Cydcor Media

Cydcor offers invaluable inspiration, insights and information for anyone looking to further grow both personally and professionally.

Recent Media

3 Micro‑Learning Strategies to Stay Sharp Without Burning Out

Feb 6, 2026

0 min read

Big courses are great—when you have a spare week. Most of the time, you need learning that fits inside a busy day. Enter micro‑learning: short, purpose‑built bursts that compound into serious skill.

Below are three strategies you can start this week. Each one takes 5–15 minutes, lines up with cognitive science, and is designed for the flow of work (not after‑hours grind). For background on the research: spacing effects and retrieval practice consistently improve retention, and teach‑backs help people understand—and remember—information better.


1) Just‑in‑Time (JIT) Learning Sprints

Why it works
Learning sticks best when it’s tied to an upcoming task—tomorrow’s negotiation, next week’s pitch, or today’s client call. JIT micro‑learning focuses on what you’ll use immediately, not “just‑in‑case” knowledge.

How to do it (10 minutes):

  1. Name the task: e.g., “Renewal call with ACME on Friday.”

  2. Find 2 credible resources: one short article/clip and one checklist.

  3. Sprint #1 (5 min): Skim resources; write one “I will try ___ tomorrow.”

  4. Sprint #2 (5 min): Rehearse the opening line, objection response, or demo flow.

Quick win (today): Book two 10‑minute sprints on your calendar—the last one ends within 24 hours of using the skill.


2) Spaced Repetition + Micro‑Quizzes

Why it works
Your brain forgets on purpose; spacing and retrieval flip that script. Reviewing small chunks over days/weeks, and forcing recall with mini‑quizzes, improves memory across domains.

How to do it (8–12 minutes):

  • Convert a skill into 10 flashcards or 5 Q&As (terms, steps, pitfalls).

  • Schedule reviews: Day 1, Day 3, Day 7, Day 14 (2–5 minutes each).

  • Track recall rate (number correct without hints). Anything <80% gets extra practice.

Quick win (this week): Build a 5‑question micro‑quiz for your team’s talk‑track. Run it at the start of Thursday’s huddle.


3) Teach‑Backs (Explain It So Others Can Use It)

Why it works
When you must explain something simply, you identify gaps and deepen understanding. Teach‑backs are widely used to improve comprehension and retention.

How to do it (10–15 minutes):

  • Draft a one‑page explainer: problem, 3 key points, a 4‑step checklist.

  • Teach it at your next stand‑up (5 minutes), then invite one suggestion.

  • Log a tiny reflection: What worked? What will I change next time?

Quick win (this week): Add a rotating “5‑minute teach‑back” slot to your team’s Monday meeting.


Your 2‑Week Starter Plan

Week 1

  • Pick one real task. Run two JIT sprints.

  • Create five quiz questions and save them to your team notes.

  • Draft your one‑page explainer.

Week 2

  • Use the skill in the live task.

  • Run spaced reviews on Days 3, 7, and 14.

  • Deliver your 5‑minute teach‑back and capture one improvement.

Copy‑Paste Templates

JIT Sprint card

  • Task: ___ (when/where you’ll use it)

  • Resource A: ___ | Resource B: ___

“Tomorrow I will try…” ___

4 Decision‑Making Shortcuts Top CEOs Use

Jan 23, 2026

0 min read

Great CEOs don’t always have better information—they have better defaults. Use these four shortcuts to make high‑quality decisions faster, without spiking risk.


1) Reversible vs. Irreversible (the “Two‑Door” Test)

Why it works: Not all decisions deserve the same rigor. First, ask: If we’re wrong, how hard is this to undo?

  • Door A — Reversible: Low cost to change. Bias to action. Ship a test.

  • Door B — Irreversible: High cost to change. Slow down, widen input, stress‑test.

How to apply (3 steps):

  1. Label the decision A or B.

  2. If A: define a micro‑experiment (time‑boxed) and a success metric.

  3. If B: list 2 hidden assumptions and design a quick “disconfirm test” for each.

Pitfalls to avoid: Calling everything “Door B.” If you can pilot safely, it’s Door A.


2) The 70/40 Rule (decide with “enough” information)

Why it works: Waiting for perfect info stalls momentum, but guessing creates rework. Decide when you have ~40–70% of the info you wish you had—then learn the rest through action.

Prompts:

  • What new fact would most likely change our call?

  • What’s the fastest, cheapest way to learn it this week?

Team ritual: Stamp major calls with a “confidence band” (e.g., 0.6) and schedule a revisit when new data arrives.


