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Every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Operation Smile is one of the largest volunteer-based medical charities providing cleft surgeries to these children, free of charge. Through a partnership with Cydcor, hundreds of dollars have been raised to benefit this amazing children’s medical non-profit.
“Operation Smile is about more than just one child’s before and after,” said Dr. William Magee, Jr., Operation Smile Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s using that child as a metaphor, and that metaphor essentially says, “Involvement can create change.”
“One surgery costs as little as $240. Operation Smile heals thousands of children each year. Cydcor has used its reach to introduce how individuals can help somebody else who may be half way around the globe. These individuals may never remember our name, but will never ever forget our kindness."- Dr. Magee shared.
Cydcor has partnered with Operation Smile since 2010. Cydcor has changed thousands of lives with a goal of raising more than $1 million dollars.
“Cydcor and Operation Smile fit together. We take care of children; people at Cydcor take care of people,” said Kathy Magee, Operation Smile Co-Founder and President. “Can you imagine Cydcor people not being able to smile at their clients? They’re showing their social responsibility by being a part of a charity that makes changes everywhere. You can make all the money you want in the world, but when you start to care about people, it really comes back to you tenfold.”
Vanessa Castaneda McCaffrey, an Operation Smile Ambassador for Cydcor said, “Philanthropy is a part of who I am, and one of the main reasons why I wanted to be a part of Cydcor. I think this is a platform for us to work with our offices and show them that the skills that we teach them to build their companies can be used in different arenas that can make a bigger impact around the world.”
“We have an expression in our business that if someone doesn’t have a smile, give them one of yours, and being able to change their lives and help them get the confidence to smile and live a happy life—it really touches your heart,” added Jim Rothermel, an Operation Smile Ambassador for Cydcor.
The annual “Day of Smiles” is Cydcor’s largest fundraising event. This is a day where Cydcor and its network of sales offices around the US, Canada and the UK, go door-to-door fundraising for Operation Smile.
Eric Chapman, an Operation Smile Ambassador for Cydcor, spoke about his experience participating in the Day of Smiles. “On Day of Smiles, I was standing on the side of the road. I was collecting money, and I was a little anxious about it ’cause I thought a lot of people probably wouldn’t want to give money. But instead, I was overwhelmed by how many people did, and I had people roll down their windows and tell me that they had been on a mission, and that Operation Smile was something very important to them.”
Cydcor and the sales offices have funded thousands of cleft surgeries, changing lives around the world.
“I got the opportunity to go to Guatemala last year: Absolutely amazing experience. It was sometimes heartbreaking, it was very emotional, but ultimately to see the kids when they’re healed and they’re happy … I mean, you can’t put a price tag on that,” said Ed Cunliffe, who attended the Cydcor and Operation Smile funded mission trip to Guatemala in 2015.
George Papalexandratos, another Operation Smile Ambassador for Cydcor added, “Our business is all about giving back, and it’s about becoming a “servant leader” to your people, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with Operation Smile: We’re developing our people and the future of this company to be a servant leader in our business, and a servant leader to our community.”
“The world needs businesses like Cydcor. They have energy, they have enthusiasm, and this is a group that really can come behind us,” said Kathy Magee.
“If you ask any one of the Cydcor representatives that went on trips with us, whether it be to Brazil or to Mexico or wherever, they’ll come back and tell you that they never realized how lucky they were. They never realized how much they could help, and that also changed their life. It has given them a different perspective,” concluded Dr. William Magee.
“Those individuals in Cydcor that have gone out of their way, and whether it’s door to door or whether it’s through corporations, to introduce Operation Smile—they’re the ones that have really created change, and it’s a beginning of getting our communities more stabilized and more understanding what the simple truth in life is, and that is to care about other people.”
Cydcor has recently raised enough funds for a 7th medical mission in benefit of Operation Smile, to take place in a location to be determined.
For additional information about Operation Smile and to learn how you can help, visit http://www.operationsmile.org/
For additional information about Cydcor, visit https://www.cydcor.com
The best way to build your business is to gather a loyal team around you. If your team is solid and trusts your leadership, their productivity and morale will be high, even through the hard times. So, what can you as a leader do to encourage your team to be loyal to you? Here are some tips from the experts.
