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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.
Cydcor is heading down to Charlotte, NC for National Conference 2016! Interested in winning $200 cash from Cydcor at National Conference 2016? Just share your best National Conference 2016 photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #Gone2NatCon and tag @Cydcor! Enter before Wednesday, June 22nd at 8:50 PM EST to be eligible to win.
The winner will be announced on Cydcor's social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) during the Dinner Show on Wednesday, June 22nd.
Good Luck!
Terms and Conditions (Facebook)
Post a photo on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using the hashtag #gone2natcon anytime from Friday June 17th (10:00AM EST) until Wednesday, June 22nd (8:50 PM EST) and you will be automatically entered in the Retail National Conference photo contest for a chance to win $200 cash awarded on site. To be eligible, entrants must be (i) at least 18 years of age and (ii) a member or affiliate of a Cydcor independent corporate licensee attending the event (Cydcor employees not eligible). Multiple submissions per participant are allowed. Profanity or inappropriate language or images, as determined by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified. There will be one winner selected by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, and announced via Cydcor’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CydcorLLC) as well as on Cydcor’s Instagram (@Cydcor), and on Cydcor’s Twitter (@Cydcor) on Wednesday, June 22nd any time after 9:00PM EST and no later than 11:59 PM EST. This promotional offer is not intended to create a partnership, joint venture, co-ownership or other association between Cydcor and the participant.
This promotion does not have a connection with Facebook in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering the contest, participants agree to fully release Facebook from any and all liability.
Terms and Conditions (Instagram)
Post a photo on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using the hashtag #gone2natcon anytime from Friday June 17th (10:00AM EST) until Wednesday, June 22nd (8:50 PM EST) and you will be automatically entered in the Retail National Conference photo contest for a chance to win $200 cash awarded on site. To be eligible, entrants must be (i) at least 18 years of age and (ii) a member or affiliate of a Cydcor independent corporate licensee attending the event (Cydcor employees not eligible). Multiple submissions per participant are allowed. Profanity or inappropriate language or images, as determined by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified. There will be one winner selected by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, and announced via Cydcor’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CydcorLLC) as well as on Cydcor’s Instagram (@Cydcor), and on Cydcor’s Twitter (@Cydcor) on Wednesday, June 22nd any time after 9:00PM EST and no later than 11:59 PM EST. This promotional offer is not intended to create a partnership, joint venture, co-ownership or other association between Cydcor and the participant.
This promotion does not have a connection with Instagram, Inc. in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. By entering the contest, participants agree to fully release Instagram from any and all liability, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
Terms and Conditions (Twitter)
Post a photo on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using the hashtag #gone2natcon anytime from Friday June 17th (10:00AM EST) until Wednesday, June 22nd (8:50 PM EST) and you will be automatically entered in the Retail National Conference photo contest for a chance to win $200 cash awarded on site. To be eligible, entrants must be (i) at least 18 years of age and (ii) a member or affiliate of a Cydcor independent corporate licensee attending the event (Cydcor employees not eligible). Participant may not create multiple accounts to enter the contest – the creation of multiple accounts will make participant liable to have all accounts suspended by Twitter. Any participant found creating multiple accounts to enter the contest will also be disqualified. Multiple submissions per participant are allowed; provided, however, that the participant posts a different tweet each time. Participants may not post the same tweet repeatedly (no duplicate tweets). Posting duplicate tweets is a violation of Twitter Rules and jeopardizes search quality. Profanity or inappropriate language or images, as determined by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified. The winner will be selected by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, and announced via Cydcor’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CydcorLLC) as well as on Cydcor’s Instagram (@Cydcor), and on Cydcor’s Twitter (@Cydcor) on Wednesday, June 22nd any time after 9:00PM EST and no later than 11:59 PM EST. This promotional offer is not intended to create a partnership, joint venture, co-ownership or other association between Cydcor and the participant.
This promotion does not have a connection with Twitter in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter. By entering the contest, participants agree to fully release Twitter from any and all liability, and agree to read and abide by Twitter’s Rules.
What is your favorite motivational quote? Share it in the comments on the accompanying photo on Facebook and you will be entered into a raffle for VIP seats for the General Session at the Retail National Conference 2016 for you and your team! The more entries, the more chances to win! Make sure you tag your friends to enter and they could end up sitting right next to you!
