Yesterday was Captain Reman’s birthday. Between wishing him well and thinking about cake (because, let’s be honest, cake makes even an already great day better), I found myself thinking about Reman U. After all, this is pretty much where the “Captain Reman” name first came to be.
But beyond the alter ego (and a pretty hilarious caped caricature that sometimes makes an appearance) is a boss, sales guy, and leader with more than a few insights.
So for this week, I wanted to share with you my five favorite pieces of advice that he’s given me over the years – and what they mean for selling, hustling, and doing better work.
Caped Quote #1: “You’ll never get what you don’t ask for.”
If you have a habit like me of dancing around important questions, hear this well. Whether it be a raise, a new role, or a change in responsibility, you have zero chance of getting what you want if you never actually ask for it. Sure, the answer could be “no.” Or, it could be something even better than a “yes.”
Caped Quote #2: “No risk, no nothing.”
Putting your ideas out into the world is scary. It opens you up to failure and criticism. But taking risks, challenging the status quo, and going in the opposite direction of “the way it’s always been done” is how better products, processes, and teams are made. Is the road uncomfortable? Good.
Caped Quote #3: “You’re either in sales or you’re wrong.”
Your receptionist is in sales. Your builder is in sales. When you’re in the cheering section at your son’s soccer game, you’re in sales. You don’t have to be answering inbound calls or have “sales guy” on your business card to be in a position of impacting a customer, a company’s bottom line, or how others see you.
Caped Quote #4: “You end up with what you put up with.”
Responsible for work other than your own? It’s frustrating when the people around you aren’t operating on their best level. Unless you address any issue, lack of training, or learning opportunity directly, you’ll be shortchanging yourself.
Caped Quote #5: “You don’t have to be sick to get better.”
For me, these words in particular are some of the hardest to hear. Or, re-hear. Learning a new skill, becoming a better manager, or working on soft skills shouldn’t cause your ego to wave its inadequacy flag. Improvement in and of itself starts with wanting to and being willing to.
Which of these is most challenging to you? Have a favorite Captain Reman-ism from a past article? I’d love to hear it.
photo credit: © Konstantin Yuganov– stock.adobe.com

Captain Reman might wear some silly tights, but his insights usually don’t make you laugh. Unless there’s some sort of corny “dad pun,” in which case, it’s ok to pretend you don’t know him. Have a favorite quote or lesson that isn’t on Jennifer’s list? Comment below or share with her directly.