Modern Wife Life

I'm retail buyer.  Some think that a buyer is a "professional shopper" who picks out cute things and scans the internet for trends.  Not quite.  Most people don't realize the large component of sales that goes into buying.   As a buyer you sometimes feel like the customer (they want you to buy their product), but sometimes you feel like the vendor (you want them to do business with your sales channel).  This dynamic depends on who needs who more.  For example.... does Nike need to sell to your small boutique?  Or do you need Nike to sell to your small boutique?  

No matter what side you are on, the buying or the selling, the "no's" are inevitable.  Things, people, and partners, will not always fall into place.  There will be seasons in business where the "no's" seem to never end.  I've recently picked up the most simple, straightforward, game-changing tool for handling the "no's".  It is simply responding to a "no" with the question, "What would it take?".

It seems too easy, right?  But I guarantee this will change the dynamic of the conversation.  This question opens up someone's mind to the possibility of "yes" by allowing them to speak in the hypothetical.  By getting someone to speak in the hypothetical, you're opening their previously closed mind to the possibility.  This is non-threatening to both parties, as it's simply a discussion of ideals.  No one is committing to anything.  Their response gives you valuable insight to their goals.  It can inspire you to come up with creative solutions and approach a new solution from unique angles.  In short-- this response can get you out of the "gridlock" that getting a "no" often creates.  And you still seem like a competent, respectful listener, not just someone who won't take no for an answer. 

I've been lucky that both Zappos and Zulily offer a nice employee discount.  I've definitely taken advantage!  Recently I made a few purchases from Zulily that I'm so excited about-- a new pair of my favorite Asics Gel-Noosa Tri 9 running shoes, and some gorgeous jewelry from Olivia Welles.  I've never purchased Olivia Welles before, but it feels very "BaubleBar" and I think it would look cute with a casual white or gray t-shirt and some boyfriend jeans.  The Asics Gel-Noosa Tri 9 are my favorite running shoes.  I first tried this style (different color combo) last winter when my Asics rep sent them to me, and I will never go back to anything else.  I saved 70% on this Zulily purchase (over $240 in savings)!  I'd definitely recommend signing up for Zulily emails to notify you when your favorite brands are on sale.  The UPS tracking says these were all delivered today, so I'm going to go check my mail! Eeeeee!

I always wanted long mermaid hair.  It took me years to get the length, and I enjoyed it, but I think I'm ready for a little switcharoo.  I had super long hair while I was at Zappos in Las Vegas, and last spring I added some blonde ombre/balayage to it. The color was so fun, but it left my hair a little dry. The whole thing represents my Vegas chapter quite well.  Who knew hair could be such an accurate metaphor!?   Now that I'm at Zulily in Seattle, I'm feeling inspired for something new, something healthy, something more mature.  The metaphor continues!  I will be back in Minnesota this week and have an appointment with my most trusted, favorite hair stylist, Shayla, at Rocco Altobelli in Minnetonka, and I think it's time to pull the trigger. Hey, it always grows back.  Here's my inspo!