This contest will run from Wednesday June 15th (12:00 PM PST) until Monday, June 20th (11:59 PM PST). The winner will be announced on Cydcor’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on Tuesday June 21st any time after 9:00AM PST. So, do not miss your chance to get some of the best seats during General Session!
Terms and Conditions (Facebook)
Valid entries are comments that caption the related post on Cydcor’s Facebook page. To be eligible, entrants must be (i) at least 18 years of age and (ii) a primary registrant attending Cydcor’s Retail National Conference (Cydcor employees are not eligible). Multiple comments per participant are allowed. Profanity or inappropriate language, as determined by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified. Each entry will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win VIP seats (maximum of 7 seats) during the General Session. There will be one selected winner. Contest begins on Wednesday June 15th (12:00 PM PST) until Monday, June 20th (11:59 PM PST). All participants will enter into a raffle and the winner will be announced via Cydcor’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CydcorLLC?ref=hl) as well as on Cydcor’s Instagram (@Cydcor), and on Cydcor’s Twitter (@Cydcor) on Tuesday June 21st any time after 9:00AM PST. This promotional offer is not intended to create a partnership, joint venture, co-ownership or other association between Cydcor and the participant.
This promotion does not have a connection with Facebook in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering the contest, participants agree to fully release Facebook from any and all liability.
About Strength Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow
Nearly a decade ago, researchers at Gallup concluded a 30-year study of leadership strengths. Over the course of the project, researchers examined over 1 million work teams, supervised over 20,000 interviews with leaders, and spoke with over 10,000 followers about who the most important leaders in their lives were.
Strength Based Leadership is the interpretation of that information by best-selling author Tom Rath and prominent leadership consultant Barry Conchie. In the book, Rath and Conchie identify strategies that will allow you to find and develop the strengths to improve your ability to lead.
Why Cydcor Recommends This Book
The authors thoughtfully interpret the data Gallup assembled over decades, using their insights to craft a guide that teaches readers to discover and develop leadership abilities.
Some experts might suggest imitating the leadership style of someone famous, but Gallup’s research proves that approach simply doesn’t work for long. Instead, readers are encouraged to be themselves and engage these three key findings from Gallup’s research in a personal and authentic way:
1. The most effective leaders are always investing in strengths.
2. The most effective leaders surround themselves with the right people and then maximize their team.
3. The most effective leaders understand their followers’ needs.
Cydcor recommends this book because it helps guide readers toward becoming a successful leader in a way that builds on their own unique strengths.
Our Favorite Part
Our favorite part of Strength-Based Leadership is that it provides a practical approach to building leadership skills. The Gallup researchers identified 34 leadership strengths. For each one of those strengths they suggest two or three ways to use them at work and in your personal life.
The authors connect the results of the Gallup study with strategies used by real-world leaders. They provide real-world examples to teach readers to continually develop their strength-based leadership skills. These lessons also improve organization and management skills.
Interviews with Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach for America; Simon Cooper, President of the Ritz-Carlton; and Brad Anderson, Chief Executive Office of Best Buy, provide practical insights into the leadership process that readers can apply to their professional development.
So, check out this book and let us know what you think. 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.
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.
If you’re smart about how you manage your workday, you will find the extra hours you need to get more done. We support our employees and sales associates, and encourage them to find opportunities for innovation and improving processes. Cydcor even finds opportunities to model these behaviors for our daughters and sons. As you unpack your habits and routines, don’t judge yourself for procrastinating or struggling to reach your goals. Instead, make an effort to apply some of the following tips to help you improve your productivity. Eventually, you will create a new routine that will allow you to be more productive.
Rethink Your Routines
How much time do you spend getting your morning coffee? Checking and responding to email? It’s easy to convince yourself that you must read, react, respond, and reply to every single email. Review your daily routines to determine if you’re using your time efficiently. Cut ten minutes out of 3 of your daily routines by removing inefficient practices and you’ll already have found 30 extra minutes in your day. Use these intelligence-boosting strategies to improve your problem solving skills and come up with even more time saving strategies.
Organize Your Mind and Workspace
You’ll get more done at work if your mind and workspace are well organized. Commit to working on each task for 20 minutes. Use a timer on your phone, watch, or computer. After 20 minutes, check your messages. Politely inform your coworkers that you’re trying a new technique for getting things done so that they are able to respect your focus time instead of interrupting it. They may even decide they like the idea and begin to use it themselves.
