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“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” – Douglas Adams, author
When you look to offer a service or product for consumption or use, you want to offer your clientele something that you believe in, and that has been created with authenticity. A well-treated customer who has been approached with care and earnestness is a customer who feels appreciated—and it is these customers that are much more likely to purchase a product from someone they feel has their best interests in mind.
Know your product and service inside and out. Understand what goes into it, how it’s crafted or how it will be executed so that you can explain easily and without stress how your product is worthier than the competition’s product. It’s imperative you believe in what you are looking to sell. Showing a competent knowledge will not only make it easier to describe and illustrate how it can benefit your potential customer, but it will also allow the customer to feel that you are confidence in what you are offering.
A huge portion of job satisfaction comes from how we feel about ourselves at the end of the day. This can be attributed to how we treat our customers, and whether we are authentic in ourselves and our services. Being authentic to one’s self drives the beliefs necessary to make a huge difference in our lives, and the lives of customers.
As Bruce Barton, an American author once said, “The essential element in personal magnetism is a consuming sincerity - an overwhelming faith in the importance of the work one has to do.”
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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.
The following is a review by a Cydcor employee of Taking People With You by David Novak:
About Taking People With You:
How to build an inspired and productive team of people is what this book is all about. David Novak, CEO of Yum! Brands learned long ago that you couldn’t lead a great organization of any size without getting people enthusiastic and focused on the mission and success of the company they work for. Novak has proved himself a capable CEO and leader, and he’s also willing to share that information and knowledge with others. He knows that doing this does not create more competition, but rather spreads prosperity and abundance to more people.
Novak has developed a trademarked program, which centers on setting big goals, getting those around you to work together, exceeding your goals, and celebrating the big and small victories. Novak teaches this program around the world, and now he offers it in this book, Taking People With You.
Why Cydcor recommends this to future leaders:
This book is specifically written to speak directly to CEOs, managers, supervisors, and all those in a position of influence over others. Novak speaks to a leader's prime qualities, their personal nature, and their means of connecting with others—for the human connection is a crucial element of finding success. Management books normally call for business analysis; Novak asks you to conduct a critical self-analysis.
Our favorite part:
The instructional structure of this book outlines setting goals, getting to know yourself, planning and following through. Novak is a great writer in his no-nonsense approach to telling you how to be a thoughtful leader. From Mr. Novak's teachings, great and useful information can be extracted, whether you are a one-person show, a medium-sized firm, or a major international conglomerate.
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Here is Cydcor's review of 'Power Listening' by Bernard Ferrari!
About Power Listening:
Nothing causes bad decisions in organizations as often as poor listening skills. But Bernard Ferrari, adviser to some of the nation's most influential executives, believes that such missteps can be avoided and that the skills and habits of good listening can be developed and mastered. He offers a step-by-step process that will help readers become active listeners that are able to shape and focus any conversation.
Why Cydcor recommends this book to future leaders:
Ferrari claims that in a business setting, good listening is a critically important (albeit strenuous) activity and that one that must be purposeful, under control, and in possession of total focus and engagement.
The author focuses on how to avoid the common pitfalls in conversation, and explains how to correct them if they occur. To actively and empathetically listen is critical in any important interpersonal situation, social or professional.
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Our favorite part:
One of the best parts of this book, and its greatest value, lies in how skillfully Ferrari poses clusters of questions to accomplish two separate but interdependent and immensely important purposes: To sharpen the inquiry skills of his reader (i.e. how to learn what needs to be known) and to provide a context within which his reader can apply those skills.
For example, Ferrari explains that, whenever possible, he avoids interrupting another person unless it is absolutely necessary. And when he does interrupt, "any interruptions or responses I make as questions. If I disagree with a statement, I'll package my disagreement in a probing question." In advance of discussion of key issues, he formulates a few questions that he may need "to guide the conversation into areas that will be more useful for me and [conversation partner]."
The following is a review by a Cydcor employee of How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen!
About How Will You Measure Your Life?
From the world’s leading thinker on innovation and New York Times bestselling author of The Innovator’s Dilemma, Clayton Christensen, comes an unconventional book of inspiration and wisdom for achieving a fulfilling life.
Christensen’s The Innovator’s Dilemma, notably the only business book that Apple’s Steve Jobs said “deeply influenced” him, is widely recognized as one of the most significant business books ever published. Christensen’s How Will You Measure Your Life is with a book of lucid observations and penetrating insights designed to help any reader—student or teacher, mid-career professional or retiree, parent or child—forge their own paths to fulfillment.
Why Cydcor recommends this book to future leaders: Christensen is known as a deep thinker, as well as a thoughtful writer, and his traits of deep integrity, thought and consideration comes through How Will You Measure Your Life. His main aim is to find the purpose and happiness in your life, which any individual can relate to. He examines how businesses thrive and fail and can also be resurrected, as an example of life lessons for personal lives.