3) OODA Loop (Observe → Orient → Decide → Act)

Why it works: Treat decisions as loops, not one‑and‑done events. Short loops beat long debates.

How to apply:

  • Observe: What just happened? What signals matter?

  • Orient: What does that mean in our context?

  • Decide: Pick the next, smallest step that changes reality.

  • Act: Execute—then loop when a pre‑defined signal hits.

Pro tip: Make the next loop trigger explicit (e.g., “If CAC > $210 after 20 signups, loop on pricing”).


4) Pre‑Mortem + Kill Criteria

Why it works: Teams fall in love with their ideas. A 10‑minute pre‑mortem exposes blind spots before launch and sets objective kill/continue rules that prevent sunk‑cost drift.

Run it fast:

  1. “It’s six weeks later and the project failed—why?” (list top 5 reasons)

  2. Convert each into a mitigation and an early warning signal.

  3. Agree on kill criteria now (e.g., “If payback > 12 months by Week 8, pause & redesign”).

One‑Page Decision Sheet (copy/paste)

Decision:
Owner:
Two‑Door:
A (reversible) / B (irreversible) — why?
Info check: What we know / what might change the call (40–70% test)
OODA: Next step, signal to loop, date
Pre‑Mortem: Top risks → mitigations
Kill criteria:
Notes/Docs:
link(s)


Quick‑start plan (this week)

  • Pick one upcoming decision; label it A or B.

  • If A: launch a micro‑test in 48 hours. If B: run a 10‑minute pre‑mortem.

  • Stamp the call with a confidence band and a loop trigger.

  • Review outcomes Friday; update the playbook.

From First Pitch to Lasting Partnership: How Cydcor Builds Client Trust

Nov 7, 2025

0 min read

Trust doesn’t come from a single pitch. It’s earned through consistency, transparency, and doing what you say you’re going to do. For over 30 years, Cydcor, a leader in outsourced sales, has transformed initial conversations into lasting partnerships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Here’s how Cydcor makes it happen.

When company executives consider outsourcing sales as a growth strategy, the question on their minds isn’t just, “Can this team deliver results?” The question is: “Can I trust them to protect and represent my brand in the right way?”

That’s where Cydcor puts its focus. For companies considering outsourced sales, the decision often comes down to one factor: trust. When delivering customer acquisition through in-person sales, trust isn’t a side benefit – it’s the foundation. From the very first pitch to long-term partnership, the way Cydcor earns a client’s confidence comes down to process, communication, and accountability. Compliance safeguards, brand protection, and performance transparency all matter to clients and are built into the model.

“Trust is built over time,” says Cydcor CEO Vera Quinn. “It’s about showing up consistently, keeping your word, and making sure every touchpoint reflects the values of the client’s brand. Supported by clear processes and safeguards to help ensure clients can rely on us – every step of the way.”

Cydcor has perfected the art of offering personalized, in-person sales for Fortune 500 leaders across various industries, including telecom, energy, business services, technology, and more. “We’re a best-kept secret,” as Quinn says. For major brands, outsourced sales and marketing has been key to rapid growth, and Cydcor is their competitive edge.

Recognized with prestigious client and industry awards across multiple sectors, Cydcor continues to stand out for exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional results – all while keeping its clients’ brands top of mind.

Ready to learn from this stand out company?

We’ve outlined four main areas where Cydcor puts their focus – all in support of long-term trust.

  1. Integrity:
    Cydcor understands that every client has its own standards and reputation to protect. That’s why Cydcor only contracts with independent sales companies that are owned and operated by individuals with a track record of sales success with integrity.

While the network of independent sales companies hire and train their own teams, Cydcor takes responsibility for ensuring that every independent sales company meets the minimum standards required by clients to represent their brands. This may include background checks, drug testing, and other client-specific compliance requirements.

“Every client has a reputation to uphold, and we take that responsibility seriously,” Quinn explains. “We know that every interaction in the field has the potential to strengthen or weaken a client’s brand. That’s why we build a foundation of confidence before the first sale even happens.”

  1. Adaptability:

One of the biggest differences at Cydcor is its approach to client partnerships. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model, Cydcor builds solutions tailored to each brand’s unique needs. From product strategy to market execution, every function is designed with client obsession at the center, to help ensure that the approach reflects both the client’s goals and their reputation.

A key part of this strategy is the pilot process. New campaigns begin small and focused, allowing Cydcor to test, refine, and perfect before scaling. This short-term investment fosters long-term success, giving clients confidence that when growth accelerates, the model has already been proven effective.