Identify Your Most Important Tasks
At the end of the workday, identify your most important tasks for the next day. Review each of tasks and break them down into component tasks. This way, when you get to work the next day, you will know exactly what needs your attention and will get to spend time on your most crucial tasks right from the start of your day. Schedule time at home the night before to review your list of things to do and you’ll wake up feeling fresh and ready to rumble.
Getting more done in the same amount of time is hard work. Ask your coworkers and supervisors for their suggestions. Once you do that, you’ll have started a productive conversation that will result in better outcomes for everyone.
What are your secrets for getting more done in the same amount of time? Share your tips or photos 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.
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.
Cydcor recently participated in two community outreach programs that we were proud to be a part of: Habitat for Humanity and a volunteering project coinciding with Earth Day at the LA Food Bank!
A group of 18 Cydcor volunteers joined Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for the local veteran community. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work building homes for people in need. Together with Habitat for Humanity, Cydcor team members were able to get 10 homes ready for inspection.
Team-building was essential for this effort, as Habitat for Humanity welcomes skilled and unskilled workers to join on-site construction teams. Cydcor volunteers showed up to the challenge with their willingness to learn and work hard, while Habitat for Humanity provided all of the tools and safety equipment, needed to get the job done.
“It was definitely gratifying, walking away at the end of the day and seeing what we accomplished as a team. I wasn’t sure we could make a difference, but we certainly did,” said Rosy, an executive assistant at Cydcor.
Many of Cydcor’s teams took part in the day, including Cydcor’s CFO, Ron Nathanson, and the Cydcor finance team. These volunteers were more than happy to come together to help a great cause, as well as improve on their team-building skills.
Cydcor’s Information Technology (IT) department also recently got to work for the local community, volunteering on Earth Day by working at the LA Food Bank.
The Cydcor team put together food packets for low-income families, assembled backpacks of food for children who may go hungry otherwise, and provided essential services to senior citizens in Los Angeles who are unable to afford their next meal.
Coming together to help this cause also allowed Cydcor members to get to know each other better and got the team excited to work for their community.
Dwight Coates, Cydcor’s Chief Information Officer, reported that Cydcor volunteers put together over 900 care packets for senior citizens on fixed incomes who often have disabilities that adversely impact their health and finances. Sometimes they have to make the impossible choice between paying for medical care or getting a meal.
“I have worked with the LA Food Bank for the past 6 years and thought, what a great way for our people to help those who need help the most,” said Dwight Coates. “By each team member having a unique and often time-sensitive task on the conveyor line, we each depended on each other for our deliverable of reaching over 750 bags in the morning time. Due to our teamwork, we packed over 900 bags for distribution.”
Education is an important part of the volunteer experience. By participating in volunteer programs, Cydcor employees and sales associates develop an understanding of the problems impacting their communities. The volunteers learned that over 1.4 million people in Los Angeles County are food insecure, meaning that they don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Cydcor is thankful and proud of the great work done by our volunteers, and we look forward to the next project we take on to help our local community!
About Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
What makes high achievers different from you or me? Malcolm Gladwell answers that question with his book, Outliers. Many overachievers believe in one of the core concepts in the book: the “10,000-hour rule.” Gladwell suggests that to be the best at something, you need to study it for 10,000 hours. In this book, he finds the outliers—men and women who do things that are out of the ordinary.
Outliers is a good read because of Gladwell’s fascination with psychology, law, statistics, and sociology. His colorful writing provides a powerful and personal analysis of why some people become outliers and some don’t. Despite its quirky characters and lofty critiques, you’ll find echoes of your life in his writing.
Like Gladwell, at Cydcor, we encourage our employees and sales associates to set challenging goals that inspire achievement. We provide determined individuals opportunities to excel, work hard, and build successful careers.
Why Cydcor Reviews Recommends This Book:
Gladwell worked as a journalist at the Washington Post and as a writer for the New Yorker magazine. Instead of writing simple biographies of successful people, he investigates the communities where these exceptional people developed. He also examines the cultures that influenced them during their formative years and up to today.
Gladwell is passionate about social sciences and statistics. This interest led him to figure out why Canada’s star hockey players are consistently born in January, February, and March. But Gladwell isn’t just revealing cold facts and figures. He uses the book to examine his own life as an outlier.