Build your team’s cohesiveness
Team-building activities will encourage your direct reports to feel as though they fit in with you company’s culture. These activities can range from something as simple as a team lunch to a day-long or overnight retreat. Through group problem-solving exercises, educational and goal-setting workshops, and even casual events like completing a jigsaw puzzle together, can help your teams to really get to know each other better and build cohesiveness across different departments.
Give credit for good ideas
There’s nothing like a public expression of your delight with a team member’s work to make that person feel valued. It’s also important not to take credit for one of your direct reports’ ideas or solutions for a sticky problem. Instead, when you’re sharing the idea, be sure to mention the name of the team member who came up with it. Not only will this make them feel appreciated, but it will also encourage them to continue coming up with future solutions and ideas.
Have an open door policy
If a team member is having trouble meeting her goals, for example, be available to give her some tips and encouragement. Make time to check in with each team member at least once per month: Even a 10- or 15-minute meeting shows that you want to be his or her colleague and mentor.
Support them in their career goals
Ask your team members what they want to achieve and where they see themselves in one, five, or 10 years—and help them get there. Help them understand the steps they’ll need to take in order to move up through the hierarchy, and support them in their efforts. Let them know what skills they need to get to their desired position and suggest resources to help them build those skills.
Lead by example
Don’t ask your team members to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. Making a big sales push? Hit the streets with your team members. Asking extra hours of your direct reports? Work those extra hours, too. Asking team members to set goals? Set some, too—and hold yourself accountable. By sticking with your team through thick and thin, and showing them what it takes to be successful, you’ll encourage them to stick with you, too.
Remember that a good leader is a servant as well. Your job is to build your team, help them when they need it, and make them feel like part of your company’s family. If you follow these tips, you’ll gain the loyalty and respect of each of your team members.
What do you do to encourage the loyalty of your team members? Share with us on Cydcor’s Twitter and follow us @Cydcor.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services located in Agoura Hills, CA. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.
As a professional, you’re judged by your actions, abilities, results and your attire. Your job is to represent your company and clients to the best of your ability. Cydcor prides itself in being able to set-up its employees for success, and earn their way to the top. To get the respect of both your peers and clients, there are some major key strategies to follow. The following major keys are perfect for any entrepreneur who wants to do better.
Communicate Effectively
Let your customer know exactly how you can help them, and listen - really listen - to their needs. Be thorough in your explanations and don’t leave any questions unanswered. Make sure your customer understands both you and your product 100 percent.
Be Visible
Don’t stay under the radar; the key to success is to make a name for yourself. Speak up in meetings, take on new work and be an active participant in team projects. Let others know who you are and see what you can do.
Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth when you start a new job or take on new clients. If you’ve been a stellar employee, ask for a raise. Let go of the fear and learn how to negotiate. Your confidence in your work as well as the effect your accomplishments have on the business you are part of can guide you through the process.
Shake Hands
It seems like such a small detail, but a handshake is a common first impression on which many are judged. Always offer your hand to clients, senior staff and hosts right away, and keep your shake firm. People will remember.
Have/Be a Mentor
There is always something new to learn. Seek out advice and knowledge from those who’ve been in the game longer, and ask them to help guide you through your career. Finding a mentor that works for you can give you a different perspective on how your career is going. On the flip side, be willing to give the same guidance to those who are new to the game.
Say No When Needed
It’s okay to say “no.” You are not required to take on extra tasks that will overburden your already hefty workload or take on work that makes you uncomfortable. Stop feeling bad when you can’t do a favor for a teammate. If you have to say “no,” do it, and then don’t feel guilty.
Say Thank You
Courtesy goes a long way. So does appreciation. Let your team know you are thankful for the work they do and the help they give. Let a customer know you truly value their business. It’s a simple statement that says so much, especially when the receiver wasn’t expecting to hear it.
Put Customers First
No, this doesn’t mean the customer can do no wrong; it means that customer satisfaction is the backbone of your business. If there’s a problem, fix it. If there’s a question, answer it. If you have a good rapport with a loyal customer, find ways to show them how much you value their business. Never forget that they are a big part of your career, and their satisfaction with your business determines future successes.
