My New Tattoo: Its Meaning & Its Symbolism

Tattoo’s were something that never bothered me one way or the other for most of my life. Now my brother has the world of them and they are class but for me I always thought if I was ever going to get one done it was going to be a “Tattoo” and have some meaning in my life. So the other day I took the plunge and this is the outcome.

When I posted it on Twitter/Facebook some people asked me the meaning, if any behind it. So here it is.

Firstly the design comes loosely from the Bon Jovi logo. Actually Anna picked it out. As an individual who always wears his heart on his sleeve I wanted to start there. So the heart symbolizes the way I live my life, honest and open. The text is taking from a Motley Crue song “Home Sweet Home”. This song was beautifully penned by Nikki Sixx during during some very dark days indeed. They actually sum me up 100% too. In case you cannot read them they are as follows:

“My Hearts like an open book for the whole world to read, sometimes nothing keeps me together at the seams”

My life is wide open and by choice might I add. When I do or say something I do so in the knowledge that its completely out there. A lot of times I get hurt for being like that, but thats me and I aint going to change now. In fact I dont want to change either. There have been times when I felt everything was lost and gone and no matter what I did I was falling to pieces. I used to feel the sheer fabric of my being was coming apart and nothing could keep me together. So these lyrics are so apt for me.

The wings at the top of the heart represent my belief in my Guardian Angel who looks after me on a daily basis. Her name is Cliona and she has been in heaven over three years now having passed from this life at the very young age of sixteen. I have written a blog about her in the past and if you have not already read it, take a few moments and click here to take you back to it. http://www.tonyfrattaroli.com/?p=579

The cross was used for my belief  and faith in God. Please let me add that this is not in a bible bashing way. Trust me I am as mad as the next guy. But when the chips are down, something had to work. He looked after me and guided people, places and things into my life. The reason for having it go through the heart was to symbolize when my heart ached and I thought it was breaking, he stepped in and prevented it from happening.

Finally the glow at the back of the cross symbolizes a new bright dawn for me. This is one that I have found and I am determined not to let go down any more. This I attribute to my self belief and determination as an individual to keep going and keep rising along with the support of family and friends. Its hard to keep me down. It is also a new and bright beginning with my new found love Anna. She has been a heaven sent and I love her so much and I am blessed to have her in my life.

So there you have it folks a boring ole blog about a tattoo. Oh yeah a big shout out to Taylor aka @sneaker_whore at The Axiom Tattoo Studio. This guy is not only an incredible artist but a gent as well. Nice one!

The next one (tattoo) is lined up already as picked by herself!

Ciao……

T.

Living For Today!

Sometimes we can get too caught up in what may have been and what is about to come in the future. This causes a terrible amount of pain and strain as we seek to try to find answers for our past and wonder what lies ahead. One of my failings as an individual is my impulsiveness. My quick to react to a situation and my desire to please and be pleased all in the second the thought comes to me. But you know what, I aint going to change and let me tell you why. God created us all and when he created me,I believe he did so with the gifts I inherited. One of those is my impulsiveness but the difference is that I need to use it in a positive manner. I also believe in living for today and this has come about slowly but surely. Things are thrown in front of us as tests but we always seem to lock in on the negative things and ask why and a lot of times we have that right. But when something comes along that is right and correct and in many instances we love it, then lets embrace it and enjoy the moment. Life can be difficult enough without turning our back on positive and great things that enter our lives.

So for now, this second, this minute and this moment lets hone in on the positives that exists and lets try and deal positively with the negative stuff and live for today and for this moment.

You know who you are for making me see that and having a massive influence on my life. Thanks for coming into my life and I love you dearly.

Ciao…..

T.

Sales People & Product Knowledge!

