In this age of technology, we’re constantly surrounded by information about what we should do and when we should do it. There are so many conflicting opinions and things to consider about every decision we could make that it’s easy to get sucked into “analysis paralysis” and never make a decision at all. But sometimes, trusting your gut may be the way to go.

So how can you develop your decisiveness and get better results? Here are some tips from the experts.

Use your emotional intelligence. When presented with a high-stakes decision that needs to be made quickly, it’s easy to respond with emotions such as fear, overwhelm and anger. These emotions can cloud your ability to make a good decision, so make a point of reining in your emotions to allow yourself to do more clear-headed thinking. Instead of denying the emotion, which will only make it stronger, acknowledge the emotion and allow it to move through you until you reach a state of calm.

Manage uncertainty. Don’t waste time with dozens of choices, because that will lead to the infamous “analysis paralysis” mentioned earlier. Instead, use your intuition to narrow the number of choices down to two or three, and then study those in more depth. By trusting your intuition, you’ll be more satisfied with your decision in the long run.

Listen to your team members. Their thoughts can help you consider the consequences of various choices. It also makes them part of the process so they too will be more satisfied with your decision.

Act quickly. Business moves fast, so your decisions need to be made quickly, too. ”When decisions need to be made, effective managers gather the facts, analyze the situation, consider alternatives, and decide on the best course of action—and they do it quickly!” say Denny Strigl and Frank Swiatek, authors of Managers, Can You Hear Me Now?: Hard-Hitting Lessons on How to Get Real Results. “They don’t procrastinate, and they certainly don’t stand around wringing their hands.”

Don’t be afraid to be wrong. Much indecisiveness is caused by the fear of making a mistake. However, the ability to make important decisions quickly is the key to achieving success. “Business is a contact sport, and you can’t be afraid to make a mistake,” says John Wittaker, marketing director of information management solutions at Dell Software. “You can always course correct if you need to, but you can’t make up for failing to take action when action is needed.”

It can be difficult to make tough decisions whenever they arise, but it’s worth it in the end. Decisiveness is a needed trait for every aspiring leader, and by doing so, you set an example for your team to follow.

How has decisiveness helped you achieve better results? Please share your thoughts in the comments or tweet @Cydcor with your stories.

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.

One of the keys to being a successful sales professional is being great at the art of conversation. But being a good conversationalist is not something that comes naturally to everyone, even the most extroverted people in the world. There are some special conversational considerations for working in sales. Here are a few tips from Cydcor staff on how to master the art of sales-oriented conversation.

Learn more about Cydcor by checking out our profile on CrunchBase: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/cydcor

Start by building rapport. Make your prospect feel at ease with a little bit of small talk. You want your customer to feel you’re likable, which will make them more inclined to listen to you.

Match your prospect’s energy level. If your customer seems calm and cool, don’t bowl them over with aggressive enthusiasm. However, if your prospect seems like a more energetic type, then match their energy with yours. That way, you’re likely to create a better connection that can lead to a sale.

Ask questions. Find out what kind of aspirations your customer has or any frustrations with your competitor’s product or service. By doing so, you’ll be able to find ways to show your customer that your product is the best.

Ease into the sales pitch. Your prospect is much more likely to respond positively if you don’t just jump into “buy my product or service” mode. You’ll want to make your pitch with solid facts and an appeal to your customer’s aspirations and needs.

Listen. It’s tempting to stop listening before a prospect finishes speaking. You want to figure out a rebuttal to their “no.” But that’s not how you make a sale. But by listening well and doing some gentle probing, you’ll get to know what goals and needs your customer has.

Be sincere. Nobody likes a phony, and almost everyone can tell when someone is bluffing. Be yourself, and remember that you don’t have to agree with every single thing the customer says. Instead, try introducing one or two different points of view into the conversation; it’ll be more fun for both you and your prospect.

Don’t be obsessed with the sale. Have you ever been to a car dealership or a store and encountered a pushy salesperson that wouldn’t back off until you either bought a product or walked out the door? Don’t be that person. “Hard sell” tactics are a turn-off to most prospects. Instead, keep sharing information and appealing to their needs and wants.