For additional blogs from Cydcor, be sure to check out https://cydcor-offices.com/
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services located in Agoura Hills, CA. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.
A happy and engaged employee is a productive employee. While everyone has different ideas about what constitutes a productive and proactive office environment, there are a multitude of ingredients that make up a team of focused and hardworking employees. Being more productive at work could be the key when it comes to getting your team on the same page. Consider the following examples of how to make your office environment strong and productive:
Culture. Personality is a very important factor in the hiring process. You may find the “perfect” employee on paper, but if they don’t fit in with the company (and your team’s) culture, everyone is likely to suffer. You can help new employees adapt to your company culture faster by encouraging teambuilding activities. Working together to accomplish a common goal brings people closer.
Lighting. It’s amazing how much work is done when people can see. As funny as that sounds, natural light has been proven to help with productivity, focus and energy. If you have access to a well-lit space, utilize it. Otherwise, invest in some good lamps with adjustable filters and energy saving light bulbs.
Space and decor. Aesthetics are important. A more homey feel (couches, pillows, comfy chairs) can do wonders for an employee’s work ethic and comfort levels, especially when they have space in which to move. Sterile offices make for sterile employees, but an inviting atmosphere makes people want to be working. Focusing on a clean workspace can really help to improve performance overall.
Flexibility. This one may be hard for some, but it’s extremely important to give employees some flexibility in their schedule. This doesn’t mean two-hour lunch breaks or binge watching Netflix at your desk. It means having the time for doctor’s appointments and kid’s recitals, and being able to work from home when the plumber is coming. Work is more enjoyable - and less stressful - when you still have time for everyday life.
Breaks. Productivity is not equal to the amount of hours sitting at one’s desk. In fact, your team is more likely to get burnt out if they aren’t given a minute to step away. Eating lunch at their desk doesn’t mean they are doing more - or better - work. Allow your team to have a few minutes each day to decompress, whether it’s to eat lunch in peace or grab a cup of coffee and take a walk. It’s a great way to re-energize and make good use of their workday.
Team building. A strong and productive team works well together because they like each other. Team outings build camaraderie and strengthen relationships. Anything from bowling night, to pizza parties, or eating lunch together once a month can reignite your team members’ passion for their work.
These are just a few examples of how to make an office environment strong and productive. Yet the common theme is simple: make your office a place where your team enjoys going to each day and you will see an exponential rise in productivity.
What do you think it takes to create an ideal productive working environment? Share with us on Cydcor’s Twitter and follow us @Cydcor.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.
For anyone working in a sales environment, your relationship with your customers dictates your success. You can turn a one-time deal into lifelong business by how you acknowledge, understand and treat your customers’ needs. At Cydcor, we put an emphasis on this aspect of the job from the start.
Begin by asking questions. Ask them who they are, what they want and what they expect from your business. Conduct surveys, hold events and meet-and-greets, set up customer profiles to help individualize your sales pitch. Let go of your assumptions and figure out what each individual client wants.
We know that customer loyalty is at an all-time low, especially among younger clients who use social media reviews and recommendations as a means of doing business. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are great ways to interact with customers and ask them the questions that will give you a better understanding of what makes them tick. Through social media you can:
Adding a personal touch to your professional relationship is also key. Gallup’s Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman found four levels of customer expectation that will help build trust between you and your clients:
It’s easy to get caught up in numbers. But the backbone of your business is the loyal, happy customer, and open lines of communication will work in keeping them coming back for more.
Getting in the mind of your customer isn’t the easiest concept to grasp, but it’s valuable in the long run. Have you found any good strategies to understand your customers better? Share with us on Cydcor’s Twitter and follow us @Cydcor.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.
Twitter was created to build social networks, support conversations and increase engagement between individuals and communities. A successful Twitter strategy requires your full participation. You need to do more than share stories about your company, product or service. A successful Twitter strategy requires that you share messages that matter.
At Cydcor, we value communication skills and encourage our employees and sales associates to always tell engaging stories. Use your Twitter account to share news about your company and a bit of your own personality. Here are some strategies for optimizing Twitter for work.