Through Cydcor’s network of independently owned sales companies, Cydcor can deliver what many businesses struggle to build internally: a high-performing, face-to-face sales force that creates meaningful customer experiences. This model combines the scale of a national outsourced provider with the flexibility and local execution of entrepreneurs in the field, an advantage that drives both customer acquisition and brand loyalty.

“If you wow the client, if you care about integrity, get them great customers that stay, and then do what you say you’re going to do, I think people want to work with those kinds of partners,” Quinn says. This is exemplified by Cydcor’s pay-for-performance model: clients don’t pay for promises; they pay for results. Clients are also invited to see campaigns in action and meet the people representing their brand. That kind of transparency sends a clear message: Cydcor stands behind its work.

  1. Longevity:

Trust isn’t just about what’s happening today – it’s about what’s been sustained over time. Cydcor has worked with some clients for over 20 years, a rarity in an industry that often operates on short-term contracts. Such longevity only occurs when trust is continually earned. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many industries were struggling, Cydcor’s partnerships shone through. The company evolved quickly, leveraging technology and innovative sales strategies to consistently drive sales and deliver exceptional customer service, demonstrating adaptability and a deep commitment to client success.

That resilience came from adapting quickly, communicating openly, and never leaving clients in the dark. Problems were addressed early, solutions were offered fast, and relationships only grew stronger.

“Challenges are inevitable, but what defines us is how we respond. Whenever issues arise (and they always will) we let our clients know we’ll handle them quickly and minimize them to the best of our ability,” Quinn explains.

For many companies, outsourcing face-to-face sales is a new territory. Cydcor helps by walking clients through how campaigns work, what to expect, and how results are measured.

Technology is also part of the equation, allowing Cydcor to provide more accurate reporting and enhanced visibility into results. But Cydcor doesn’t let automation replace the human side of sales. At the end of the day, customers respond to people. Cydcor combines data-driven tools with face-to-face connections, giving clients the best of both worlds: efficiency and authenticity.

  1. Consistency:

At every stage, Cydcor shows that trust is earned by actions and kept through consistency. That’s why so many of Cydcor’s client relationships span decades, why clients invite Cydcor into new markets and industries and why Cydcor is perceived as a partner not a vendor. This commitment has earned Cydcor growth and distinction, including the company’s most recent ranking on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.

“We’ve always been about people helping people and always will be – that philosophy is what drives everything we do and creates lasting impact” Quinn says.

To learn more about how Cydcor builds lasting client partnerships and delivers results, visit www.cydcor.com.

Cydcor's Business Model Explained: Inside the Performance-Based Model That Works

Oct 1, 2025

0 min read

Cydcor team in office

For more than 30 years, Cydcor has helped leading brands across telecom, energy, business services and beyond, grow their customer base through in person, relationship-driven sales. But what sets Cydcor apart isn't just its longevity. Grounded in high standards and a results-driven approach, Cydcor creates opportunities for entrepreneurs while delivering impressive results for the brands it serves.

What makes Cydcor unique is its structure. Instead of hiring its own sales representatives, Cydcor partners with independently owned sales companies. These companies hire and manage their own teams of salespeople, who represent Cydcor's clients directly to consumers. This model works both ways: it connects brands with proven sales teams and gives independent companies the platform to represent respected brands and grow their businesses.

Debunking the Myths

Even with its strong track record, Cydcor is sometimes mistaken for business models it has nothing in common with. Navigating those misconceptions, Cydcor is not an MLM and not a franchise. In reality, it shares none of those characteristics. Here's why:

  • No sign-up fees
  • No income from recruitment
  • No inventory to buy
  • No franchise buy-in
  • No right to operate under Cydcor's name.

A better Cydcor comparison is to a broker, matching independent businesses with respected brands, with compensation based on results.

How Cydcor's Sales Model Works

Here's how the model comes together in practice:

  1. Brands retain Cydcor to drive sales through face-to-face interactions.
  2. Cydcor contracts with independent sales companies to carry out those sales campaigns.
  3. Cydcor pays the sales companies based on measurable results such as customer sign-ups or closed sales.
  4. Each sales company manages its own teams and determines compensation for its representatives provided that it is in compliance with all applicable laws. Compensation structures vary and can include performance-based pay, base pay, hourly, or per diem models.

"We are not the employer of sales representatives," says Cydcor CEO, Vera Quinn. "We partner with sales companies that demonstrate they can represent our clients with integrity and get results. We set minimum standards, they build their businesses, and together we form a high-performance ecosystem that drives results."