Cydcor recommends this book because the author provides profoundly inspirational insights into how ordinary men and women achieve greatness. Gladwell suggests that everyone who is exceptional at something—like sales—has practiced for about 10,000 hours. Gladwell’s theory endorses Cydcor’s belief that professional achievement, recognition, and advancement is available for anyone who works hard and pursues each opportunity they find.
Our Favorite Part
Our favorite part of Outliers is Gladwell’s talent for revealing the unique twists and turns that influence someone’s life. For example, when Bill Gates was in the eighth grade, the mothers’ group at his school used the proceeds of their annual bake sale to purchase a personal computer for the students.
No software was available for the computer, so Gates learned how to program it by punching holes into computer cards—a very outdated practice today. After many hours of hard work, he got the computer to work. By the time he was a sophomore in high school, Gates had exhausted his school’s computer resources and sought further instruction at the University of Washington, where he met his future business partner, Paul Allen. Gates certainly had a gift for computing, but ultimately his achievements were powered by his 10,000 hours of hard work.
If we follow Gates’ example, if we pay attention and begin to see obstacles as opportunities, we will improve our chances for success.
As you read this book, you may remember the lessons you learned from teachers and mentors who taught you how to overcome obstacles. This book reminds us that the opportunity to succeed is always present; you just need to have a positive outlook and the determination to meet each challenge. You may not become a billionaire after reading Outliers, but your personal and professional life will become rich with possibility.
Who are the outliers that influenced your career path? Let us know about the men and women who inspire you to succeed. Share your ideas 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.
What do your kids think you do at work? Ours will find out this Thursday, April 28th, when Cydcor hosts the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day program at our Agoura Hills, CA headquarters! On this day, Cydcor team members will have the opportunity to bring in their children who are between the ages of 5 and 18 so they can see how we work, where we work, and what we do at work. This is an amazing opportunity to model a career roadmap for these children and gives them a look at what their parent’s day-to-day is like here at Cydcor.
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year. Cydcor could not miss out on this great opportunity. This national event was launched in 1994, and it encourages girls and boys to think about their futures without gender limitations. The event’s organizers expect over 1,700 kids to participate across the country. Cydcor will host between 8 and 15 kids for the event in our office.
This nationally-celebrated day builds bridges between parents and kids, as well as between parents and coworkers. Kids learn what Mom and Dad do during the day at that mysterious destination called “the office.” They discover how their parents solve problems and manage responsibilities outside of the home.
During Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, coworkers develop a deeper connection with one another as they meet each other’s family members. Meeting family members allows colleagues an opportunity to learn one another’s personal story. This experience builds more meaningful connections, which can improve how teams work and solve problems together.
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is more than just a chance for kids to see their parents’ offices and have lunch together. During their visit here at Cydcor, girls and boys will be exposed to the important jobs their parents have. Children will have the opportunity to participate in multiple workshops and activities that will help them start thinking on their future careers. A group of dedicated team members will teach participants firsthand about different career possibilities at Cydcor, including the important role education plays in having a successful career.
During Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, Cydcor team members and their kids are invited to dress in casual attire since it will be a day chock-full of fun activities. A special schedule has also been arranged for participants and their parents, including a welcome breakfast, event program, workshops and will get to play games at a “Fun Zone.” They will be at Cydcor having a fun day at the office, and we can’t wait to get started!
Don’t miss out on the fun! Be sure to follow Cydcor on Facebook and Instagram to see photos and videos from this remarkable experience.
Cydcor was founded in 1994 on a simple yet powerful principle: people still want to buy from people they trust. While much of the business world in the 1990s was moving toward automation and call centers, the founders of Cydcor recognized that something essential was being lost. Technology could handle transactions, but it could not replace trust, loyalty, or the personal connection that uniquely comes from a face-to-face conversation. That insight shaped the company’s mission and continues to guide it today. Headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, Cydcor partners with Fortune 500 leaders as well as emerging brands across the U.S. and Canada. The company specializes in outsourced, in-person customer acquisition through a network of independently owned sales companies across North America. These companies operate in the residential, retail, business-to-business, and event services channels, creating flexible and scalable solutions to meet each client’s needs. Some clients rely on Cydcor to complement their existing sales force, while others count on Cydcor’s network as their exclusive customer acquisition channel. In both cases, the goal remains the same: driving measurable growth through meaningful interactions.
