Monday, January 19. 2009
Among the other unexplainable things I did in High School, I took Latin for two years. From that painful experience, I have only retained a few phrases, but I can utter them with such eloquence it would make Caesar Augustus pause and reflect on the greatness of Gaul. “Agricolae in agro est.” means “The farmer is in the field” which I am sure is related to my high school employment. “E Pluribus Unum” means “Out of many, One” which undoubtedly relates to my life long fascination with making money. (It is printed on our money)
While these are highly useful phrases, (and very impressive in conversation) the one Latin phrase that is my all time favorite, and the most versatile, is “Carpe Diem.” (Translated that means “Seize the Day!”) Carpe Diem is a highly motivational saying and has provided me with the perfect rally cry when I have those moments of true clarity. “Big meeting today, carpe diem.” “This is going to be a long hard job, well, might as well carpe diem” “Today is Saturday, “HOLY CARPE DIEM!” But any Latin scholar will tell you the real attraction of this phrase is its versatility for use in those everyday moments… “No time for breakfast, carpe doughnut! “Magic make the playoffs, I am going to carpe tickets.” “Why do you go to the ATM? …”Carpe cash.” Who said Latin was a dead language?
Success in the 2009 economy will require you to recognize the “Carpe Moments” . Every economy will present a multitude of opportunities to sell, win a new client, or grow market share, but you must be flexible, focused, willing, and well prepared to “carpe the moment.” Especially in today’s environment, a sales opportunity may not wait for you to “get back to them,” or “continue holding for the next available sales representative.” In 2009, “Seize the day” has become “Seize the moment.” but the good news is that there are many opportunities out there, and you don’t really have to study Latin for two years in order to "Carpe Sales".