This gives business owners the flexibility to build their own vision while remaining accountable to real, measurable outcomes. Put simply, Cydcor pays based on sales company results, and these businesses grow through execution, not entitlement.

Cydcor

Why Top Brands Choose Cydcor

Cydcor's model isn't just effective, it's selective. Partnerships with clients are built on trust, execution, and standards that cannot be bought into.

"What makes this model work so well for our clients is Cydcor's unwavering standards," says CEO Vera Quinn. "You can't buy your way in. We only partner with sales companies owned by entrepreneurs who have proven they know how to sell and consistently uphold the standards required to represent the brands we've built relationships with."

That credibility opens doors for the entrepreneurs Cydcor works with. In turn, they gain access to campaigns they would not be able to secure on their own, opportunities earned through results, not rhetoric.

Why This Model Works for the Right People

Take Michael Lefeld, Executive Director of The League Global, an independent sales company that contracts with Cydcor. He began selling in 2012 after earning an architecture degree, starting with zero sales or leadership experience. He began doing door-to-door sales. No shortcuts. No titles. Just grit.

"I didn't have any knowledge of public speaking or conducting an interview, none of it," he recalls. "But if I were a great enough student, worked hard, and also added value, it was a win-win-win."

Through mentorship, consistency, and performance, Lefeld launched and scaled his own business. "You can make a great deal of money doing sales," he explains, "but if you can transfer knowledge, and help others grow, you're not just going to earn more, you're leading. That's where the real growth happens."

This model rewards resilience, teachability, and drive. The work is challenging, but for those who thrive in performance-driven environments, the growth is real.

A Word on Partnership, Not Hierarchy

While Cydcor and the independent sales companies do not have a principal / agent relationship and Cydcor's model is substantially different than that of a sports league, Lefeld draws on sports analogies to help explain aspects of Cydcor's model:

"If we're elite athletes, Cydcor is like our agent. We don't work for them; they don't work for us. We work together. If I'm performing well, Cydcor can bring those results to a client and say, "This is someone you'll want to work with.'"

Another way to think about this independent yet connected structure is through the example of professional sports leagues like the NFL. The NFL sets the rules and standards, but it doesn't own the teams. Each team is independently owned, hires its own players, and is responsible for how it runs.

The same is true of Cydcor. Independent sales companies are individually owned, they recruit their own people, and are accountable for their culture and performance. Cydcor provides the minimum standards and client partnerships, but the companies manage the day-to-day. A company could choose to stop working with Cydcor, just as a team could join another league. But, like the NFL, Cydcor is one of the best platforms to compete and grow through.

The True Definition of Opportunity

"What we offer is a path. For those willing to work hard and grow, the opportunity is real," Quinn emphasizes. "It is a true partnership, not a corporate ladder. Sales companies that perform earn access to bigger opportunities and growth, just like Lefeld's company did."

For Lefeld, opportunity goes beyond pay. It is about growth, potential, and becoming someone you're proud of being. "I encourage my kids to have a big imagination," he says. "And I think what people mean by 'the opportunity' is that we are going to provide space to allow your imagination to become big again. You have a chance not only to dream big for your life, but also to be proud of the person you're becoming."

That mindset is at the heart of sales, and it's why Cydcor has thrived as an industry leader for more than 30 years. The company's culture of "people helping people" ensures that when individuals grow, everyone wins.

"Our clients trust us because we deliver quality, not just volume," Quinn concludes. "It's not about simply placing people in the field. It's about consistency, setting high standards, and putting the right people with the right mindset and values in front of world-class brands. That's what creates results, builds trust, and opens real doors for everyone involved."

Learn more about how Cydcor helps leading brands grow through in-person sales and performance at www.cydcor.com.

From Knocking on Doors to Leading a $300M Company

Nov 24, 2025

0 min read

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Vera Quinn, the first female President and CEO of Cydcor, a $300 million leader in outsourced face-to-face sales.

Vera’s journey is a true testament to resilience, determination, and people-first leadership. She began her career as a door-to-door sales representative and rose through the ranks to lead a company renowned for connecting brands with customers in meaningful ways.

In this conversation, Vera shares how early experiences in sales shaped her leadership style, the strategies behind Cydcor’s remarkable growth, and how she balances high performance with cultivating a strong, people-focused culture.

If you’re interested in leadership, growth, and building a thriving team, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

She Went From Sales Rep to CEO of a $300M+ Company: Use Vera Quinn's Blueprint to Succeed

Apr 10, 2025

0 min read

What does it take to go from answering a newspaper ad to running a multimillion-dollar company with over 4,000 sales reps? In this episode, we sit down with Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor, who did exactly that.

