I’ve always had a deep love for music across genres, artists, and songs. So, when one of those light-hearted Facebook challenges popped up, I couldn’t resist joining in.
But, of course, I had to add a twist—I decided not to repeat any artists. Which brings me to:
Insight #1: Don’t Overcomplicate What’s Already Complex
Why do we sometimes make things harder than they need to be? Whether it’s music or inside sales, we often find ourselves adding unnecessary layers of difficulty to an already complex task.
It’s worth pausing and asking, “How can I simplify this?” You’d be surprised at the insights you’ll uncover by just allowing yourself to focus on what truly matters.
Insight #2: Strategic Preparation is a Game-Changer
I realized that trying to come up with a new song each day was becoming more stressful than fun. The pressure to spontaneously generate an idea was counterproductive. So, I started preparing in advance—jotting down song ideas as they came to me. This simple shift in approach made the challenge enjoyable again.
Similarly, in inside sales, preparation is key.
Having a clear call strategy or purpose for the day makes your workflow smoother. A well-crafted list of questions allows you to engage deeply without scrambling for the next thing to say. And those email templates? They save time and mental energy, letting you focus on the conversation, not the composition.
Insight #3: Adapt When the Unexpected Happens
On Day 19, I hit a roadblock—“A song that makes you think about life.” Nothing came to mind. After 18 days of smooth sailing, was I really going to let this stop me? Of course not.
We’ve all been there on a sales call when the conversation hits a wall. The key is to pivot. Draw on past experiences where you successfully navigated similar situations.
Keep a mental (or even physical) list of fallback strategies. Sometimes, the best move is to acknowledge what you don’t know, commit to finding the answer, and then redirect the conversation.
Insight #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Input
On Day 26, I was stuck again. Despite all my preparation, I couldn’t come up with a suitable song. So, I started asking friends and colleagues for their suggestions. Their input sparked new ideas and helped me get unstuck.
In sales, this approach is invaluable. I like to think of it as my “Chinese Buffet Theory” of learning—gather a variety of insights from different sources, mix and match them, and create something uniquely your own. Whether it’s from books, blogs, or conversations, there’s always something to learn and adapt.
Insight #5: Persevere Through the Challenges
Day 30 arrived, and I felt the pressure to end the challenge on a high note. It wasn’t easy, but I drew on everything I’d learned along the way—simplifying, preparing, adapting, and seeking help. And guess what? I finished strong.
The same goes for inside sales. Success doesn’t come from any one strategy; it’s the culmination of everything you’ve learned, combined with persistence and a refusal to give up.
All of this from a simple Facebook 30-Day Song Challenge.
Musically yours,
Lynn
ps: here are is my 30-Day Playlist (I was told it would be annoying not to have it included)
Day 1: Baby Blue, Jeff Healey
Day 2: 35 Miles Outside of Memphis, Slam Allen
Day 3: Workin’ for a Living, Huey Lewis & the News
Day 4: Similar Features, Mellissa Ethridge
Day 5: Chemical Wire, fiREHOSE
Day 6: Turn It Up, Save Ferris
Day 7: Surrender, Cheap Trick
Day 8: I Ain’t Drunk, Mell Brown
Day 9: Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with That, Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Day 10: I Can Change, LCD Soundstation
Day 11: I Need a Miracle, Grateful Dead
Day 12: Camptown Races, Stephen Foster
Day 13: Mohamad Radio, Waren Zevon
Day 14: Into the Mystic, Van Morrison
Day 15: All About That Bass, Katie Davis
Day 16: Bourée, JS Bach performed by Jethro Tull
Day 17: Shook Me All Night Long, AC/DC
Day 18: Make Someone Happy, Bill Evans
Day 19: Total Destruction of the Mind, Santana
Day 20: Take Five, Dave Brubeck
Day 21: Corrina Coririna, Bob Dylan
Day 22: The Bounce, The Blue Method
Day 23: Ab Minor jam, Christian McBride
Day 24: Let’s Dance, Ramones
Day 25: Matchbox Blues, Stevie Ray Vaughn & Albert King
Day 26: Right by Your Side, Eurythmics
Day 27: Indoor Fireworks, Elvis Costello
Day 28: Sister Midnight, David Bowie
Day 29: Sentimental Journey (Green & Brown) sung by Ella Fitzgerald
Day 30: Goddess of Love & Beer, Popa Chubby