Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Have empathy. Be responsible. Stay optimistic. Strive for excellence.

Answer: To sell a product, you must be able to feel what your customer feels and then adjust your sales strategy. While you may enter an interaction with a specific sales pitch, you must adjust your pitch if a customer is not responding as you hoped. Pay attention to your customer's body language and facial expressions. If the customer is folding their arms, not making eye contact, or fidgeting a lot, you may need to try a different approach. When you show empathy, acknowledge whatever concern the customer has and let them know that you are on their side. For example, if a customer is saying that your product is too expensive, you may say, "I understand that. I know that price is an important factor, and you are looking for the best value that suits your needs." Do not blame other people when you are unable to make a sale or meet your numbers. If you have made a mistake, take responsibility and come up with a solution to the problem that you face. Also be open to any criticism or suggestions you receive about your work. For example, you should never say, "It's not my fault that people aren't interested in the product." Instead have the attitude that says, "Why aren't people interested? What can I do to change my approach?" As a salesperson, you will get turned down a lot. Think of rejection as just part of your job. Remember that the customer is not rejecting you as a person, but the product that you are selling. Think of rejection as an opportunity to try out a new strategy or go back to the drawing board. Use your failures as a learning tool. Keep a written record of your sales approach and the associated outcome. This will help you figure out which strategies work best. Most successful salespeople have an ego. They strive to be the best at what they do and are self-motivated. Set performance goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to meet them. For example, a goal may be to speak with 5 new customers a day or make a new sale once a week. If you work on a sales team, try to be the top performer. If someone is doing better than you, try to step your game up. Being competitive is good, but do not sabotage your coworkers or lie to customers to get the job done.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Start at least two months before your proposal date. Set a budget. Expect to pay more for a custom ring.

Answer: Give yourself at least two months from the time you begin researching custom engagement rings to the day you want to propose. It will take you at least a month to decide on a design and place the order with a jeweler. Once you place the order, it will take another six weeks for the ring to arrive. Before you begin designing an engagement ring for yourself or your fiance-to-be, figure out how much money you have to work with. Your budget will determine how much you can spend on the gemstone, setting, and design. Try looking for a jeweler or designer that will let you pay in installments. A custom engagement ring will generally cost more than a pre-set ring. A custom ring requires more labor and time to create, and this will be reflected in the price tag. If you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider a pre-set ring instead.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Double-check the order before you head out to deliver. Use a reliable vehicle. Learn the roads. Get GPS. Know the menu. Keep several pens with you.

Answer: Make sure the pizza was made correctly and that you have everything the customer ordered. They will be frustrated and less likely to tip you if you forgot those extra containers of ranch dressing, or brought them super spicy hot wings when they ordered barbeque flavor wings. It's incredibly important that you get to your deliveries promptly. If your car battery is constantly dying, or you break down on the side of the road often, that will severely reduce your tips. Make sure you have a reliable vehicle to do your deliveries with, because being late will not help you earn good money. Spend some time looking at a map, or even driving around to get a feel for the area. You need to know all of the major roads in your city, and what separates your city into Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western sections. You'll make better time if you know the difference between 500 West Maple and 500 East Maple. Many people have GPS or can get directions using their cell phone. If this doesn't apply to you, invest in a GPS system for your car. It will be super helpful if you get lost or if a customer lives in the middle of nowhere. Using GPS can also help you find the most efficient route from one delivery to the next. Customers may ask questions about their order or future orders, so be sure you know the menu. They will appreciate you being able to tell them what's on the "Super Supreme" when they ask. Customers will need a pen to add a tip and sign the receipt if they paid with a credit card. Not having a working pen with you tells the customer you are unprepared. Be sure to keep a few spares in your car, and one in the delivery bag or in your pocket.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Plan a road trip. Visit friends. Consider a warm vacation.

Answer:
If you're able to drive and have access to a vehicle, a road trip can be a wonderful bonding experience between you and your friends. Pack a bag, load up the car, and hit the road together to explore someplace new and exciting. If you are not yet old enough to drive, ask your parents about the possibility of taking a road trip together. Road trips take some planning (and money), though, so be sure to give your parents a few weeks to make arrangements. Decide in advance where you want to go. Driving aimlessly can be fun, but you can quickly find yourself lost, out of gas, or out of money. Choose whether to stay in hotels or camp. If you do camp, make sure it's feasible to camp in the conditions you'll be entering and plan for the weather wherever you'll be staying (which may mean preparing for snowy winter camping, depending on where you'll be). Make accommodation arrangements. If you'll be staying in hotels/motels, look into where you want to stay and consider booking a reservation. If you'll be camping, scout campgrounds and see if they accept reservations over the phone or online. Choose a scenic route to get to your destination, if it's possible to do so safely. Know the conditions you'll be facing. Remember that some areas require chains on your tires to drive through icy mountain passes, which may be too dangerous for you to travel. Get your car checked out before the trip to make sure it's in good working condition. Bring whatever supplies you'll need. That includes emergency supplies in case you get stranded: extra blankets, food, water, batteries, a flashlight, road flares, gas money, and an extra charger for your cellphone. Winter break is a great time to reconnect with friends you haven't seen in a while. Whether you've been off at college or simply burdened by your studies in your home town, it can be difficult to spend time with friends while you're in school at any level. Reach out to friends you don't see very often. Ride bikes together, play in the snow, or simply hang out watching movies or playing video games. Consider taking a trip to visit friends who live a few towns away or a state over. If you're not old enough to drive, ask your parents (and your friends' parents) about the possibility of taking an overnight trip. Have a sleep over with friends you've missed. Catch up on what's new with your friends. Get coffee together or go out for a meal. Depending on your financial situation, you and your family/friends may want to take a trip together to a warmer location. You can even take a trip alone, if you have sufficient funding and feel comfortable traveling solo. Spending a few days or a week on a warm, sunny beach might be just what you need to unwind from school and chase away the winter blues. Start saving early and budget your money. Decide whether you'll need a hotel/motel, a rental car, and tickets to a theme park or other destination, and work those costs into your budget. If you're still young, ask your parents about whether a fun vacation might be possible. This type of trip can take months to plan, though, so be sure you ask well in advance of your winter break. Avoid traveling on major holiday weekends, as prices for flights tend to surge during these busy periods. You'll certainly be able to find lodging at a nationally-renown beach, but you can save a lot of money if you plan to stay at a smaller beach community off the beaten path. Just make sure that the area has what you need, including transportation and recreation options. Find the best flight and/or hotel deals by searching a site like Expedia or BookingBuddy. These websites deliver prices from numerous travel pages to help you find the best prices, even on the same flight. Plan on bringing one outfit per day, or scale down your suitcase by re-wearing some items. Just be sure you bring clothing that will be comfortable and appropriate for your destination.