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Think about how many interactions with other people you have each day: ordering your coffee, chatting with a stranger over lunch, or meeting people on a bus on your way back home. Each interaction represents an opportunity to turn a stranger into a customer. At Cydcor, we believe that networking is crucial for finding new contacts. Here are some tips for turning connections into customers.
Refine and Memorize Your Elevator Pitch
The function of an elevator pitch is to communicate what you do to someone else. If someone can’t understand your business, they won’t be able to see the value it could provide. Your story should be conversational and convey your work briefly.
Work the Contacts You Already Have
You know more people than just those you interact with every day: think on all of your friends and their friends, former coworkers, family members, and past clients. Connect with as many people as you can to get your name out there. Network with “People You May Know” on LinkedIn, fellow alumni, or get to know people who have the same creative outlet as you.
Determine Who Will Make a Good Connection
A good contact is someone who would find value in working with you and seems genuinely interested in what you do. People should be comfortable with you before you give them your pitch. If they like you, they’re more likely to want to learn more about you and about your business.
Follow up With Potential Customers
Put potential customers’ information in your contacts list as soon as you get a chance. Send them an email to follow up if they’ve expressed interest in working with you, or even if you just want to say how great it was to meet them.
Market Yourself Online
Compose smartly crafted newsletters and keep a valuable blog up to date with fresh, new content. The more people who subscribe to your platforms and pay attention to your company, the better. Also leverage the power of social media. More and more people these days use social media to learn about a topic or a business. Social media can help you reach people you normally wouldn’t interact with on a daily basis. So, take advantage of the many networking sites available online.
Be Mindful of Your Potential Client’s Needs
Once you have made a first impression on a new contact do not overstay your welcome if you notice they are busy or rushed. Offer a friendly good-bye after you’ve exchanged contact information, and then be on your way. Don’t flood them with too much information. Be aware of the queues your contacts give you such as time constraints. You will be better off leaving your contacts wanting to know more about what you have to offer at a later time rather than forcing a conversation when is not the right time.
So, tell us, do you use casual conversations to discover new customers? what techniques do you use to find new customers in creative ways? Post your story 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.
Professional development is a process that improves your job skills through ongoing education and training. As you study and as your skills improve, you will have greater mastery over your assignments. Cydcor encourages investing in professional growth for our employees and sales associates. Your confidence will grow and you will become a better and more valuable employee.
Download a podcast application to your phone to make it easier to find, subscribe, and listen to your podcasts. Several podcast apps are available for iPhones and Androids. Imagine having an entire professional development library on your phone! Here are some of our favorite podcasts for professional development:
Todd Henry has spoken to tens of thousands of people around the globe in a range of industries. He and his guests will teach you how to bring creativity and passion to your work. You will learn new strategies for solving problems while achieving a healthy work and life balance.
Erik Fisher interviews experts who have solutions for problems you face every day. If you’re determined to complete your to-do lists, then this podcast is for you. Recent guests include Chris Brogan, a bestselling business strategy author, and Dave Delaney, an authority on problem-solving skills.
Michael Auzenne and Mark Horstman are management experts. Career Tools will teach you how to build business relationships and networks. You’ll discover your leadership skills and you will learn to use them wisely. You’ll learn practical suggestions for gaining recognition and career advancement.
Harvard Business Review IdeaCast
Hear cutting edge ideas about management and innovation from Sarah Green, the editor of Harvard Business Review. Her Harvard connection gives her the clout to attract guests like Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Alphabet, Inc., Google’s parent company.
Podcasts for professional development are an inspiring resource. Try to have a pen and notebook nearby while you’re listening. You never know when inspiration may strike—and you don’t want to lose a great idea.
What are your favorite professional development podcasts? Listen to those that we’ve suggested and then let us know which ones you like best. Post your story on Twitter, follow us @Cydcor, and share this article with your friends to start a conversation with your community.
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.
Get motivated by the stories of these legendary entrepreneurs who started with nothing and achieved success with hard work and determination.
If you take small, determined steps and focus on your goals, you will not allow anything to stand in your way to success. These 7 entrepreneurs, when faced with roadblocks, found a way to win. Let these stories of success strengthen your determination to never give up, and get you on the path toward being a great entrepreneur.
Selling fax machines door-to-door taught Blakely that persistence was the key to success. This experience gave her the strength she needed during the development process of her Spanx business. Initially, every manufacturer she met refused to help her. But, she didn’t stop until she found someone who liked her idea. She persisted despite hearing too many no’s. Eventually she sold 8,000 pairs during the first 6 minutes of her appearance on QVC, the home shopping channel.
