Brendan Shea's Blog, page 15

Song of the Week

Landslide Of Love

Opening salvo
Didn’t help solve anything
Every time we shout our rights out
We get all grouchy and gray

It’s all about me, me
It’s all about what I can take
And if that doesn’t ring true anymore
Maybe it was our first mistake

And since we don’t believe in Santa Claus
Maybe we’d best stay awake

Every time a teardrop falls
It’s kicking up dust in our world of pain
Let’s get drenched under God’s good rain
Caught in a deluge of mercies
Like a pebble clings to dirt
We’re still clinging to bedrock sin
Let’s get swept off our feet again
Caught in a landslide of love

It’s all about me, me
It’s all about all I can take
The good I try to do goes nowhere
The bad just seizes the day

And if we’re here for something bigger, baby
There’s gotta be some better way

Every time a teardrop falls
It’s kicking up dust in our world of pain
Let’s get drenched under God’s good rain
Caught in a deluge of mercies
Like a pebble clings to dirt
We’re still clinging to bedrock sin
Let’s get swept off our feet again
Caught in a landslide of love

No, not angels or devils
No, not famine or war
No, not the past or the present
Not even the ground separates from God’s love
Not even the ground separates from His love

‘Cause every time a teardrop falls
It’s kicking up dust in our world of pain
Let’s get drenched under God’s good rain
Caught in a deluge of mercies
And like a pebble cased in dirt
We’ve been anchored in bedrock sin
Let’s get swept off our feet again
Caught in a landslide of love
Caught in a landslide of love

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Jeff Frankenstein / Peter Furler / Steve Taylor

Landslide of Love lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing

Newsboys • Devotion • 2004

Instant!

I enjoy tea often and coffee on occasion. Hot chocolate is a friend of mine, palate-wise, and hot drinks are good for me all winter (and summer as well)

Back in the 1980s, I was at the home of my sister’s friend’s parents. She was an attractive, wavy raven-haired twenty-something, whom I liked to hang out with on occasion when living in Brooklyn.

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We were in Soho, at her parents’ loft. I’m not sure how we got to that location but it might have been around the time we went to a play of hers.

He parents’ home was super-sweet. A cozy loft in lower Manhattan with nice furnishings and pleasant surrounds.

For some reason, I was wanting a cup of tea, so I figured they’d put on a kettle and brew some up for as many as wanted.

I was mistaken. There weren’t that many takers, and a few mugs were passed out (unless I was the sole participant, not sure), and they directed me to the kitchen sink.

Were my hosts going to suggest I use the hot tap? I figured that was okay; beggars can’t be choosers. But no, there was an extra faucet, and it dispensed boiling hot water on demand.

I brewed up my instant tea and it was great. How convenient it would be today, when many have instant hot water heaters, while back then, it seemed I was in a home of the elite.

Sometimes it would be awfully nice to brew up hot drinks at the drop of a hat, but on reflection, I enjoy the process of filling the kettle, turning on the gas flame, and waiting for the whistle to sound.

Setting out my favorite black mug, I add a tea bag, half & half and Stevia. Working whatever job or project or amusement is at hand, the kettle soon shrieks, and I am in business.

Carefully pouring the steaming hot liquid, I cover my cup and head to my workspace or reading nook.

No, I think instant hot water would be awfully nice, but my old-fashioned mindset enjoys the old-school process.

Recalibration

An excerpt from my book on chronic kidney disease:

So I always have to remember my diet. My eating habits are really important to my GFR and kidney health. No, the kidney’s don’t regenerate, but if I want to maintain my GFR for longer, diet might help. 

Yesterday, I had a big pizza. Normally, I modify my diet but I ate four pieces, half of the pizza was mostly veggies: artichoke hearts and such. I scraped off some of the unhelpful but delicious tomatoes, but should have removed half of the pepperoni, bacon and such from the meat half. As it was, I pigged out on both.

I marveled later that my stomach did not protest, but then my bowels started emitting bad smells. Overnight, I experienced profound dehydration; maybe it was caused by all the sodium, I’m not sure. My tongue felt like a dry cloth, and I realized there’d been a penalty to the overeating after all. I realized I’d sinned, I’d insisted on my own way. When I saw the pizza, which was larger than my wife had intended to order, I should have evaluated it. Again, If I’d removed some of the ingredients, and predetermined to only eat half or even three quarters of the treat, I’d surely have felt better afterwards.