If there is one thing that is fundamental in any sales position it is product knowledge. This is probably the single most important thing that the sales person needs to understand and have nailed 100%. The days of bluffing are long behind us. We also need to be mindful that the customer does not always know what they want. Sales training from the employer is paramount but it surprises me as to how many times people get this wrong. Do employers think its not important? Do they think the sales rep will know all about the product they are selling before they sell it? If they answer yes to any of the aforementioned then they will have problems.

I was in a mobile phone store yesterday and I asked a relatively simple question. The assistant looked at me as if I had six heads. He had that “confused” look on his face and was hoping against hope that I would simply go away as quickly as I came into the store. He started to tap at the computer which is always a good decoy. For all I know he could have been on Twitter. Long story short, he could not answer me but directed me to a telephone number that might be able to help. It didnt and I left the store annoyed.

If companies want to increase revenues especially in the recession, then they must train and give the knowledge to their sales team. Remember too that up-selling is very important and the one thing the customer comes in for could turn out to be three, if they have the knowledge. It is as simple as that.

I wonder how many will?

Ciao,

T.

Customer Service!

One of the biggest fails in business today is the whole area of Customer Service. It is an area that in my opinion so many people get wrong. By people I mean ALL employees who are customer facing. Once you deal with a customer in any shape or form you have an obligation to serve them as best you possibly can and in the best interest of your employer. It will also reflect on you as a person and this is equally important.

Customers like to think that they are the most important person in the world when they have a complaint to make or a product to be sold. And you know what, we should treat them like so. How many times have you called a company with a complaint only to be put on hold or to be dealt with by someone who basically could not give a damn. When this happens it irritates us and it damages the reputation of the company. The other thing that Customer Service people don’t realise is, that if they deal with people in a bad mannered way they run the risk of losing that customer for future business. In todays economic climate this is a no no.

We all have an obligation to serve the customer properly and make sure we retain their business.

As the old saying goes “The customer is always right”

Ciao…..

T.

How Is Your Company Staying Afloat?

During this time of economic doom and gloom aka The Recession, companies must continue to sell their products and services. This is imperative if they are to stay afloat and weather this crisis and come out of it a stronger and more importantly a solvent company. The big question on everyone’s lips is “how do we do that?”

This I believe is where real leaders and people with vision come to the fore. These are the people who will see opportunities and start to take  risks because they firmly believe that their approach is going to work. They think outside of the box and start to put methods into place that before might have been laughed at. They need to galvanise the troops and start to instil a belief that they can get through this. By the troops I mean the sales team because the company will rise or fall on their performances. I believe that when companies struggle they do so at times because the leadership is all wrong. The people driving the team is wrong and the motivation is left wanting. Sales people need to be constantly encouraged and motivated enough to get the job done.

I watched Bill Flynn, Chairman of Mutual of America, being interviewed last week. Here was a man with clear vision and he took a good company and made it a great company. He had a very interesting take on how to pay sales people. None of his team get commission for their sales. He believed this only encourages them to sell stuff for the sake of it and this he called “fraud”. He does however pay a very healthy salary and gives bonuses throughout the year. I am not sure if I subscribe 100% to that because my belief is that sales people are driven by the commission but I am open to learning new ways especially from a man like Bill Flynn.

So what are we doing to stay afloat? Are we using new methods like Twitter, Facebook? Are we using more and more on-line methods like email marketing? Are we listening to the experts who have been there?

My own take is that we should do whatever it takes to survive, stay extremely positive, ask for assistance and more importantly demonstrate a confidence and belief to your team that we can and will get through this.

SELL-SELL-SELL!

Ciao,

T.

My Trip So Far!