Short and Tweet
Each tweet is limited to 140 characters. Write shorts tweets that start conversations or encourage conversations to continue. Ask a question. Offer a resource. Keep your comments professional but not too formal. Quality content leads to more shares, garners better engagement and grows your online community.
Tweeting on Time
You may be sharing the best messages ever shared on Twitter, but if no one sees them, then they’re not having an impact. You might want to try scheduling your tweets to be published when users are online and will notice them. Hootsuite and Buffer are two online platforms that allow you to schedule your tweets. Research suggests that most people check their tweets at lunchtime.
Learn to Use #Hashtags
#Hashtags allow users to search tweets for topics that interest them. Create a series of hashtags related to your company. Your company name, product names and terms relevant to your industry make good hashtags. For example, if you work in the travel industry, you could use #vacation to engage followers interested in planning a trip.
Create Quality Content
Use words that everyone will understand—not just others in your industry. It helps to engage potential customers by creating useful content that solves problems. Before posting a tweet, ask yourself if your followers will find your message useful and worth sharing.
Twitter is a great tool to add to your selling strategy. It provides you with a platform and a voice to attract new followers and customers. Put these skills into practice and you may soon see more opportunities for success.
What strategies do you use to make Twitter work well for you? Share your thoughts on Twitter and be sure to follow @Cydcor on Instagram to learn more about our company and our culture.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.
Resilience is a skill that teaches you to transform obstacles into opportunities. It helps you to see one rejection as a small part of a bigger picture: your career. Here are four methods you can try to help you build resilience. Developing this trait is an ongoing process, but at Cydcor, we recognize its importance for both new and experienced salespeople.
Celebrate Your Gifts
Resilience takes practice. To develop a resilient personality, you need to celebrate your gifts. What are you good at doing? What activities or tasks do you do that earn praise? Write these moments down and refer to them when you’re facing a struggle.
Strengthen Your Networks
Reaching out to your network provides a fresh perspective when you’re trying to understand how to solve a problem. Your contacts can provide positive professional and personal feedback needed to strengthen your resilience. They can also encourage and inspire you to try again, which is what resilient people always do.
Do Something About It
A resilient person takes action when they encounter a problem. Don’t get lost in negativity. Examine your situation and find ways to improve your performance. For example, if your customers need more time to make a purchasing decision, come up with a few options that identify customers with similar purchasing cycles. This strategy allows you to focus on when people are ready to buy.
Take Care of Yourself
Resilience is easier to access when your body and mind are in top condition. Eat healthy food, exercise, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Take regular mental breaks during the day to reduce stress and strengthen your focus. Think of resilience as a muscle. You’ve got to train it and give it rest in order to build and maintain strength that will last you for the long haul.
Resilient people control their situations and depend on their skills, not luck, to move forward in their profession. They’re able to maintain steady progress on their career path even when they face obstacles along the way and develop strategies that help them to maintain a positive outlook.
What strategies do you use that show your resilience? Share your thoughts on Twitter and be sure to follow @Cydcor on Instagram to learn more about our company and our culture.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.
Reaching your sales goals requires a positive attitude and the ability to motivate yourself and your co-workers. At Cydcor, we believe that motivation matters. We encourage our employees and sales representatives to find strategies that improve their ability to achieve any goal. Here are some quotes to can add to your motivational toolbox. Use them when your day needs a lift.
Begin by always expecting good things to happen. - Tom Hopkins
One of the best predictors of ultimate success isn’t natural talent or even industry expertise, but how you explain your failures and rejections. - Daniel H. Pink
Most people think “selling” is the same as “talking.” But the most effective salespeople know that listening is the most important part of their job. - Roy Bartell
For every sale you miss because you’re too enthusiastic, you will miss a hundred because you’re not enthusiastic enough. - Zig Ziglar
If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will. - Bob Hooey
All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust. - Bob Burg
Ninety percent of selling is conviction and 10 percent is persuasion. - Shiv Khera
Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. - Og Mandino
To build a long-term, successful enterprise, when you don’t close a sale, open a relationship. - Patricia Fripp
Treat objections as requests for further information. - Brian Tracy
An inspirational quote is a dependable tool to use when you need to overcome an obstacle at work. Write down your favorite quotes. Display them where you will see them every day. You will get more motivation out of a quote if you make it part of your day.