What sets Cydcor apart is its ability to combine the timeless art of relationship building with modern systems and accountability. While independent sales companies focus on customer engagement, Cydcor provides the backbone that makes scaling possible. This includes compliance oversight, detailed reporting, operational systems, and performance tracking that give clients confidence in both the process and the results. The approach has earned the trust of top Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 brands that turn to Cydcor when they need more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. They need real conversations, genuine connections, and long-term customer relationships.
Under the leadership of Vera Quinn, President and CEO, Cydcor continues to evolve without losing sight of its core belief: that business has always been built on human connection. In a marketplace where digital noise grows louder every day, Cydcor proves that face-to-face sales remain not only relevant but essential. It is a model that honors tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring clients have the reach, structure, and results they need to grow.
In conversation with Vera Quinn, President and CEO of Cydcor
“We see technology as a way to make the in-person experience even better. Our platforms, sales tools, and data systems deliver the information clients need—precisely when they need it."
– Vera Quinn, Cydcor President and CEO
Cydcor has been a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies for more than three decades. How has your face-to-face approach helped brands stay competitive in today’s automated world?
In today’s automated world, the value of human connection and quality continues to rise because people’s needs are not one-size-fits-all. Brands spend heavily trying to break through the noise, but nothing cuts through like a real conversation. When the field teams engage face-to-face, whether in a business, at a retail store, at someone’s doorstep, or an event, it creates authenticity, accountability, and connection. That personal approach builds trust and loyalty, delivering long-term growth instead of one-off transactions. There is no substitute for the clarity and trust that comes for genuine two-way conversation.
You work across very different verticals—B2B, retail, residential, and event services. How do you customize each campaign?
It starts with listening. We take the time to understand what matters most to the client—what outcomes they want to achieve and who they’re trying to reach. From there, we apply proven strategies while piloting and refining until the approach is right. We don’t believe in copy-and-paste campaigns; every engagement is designed around the client’s goals, with a clear commitment to measurable results.
We’re also highly nimble. Offers, hours, and territory plans can shift quickly, and we adjust with speed, going where customers are and where opportunities exist. For example, in retail environments customers may need product education at the point of sale, while in B2B settings the focus is often on efficiency and ROI. Each campaign is tailored to those realities, ensuring both clients and customers feel understood.
Leading companies often credit Cydcor with helping them expand into new markets. How does your model drive that kind of growth?
We help clients grow because we’re built to scale responsibly. The companies in our network are locally run by entrepreneurs who care deeply about performance and quality. That ownership mindset allows us to move fast when a client wants to expand while still delivering consistency and quality. We’re able to test, adapt, and ramp with speed—without sacrificing the fundamentals. Because we take such pride in the brands we represent, our clients trust us to deliver with consistency and care.
Cydcor works with a network of independently owned sales companies. How does that support innovation and client outcomes?
Entrepreneurs think differently. They’re invested in doing things right because it’s their business. That ownership mindset creates a ripple effect: higher standards, better execution, and more accountability. When a client partners with us, they’re not just accessing sales teams; they’re tapping into a culture of ownership and drive. That translates into stronger performance in the field and sustained results for the brand.
You’ve been recognized as a Great Place to Work. How do culture and leadership play into your business success?
Our culture is built on the belief that people succeed when they help others succeed. That philosophy drives how we lead, how we collaborate, and how we show up for our clients and each other. Our values aren’t just words on a wall. They act as our constitution, guiding decisions and holding us accountable. Because of that, leadership at Cydcor isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about creating an environment where people support one another, push for excellence, and celebrate shared wins. That’s why our culture has become a competitive advantage and why clients trust us to represent their brands with pride.
Technology is clearly important to your operations. How do you balance that with the human side of your business?
We see technology as a way to make the in-person experience even better. Our platforms, sales tools, and data systems deliver the information clients need—precisely when they need it. AI is making our systems smarter and faster, improving everything from compliance to reporting to campaign insights. At the end of the day, technology is there to empower people. It supports the work; it doesn’t replace the human connection that makes in-person sales powerful.
What’s next for Cydcor? Any exciting plans on the horizon?