I am just hitting the three week mark on my trip and decided to give you all a quick update along with some pictures. I have been having a really great time to date with the odd bit of soul searching thrown in. This has been made all the better because my friends Beth and Barry have been tremendous hosts. You really know who your friends are when times are bad and these people have been top drawer. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The first week here in the US had me staying here in Orlando then I travelled north to Ohio to visit my sister Anne Maria. My brother David and his crew were visiting her also and we had a ball. We never laughed so much and I almost convinced the waitress at a restaurant that my Donor Card was a Credit Card to pay for a meal. We shopped, shopped, shopped and shopped some more. David was determined to get Track and Field News and by heck did he drag us into every newsagents in the Mid West. We eventually got it! In all the years I have been coming to the USA,  I have never went to a pro baseball game.This all changed when we went to see the Cleveland Indians get walloped by the Minnesota Twins. It was with a heavy heart that I left Anne Maria’s to come back to Orlando. Anne Maria has a great partner Mike and a beautiful kid, Sydney.

I have been back here almost ten days now and doing some real soul searching. I have some sad and lonely days especially down in Miami but have fought hard and won. I have read the book “The Secret” which I found really good. If I can start to apply it to my daily life, I will get back into good shape and ready to take on the world again. I gave a performance of a lifetime down at City Walk in Universal Studios for the last two nights. Singing!! I was accompanied by my two partners in crime, Brandie and Alex. Thanks girls for looking after me. Looking forward to the bungee jump already.

Finally, I said when I came here that after three weeks I would need to plan for my future. The time is now right. I have tons to offer professionally and this week coming is going to be a biggie. I have a very important call at 4pm today so wish me luck! I was also trying to squeeze in New York but could not find a place to stay. I wanted to stay with people purely for the company as being alone does not appeal to me right now. I offered to pay for the privilege.

I am not sure how long more I will be here but I will have a clearer indication come Friday.

Here is a link to my trip in picture so far and thanks for all the good will to date.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=299996&id=896760203

Ciao……

T.

The Annoying Sales Person!

Since I have been to the US the one thing that strikes me is the way retail sales people react to you on entering the store. Now coming from a sales background myself and writing a lot on that subject in the past it got me wondering. Are they being pushy, are the hustling or are they simply a being annoying?

I recently wrote about the need for sales people to actually confront the issue that has them stand in front of a prospect. The need to actually “ask” for the business. But retail sales is different and these people are starting to cross over the line into actually annoying the customer. This can actually lead to the customer leaving the store and taking their potential custom elsewhere. They need to rethink their approach and to fully understand their customers needs.

I went to a mall yesterday with my niece looking for a pair of Nike runners. We went into three stores and on each occasion we were accosted by the sales staff within seconds. I did not even have a chance to catch my breath before the magical words were uttered “Can I help you Sir, are you ok for everything”? Now I do understand their need to sell shoes but I just walked out and they lost a sale. It is very annoying and they must readdress this quickly.

I do understand the need to make sales. In fact I do understand the need to be courteous but this is a joke. I don’t like it and I often wonder how much more business they could earn if they changed their approach.

With our world in such a bad state economically and businesses suffering big time maybe sales training should be introduced to staff members.

Good sales people need to adapt!

Ciao…..

T.

Chillin Out. US Style!

I have to say this trip is proving to be exactly what the doctor ordered. A time to relax, chill out and recharge the batteries. I am based in Orlando, Florida and staying with some really great friends, Beth, Barry and their family. They are wonderful people and they have welcomed me into their home as if I were family. It is really nice waking up each morning with no pressure from what had me take some time out in the first place and not worrying about the stuff that caused me so much pain. I think us Irish can take a leaf out of the American hospitality. Our “Cead Mile Failte” at times, leaves a lot to be desired.

Yesterday I took a flight up to Ohio to visit my sister Anne Maria who has lived here for some time. BTW the flight was the worst I was ever on in my life as we flew straight into a severe thunderstorm and we were going from left to right and up and down to beat the band. I was quite scared and its amazing what becomes your priority when faced with a very serious situation. We eventually landed in Pittsburgh and it was great to see my sister. My brother David and his family are also visiting with her from Ireland so it was great to hook up with all of them.

There are times when its nice to be doing the simple things in life. Playing football in the field, walking, watching baseball and so on. These are the important things for me right now and they are having the desired effect.

