Batch Nashville Appoints New Vice President of Business Development

Fast Growing Gift Company Strengthens Resources

Nashville, TN - Batch Nashville (http://www.batchusa.com) announced today that Nancy VanReece has joined the company to develop their growing roster of local and national clients. Nancy VanReece has worked with companies of all sizes in Nashville and nationally, having spent the last three decades with her own Carpe Diem Management as a consultant, digital media trainer, and operations expert

Nancy joins Batch as its first Vice President of Business Development to continue Batch’s success providing locally-made gifts to many of the largest companies in Nashville, as well as national corporations that are choosing Nashville as their convention destinations. Nancy comments “I am excited to start this new challenge with Batch Nashville and look forward to working with the leadership team to further develop their already extensive product line, especially as it relates to the convention and tourism industry. I am fortunate to be joining such a renowned company that prides itself on premier service.”

Sam Davidson, CEO said “Nancy’s experience and industry knowledge has already made her a key addition to the Batch team. Her appointment shows our commitment to being the leading gift company in Nashville. Because Music City is a sought-after destination for group travel, as well as corporate relocations, she will play a pivotal role in the future growth.”

About Batch

Batch (http://www.batchusa.com) is a gift and retail company that was launched by three friends in 2013. Since its early days as a subscription box company, Batch has focused on working with local, artisan makers to offer food and home goods ideal for personal gifts, corporate gifts, events, and weddings. Batch Nashville’s retail store is at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. It also operates in Batch Austin in Austin, Texas.

Nancy VanReece

Listen. Listen. Listen.

Several years ago I read a book by world renowned sports agent, Bob Woolf titled Friendly Persuasion. The tenets of that book and the very simple markers that it taught me have given me confidence to approach most any conversation. 

 Here is one: Listen. Listen. Listen.

When I want to let the other side know my goals instead of making demands, I make suggestions, I make recommendations, and I make proposals. "May I suggest this?" is so much more graceful than "This is what I want."  "Could you live with this?" "Does this make sense?" "Is this alright with you?" "Is this crazy?" are all preferable to "You better do this or else." If I have come to what is my final position, I will most likely say, "I hope you understand, this is the best I can do, I hope we will be able to work together."

Take stock in your voice and how you express yourself.  A good negotiator uses a nice, low-keyed, pleasant voice to his/her best advantage.  Speak slowly, clearly, it is your most important tool. Remember to have kindness in your voice. It is something that people respond to.

Listen. Listen. Listen. The best way to learn a person's positions, problems, traits, likes and dislikes is to listen intently. 

Let them talk. They may reveal some information you may not have gotten if you had interrupted.  Use silence as a strategy to plan your next move, not just time out between soliloquies.  It is simply impossible to act sincerely interested in what somebody is saying or offering if you monopolize the conversation.  Let your own silence speak for you occasionally.

 THERE ARE FOUR GOOD REASONS FOR SILENCE IN NEGOTIATION:

• One, it may keep you from spouting off and saying the wrong thing.

• Two, by being silent, you may create the impression that you are agreeing with your prospect. This can create leverage for you as well as put the other side at ease. And, most importantly, it can afford you the opportunity to find out what they really want.

• Three, by being silent, you show yourself to be deliberate and not rash.

• Four, silence gives the other side their time to voice out without being interrupted, something they are sure to appreciate.

Take care of the ball

The third of a three-part Sports Series

We can't help it, sports analogies are part of the American DNA of story telling.

I find it humorous when the reporter interviews the basketball coach at half time and they say basically, the same thing every time:

"We need to take better care of the ball."  "We need to make our passes, get the rebound, and make our shots."

Great coaches will go beyond that,  they give tangible input in context. They allow the lieutenants do the same. Then, before breaking, they ask the players themselves for feed back before driving home the over-all message.

"Git where you need to git. Take pride in every possession." - 

Pat Summitt

What are you doing in your business or nonprofit to take care of it, defend it, and take pride in every activity?  Are you allowing feedback?  Take care of the ball!