Sin is a particular thing. You can’t just regret the sin and hope it will not be repeated. You can’t just plead with God to remove the sin habit. You have to pray continually, maintain an additude of intentionality. I recently realized my overeating was impacting more than my kidneys and my marriage, I realized it was holding me back in my relationship with God. I was reading a book with a small group of men from my church called Fundamentals for Men: A Handbook for Him by Vince Miller. The teaching was so fundamental that I was determined to try and not have more than my share at mealtimes and to minimize snacking.

I then went to a men’s retreat I’d attended the prior year and had a much better time than in the past. I attribute part of that to my resolution about food. But sometimes I still forget myself when it comes to being moderate with my eating when I am having an approved feast at mealtime. 

The pie was from Pizza My Heart, an old favorite. I do like Round Table, but we hadn’t had the popular PMH in a long time, so I was excited. Normally when I eat at Pizza My Heart, I get one slice, and a Greek salad and iced tea. That way I can enjoy some greasiness without overdoing it, and their Greek salad is delicious. It has all the good fixins, like feta cheese and Greek olives and vinegar-laced dressing.

Of course it isn’t just a little stomach discomfort that is the worry, it is wondering if my GFR is going down and I’m going to need dialysis or transplant sooner.

Again, the main thing with food and CKD is to have a balance: a little bit of animal protein, some grains25, a half-cup of acceptable veggies, and a half cup of acceptable fruits. Avoid too much potassium, sugar, sodium and phosphates (no Coca-Cola: bummer).

If I eat too much of good foods, or more than a little of bad, I have trouble in the short term and/or in the long term. But if I want to feel my best, I need to be intentional, and not wake up to symptoms that are painful and alarming…this will also nurture my relationship with God. And there are many rewards to be had from keeping that precious rapport fit and trim, including many successes and open doors that did not otherwise seem to be attainable…  

ꭥ

“Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick! … If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.”

— Proverbs 25:16

25Whole grains may contain higher amounts of potassium and phosphorus per serving compared to refined grains, however, phosphorus in plant-based foods is not absorbed completely. Most whole grains contain less than 200 mg of both potassium and phosphorous per ½ cup serving and therefore can be included in any of the following kidney conditions and treatments:

…Whole grains may offer additional benefits for those with kidney disease by helping with bowel regularity, blood pressure control, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose control. Talk with your kidney dietitian to learn more about how to incorporate whole grains into your eating pattern.

-National Kidney Foundation

Song of the Week

From Jasmine, by Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden:

For All We Know

Courtesy of Wikipedia – Album Liner Notes…

“This recording was done in my small studio. It has very dry sound and we didn’t want to have the recording sound like anything but exactly what we were hearing while we played. So it is direct and straightforward… We did not rehearse per se, but went over chords when necessary… We had not played (together) in over thirty years, but something magical happened and I then invited Charlie and his wife to the house to do some playing for a few days with no assurance that we’d have anything (including sound) that we’d want to release.”

He continued: “Jasmine is a night-blooming flower with a beautiful fragrance and I hope you can hear what went into this, as there is no way to do anything as touching as this by rehearsing it until it dies. This is spontaneous music made on the spot without any preparation save our dedication throughout our lives that we won’t accept a substitute: it’s either the real thing or it’s nothing. It’s either real life, or it’s a cartoon… These are great love songs played by players who are trying, mostly, to keep the message intact. I hope you can hear it the way we did.

Album available on Amazon

And while he sometimes goes off the rails, this song reminds me of Harry Bosch, who was quoted as saying, “Everybody counts or nobody counts” (Michael Connelly)

Click here to purchase this recording on Amazon

A Book(s), A Plate and A Walk

A travelogue or outing journal

Today I was seeking adventure, so I donned my writer’s cap and headed to the library. Wanting to avoid circuitous routes, I went to my alternate library. My plan was to have Chinese food, as I often do on Saturdays, but again, was trying to be linear, so I varied up my meal choice as well.

The Camden branch of the San Jose library system is no slouch in its class, it’s clean, quiet and well-stocked.

I found two items of interest, but only checked out one. Dumas’ “restored”, The Red Sphinx: A Sequel to The Three Musketeers, was the one I passed on, voluminous and likely a thrill, as I have seven books at home I’m currently reading. I’m sure to pick it up again later.

The other tome, though it was slim, was, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption; I picked that one up, as it was too short to deter from my current reads too too much.

