition you see.  Of course, now I’m selling you. 🙂  The last sentence was, ‘I appreciate your effort!’

Sales communications include:

  • Agreement upfront – yes, it is a busy playing field
  • Reframe the objection – there is no real competition
  • An explanation for the reframing
  • Suggestion to connect the dots per the original thought and the new
  • Humor
  • Appreciation

At the end of each meeting, review whether your prospect will be inspired to move forward. Using tasteful humor relaxes all parties and encourages the idea to move forward. Everyone relaxes as ideas move forward under consideration from multiple perspectives. Most people are only concerned about their endeavors.  By showing appreciation for considering an idea will advance one beyond the competition.

Shortly after the email exchange, I began listening to music.  For me, the following lyrics confirmed my thought about the project.

‘I listen to the wind, the wind of my soul

Where I’ll wind up, I think only God really knows

I listen to my words, but they fall far below

I let my music take me where my heart wants to go…’

~ Cat Stevens, The Wind, Lyrics found on YouTube.

Whenever at a crossroads for what comes next, I look inward.  When we allow it to be so, answers will come from the heart and soul.  I pay keen attention to what inspires me.  At the same time, I never lose sight of the practical and continue learning.  Combining the practical with inspiration is the best of all worlds.  While online, I read many articles and tweets to learn and be motivated.  Doing so gives us insight into what may be coming next for society.  In-between, I take in the photos and inspirational messaging people post.

And I’ve found a new way to be sociable although we are still in social distancing mode.  As people request to connect, and I read their profiles to learn more.  But I also seek out the potential synergy.  When some commonality or interest presents itself, I reach out with a unique message.  Those of us who were previously in sales see the communication as a proven business tool.  And in some cases, collaborative efforts are in process.

Inspiration may lead us down an unproven path.  It’s up to us as to whether we are brave enough to give the idea a try.  The challenging part is to ignore the negativity while attempting to implement the unknown.

Your Story:  Are You Inspired To Move Forward?

How can you apply the lyrics to advancing your career or building entrepreneurship? Today’s theme reminds me of Catalina Riebe’s story.

Consider the following:

Was there a time when people told you, ‘that’s nonsense’ or ‘that’s impossible’? 

Is the thought a recurring one?

Is now the time to put it to use or put it to rest?

Should now be the time to put your idea into action, begin by reflecting on the best possible outcome.  Once you realize what it is you wish to achieve, start by putting a plan of action together.

The more direct route is to work backward by doing the following:

  1. Create a year-long goal
  2. Divide the 12-month target into four quarterly projects
  3. Focus on the first quarter and divide into monthly achievements
  4. Each week track your progress to revise the next week’s goal.
  5. Over time, review the quarterly and yearly goals.

By paying attention to the plan and thoughts that inspire you, success is more likely to be yours.

Sales Tips: Inspired To Move Forward

  1. Own who you are
  2. Pay attention to your unique thought
  3. Begin with the one most appealing idea
  4. Ignore the naysayers
  5. Create a flexible plan
  6. Revise your plan as circumstances dictate
  7. As your plan of action takes off, add complementary venues
  8. Build a robust platform
  9. Continue to monitor set goals and implement new ideas
  10. Celebrate Success!

The insights above are provided to help you achieve the Smooth Sale!

Elinor Stutz
Elinor Stutzhttps://smoothsale.net/
Elinor Stutz broke through barriers long before doing so was popular. Against all odds she defied the theme, “women can’t sell” to become the top producer at every company she ever worked all the while ignoring attempts to get her to quit. Faced with an irreparably broken neck, Stutz paid attention to two visions as they appeared before her while on the stretcher. In the moment, she negotiated a full recovery with the promise to be of service to communities at large. As the CEO of Smooth Sale, Stutz adapted the motto, “Believe, Become, Empower.” Stutz is a motivational/inspirational speaker, author, and sales trainer. Stutz’ first book, Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building that Gets Results is an International Best-Seller. Her second book, HIRED! has helped many secure their desired jobs. The Wish: A 360… mentors readers on how to build influence. 2019 Global Business Insights Award. Marketing-Communication 2019 Top Salesperson Listing. The Smooth Sale blog is rated as a Top Sales Blog. Kred declared Elinor to be A Top 1% Influencer. @RiseBoarders ranks Stutz as a Top Sales Guru. Tenfold lists “Top 65 women Business Influencers”. CEO Magazine Declares “One of the brightest sales minds to follow on Twitter”.

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6 CONVERSATIONS

  1. Elinor, thank you for sharing your article. The sales tips were much appreciated. By the way, it’s nice to meet a fellow Cat Stevens fan. Unquestionably The Wind is one of my favorite songs. As you are new to BC360 let me welcome you. I hope your experience is as rewarding as mine was. Stay well.

  2. Elinor – Welcome to the BC360 family. The friends I have made in this forum are precious to me, my fellow authors are a source of encouragement, and I find the engagement to be respectful and thoughtful. I wish the same for you. Great way to introduce yourself with this article.

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