Our favorite part:
Christensen offers three keys to success:
Whether you are looking for happiness in work, family or relationships, Christensen speaks to where challenges, not rewards, offer greater pleasure in our lives. Work, recognition and responsibility tends to increase our satisfaction in a job position, and while ‘rewards’ such as benefits, vacation and money merely reduce dissatisfactions.
This book is not a “self-help” book, but a book for people wanting to think about how to help themselves, and Christensen provides excellent resources and tools to become the best you can be.
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Cydcor is happy to announce two selfie contests that will be held during our next big event, Keys to Success 2015 in Dallas, TX! ICL owners attending the event will have the opportunity to submit a selfie on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #KTS2015. Entries will automatically be entered into a drawing for $100 cash!
Cydcor invites all attending ICL owners to enter the contest. If a group photo is picked as a winner, the ICL owner who posts the image will be awarded the prize. Winners will be announced on Cydcor’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CydcorLLC) as well as Cydcor’s Instagram (@Cydcor) by 9:00 P.M. CST on Friday and Saturday. Be sure to follow Cydcor’s Facebook page for additional information regarding all the fun taking place at Keys to Success 2015.
The first contest will run from Friday, February 6th from 6:00 AM CST until 9:00 P.M. CST. The second contest will run from Saturday, February 7th, 2015 at 6:00 AM CST, until 9:00 P.M. CST. Winners will be announced at 9:30 P.M. CST on both days.
See you in Dallas for #KTS2015!
Terms and Conditions
Post a selfie on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #KTS2015 on Friday and Saturday and you will be automatically entered in the daily Keys to Success Selfie contest. To be eligible, entrants must be (i) at least 18 years of age and (ii) registrant attending Cydcor’s Keys to Success 2015(Cydcor employees are 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. One $100 cash non-transferrable award will be provided onsite at the event. First contest begins Friday, February 6th, 2015 at 6:00 AM CST and ends same day at 9:00 P.M., CST. Second contest begins Saturday February 7th, 2015 from 6:00 AM CST until 9:00 P.M. CST. The winners will be selected by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, and announced via Cydcor’s Facebook page at 9:30 P.M. CST. 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.
Musical leaders are responsive and energetic, always aware of changes in their own industry, adapting accordingly, and knowing what their audience understands and expects from them. There are a great many things one can take away from the stage into an office workplace.
Adapt
An old adage reads, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Musicians often have to respond to surprises and adversity, since music like freestyle and jazz is all about how you react and adapt. Making a business run smoothly is always the goal; however, hurdles often can come and disrupt your plans; learning how to acclimate and react swiftly can often save a company.
Support
The best musical artists in the world know how to bring out the very best in their bands and support teams involved in setup and stage presentation. While there are times to rock out as a soloist, always remember to take a step back and let others on your team shine. As a leader, it’s important to understand that if your team did a fantastic presentation or project, see that they rocked out together, and let them know you appreciate their collaboration. Work with your team to encourage creativity in the workplace and showcase examples of solo excellence as well as teamwork.
Check out these 8 Great Work Habits on Cydcor's SlideShare today!
Audience
Musicians often create music first and foremost for themselves, but the ultimate goal is to let it be heard to a larger audience. Knowing the audience is key, especially once musicians become known for a particular musical genre. If they are known for rock ‘n roll, but play a new slower jazz piece in the middle of a concert, their audience might be less than thrilled. Your clients are the same. Know your own audience and the expectations they have for the service you are providing. Always work to provide them with something they want to keep coming back for, whether it be a fantastic product or simply great service.
Cydcor Reviews has recently reviewed Lean In: Women, Work And the Will to Lead By Sheryl Sandberg With Nell Scovell:
About Lean In: Author Sheryl Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Power Women in Business. She was also recognized as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World—no small task. It’s safe to say, Sandberg knows the world of business, and offers a unique perspective for women to relate to.
Through personal anecdotes, hard data and compelling research, Sandberg digs deep into women’s roles in business and leadership positions. She discusses her own decisions, mistakes and daily struggles to make the right choices regarding her career, her family and for herself.
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Why Cydcor recommends this book for future leaders: Sandberg gives practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship and how to build a satisfying career. While mainly focused on her own perspective as a woman lending advice to other women, it’s hard not to find pieces of her wisdom that men wouldn’t be able to take away.
Written with humor and inspiring calls to actions, Sandberg describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment, and also describes how men can benefit as well by supporting women in both the workplace and home-life.
Our favorite part: Sandberg is perhaps best known outside of the business realm for her compelling TEDTalk, which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk has been viewed on YouTube more than a million times and her speech contains core elements of her book. Lean In is designed to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.