I’m not big on Stephen King, because horror is not my jam, but Shawshank’, Stand by Me, The Green Mile and other similar King stories, are fantastic to me. And his book, On Writing, is also very good.

I have not read any of his books other than the writing one, but after seeing movies like Shawshank’, I’d be game to try out any of those books.

Next stop was to Recycle Books Campbell, to fetch a pail of Dick Francis. I’m a lifetime fan of the late British horseracing mystery writer, and also read work by his son, Felix Francis.

I had to walk a ways to the bookstore, as there was a street festival going on nearby, and enjoyed a few paces in the sun, with mildly crisp weather.

This time out at the bookstore, I decided on one of the Francis’ family’s collaborations, Silks. I’d tried the audiobook without satisfaction, but had the feeling I’d favor the paperback.

I had a credit at the store, so the book only cost me four bucks.

Last stop before home was Aqui’s, an outstanding restaurant in Downtown Campbell.

I don’t know where else in the world you can get a custom-crafted, super healthy, ultra tasty, economical meal in a great atmosphere, in about ten minutes, for under $20. I hope they stay open forever.

Here is what I had:

 Crisp Wild Mahi

Panko and organic corn meal crusted Pacific mahi, avocado, cilantro rice, pinto beans, romaine, salsa fresca, chipotle corn salsa, Monterey Jack, sour cream and cotija cheese. 13.99

Here is what it looked like (I took a bite, so the photo is imperfect)

I wouldn’t want to live in Elysium in the sense that I’d rather be in Heaven, and I wouldn’t want people to suffer while I was in clover, but I’m glad I had a good few hours out, and hope that I can also help others to have their needs met; today was a luxury.

Limitations?

An excerpt from my upcoming book about chronic kidney disease:

I went to a men’s retreat lately, and was in clover with worship, fellowship, good teaching and fine food, but felt the need to rest a lot. I had a tremendously busy work week leading up to the retreat, but was somehow able to leave on time for the getaway, and in fact, it was my manager’s steadfast decision to keep me on schedule for my event that convinced me it was okay to get going. 

We had a whirlwind of change in our department, but I was able to get myself situated for my time off, and got to the destination early. This suited me well because I like to ease into things like easing into a long hot shower. You want the temperature to not burn, while ensuring the water is hot enough to soothe and comfort.

I was able to get my things set up at my lodging, and still made the prayer time for our contingent at the retreat. But after dinner and the main events of the first evening, I headed off to bed.

I slept well, but awoke feeling unusual. I’d had a sinus infection coming up, and I think it migrated to other parts of me causing more symptoms which I am still shedding from my body today. The next morning, I knew I’d rested well, but I was kind of comatose for some hours. Had I slept too much? Or was I depressed or worn out? I participated very fully that day, but again, as night fell, I found myself back in bed, my roommates staying up late, and determined that while I done much better than the previous’ years’ retreat, that the following year, if able to come, I’d stay up later and be stronger in fellowship. 

I was invited to walk to the Cross on the hill, but thought it might be too strenuous. I agreed to walk down to the water, but the hike was over a narrow twisty path, and after following the guys for a half hour or so, feeling unsure of my footing and lightheaded and uncertain, I begged out and returned to my room. Taking an hour nap I felt better, but was feeling guilty about retreating from the hike.

Back home:

For the past several months, since I stood outside for hours trying to help with a home repair, I’ve been overcome with fatigue. I don’t know if my kidneys are at issue, but I need frequent naps around work and free time, and go to bed early most days. I do find that prolonged standing in direct sun seems to be bad for me. 

I’m only fifty-six, but feel like my health could be that of an eighty year old. I’m content with my lot, but don’t want to disappoint my wife or my friends.

Is this what happens when you don’t take good care of yourself? Or is this the wages of sin? Or do I just have bad genes from generations of hard living? I don’t know, but I’m going to make the most of every opportunity, because the days are not good.

ꭥ

Be very careful then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil. 

-Ephesians 5:15-16

How to Succeed in a Sales Call Center

Hi readers, Here’s the introduction from my new book, How to Succeed in a Sales Call Center

Introduction

My name is Brendan Shea. I’m a once and present Californian who’s lived coast to coast in the US. After a life in restaurant management and theater, I’ve worked in telemarketing, sales, sales support and call center management, and have been a salesperson, trainer and sales writer for the past fifteen years.

Voted #1 in Customer Care in my fourth year in telemarketing, I have been recognized as a significant contributor in my field, and in the past eight years, in my current role, have helped generate north of $50M dollars in sales.