Jin Sook and Do Wong Chang moved to the United States from Korea in 1981 with close to nothing. While working multiple jobs to make ends meet, the couple decided to open a clothing store in 1984: Fashion 21. Their store emulated Seoul, Korea’s fast and affordable street fashion, and customers loved it. Within one year, sales at their innovative store reached $700,000. Today, Forever 21 has 480 stores across the country and is known for its unique, stylish, youthful, and affordable apparel.
Rowling was a single mother living on state benefits when she received a $3,000 advance—after a dozen rejection letters—to write her first Harry Potter novel. She finished the manuscript for the first novel on a manual typewriter, not being able to afford a computer. Even though it seemed like her dream wouldn’t come true, the author persisted, never giving up on her dream. To date, the series has sold over 400 million copies.
Schultz grew up in a Brooklyn housing project and was able to attend college on a football scholarship. His early years in Brooklyn, college, and at Xerox taught him that perseverance was a key to success. Schultz worked his way up the corporate ladder, leading Starbucks onward and upward to its massive success today. His passion for accessible and tasty coffee led to more than 20,000 Starbucks Coffee shops opening worldwide.
Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Mississippi, but became the first African American television correspondent in Nashville when she was just nineteen. The Oprah Winfrey Show was launched in 1983 and was the foundation for Winfrey’s media empire in movies, radio, and publishing. Oprah’s story has inspired millions of women to overcome adversity, shoot for the stars, and carve out their own niche in the world.
Do you find inspiration in the struggles faced by other entrepreneurs? Tell us who inspires you to work harder in order to achieve your goals. Post your story 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.
These words of wisdom will inspire you to overcome any obstacle in your path.
An inspiring quote is the perfect tool to use when you find that an obstacle is blocking your way forward. We’ve collected 20 inspirational quotes for you to read when you need encouragement. At Cydcor, we teach our employees and sales representatives to embrace optimism. You will find an optimistic, positive perspective within the quotes we’ve selected.
Find a quote that is meaningful to you, then take a few moments to reflect on how it applies to the obstacles you face. Write it down on a piece of paper to become more familiar with the words and wisdom it contains. Display it in a place where you’ll see it regularly. Read the quote out loud whenever you need inspiration. Reminding yourself every day of what inspires you, of what pushes you to achieve greater things, is a powerful tool for maintaining your professional progress.
Is there a special quote you turn to when you’re facing an obstacle? Post it on Twitter, follow us @Cydcor, and share it on your social media platforms. We want to know what motivates you when need it the most.
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.
Entrepreneurs need to be workers, managers, and leaders willing to work hard, take risks, and turn obstacles into opportunities.
Entrepreneurs bring a mindset for success to every activity. They have an outlook that welcomes innovation and adapts quickly to new business strategies. At Cydcor, we value people with a passion for providing outstanding customer service. We also believe that a commitment to ongoing professional development is a key component to the growth of each entrepreneur.
Here are some strategies that will help you improve your performance, contribute to your company’s success, and become a great entrepreneur.
Have a Plan
An entrepreneur must have a practical plan for success that includes daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Track your accomplishments’ impact on your company’s performance. Streamline your work process. Volunteer for opportunities to do more.
Know It All
Entrepreneurs are curious, open to learning about their industry, and listen to what customers want. They’re experts at what they do, bringing a fiery passion to their work every day that inspires those around them.
Be Firm and Flexible
An entrepreneur understands the importance of negotiation. When you reach a breaking point in a negotiation, be flexible. Use your entrepreneurial spirit to optimize your offerings in response to your customers’ needs.
Take a Risk
Entrepreneurs must be willing to risk their time and effort and become comfortable with uncertainty. So, learn to evaluate risk and estimate the value of your time against potential gains.
Build a Team
Entrepreneurs are leaders who know they can’t accomplish everything by themselves and know the importance of having a strong team to support them. Make sure to check in with your team members often. Ask if they need help. Allow them to provide their input when taking decisions. Celebrate the team’s victories and have fun together. An entrepreneur may be able to work alone, but will succeed and will go further only with a team.
Make a Difference
Highly valued entrepreneurs use their success to make a difference. They understand that giving back to the community is necessary. There is no greater reward than knowing you’ve made a significant change in someone’s life. In addition, establishing a brand with a reputation for social good builds consumer recognition and trust. As Virgin Group founder Richard Branson said: “doing good is good for business.”