This isn’t just a story about business growth, it’s a crash course in grit, merit-based success, and personal transformation. Vera opens up about her 30-year journey from door-to-door sales to the C-suite, and she shares the principles that helped her not only rise through the ranks, but lead a company redefining how Fortune 500 brands acquire customers today.

If you’re building a team, thinking about entrepreneurship, or just trying to become the leader others follow, this episode will leave you with actionable insights.

Cydcor Volunteers Support Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive

Jan 8, 2026

0 min read

Team members continue a four-year holiday tradition of hands-on community service supporting local families

Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2026) - For the fourth consecutive year, Cydcor team members volunteered with the Spark of Love Toy Drive, continuing a hands-on tradition of supporting Southern California families during the holiday season. The volunteer event, held December 12, brought employees together to help sort, organize, and prepare donated toys and gifts for distribution throughout the region.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10205/279854_6db971876460ca99_001.jpg
Team Cydcor at Spark of Love Toy Drive

Spark of Love, led by Southern California fire departments, collects toys and essential items for children and teens experiencing hardship. Cydcor first joined the program in 2022 and has supported the initiative annually through volunteer hours and a $5,000 annual donation, helping Spark of Love serve Ventura County families. This year, the Ventura County effort provided over 40,000 toys, stuffed animals, games and pieces of sports equipment to 13,600+ children; many of which are in currently in the hospital.

"This event is meaningful to our team because it gives us a direct way to support families in our community," said Cydcor CEO Vera Quinn. "Service is part of our culture. When our people volunteer, they bring a level of commitment and compassion that truly makes a difference. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting Spark of Love and for our team members' enthusiasm to help."

Volunteers worked alongside Ventura County Fire Department personnel to organize donations and prepare them for delivery to distribution centers serving Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and surrounding areas. The program ensures that children and teens throughout the region receive holiday gifts during a time when many families face hardship.

For Cydcor volunteers, participating in Spark of Love each year is a reminder of how meaningful small acts of service can be. Team members consistently express how rewarding it feels to help brighten the holidays for families who need support, and many look forward to returning each year to contribute again.

About Cydcor

Cydcor is a leading provider of outsourced sales solutions, helping Fortune 500 companies and emerging brands grow their customer base and market share. Headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, Cydcor supports clients across the United States and Canada through a network of independently owned sales offices. The company is committed to leadership development, community engagement, and delivering exceptional results for clients and partners. Learn more at www.cydcor.com.

About Spark of Love

The Spark of Love Toy Drive is one of Southern California's largest holiday giving programs, led by regional fire departments and supported by local organizations and volunteers. The program collects and distributes toys, sports equipment, and essential items to children and teens across the region each holiday season. This year, the Ventura County effort provided over 40,000 toys, stuffed animals, games and pieces of sports equipment to 13,600+ children – many of which are in currently in the hospital.

Cydcor Media Contact

Gail Michalak
media@cydcor.com
805-277-5525

Cydcor CEO Vera Quinn Named 2025 Honoree of LA Times Studios Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards

Dec 29, 2025

0 min read

Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 29, 2025) - Vera Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of Cydcor, has been named a 2025 honoree of the LA Times Studios Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards, an annual recognition program honoring women leaders for professional achievement, leadership, and organizational impact.

The Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards recognize women leaders across industries selected for professional achievement, leadership, and organizational impact. Quinn was recognized for her contributions at Cydcor, including her focus on driving sustained business growth, and building a high-performance, opportunity-based culture.

"I'm honored to receive the recognition," said Quinn. "It speaks to the strength of our leadership culture and the consistent focus business results delivered across the organization to the field sales network and our clients."

As CEO of Cydcor, Quinn leads an outsourced sales and customer acquisition organization supporting Fortune 500 companies and emerging brands across multiple industries. Under her leadership, Cydcor has emphasized operational discipline, quality, revenue growth, and leadership development within an entrepreneurial environment designed to create advancement opportunities at every level of the organization.

Quinn has received multiple recognitions for her leadership, including being named CEO of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal Valley Women's Leadership Awards. Under her leadership, Cydcor was also named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies, reflecting the company's sustained growth and performance.

About Cydcor
Cydcor is a leading provider of outsourced sales solutions, helping Fortune 500 companies and emerging brands grow their customer base and market share. Headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, Cydcor supports clients across the United States and Canada through a network of independently owned sales companies. The company is committed to leadership development, community engagement, and delivering exceptional results for clients. Learn more at www.cydcor.com.

Media Contact:
Gail Michalak
Cydcor
media@cydcor.com
805-277-5525