I was recently interviewed by a research firm to help them understand trends in the California solar market, and they plan to interview me again next year. As a mid-level employee, it is exciting to be asked for my views and ideas.

My extensive understanding of solar sales, the rudiments of electrical for solar installation, PG&E data, roof specifics and related dynamics, have been widely availed by thousands of happy customers who’ve achieved basic understanding of their projects, enabling them to negotiate the solar market to their advantage.

The book is not about solar, but I use my solar and other sales knowledge in such a way as to help call center workers up their game. When companies are made up of large numbers of employees who take pride in their work and press on to give their best effort, those firms excel and their industries flourish.

At the end of the day, however, I’m just a man, talking to customers, sharing what little I know, and hoping they’ll realize what I want is for them to have a good outcome. So then, How to Succeed in a Sales Call Center, is a compendium of handy sales tips that you, the telemarketer, can use in any sales scenario. 

And I am a firm believer that attending to the smallest details of a sale can make all the difference when it comes to customer satisfaction and corporate success.

I didn’t want to call the book, How to Succeed as a Telemarketer, as telemarketers by that name are stigmatized to this day. But I got my sales start as a telemarketer, and have built my career significantly, and ‘How to Succeed’ is filled with tips on excelling in the field of call center work.

These nuggets of knowledge are not meant to be lengthy lessons that drone on for days; people today have precious little free time, so I feel there’s no need to paint this book with too much window dressing.

Why would a telemarketer need a book on sales? Sure, there are plenty of books out there on selling: good ones, bad ones maybe, and the mediocre. But I don’t know of any that are specifically designed to help everyday telemarketers rise to the top of their profession, elevating themselves beyond the norm, and ‘How to Succeed’ can do just that.

Why telemarketing? With the world turning ever-more to AI and related functionality, the workforce is changing. In a few decades, most jobs will probably be held by C-level executives, engineers with deep knowledge pockets, and service personnel, so for those not on the higher rungs of collegiate success, your average person needs to have a career that will take them through life well-attended.

This book addresses an aspect of sales that most don’t. Not only that, but I also outline key, commonly known software in the volume, recommending it be used in a manner specifically helpful to you as a call center rep, so that you can be the best of the best.

I’m living proof that working in a call center doesn’t have to be a nowhere job, and that if you work hard and never let up, you can elevate your position to the highest ranks. I’m not a C-level executive, but that has never been my ambition, and if a reader follows the simple sales tips in my book, they can eventually rise to the top if that is their mindset.

I hope you’ll enjoy this little book, and that it helps you become the salesperson or call center rep you long to be.

Brendan Shea

Please click here to view or purchase the book on Amazon

Check out my new sales book!

Brendan Shea has worked in sales call centers, doing telemarketing, sales, training and management, for fifteen years, and in How to Succeed in a Sales Call Center, he brings his revenue winning methods to print, to help the average telemarketer become extraordinary.

When is a telemarketer thought of as a C-Level person? Hardly ever, but Shea has sown into his career as a telemarketer, not to rise to the level of CEO or COO, but to remain a mid-level employee, knowing it is his desire and wheelhouse.

Shea has helped sell tens of millions of dollars of product in his career, and believes that if those who seek to improve, apply some of the rudimentary concepts in this book, they’ll be sought after in their fields, have better job security, and enjoy their work immensely.

Please read How to Succeed in a Sales Call Center, if you are wanting to attain to a level of skill and polish in your sales career, for advancement… or just to shine where you are.

Song of the week

This week’s entry is from Fort Washington Church

What Does The Lord Require of You?

From Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

Difficult Times

Have you ever had a difficult time? What did you do? Did you eat? Did you pray? Did you enjoy someone’s company? Did you stumble? What did you do when things got tough?

They say in recovery that danger is represented most often by the acronym, HALT; if you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, you are at risk:

HungryAngryLonelyTired

But then, what to do? Can you call a friend? Hug your wife? Pray to God? How do you stay on track?

What if you find something is off in your life:

A relationshipA jobSomething you do in your free timeAn attitude problem you or someone else has

So prayer is the best, but sometimes solutions may also have skin on. There may be a pastor, friend or spouse you can talk to. If they are sympathetic and objective, they can help you through.

I hope you keep strong when you are down, and that you reach out for help when needed, so that you don’t go into a tailspin, but if things get rough, I also hope you come through strengthened, with a better life than when you began.