Believe in yourself, in your vision, and in the value that your work brings to your customers and your community. Focus on these strategies, work hard, and support your team, and you will become a great entrepreneur.
What’s your favorite part about being an entrepreneur? Share your experience on Cydcor’s Facebook page and let us know what you think. We value your experiences and look forward to hearing from you.
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 most productive part of your day happens the night before.
If you set aside 10-30 minutes each night to plan for the coming day, you’ll wake up with a purpose and will be ready to act on your to priorities for the day. Developing an evening routine may not only help you get better sleep by not rushing through the morning but will also help set your day for success.
It may take adjustment to find an evening routine that works for you. Start with these suggestions Cydcor has for you and see if they help you start the day off on the right foot.
Get Alarmed
Decide on a bedtime and stick to it. Get up at the same time every morning. Set an alarm to remind you to start your evening preparations. Consider using a fun and friendly alarm tone if it makes getting up easier—whatever works. The key here is actually getting up when the alarm goes off—resist the urge to hit that snooze button! Be ready to wake up and start the day with an optimistic attitude.
Plan Your Meals
Healthy eating provides the energy and stamina you need throughout the day. Just before bed, prep next day’s breakfast, make your lunch, and decide what you’ll have for dinner the following evening. You may finally eat that broccoli you always say you’re going to eat—instead of just ordering takeout due to having to run for a last minute meal.
Straighten Up
Walk around your living space and put away things that are out of place. Wash your dishes and put them away. Waking up in a clean house reduces your stress levels and gives your day a calm start. Plus, when you get home at the end of the day, you’ll feel relaxed instead of stressed about all the tidying that needs to get done.
Dress Rehearsal
Pick out your clothes for the next day. Organizing your clothes and planning your outfits takes the stress out of getting dressed. You’ll know when laundry needs to be done and you won’t have to fuss with indecision in the morning when you’re still trying to just wake up. This is simply one of the best ways to always dress for success
Review Your Day
Take a look at your calendar and review tasks for the next day. Identify one or two things you want to accomplish. Study your schedule for any potential problems and schedule time to address them.
Get Inspired
Once your evening tasks are complete, read that book next to your bed. Find a writer or topic that will inspire a positive attitude and personal growth. Be sure to check out Cydcor’s recommended books that every manager needs to read. You’ll conquer your day with enthusiasm, optimism, a nourishing breakfast, and a killer sense of style.
Do you have an evening routine that makes your day more productive? Share your tips on Twitter and follow us @Cydcor. We want to know what works for you.
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.
You have to commit to professional development to advance your career. Business professionals are eager to share their knowledge, insights, and experience--if you know where to look.
Professional development improves abilities and skills through education and training. Some employers will train you on the job. Sometimes you can learn a new skill by watching people at work. On occasion, you’ll read a book or take a class.
The Internet has made professional development much easier. We identified ten blogs to launch your professional development with a potent punch:
Partnering with managers and business owners taught Tom Foster the secrets to improving personal performance and teams’ productivity.
Start something awesome, do something awesome, and finish something awesome. Turn passion into productivity and become the best at whatever you do.
Cheryl Cran will teach you to welcome change, embrace technological innovation, and build agile teams.
Small Business Trends presents cutting-edge strategies for entrepreneurs running a small business and committed to improving their performance.
http://under30ceo.com/category/blog/
Traveling around the globe or to new destinations in your hometown will give any entrepreneur a fresh perspective on how to do business. Check out this blog for news, advice, trends, and event for any young entrepreneur.
Everything you didn’t know about everything there is to know about marketing. Godin is a master at messaging and communication. This is a great resource for looking to improve your career projector and professional development.
http://letsgrowleaders.com/blog/
Over twenty years of customer service, marketing, and sales experience has provided Karin Hurt with the ability to teach how to strategize change and build healthy business cultures. He’s also the expert in building vibrant customer communities.
http://www.theelpodcast.com/blog/
Skip school and dive into the in-depth insights you’ll find in the informative interviews with leading business authors. Visit Cydcor Reviews to find more about the books every business professional should read.
Aspiration leads to inspiration and acclamation. Art Petty teaches professionals to improve themselves and their teams through the use of objective strategy, observation, and continuous learning.
http://randomactsofleadership.com/
Discover the skills required to transform conflict into collaboration. Susan Mazza is a progressive thought leader with a passion for facilitating excellence.