Check out the latest video on the Cydcor Sales YouTube Channel: Cydcor Results - Built for Success!
Great businessmen and women know how to lead, inspire, and motivate their team—and more importantly, they know when to seek advice. No one has all the answers, and the best leadership experts agree that they’ve honed their skills through experience, advice and mentorships with others in the biz. So what do top experts say about leadership?
Michael Talve, the Founder and Managing Director of The Expert Institute:
"My best leadership tip is to think of leadership as a responsibility as much as an opportunity. Effective leaders understand that they are responsible for everyone that they are leading, and consider that responsibility as the main concern of their position. If you ever lose empathy for, and dedication to, the people you are leading, you are not being a leader."
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Frank Sonnenberg, author of Follow Your Conscience
"Leaders with character are highly effective. They have no need to pull rank or resort to command and control to get results. Instead, they're effective because they're knowledgeable, admired, trusted, and respected. This helps them secure buy-in automatically, without requiring egregious rules or strong oversight designed to force compliance."
Jeff Harmon, author of The Anatomy of the Principled Leader and founder of Brilliance Within Coaching and Consulting
"Repeat the words, 'It's not about me!' every day, multiple times a day. Don't make your leadership about being in charge, being right, getting promoted, or looking the best. Make leadership about the cause of the organization, serving the legitimate needs of those you're leading, and not taking yourself so darn seriously. You'll have people lining up to work for and with you and the results will follow."
Check out the latest video on Cydcor's YouTube about our headquarters move to Agoura Hills, CA: Cydcor Offices - Built for Results.
Peter Barron Stark, a consultant, speaker, and author
“When you're leading a new team or joining a new organization, honor the new team/organization's past, and then build them a bridge to the future. Too many leaders inherit a new team and want to tell everyone how much success they had in the past, and how good their old organization/team was. When leaders disrespect their new team, team members start asking each other the following questions: If your old organization or team was so good, why did you leave? If your old organization is so good, why don't you go back?"
Do you have any favorite leaders or leadership quotes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
“On average, loyal customers are worth up to 10 times as much as their first purchase.”
- White House Office of Consumer Affairs
In 2011, American Express conducted a survey of their customers, which revealed that 3 out of 5 customers are willing to walk away from their favorite brand if they received poor customer service. Many entrepreneurs and businesspeople struggle with various aspects of customer service, but it’s clear that customer service can certainly make or break a business. In addition to the American Express survey, another research report showed that 90% of Americans are willing to spend more if it means excellent service.
Fantastic customer service can help a business rise in the ranks, and the loyalty of a client base that appreciates you and what you have to offer is paramount. Loyal customers are familiar with you and your brand, and therefore are much more likely to check out new products or recommendations you make.
“Brand ambassadors” are popular, especially on social media, where Tweets, photo posts and hashtags make it easy for customers to share a great experience—or a bad one. Keeping your customers happy, with quick responses to their questions or concerns, gives them a positive experience they wish to share. If they love your service or product, they will speak up and share, and word-of-mouth marketing is an extremely powerful channel.
Having brand ambassadors can assist you in creating new customers, as they are taking a recommendation of a friend or family member who mentions your services. This is a much lower cost to acquire, as most business need to advertise and market, offering free product samples or discounts in order to attract new customers. By providing great customer service, you create an experience others will want to share. And as a reward, they will sell others on your business.
We are Cydcor, the recognized leader in outsourced sales services.
An effective sales presentation is more than show-and-tell. You need to be strategic about how you present and illustrate an understanding of your client’s needs and wants. You also need to analyze the possible competition that client might be speaking to. It’s vital you have a clear pitch to present that demonstrates why your service or product is better, and why it is in the best interest of the customer to go with you.
The first step to a winning sales presentation is to know when to best present it. A common mistake is to launch into your pitch immediately. What needs to occur prior to a pitch is a brief discovery phase. Even if you’ve spoken to the client previously regarding their wants and needs, it’s important to clarify in person prior to the presentation to see if anything has changed. Perhaps they have recently met with a competitor or a part of their process has changed since you last spoke.
Speak directly with your client and ask questions to understand their challenges, desires and methods. You can determine from this conversation the best way to approach your pitch by understanding fully what they need, and whether you are able to adequately provide the solution.
Don’t get so wrapped up in your presentation that you stop paying attention to your client. Remember to look up, make eye contact, and look for body language that might signal they have a question or aren’t following you, such as a slightly raised hand or facial expression. Stop your pitch and let them ask a question. What they have to say is more important than what you have to say.
Always be courteous of your client’s time by being concise and to the point. Rambling at great lengths can often lead to an aggravated customer. Get to your key points and illustrate why the client will benefit from what you can offer.
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