Expect nothing, but be prepared for everything. Sales is a great and potentially quite lucrative profession, but it takes some time to become a real expert at it. Be patient with yourself and continue developing your unique skills to master the art of conversation—and conversion.

What tips would you give your teammates for mastering the art of sales conversation? Please share them in the comments. For additional blogs from Cydcor, be sure to check out https://www.cydcor.com/media.

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.

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:

• Start a dialogue with clients about your product and their expectations
• Learn about your customers’ interests and buying history
• Give your customers a platform for reviews and comments
• Be active in the community and make a trusted name for yourself

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:

• Accuracy - Learn exactly what your customer wants and when they want it, and then make sure they get it. If you can’t follow through with this most basic step, you are very likely to lose your customer and even your business.
• Availability - You need to be there for your customer, especially after you’ve taken their money. If there is an issue to fix or a product to be returned, they want to know you will be available to address their concerns.
• Partnership - This goes hand-in-hand with availability, and it’s the level where you really build trust. Are you attuned to your clients’ needs? Are you connecting to each client on an individual basis? Do they feel like you actually care?
• Advice - A study by the MIT Sloan School of Management showed that customers are most loyal to companies who teach them something. Educate your customer about the product you are selling and they are more likely to buy from you again.

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.

If you want to improve your sales performance, you need to think like a customer. It’s vital that you understand the obstacles preventing your customers from reaching their goals. Your customers will appreciate your effort in trying to understand their needs in order to provide them the best solution to their current problem or situation.

Employees and sales associates at Cydcor are trained to provide innovative solutions for our customers. Understanding our customer’s needs is an integral part of our world-class customer service.

Use the strategies described here and you’ll begin to think like a customer- that’s the first step in delivering great customer service.

Develop Long-term Relationships

A good salesperson builds long-term relationships with their customers. Keep up-to-date on industry developments and trends. Study the industry and become even better informed than your customers. By developing this expertise, you will be seen as an industry expert. You’ll be a part of their community. Your customer will see you as a trusted resource, not someone whose sole interest in them is making a sale. Always remember that your customer is the boss and your business will last for a long time.

Communicate Regularly

Although the world may rely on text messages or social media to communicate in 2016, reaching out to customers with a phone call or speaking with them in-person will show that you like going the extra mile. When you speak to your customers on the phone, at a community event, or at an industry event, let them know how much you appreciate their business. Ask your customers if they like working with you. Find out if they would recommend you to people in their networks. Staying in touch with your customers through face-to-face conversations shows that you’re always thinking about them and their problems. Checking in with your customers even when you don’t have something to sell builds connections, not just sales.

Be Visible

Join social networks popular with current and potential customers. Follow your customers on Twitter and connect with them on LinkedIn. Join industry groups on Facebook to learn what is buzzing in the business. By having a visible presence, it will be easier for customers to trust you and let you handle their needs. Utilize all opportunities to be what they’re looking for.

Build your online reputation as a trusted resource by regularly posting comments, links, and business news to industry blogs. Always use your real name and your company’s name. Include an email address, phone number, or link to your company website. Being transparent builds trust and may be a key factor in your favor when a customer makes a purchasing decision.

Think about your experiences as a customer, too. What do you like and don’t like about a salesperson? What are some of the characteristics you look for to help you have a positive sales experience? Do you appreciate when a salesperson has your best interest in mind? Do you have a better experience when the salesperson is approachable, patient, and clear?  Do you like being given multiple options for you to choose from? Answering these questions will help you to start thinking like a customer. This is the key to begin to provide truly great customer service!

Do you have more tips on how to better understand your customer and their needs? Let us know the customer service strategies that work best for you. Share your insights 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.

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.

In order to shine bright as a star in your workplace, you must establish a set of goals and not only achieve them but exceed them. A star never lets obstacles get in their way.

The first step to stardom requires an attitude adjustment. Start by examining your outlook about work to see if you’re being influenced by negative thoughts. Rethink your negatives and turn them into positives. That’s how you ignite your spark and shine like the star. A star is rewarded with recognition not because they’re good at their job. A star earns recognition because they’re providing exceptional service to their company.

Here are some thoughtful methods for building recognition for your achievements:

Communicate Effectively

A star at work shines because coworkers talk about the unique qualities they saw in you. You need to be a good communicator in order to get people talking about your shining achievements. You don’t need to talk a lot; you need to provide information that matters.