Do you have a professional development plan for mastering new skills? Share your favorite resources in our comment section. Also be sure to follow @Cydcor on Instagram to learn more about our company based in Agoura Hills, CA!
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.
Mastering basic business skills will improve your confidence and give you a can-do attitude. Use these business skills hacks to kill it in your next performance review
Skills are the keys to opening doors in your career. Without them, you might never see progress or be able to make meaningful professional connections. Having the right skills for your field is an essential part of your professional development.
Different skills unlock different kinds of doors—the question is, which door are you trying to open?
People skills and soft skills—those that allow you to work effectively and harmoniously with others—are the foundation of business skills. Do you know how to adapt, analyze, collaborate, communicate, and manage your time and tasks? If so, you have the soft skills needed to master business skills.
If you want to make a memorable impression and get in the business of being the best, sharpen these skills:
Time Management
You’ll never get a chance to show off your business skills if you miss appointments and deadlines. Time management is an essential element in all business skills, especially in a fast-paced environment. Luckily, there are some great time management tools you can use to keep you on your game. The golden rule for time management is simple: always be on time, and never miss a deadline.
Organization
When you’re given an assignment, make sure that you understand exactly what the expected deliverable is. Use your organizational skills to put together a project plan. Ask questions. Use your analytical skills to identify potential problems and problem-solving skills to preemptively find solutions.
Communicate
You already have years of experience talking with friends, family, teachers, and supervisors, but business and corporate communication requires a more formal approach to messaging—whether it’s a text, a phone call, an email, or a face-to-face meeting. Make sure you understand the expectations for communication in your workplace.
Customer Service
It’s your job to provide your customers with the solutions and services they need. Always make time for your customer. If you don’t deal directly with customers, remember that every task you complete is an opportunity to strengthen—or weaken—your company’s connection with them.
Ongoing Education
Look for opportunities to learn more about your business and the business world. Attend workshops, classes, and seminars. Understanding current issues impacting the world and the world of business will improve your abilities and your authority as a trusted resource.
As your career develops, your business skills will grow and change. Mastering these business skills is an ongoing process. Keep and open mind and accept new opportunities to learn and you’ll soon master all of these business skills.
How do you develop your business skills? Please share your ideas in the comment area below. Don’t forget to share this article 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.
It’s time to spring forward! Use these ten terrific tips to energize your attitude and get the most out of your workday.
Your customers’ wants and needs are what matters most. Figure out what they expect and then exceed those expectations. Take the time to become extraordinary.
Smiles often change attitudes—your own and your coworkers’. People usually like to be around people with a happy demeanor. Think about the times when you were having a rough day and seeing some else’s smile encouraged you to smile. It may be a simple thing to do but making an effort to smile will make an impact on the rest of your day. Smiles work from the outside in, so practice smiling often. You’ll improve your outlook and strengthen customer and co-worker connections.
It is important to look for ways to keep you in a positive state of mind. Perhaps have lunch with a friend, join the fun and be part of the office team night, and listen to upbeat music on your way to and from work. You’ll bring back authentic energy to your workplace.
Record your accomplishments in a notebook or in your smartphone. When you need a boost, you have a resource that will transform a challenging day to a great day.
Putting off a difficult job never turns out well. Procrastination sows, and that can ruin your day. Attack your hardest task first; once it’s out of the way, you’ll feel accomplished and ready to meet anything else that comes your way.
Reach out to your team to see if they need help with their tasks. Doing something for others is a great way to get out of your head and gain a positive perspective.
Consciously remind yourself to see the positive side of every situation that you’re in. You can learn from every experience at work, and that’s an exciting possibility. Looking at things from a positive perspective will also help you be more solutions-minded and a proactive teammate.
Think like an Olympic athlete when you are working—don’t let anything stop you from living up to your full potential! Master your tasks and core assignments first, then tap into your entrepreneurial spirit to find opportunities to do more and exceed expectations.
Show up twenty minutes early. Get a head start on your day by avoiding last minute traffic that can make you late for work. Getting to work early will also give you some time to think on the tasks you need to accomplish for the day. Perhaps you can use the time to read a section of a motivational book or reflect on your goals. Not only will your day start off better, but you’ll also get noticed for taking the initiative.
Let your boss know what you’re doing. Share your career plans. Asking for advice is a great way to let your boss know that you’re committed to the company.
What are some tactics you use to stay positive at work? Share your tips with us on Twitter @Cydcor or Facebook, and show this article with your friends to start a conversation with your community.