Cydcor is entering an exciting new chapter of growth. We’re expanding into new industries while continuing to strengthen relationships with the Fortune 500 and emerging brands we already serve. A big part of that future is leveraging AI and advanced platforms to enhance both the client and customer experience, delivering faster insights, sharper tools, and more seamless interactions. Driving results through the power of people remains constant, but the ways we deliver on it are evolving quickly. We also see opportunities in industries undergoing disruption, or where customers are clamoring for personalized solutions where face-to-face engagement can help brands establish trust and drive growth. That’s where our model truly shines.
Meet the leader behind the success of Cydcor
Vera Quinn, President and CEO of Cydcor, is recognized for her leadership and the business impact she continues to drive. She began her career entry-level in the field. Then seizing an opportunity at Cydcor, and rose through nearly every level of the organization, a path that gives her unmatched perspective on building teams, growing leaders, and scaling a business with integrity.
Vera has been honored as CEO of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal, and under her leadership, Cydcor was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. She is known for her ability to develop leaders by instilling confidence, clarity, and accountability. Today, she continues to guide Cydcor’s growth with a clear mission: when people succeed together, businesses and communities thrive.
“We don’t believe in copy-and-paste campaigns; every engagement is designed around the client’s goals, with a clear commitment to measurable results.”
– Vera Quinn, Cydcor President and CEO
Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 3, 2025) - Cydcor is proud to announce that CEO Vera Quinn has been recognized as the CEO of the Year Honoree at the Los Angeles Business Journal's 2025 Valley Women's Leadership Symposium & Awards. The program spotlights influential leaders across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles who are driving innovation, cultivating inclusive workplaces, and shaping the future of business.
Under Quinn's guidance, Cydcor has become a company synonymous with a culture of growth, performance, and community. Highlights of her leadership include:
"It is an incredible honor to be named a CEO Honoree among so many remarkable women," said Quinn. "I am proud to represent a community of women leaders who are inspiring the next generation and driving meaningful change in business."
For more on Cydcor's culture and Quinn's leadership, visit: A Culture Strategy of Growth, Performance, and Community.
About Cydcor
For more than 30 years, Cydcor has provided outsourced sales solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies. By combining the power of relationship-driven sales with innovative strategies, Cydcor helps its clients acquire, grow, and retain customers at scale. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, Cydcor remains privately held.
Visit: www.cydcor.com.
For information contact:
media@cydcor.com
805-277-5500
Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - August 11, 2025) - For the 13th time, Cydcor has earned a place on the Los Angeles Business Journal's (LABJ) Best Places to Work in Los Angeles list. This recognition, determined by detailed employee surveys conducted by Workforce Research Group, celebrates Cydcor's enduring commitment to a collaborative, employee-centric workplace culture. As a leader in outsourced sales and customer acquisition services, Cydcor continues to set the bar for what it means to build a workplace where people grow, thrive, and find purpose.
Recognition Driven by Employee Survey and Culture
Hundreds of small, medium, and large companies across LA participated in the 2025 LABJ survey. The process evaluates workplace policies and practices, with 80% of the score drawn from confidential employee feedback. The result: a curated list of LA's top employers, with Cydcor standing out for its consistent leadership, supportive environment, career development focus, and the company's foundation lies in its culture and core values.
A 13-Year Legacy of Workplace Excellence
"We are very intentional about building both a high-performing culture and a high-performing business," said Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor. "We want Cydcor to be a place where people are inspired to grow, feel proud of their work, and know they're part of something meaningful."
Cydcor uses the feedback collected through the survey process not only to celebrate what's working but also to highlight areas where the company and departments can improve. This ensures continuous growth, adaptation, and accountability across all levels of the organization. Cydcor fosters a culture where people helping people isn't just a saying, it's the way business is done.
"Consistency matters. Being recognized year after year is a result of our people showing up for one another, staying grounded in our values, and always aiming to get better," Quinn added.
What Makes Cydcor a Top Employer
Cydcor continues to set the standard in creating an environment where employees feel seen, supported, and challenged to achieve their potential.
How does Cydcor continue to earn recognition? Here are just a few reasons:
Explore Career Opportunities at Cydcor
Want to join one of LA's top workplaces?
Explore career opportunities at Cydcor today: www.cydcor.com/careers
About Cydcor
For three decades and counting, Cydcor has provided award-winning customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies in a wide range of industries. Cydcor has mastered the power of building relationships with consumers while harnessing technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California. For more information, visit www.cydcor.com.
Media Contact
Gail Michalak
805-277-5525
gmichalak@cydcor.com