The past month I have been "un packing" the idea that sales people, in the way we have come to see them has evolved to a new role, one of business development.  Before I dive into the next phase of being (or becoming) a business development professional, I want to emphasize the importance of these fundamental shifts in thinking about the role differences. 

My belief is that the role of "sales" is evolving into the role of business development. I whole heartedly believe that people have reached a place of not being able to be sold, and as a result are requiring much more from the people guiding or weighing in on their buying cycle.   

Today's buyer is savvy, smart and has a computer, in their pocket!  These facts are the ones that beg of anyone that considers themselves in a sales position to dramatically change their perspective.  The entire context of the customer/ buyer relationships has shifted and the future is about being a well positioned resource for your potential customer.

Below are the topics I have covered in the past 5 weeks, click on the text to see the article:

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The business development person is the new leader, the sales person tactics are a thing of the past.

The Key Differences between Sales and Business Development.

Business Development Professionals Solve Problems.

Business Development Professionals Are Industry Experts.

Business Development Professionals will Walk away.

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I for one am in total celebration of this shift in thinking and it is one that requires from us a complete over haul in thinking.  Seeing the world as an opportunist and creator, thriving relationships and met needs. 

What do you think about this paradigm shift? Do you think the role of old school sales tactics is a thing of the past?

This topic is one that really excites me, if you would like to chat about it, Click here to IM me and start a conversation! 

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Lindsey Rainwater, also known as Lindsey RainH2O, is a sought-after business consultant, leadership coach, writer and presenter to the fitness and wellness industry. For more information about Rainwater, follow her on Twitter@LindseyRainH2O

I was twenty-one years old working for Starbucks Coffee company sitting in a management course for store managers called IHE, Increasing Human Effectiveness and I heard the quote "Life is a Journey Not a Destination".  I had a huge "Ah-ha" moment that rippled all the way to the core of me.  The intention of the course was to highlight that as store mangers, being an effective leader started with us, our individual development.  I know that is what Starbucks wanted me to get out of the workshop and that I did, and a whole lot more!

The fire that was lit in my soul that day set in motion a transformational journey of a growth mind-set that still burns bright today.  

Last week, I had another wave of realization about the journey, and I love what one of my mentors says "insight follows experience", thank you Kathlyn Hendricks as this could not be more true for me!  

I had been preparing for weeks to speak at a conference, many long Saturdays preparing slides, finding quotes, images and video to assist in illustrating my points of consideration for my audience.  

What happened? I presented, it went great, I had a blast! And, just like that, it was over.  What I did not realize until AFTER was that the gift, the learning and the experience was all the activity leading up to and the day after, not the actual speaking. Don't get my wrong, I love speaking and celebrate the opportunity, it is a total rush to impact more than one person at a time, I love it!  In this case I want to highlight how impactful it was for me to realize after the event how critically paramount my preparation process was.  For me, the actual preparation was the meat and potatoes of the meal, the finished product was the dessert.

What a lovely reminder that all of the milestones that I experience, the mountain peak's summited, that arriving to the goal is great, but the walk towards the peak is where the juice of it is!

One of my favorite trends in my own life is that of personal development. I value my own development greatly and start each day reflecting, meditating, reading insightful works of others to prepare myself for the day. What I love is that ten years after I heard a memorable quote that sparked my fuse, that I can see the learnings in my day to day actives still happen all the time. Everything is truly in service of my own learning.

What about you, what parts of the journey have really revolutionized your life?

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Lindsey Rainwater is a consultant and coach to the fitness and wellness industry.  She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping Health Club owners all over the south central region of the united states propel their business forward via group exercise solutions.  For more information about Lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o

Will you be at Club Industry?

I will be speaking Thursday Morning 8:15am 10/8 CLICK here to RSVP

The fitness industry is always changing, and the most glaring and recent changes are the impact technology has had on the way consumers interact in health clubs. As apps, wearables and other tech devices canvas the market, the question remains: how will integration happen? How can health club owners and equipment manufacturers co-create a new in-club experience that enhances the member experience? The average person who joins a health club now has access to health and fitness apps and devices outside of the club. That being the case, how can clubs work with the user experience, finding creative ways to enhance the human connection by using technology to do so? Tech does not rob us of the human connection; it actually enhances it. Attendees of this session will be empowered to enhance their club environment to meet and exceed member satisfaction through the use of technology enhancements, making it easier and more exciting than ever for their members to work out in a health club.

Please let me know if you plan to attend, I would love to meet you in person!

Cheers,

Lindsey 

As a season change is right around the corner, what will you do to mix things up within your health club environment? I have a few thoughts for you. Check out the video below!

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Lindsey Rainwater is an experienced consultant and coach  to the fitness and wellness industry.  She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping Health Club owners all over the south central region of the united states propel their business forward via group exercise solutions.  For more information about Lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o 

Totally Trendy Tuesday, VLOG addition! Watch the Video below to learn about my tips for Health Club operators around wearables and community enhancement! 

Would love your thoughts!

cheers,

Lindsey

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Lindsey Rainwater is an experienced consultant and coach  to the fitness and wellness industry.  She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping Health Club owners all over the south central region of the united states propel their business forward via group exercise solutions.  For more information about Lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o