Sales people were generally assigned specific areas to cover within the store but being a 'management trainee' I had to learn all departments." One day, a rough looking middle aged fellow entered the store. He was dressed in well-worn workpants, work boots, and a soiled red and black plaid shirt just like you'd expect a lumberjack to wear. No one approached him (I guess he didn't look like a good sales prospect) and he didn't move from the front entrance; he just stood there surveying the store from left to right. I walked up to him and asked if I could help. He said, "I need a pair of wool socks.

No nylon, no cotton, just wool socks." We went to the Menswear Department and both watched as the sales person assigned to that department walked away from us so he wouldn't have to waste his time going through the full selection of hosiery just to find a single pair of wool socks." I then started asking questions about style, colour, size, price range, etc., to help narrow down exactly what the customer needed. "It don't matter." he replied, "Just wool socks. I work back in the bush and we only come to town every three weeks. Nylon makes my feet sweat. Cotton's okay but it don't last long.

I need socks I can wear at work everyday and that's wool." So, I checked the content label of every style and colour of sock that we had in stock and eventually found a pair of 100% wool socks. "Good", he said, and we walked up the checkout counter to ring in the $3.95 pair of wool socks. The man left and I got a bit of ribbing from the sales person in the Menswear Department about my 'big sale of the day' and how ?not to spend my commission all in one place!'"Three weeks later the customer returned. He then walked over to me and said, "I need more wool socks like that last pair". This time he decided that he'd take 6 pair.

We took the socks up to the checkout counter and rang in the six pair of $3.95 socks. The customer paid cash, said thanks, and walked away with his purchase. This time I didn't get quite as much ribbing from the sales person in the Menswear Department.Exactly three weeks later the customer came back. He walked through the front door and made a beeline for me. "I need more of them wool socks", he said.

"The boys at camp want to know where I got them and want some too. How many have you got?" I checked the display area, the stockroom, and our new stock shipment and told him I had 58 pair. He paid cash and bought them all. I never found out exactly how many people he worked with, but every three weeks he'd show up at the store and ask what I had in the way of tee-shirts, long johns, plaid wool shirts, work boots, gloves, caps, toques, coveralls, work jackets, etc., and each time he arrived, he'd walk right up to me for service and we'd both go to the proper department and select what he needed for himself and for the guys he worked with. He always paid cash and always thanked me for my help."If Doug had made the mistake of following his coworker's footsteps and made the same assumptions about the customer, he would have lost thousands of dollars in sales.

It is easy to make assumptions about our customers and prospects. A person's appearance, age, gender, nationality, or role within the company, often influences us. I have made this mistake when speaking to companies in the past. Upon learning that they only had a few salespeople, I made the assumptions they would not be willing to pay my standard fee. I later learned that this assumption was completely inaccurate and that they were fully prepared to invest in their teams' development.

As a consumer, I have often noticed that most sales people will approach well-dressed customers before they talk to people who are attired in jeans or casual clothing. Avoid this fatal mistake and go into every sales interaction with an open and clear mind. This will definitely have a positive impact on your sales.Copyright 2004 Kelley Robertson, all rights reserved..

The Coolmax material provides superior wicking characteristics to keep feet dry and comfortable in moderator to hot weather.In addition to the Coolmax fibers, the new Ultra Light Hiker socks feature stretch nylon along with a flat knit arch that provides better fit and durability."Anyone who appreciates the quality and comfort of Thorlo socks will find these to be an absolute homerun - versatile to the point that they can be an everyday sock," says Yeager."This is the opportunity for Thorlo sock customers to see the new Ultra Light Hiker Socks and stock up on their favorite Thorlo socks," says Pete Yeager of Muck Boots Online."The release of these new socks couldn't be better as it coincides with opportunity to purchase three socks and receive another sock for free, plus free shipping. Muck Boots Online, http://www.muckbootsonline.com carries Thorlo socks for running, walking, work, hiking, hunting, skiing and everyday use. MBO has a broad selection of socks that feature CoolMax fibers to provide superior wicking characteristics to keep feet dry and comfortable..

Its unique closed cell material is 100% waterproof. It's covered with a 4-way stretch nylon, that's totally flexible and soft. The CR Foam is very lightweight, flexible, buoyant and will stretch to fit virtually any calf."The interest in Muck Boots is very broad." says Yeager. "Farmers, gardeners, equestrians, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, really anybody who is going to be in need of weather proof boots. But people will wear Muck Shoes to take out the trash, walk the dog and for many other uses.

We have urban commuters who wear the Brit Clogs or Brit Middies to work."In addition, the company has expanded its offering of Thorlo socks. "Thorlo socks are the best socks you can buy, so we've expanded our offering to include more hunting socks, winter socks, ski socks, hiking and work socks, gardening, walking and one of my favorites, a new lamb's wool blend sock." says Yeager. "We've reorganized the online presentation to make it easier to select just the right socks." http://www.muckbootsonline.com/thorlos_socks.htmVisit www.muckbootsonline.com for the complete Muck Boot line..