Develop Valuable Skills

Recognition and awards are often given to people who have special skills or expertise in an area. Identify the skills most valuable to your company and become more skillful in those areas. These can range from soft skills like creative problem solving, writing, or negotiation to technical or computer skills.

Document Your Wins

No one else is going to remember what you’ve done. You’re not necessarily on your own but you’re part of a large system where everyone has their own goals and achievements on their minds. Make a record of your star-making achievements. It’s the hard proof you need to show your supervisor that you’re valuable to the company and deserving of recognition and advancement.

Do More

Once your work is done, your job is just beginning. You must regularly ace your everyday assignments and then provide your company with the innovation that makes you a visible and valuable member of the organization. If there is an opportunity to take on a new assignment, take that opportunity. Before saying yes be certain that you have the time to excel at star level tasks.

Create a Network

Review your list of contacts and identify their areas of expertise. Figure out how you can help them and identify possible solutions you might be able to provide. These people are your allies and will help you to build a reputation that leads to recognition and awards.

Always Be Willing to Help

A star is humble and always willing to pitch in when help is required. You’re ready to listen to other people and aren’t defensive when you’re given an assignment. A star focuses on what needs to get done and gets it done.

It’s time for you to shine. Your colleagues, team members, and supervisors are committed to the success of the company and, therefore, they’re committed to your success as well. It’s a win-win situation. So, what are you waiting for?

What’s your strategy for earning recognition at work? Your experience is important to us. Please comment on this page or tell your story on Twitter and follow @Cydcor, and please share this article with your friends.

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.

Even if you’ve been born with a friendly personality, you may find yourself stuck when you’re in a situation that requires you to start a casual conversation. If you’re a naturally quiet person, these social situations might be uncomfortable experiences. When you’re nervous you lose your confidence and find it difficult to focus. Follow these suggestions and learn how to turn small talk into a new skill!

Don’t Just Say Hello!

Saying hello is a standard introduction during a social encounter. It works, but it leaves the conversation with no place to go. Instead, get the conversation rolling with adding open-ended questions.

• What brought you here? What are you interested in learning?
• Tell me about you?
• What is your latest project?
• Are you familiar with social media? How do you use social media to connect with customers?
• What’s the most interesting part of your work?
• Which leaders in your field inspire you?

Small Talks Needs a Big Brain and a Big Attentions Span

Once you’ve asked an open-ended question, pay attention to what the person is saying. At the same time, think of one or two follow up questions based on what the speaker says. Pay attention to their eyes and facial expressions. You can nod your head to show that you’re listening. It’s okay to smile, laugh, or become serious depending on the conversation. When there’s a natural pause in the conversation, make a comment and ask another leading question. If you get nervous, just take deep breaths and try again.

Common Interests Build Common Ground

As you continue your conversation, you’ll discover shared professional interests and concerns, which will help you build a conversational connection. If you’re attending a business conference, you have the topics related to your business in common. This can be a great confidence builder when it comes to improving your casual conversation skills.

Know When It’s Time to Go

After a certain amount of time, you will know that you’ve reached the end of your conversation. At that time, let your contact know that you have other people to speak to. Simply say, “I’ve really enjoyed speaking to you, and I appreciate all the information you shared and getting to know more about your business. Here’s my card. Can I have your business card too?”

If you say that you’re going to follow up or provide some kind of information—do it. That’s how you turn small talk into big success—one conversation at a time.

Having clear and excellent communication skills is crucial for any business professional. A person must be able to articulate exactly what they mean if they want work to get done correctly. You may think you have a genius idea, but if you can’t articulate it well, it will be difficult for your team to jump aboard. Communicating clearly can make all facets of business a little easier. Here are a few tips to regularly communicate more concisely:

Brainstorm the Idea

Try to avoid expressing an idea to others too soon after inception. Flesh out the idea fully to ensure it makes sense and is understandable for others. By putting in extra effort to think of all the different possibilities, you can avoid presenting an idea that just doesn’t work. Think about it for a bit, and if it still makes sense, move forward!

