Sales Joke of the Day (January 1) (archives) New Year's Day.

A salesman and his girlfriend were spending a quiet New Year's Day at home, before heading out for some more festivities that evening.  In fact, Jenna, the salesman's fiance, was just waking up from a two hour nap.  "I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond engagement ring as a New Year's present. Jenna declared.  What do you think it means?"

'Aha, you'll know later tonight," answered the salesman, smiling broadly.

Later that evening, at the party, the salesman approached Jenna and handed her a small package.  Delighted and excited she tore open the package quickly.  There in her hands rested a book entitled: 'The Meaning of Dreams.'

Moral of the story.   True sales professionals know that in order to succeed long term, they must do a better job of managing the expectations of their prospects and customers.   Moving forward at a planned logical pace rather than making unreasonable promises and selling dreams permits you to move forward at a measured, profitable pace.   A pace that is much more preferred than a wild ride up and down on a roller coaster of emotions, resentment and ruined relationships.

"You can't base your life on other people's expectations."      -     Stevie Wonder