Open up your cookbook to a completely new recipe and learn to cook it well.4. Learn how to say, "I love you" in two different languages other than your own.5. Teach someone how to read, how to fish, or how to play a musical instrument.6. Look inside a thesaurus to find new ways to say the same old things. 7.

Find three funny jokes and learn to tell them really well.8. Get a makeover, new hairstyle, or all new socks & underwear.9. Learn how to say, "I'm sorry" and mean it.10. Look into the eyes of strangers and hold their gaze long enough to see the insecurity in all of us.More tips and ideas can be found in Beyond the Inner Critic by Skye Thomas..

Wool nap outer facing. The "All Weather" Wool/Coolmax Fresh FX? Lined Boot Socks are compatible for weather conditions of 0?F to +100F and are designed to use with issued boots. The "All Weather" Glove/Glove Liners are similarly designed.The "Socks For Troops Campaign" offers two packages for donations:Package A: Consists of three pairs of the Coolmax Fresh FX? liners socks, two pairs of the "All Weather" Boot Socks and one pair of the "All Weather" Gloves/Glove Liners.?????????????????????$38.75/SetPackage B: Consists of two pair of the Coolmax Fresh FX? liner socks, one pair of the "All Weather" Boot Socks and one pair of the "All Weather" Glove/Glove Liners.?????????????????????$25.00/SetFor more information please visit our web sites www.operationac.com, www.keystonesoldiers.com, www.soldiersangels.com & www.socksfortroops.com,TechSpun? P.O. Box 4, Mechanicsville, PA 18934. at 215.297.8601..

If you wear lipstick, it is imperative that you keep your lips moist, because chapped lips are even more apparent under color. Keep lip balm in your car and your bedside table and apply it whenever you get in the car and before going to bed at night.2) Make sure your nails are well shaped and all a similar length. Nothing says you don't care like ragged nails or nails that are different lengths! (Ladies, I know you worked hard to grow those nails but just because only one broke, you shouldn't think nobody would notice!) If you polish your nails, keep your everyday color one shade brighter than your skin-tone. This looks professional and clean and makes your hands look elegant, especially if you wear rings. If you like brighter colors make sure you repair chipped polish right away! Chips in bright polish are extremely noticeable and make you look sloppy.3) Make sure your clothes and accessories are in a similar color family ? don't wear shades of beige or brown clothing with black shoes or a white belt.

As a rule of thumb, make sure your belt, shoes, and watchstrap are in the same color family. Sometimes a strikingly different purse or shoes can make a statement, but it has to be well planned. The article in question must be of good quality and in good condition, since you want people to notice it.4) Your socks or hose must match either your shoes or your pants. Do not EVER wear blue socks with brown shoes, or black socks with sneakers! If you are wearing sling-back or open-back shoes, make sure your socks or hose are the color of your shoes or nude-colored. If you are wearing sandals, do NOT wear hose unless it is patterned (think fishnets) and "deliberately worn to make a trendy statement".5) Wear the highest length socks you can (at least mid to high calf-length).

NOBODY wants to see shiny shins peeking out when you sit down!6) Polish your shoes and clean your sneakers! The number one thing people forget to do when going out is to check their shoes for scuffs or dirt. Polished shoes show that you care about your appearance. The most expensive shoes in the world will look horrible if they are dirty or scuffed! 7) Keep your wallet or purse organized all the time. Nothing makes you look disorganized like an overstuffed wallet hanging on for dear life in your back pocket, or a purse bursting at the seams! Make yourself a system to keep the business cards, credit cards or receipts you don't need all the time, in your briefcase or at home.And a bonus: an understated use of scent (aftershave, cologne or perfume) shows that you take an extra step with your grooming and can have a positive effect not only on your own mood but on those around you. According to the Social Issues Research Center in Oxford, UK, subtle fragrances can have dramatic effects in improving your mood and sense of well-being.

In addition, in experiments, subjects exposed to pleasant fragrances tend to give higher ?attractiveness ratings' to people in photographs. The regular use of pleasant fragrances helps to reduce mood disturbances in men and women..

The first pertains to getting ready to hike, camp or whatever else you love to do outdoors. Here are the Best Outdoor Preparation Tips:

• Always check the weather forecast. Understanding the type of rain to expect may even determine whether you go or not. If the forecast calls for severe thunderstorms with tornados, you will probably plan differently than you might for scattered showers. Check before you go, and check when you're there.

  A good weather radio is an essential piece of gear for backcountry recreation.

• Store everything you take in re-sealable plastic bags, especially socks, matches, flares, food, maps and your first aid kit.
• Pack your sleeping bag in a large plastic trash bag or a specially designed waterproof bag.
• Pack a brimmed waterproof hat and jacket. Always have rain gear with you, even if it is only a large trash bag.
• Treat your tent, hat, jacket and pack with waterproofing spray ? even if they're called "waterproof" to begin with.
• For two weeks prior to your trip, be sure to take your multi-vitamins. You should be doing this regardless. A good immune system is an outdoor enthusiast's best friend.