What quotes do you return to for motivation when you face an obstacle that prevents you from reaching your goals? Tweet your favorite quotes and be sure to follow @Cydcor on Instagram to learn more about our company and our culture.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.
The Cydcor 2016 Retail National Conference took place in Charlotte, North Carolina from June 21 to June 23. Cydcor was excited to welcome our attendees to this fantastic annual event.
The Cydcor 2016 Retail National Conference brings together sales representatives, owners, and recruiters from across the country. It’s a priceless opportunity for attendees to network, review company goals, share best practices, and recognize our outstanding business leaders.
During this year’s conference, a focus on new beginnings was put into full effect for attendees. Each day was full of great events and opportunities for learning in a fun and focused environment. Attendees enjoyed their stay at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel, the location for this year’s Retail National Conference.
Known as the International Gateway to the South, Charlotte is nicknamed the Queen City. It was the perfect location for Cydcor’s Retail National Conference since its central location is easy to reach from any part of the United States.
Retail National Conference is an ideal opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new connections with sales professionals from around the country. Activities included a General Session with a Working Lunch, organization meetings, and breakouts during the day. There was also an awards dinner to recognize those who went above and beyond in the business this year. The guest speaker during the General Session was Dave Anderson, President of Learn to Lead, who discussed taking advantage of all opportunities and working toward success.
Cydcor was excited to put this event together, and we hope you had a blast in Charlotte! Learn more about Cydcor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
The evening of May 12th, everyone was smiling at Cipriani’s in Midtown Manhattan—the destination of Operation Smile’s New York Gala. Cydcor joined Operation Smile and their supporters to celebrate amazing medical missions that brought life-changing care to those suffering from cleft palates and other facial malformations.
Cydcor has partnered with Operation Smile for six years already, each year raising funds and awareness to help children facing difficulties from having facial problems. "At Cydcor, we can't imagine a day without a smile—it is that immediate connection with people—and we are humbled to help make smiles possible through the work of Operation Smile," said Cydcor President Vera Quinn.
At the New York Smile event, actress Kate Hudson was presented with the Universal Smile Award for her volunteer efforts to improve the lives of those in need and for providing an inspiring example of outstanding leadership. Other prominent guests at the event included Jaimie Alexander, Oliver Platt, Diego Klattenhofff, Colin Donnell, and Jason Weinberg. “It was an inspiring experience for the Cydcor team to be among these highly recognized celebrities making this event even more special.” Manilynn Disuanco, Cydcor’s red carpet correspondent during the Smile Event shared, “Meeting Kate Hudson was really cool!” But, for her, the real celebrities were some of the award winners being recognized for their outstanding contributions. “I really enjoyed hearing Andrew Dolce, 2016 John Connor Humanitarian Award winner speak. He brought his grandchildren on stage with him. His family joined him on his medical mission trips to Nicaragua. His example has inspired me to get more of our Cydcor family inspired and hopefully get my family involved, too!”
Volunteering to raise funds for Operation Smile gives those involved an opportunity to share a rewarding activity with their families and coworkers. Chris Minger, President of Philiadelphia Elite Group, Inc., said that the Cipriani event reaffirmed his commitment to this volunteer effort. He explained, “What was most enlightening to me was hearing about how other Operation Smile supporters had been able to involve business and family networks to help this cause. Volunteers are doubly blessed. We can raise money and build bonds between our family members, friends, and coworkers. Volunteering for Operation Smile is a win-win situation for everyone involved—the volunteers, the organization, and, most importantly, the families we serve.”
Cydcor’s Chief Information Officer, Dwight Coates, walked the red carpet at the Operation Smile Gala as well. He mentioned he was moved by the passion that fuels Cydcor’s volunteers. “Not only was the Cipriani event beautiful, but the passion and desire to help others was as beautiful as the space itself. People helping others, especially children—there is no better way to help and give back,” he said.
Over the last year, Cydcor volunteers around the country held fundraising events to raise money for Operation Smile’s medical missions. Top fundraisers from Cydcor were recognized with an invitation to join a medical mission to Bolivia in March 2016. This trip gave operations to 134 people in need, with 180 total procedures performed.