Below are some pics of my trip so far and hope you guys enjoy them.

My temporary residence

On the speed boat

Me and my brother David.

Me and my sister Anne Maria

The Frattarolis

Finally I have made contact with some old business associates of mine and I am currently  looking at some opportunities. As I always say “when opportunity knocks you dont complain about the noise”.

Ciao…..

T.

Oscar-Our Old English Sheepdog

At the opening night of Sals Pizza

Today marks the first anniversary of the passing our our beautiful dog Oscar. Oscar was an Old English Sheepdog, a breed made famous by the Dulux paint advert. In fact Oscar was a grandson of the original dog used in the ad. He brought us so many years of happiness and his loving character made him a very special member of our family. He was bouncy, fluffy and clumsy. He had one blue eye and one brown one and he had an uncanny way of always being around when times were tough. It was almost like as if he was saying “things will be ok”.

Oscar lived in the house with us and three years after his arrrival we got him a “sister” Chloe. Chloe is also an Oldie and The Boss Man as we referred to him, had his nose out of joint for a few weeks. He quickly adjusted and they became the best of friends. On one particular occasion I was sick on the couch and he never left my side until it was time for me to go to bed.

Enjoying himself in The Randles Court Hotel in Killarney.

He had a very serious injury in 2005 when he broke his hock bone jumping into the jeep. He was in plaster for two months but he never once wined.

In the end he developed Arthritis in his hip and simply could not get up. We tried all types of medication to cure him but nothing worked. We even took him to be considered for a hip replacement but the surgeon said it would not make much of a difference. It was very upsetting to see him go down hill as he was a very proud dog and we did everything we could to keep him as comfortable as possible. I would even carry him up the stairs at night so he would be close to us.

This day last year I woke up and he looked into my eyes as if to say “I had enough”. We made the very tough decision to bring him to the vet and have him put to sleep. We had to do it for him and forget about our grief for a moment. The vet explained it all to us and at 3.42pm he fell asleep in our arms in the back of the car. We were distraught beyond belief but knew we made the right decision for him. We got him cremated and his ashes reside on the coffee table at home.

Oscar and Chloe asleep.

He was one in a million and our best friend. He loved us unconditionally. People loved Oscar and he loved people. He would have taken a bullet for us and that I have no doubt. Chloe is still with us and she also misses him. She is brilliant too by the way.

As I go through my personal crisis at the moment  it would have been great to have him by my side. He would have known what to do. A simple lick on the chin or his head against my leg would have done the trick.

So wherever you are today buddy we miss you and love you.

Ciao….

T.

The Missing Bags and The Nespresso Machine

After a long haul from Limerick yesterday, I finally arrived in Orlando last night at 8.45pm. The flight from Shannon was textbook but the flight down from JFK was a little shake,rattle and roll. I have to say the idea of seeing the captain of my flight high-fiving everybody as they board the aircraft is a little bit stupid in my opinion. This guy was even speaking during the flight about keeping our windows rolled up and our legs inside the cabin. It was like a scene from Airplane the Movie.

The good news when I arrived,was that both my bags had not made it from JFK. There is nothing worse than that but thankfully late this morning they arrived and I was finally able to get settled. I am staying with some really good friends and one could not ask for better hosts giving my reasons for getting away. As said before I am taking a little bit of time out, doing some things I want to do and trying to dream it all up again.

Having been to the Orlando area many times before I knew it was going to be hot and this trip was not going to disappoint me. I took the dogs walking this morning and let me tell you walking in jeans and trainers in eighty six degree weather is no joke.

So there you have it, I am here and looking forward to the rest. I will be posting regularly and also doing some of my “sales” stuff. Right now I am off to buy a Nespresso machine and to enjoy the rest of the day. BTW inside the missing bags was my stash of Nespresso capsules-Phew!

Ciao….

T.