Write It Out

Write down the idea and read aloud it yourself. This will create a visual and auditory representation of what you’re trying to communicate. If it sounds right and makes sense, you’re on the right path. If it doesn’t, you may have to go back to the drawing board.

Feedback

Need a little assurance before communicating to your team? Present the idea to someone you trust, such as a co-worker or friend. They can give you another layer of feedback, and bring whatever you’re trying to say to the next level.

Simplify the Message

It’s not a good idea to start rambling when it comes to communicating. If it’s too confusing, many people may tune out and miss out on what you’re trying to get across. Simplifying the message can ensure that people get the most important pieces of information first. After you’ve formed a simplified message and can finally introduce it to others, be sure to….

…Ask if People Need Clarification

There have been countless times when I’ve assumed I understood a request, only to find out later that I didn’t fully comprehend what I needed to do. Be sure to ask if what you’ve just described is clear to everybody. It can add another layer of understand for some, as well as fill in someone who may not have been listening as attentively as they should have been. It also guarantees that what you’ve said is made crystal clear.

Communicating more clearly is something that all business-oriented individuals struggle with. It doesn’t have to be impossible. Just keep in mind that clear communicators make sure their ideas are fleshed out and will make sense to as many people as possible—the first time they explain it.

Head over to Cydcor Media for advice regarding business, leadership, and office life.

Communicating in a clear and effective way is always important, both in real life situations and especially in business communications. We converse so much that we often forget to stop and think about what we are saying. When communicating in a professional context, you need to be aware of the little nuances that are held in your words and actions.

Here are some tips for becoming an influential communicator:

Have a clear goal and benefits for all parties.

Transparency is important. The worst thing that could happen is having your conversation be misunderstood. Therefore, you will want to make a clear goal when talking with a client, or potential client. It also helps to make sure that you frame your message in a way that presents the benefits for that party.

With that said…

Know your audience.

Your audience is whomever you are communicating with. Who are they? What do they want? How do they speak? What do they know? Understanding your audience is incredibly important because it provides you all the information you need to tailor your communications to be the most effective for that specific person or group of people.

Knowing your audience makes it less likely that you will waste time explaining things that are already known, glossing over important details that you assume are understood.

Connect with Cydcor on LinkedIn today!

Be sure to ask the right kinds of questions

Learn to strategically drop “leading questions” that prompt longer answers than “yes” or “no.” This will help guide your conversation in a productive direction.

Ask important qualifying questions to ensure that your leads will turn into a prospect. Largely, you’ll be asking questions that are focused around answering these key questions: Can and will you be able to authorize on the sale? What can I do for you to close on this sale?

Naturally, you should take information you learned from your audience and tailor the question accordingly for them, but these simple questions capture the essence of what you need to find out from your prospect.

We are Cydcor, the outsourced sales leader providing clients with proven sales and marketing strategies that get results. Follow us on Twitter @Cydcor.

Here is Cydcor's review of That's Not What I Meant: How Conversational Style Makes or Breaks Relationships by Deborah Tannen.

About That’s Not What I Meant: The book explains the old saying “It’s not what you say, but how you say it that counts” with a revolutionary thought process about how words and their tones can make or break relationships.

Tannen looks to demonstrate how something very small and insignificant can turn an entire conversation upside down, bringing the opposite result of what was expected. Between family, co-workers, friends or partners, she shows how everything from how our body language, hand gestures and tone can bring successful communication with those around us.

Cydcor recommends this book to future leaders because:

The author looks to have those be aware of how they habitually communicate, and the reasons behind why they communicate in such ways and what to look for to correct them. A poor communication style can break a professional relationship, so it’s relevant to leaders to have each piece of communication broken down and to explain how it effects others. Tannen does a terrific job of providing clear, understandable information in an entertaining tone.

Our favorite part:

Tannen helps us understand how we don't just pay attention to the words spoken: in fact, we pay less attention to the message than what she calls the "metamessage": the implied and inferred meanings that each utterance evokes.

An example provided is the question, "Does this dress make me look fat?", as there is no right "yes" or "no" answer, as the question is not about the affect a particular garment has on one's appearance.

The real question, what Tannen calls “metamessages, is about whether the listener still finds the questioner attractive. Miss the real question, and conflict follows.