Earlier this year, Cydcor also supported a mission to the Dominican Republic, adding to the list of medical missions Cydcor and Operation Smile have worked on together, including Guatemala (2014), Mexico (2014), and Brazil (2012).
The Cipriani Operation Smile Gala highlights the fundraising efforts and medical missions performed by Cydcor volunteers. Mouad Alami, from Cydcor Canada, had a profound personal moment while attending the gala. “I felt emotional when I saw a video at Cipriani. One of Operation Smile’s missions took place in Morocco—where I was born! I felt grateful to everyone who donates for great causes like this one. Operation Smile knows no boundaries for their humanitarian work,” he said.
Cydcor's fundraising totals for Operation Smile have been primarily achieved through the annual Day of Smiles fundraising event, which includes a variety of fundraising efforts across the US, Canada, and the UK. Cydcor hopes to hit the $1 million fundraising milestone by the end of 2016.
“There is nothing more precious than the life of a child,” said Kimberly Mendoza, one of Cydcor’s top fundraisers who attended the Operation Smile event. “You can make a huge difference in these children’s lives by donating, coming up with different fundraising ideas, or even just getting the word out about Operation Smile and the incredible work they do.”
The Operation Smile event in New York was an eye opening experience for the Cydcor team where they got to see the impact their fundraising efforts make in saving children’s lives. The team is excited to contribute even more during the upcoming Day of Smiles fundraising event. To help support Cydcor's fundraising efforts for Operation Smile, visit https://www.operationsmile.org/. Donations are welcomed.
Learn more about Cydcor on Facebook and Twitter, and on the Cydcor blog.
About Cydcor
Cydcor is the leading provider of outsourced, face-to-face sales teams to a diverse client base of companies in a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, office products, retail, energy, and financial services. Serving Fortune 500 and emerging market clients in the business-to-business, residential, and retail channels through in-store marketing initiatives, Cydcor works with a network of more than 350 independently owned corporate licensee (ICL) sales offices, providing clients access to more than 4,600 sales professionals. The privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California. For more information about Cydcor, go to www.cydcor.com.
Great meetings can help us feel excited about work, but bad meetings can do just the opposite. These innovative meeting strategies will empower you to make the most of your meetings – something that will be good for not just you, but your team members as well.
Schedule Meaningful Meetings
The simplest strategy for turning a bad meeting into a good one is to set a meeting purpose and a leader. Bad meetings are almost always due to a lack of direction, goals, focus, or a sense of efficiency. If you are in charge of a meeting, prepare an agenda that you can send out to attendees ahead of time along with any materials you’ll be reviewing. Take 15-30 minutes before the meeting to review meeting goals and specific points you plan to bring up.
Change Your Attitude
Even if you aren’t running the meeting, you can still help improve it by staying organized and being actively engaged. Before the meeting occurs, make sure you can answer the following questions:
Prepare yourself beforehand to ensure you understand the purpose of the meeting and how you are expected to participate. Touch base with coworkers and find out what they will present. If you have relevant questions or concerns, write them down so that you will be ready to bring them up during the meeting. Arrive a few minutes early to greet the leader and review the agenda. Finally, always take detailed notes of what was discussed, especially as it relates to deliverables and deadlines.
Write a Meeting Summary
Once the meeting ends, don’t simply dive back into your work or head out for lunch. Sit down for a few minutes and think about the meeting: Review your notes, highlight the most important issues discussed and their outcomes, and take note of next steps and deliverables. Set reminders to follow up on items if necessary; don’t fall into the trap of taking great notes and never looking at them again.
If you take the time to prepare for meetings and approach them with a positive attitude, you will be able to make each meeting a productive part of your day and a positive influence on your career.
Getting more out of meetings requires a positive attitude and creative strategies. How do you get the most out of your meetings? Share with us on Twitter and follow us @Cydcor.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services. From our humble beginnings as an independent sales company based in Canada to garnering a reputation as the global leader in outsourced sales, Cydcor has come a long way. We’ve done this by having exceptional sales professionals and providing our clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results.