Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.
-Albert Einstein

Isn’t it important to use your imagination in scary times? (And NO, I am NOT talking about the economy.) By scary times, I mean Halloween week! It is during this week when children and many adults use their imagination more than at any other time throughout the year. And think about what most party-goers and candy grabbers do in the lead up to the big event. They rack their brains to come up with an outfit that everybody is going to NOTICE. And everybody, regardless of age, wants their costume to be THE one that triggers a belly laugh, a surprise or a scream, right? Because nobody wants to be AVERAGE on this night!

So here is my formula for fun that will make you the most famous freak in the neighborhood on Halloween:

1. Think like a freak. Let it all hang out. While others think “store bought,” you think “duck tape.”

2. Play the part. Go all in and don’t skimp. The costume doesn’t define you, your attitude does.

3. Have a blast!

And what does this have to do with making you more productive at work, you ask? Well the formula is EXACTLY the same:

1. Use your imagination to come up with new ways to freakishly serve both internal and external customers in a way that makes you stand out from your “store bought” competition. What worked when economic times were good won’t necessarily work now. Your creativity will not only sustain you but will also positively separate you.

2. Don’t dabble in that personal brand you have created. Your upbeat attitude and enthusiasm in scary times WILL be get you noticed. And if you are running any special customer promotions, remember, no creative brochure can do what you “living” the promotion can do. If that means wearing a product sample around your neck on your next sales call…do it!

3.Have a blast!

And next week, long after the fishnet stockings, lipstick and wig come off (Sullivan’s ’08 costume), keep that Halloween spirit ON. Because countless business surveys show, that when people are smiling, they are buying. And by this time next year, the only thing scary will be how much market share you stole from your “store bought” competition. Have fun!

To learn more lessons about getting to the TOP, listen to Brian interview some of the nation’s premier business and motivational minds on his weekly radio show by going to www.preciseselling.com/Radioaccess.htm. President of Kansas City-based PRECISE Selling, Brian delivers seminars and internet training programs on sales, customer service, leadership and presentation skills to companies of all sizes. To find out more, visit him at www.preciseselling.com or email Brian at bsullivan@preciseselling.com.