Here are the Best Outdoor Rain Tips:

• Never camp in a low lying area. Look for a durable surface which will allow water to run off more effectively.
• Look for a campsite this is somewhat protected from wind, flooding and heavy rain fall. Under a group of small trees is ideal. Keep away from the tallest tree in the forest ? that's where lightning likes to visit.
• Place a mat outside the tent door to collect debris. If you are base camping, the weight of the mat is not worth the benefit ? so use rocks instead.
• Do not touch the walls of your tent when it is wet.

  This will adversely affect the water resistant capability of the tent. That is ? you can create a leak.

• Use a tarp under your tent. You should do this regardless of the weather, but when it's raining it becomes important.
• Sleep. There's nothing better than sleeping in a tent when the rain falls.
• Check the forecast every hour. If the storm is worsening, you need to know about it.

  Do you have extra batteries for your weather radio?

• Never hold a fishing pole during a lightning storm.
• Emergency flares are excellent for igniting wet firewood.
• Body heat is a precious element. Conserve and protect your body by keeping it dry on the outside and wet on the inside. Drinking water becomes very important when body heat is being lost. Change into dry socks, get into your dry sleeping bag.
• Keep an eye on your tent, the tent's rain fly and the ropes/stakes holding your tent in place. Standing water and high winds are the enemy of your tent.

Some of the most remarkable times you'll experience will be in the backcountry during a rain storm ? it can be exhilarating! Doesn't sound so bad after all ? does it? Use this information and you'll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!.

to produce even more styles and colors to satisfy customers. With the Christmas season approaching, the company will attempt to deliver the new styles in early November 2004. "We've had such a flood of email requests for new styles from customers over the last 2 months, we made it a goal to get our new designs out before Christmas", says Baer. Cloudyreason Inc. will produce two new styles, a crew line in 2 new colors and a light weight grey and white base sock with two different colorful horizontal stripe sets.

"They will be classy and colorful, more like a light stylish dress sock for Flip Flops.".

With only carry-on luggage, we were on our way to a restaurant in Quito, while others were still waiting for their checked luggage. When we took busses our luggage was safely with us, not on the roof or in the hold below being cut open, like one time when I was in Mexico. While others struggled down the street with three heavy bags, we had our hands free and were walking comfortably because we use daypacks or small backpacks. We had less to lose, less to be stolen, less to wait for, less to pack and unpack in hotels, and less to worry about.Light Travel IssuesThere are a couple minor problems when you travel light. First, expect an extra question or two from the customs officials at the airport (Six weeks with only this?).

Second, a small bag won't work if you plan to bring back many souvenirs. In this case, you can still go light. Just plan to buy a second bag at some point during the trip, to carry your acquisitions. As for the seemingly obvious issue of not having enough clothes and other things all in one or two small bags, I'll explain below why that isn't as big a problem as you may think.How To Travel LightSilk shirts weigh 3 ounces, and travel well if rolled up. Nylon dress socks weigh less than an ounce, and they are cool and comfortable.

Poly-cotton blend t-shirts weigh 5 ounces. Supplex or other lightweight travel slacks weigh 9 ounces, and are sufficient for a fine restaurant or a walk in the woods. All of these weigh less than half of the typical travel choices, and take less space, yet function the same. There is no sacrifice involved here. For this exercise in travel simplicity, you even get to go shopping for new clothes.You don't have to buy new clothes, however.

You don't have to buy a scale and count ounces to travel light. Just choose the lighter alternative whenever you can. Set aside your lightest jacket, socks and pants for your next trip. Travel simplicity is the goal, not more complicated planning.More Ways To Travel LightMoney replaces weight, especially in the form of a debit or credit card. Why carry two pounds of your favorite shampoo when you can simply buy small bottles as you travel.

It really won't cost much more to buy things wherever you go, instead of carrying your bathroom and wardrobe with you. Also, you really don't know exactly what you'll need, particularly on an overseas trip. Buy what you need as you need it, and you won't have a pile of useless things in your luggage. Don't we all regularly unpack things at home that we never once used during the trip?Take a lesson from long-trail hikers (backpackers who travel a trail for months). They send things, such as new shoes, to a post office on their route, ahead of time, so they'll be waiting for them.

They also send home things they no longer need, such as a winter coat. The latter may be a useful practice for other travelers. If you buy bulky gifts for family or friends, why carry them around for weeks? Put them in the mail.A Light Travel ExampleWhat I Took For Six weeks in Ecuador:

• 8 pairs of thin nylon socks (less than an ounce per pair)
• 2 silk shirts for restaurants and discos (3 ounces each)
• 4 poly/cotton blend t-shirts (5-6 ounces each)
• 5 pair of light underwear (2-3 ounces each)
• 1 extra pair of lightweight slacks (9 ounces)
• Single layer nylon shorts for hiking or swimming (2 ounces)
• Thin gloves (1 ounce)
• Thin hat (1 ounce - honestly)
• Thin wool sweater (11 ounces)
• Waterproof/breathable rainsuit (14 ounces for the set)
• Light plastic camera (3 ounces)
• Sunglasses (1 ounce)
• Small chess set (3 ounces)
• Bathroom kit (5 ounces)
• Maps, notebook and various small things (3 or 4 pounds)

Without spending money or thinking about it too much, you can just start setting aside your lightest shirts, socks, etc., so you can travel light on your next vacation..