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.
In between feeding-frenzies featured on this popular television show, smart entrepreneurs can find practical business strategies. You’ll find tactics to improve day-to-day operations and invigorate long-term business plans
Have you ever seen the television show Shark Tank? If you have, then you know it is both entertaining and educational. Watch the program and you’ll find strategies that will enhance your professional performance and help you make the move from employee to entrepreneur.
We’ve pulled out 5 essential strategies from Shark Tank that every aspiring entrepreneur should know. How do you measure up?
Know How To Tell A Story
The first thing people will notice is you—the person making the pitch. It’s your job to tell a great story about your product. You must be able to tell your story with passion, clarity, and a bit of humor. Rehearse your pitch until it’s flawless. Practice doesn’t just make perfect; it often closes the deal.
Believe In Yourself
Each time your reach out to a new customer, you have an opportunity to make a difference in their life. But you must have confidence in your abilities to sell your product or service. Believing in your product is just good business! If you believe in your product, the more likely it is that the customer will too.
Develop Pragmatic Passion
Be pragmatic and practical when you’re pitching your product or service. If you are not finding success with your pitch, then seek advice from a coworker or try another strategy.
Understand Your Industry
When a customer asks questions about your product or service, you must have the answers they need. You must have a full understanding of your industry, your competitors, and your product or service. Make it clear to the customer what sets your offering apart from someone else’s.
Your Opportunity Is Waiting
Customers seek someone with a solution. Why not you? The difference between closing a deal and losing a deal is simple: salespeople who close the deal see an opportunity and take a risk. Taking risks can be daunting, but that’s how you create new opportunities.
You need persistence when you’re trying out a new strategy. You may not see results right away, but don’t give up. These Shark Tank strategies will clear obstacles from your path—a path that leads to career growth and expertise. Learn these strategies and you’ll be able to swim through any shark tank with confidence.
Are you an entrepreneur who thinks like a shark? Share the strategies you depend upon to grow your business. Post your story on Twitter, follow us @Cydcor, and share this article with your friends and start a conversation with your community. #Cydcor #strategy #entrepreneur
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.
Getting close to your customers is one of the most important business strategies you can master. Learn how to change your mindset to keep the customers you have—and get new ones!
As a sales professional, you live, die, and breathe for customers. Simply stating that customers are vital to your success would be a massive understatement—customers are everything!
Instilling a customer-focused mindset into your employees and salespeople will keep their eyes on the ball and lead to some seriously good results for your business. In fact, according to a study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity and the American Management Association, companies that don’t foster an environment and culture of pleasing customers fail to succeed.
The study found that the best organizations -understand and leverage customer-focused initiatives that require a blend of attraction, engagement, satisfaction, collaboration, and retention.
Have we convinced you to make a change within your own business? If so, here are a few ways to start manufacturing a customer-centric cultural shift in your business:
Find A Good Place To Start
Begin by benchmarking your current level of customer focus. By completing an audit of your ongoing efforts, you can actually determine where to begin and how your team could improve.
Know Your Audience
Naturally, you’ll need to know who your customers actually are if you want to serve them properly. Try customizing your approach for your customers at every opportunity. Learn from the past and the present to see what they like and dislike about your current strategy so that you can refine your efforts in the future!
Consistency Is Key
Creating a consistent standard that your customers can anticipate is crucial. Standardizing training and protocols for your customer-facing employees is essential for maintaining a consistent brand image.
Think Of The Big Picture
Help your employees see the actual impact that their work has on customers. Forging this relationship is incredibly important to getting your employees invested in the customers that they serve. Employees that can see the fruits of their labor tend to be more productive as well!
Communication Matters Most
Maintaining open communication with your customers at all times is another essential. There’s a reason large companies have 24/7 customer support—it pays always to be there when your customers need you. While it may not be possible for all businesses to have a dedicated 24/7 customer support team, do the best that you can with the resources available to you. Your customers will be able to tell that you’re working hard for them.
Hire Help
Are you having trouble making the shift happen? If all else fails, try making your next hire someone that already has a customer-focused mindset. This will help you fill your ranks with right-minded individuals!
For further reading about creating a customer-focused environment in your business, check out this insightful article from Forbes.
Constructive communication with your customers will help you close a sale today and let you know who to call tomorrow. What are your secrets for staying connected with your customers? Share the skills you’ve developed with us. Post your story on Twitter, follow us @Cydcor, and start a conversation with your network.
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.