SuccessCo.com

  Everyone suffers from fatigue on occasion. Membership presentations can suffer from the same problem: repeated too often - word for word, thought for thought - their edge can dull. Moreover, circumstances and the business environment are not the same as they were just 12 months ago, providing even more cause for you to continually update and improve your membership presentation to reflect these changes. When was the last time you reviewed your presentation's key points and assessed their effectiveness? What about your opening 30 seconds, which is so crucial to a presentation's success? By reviewing these elements on a regular basis, you can rejuvenate a tired presentation and breathe new life into your sales. -Jim SuccessCo.com

  As an avid mountain biker, I have learned the importance of focusing on where you want the bike to go, rather than on where you don't want to end up. This lesson has never hit home so well as it did when I approached a tiny gap between two rocks and, instead of focusing on where I wanted to go - the space between them - I concentrated on what I didn't want to hit - the rocks. Of course, I ended up crashing and burning. The same lesson can be applied to a successful sales professional. It is important to begin each day focusing on exactly where you want to be by the end of the day, week or month, and not on the obstacles that may prevent you from getting there. This positive approach is a common technique possessed by top development professionals, and using it regularly will help you achieve your goals. Jim SuccessCo.com

  Obviously, most sales professionals would rather talk to a friendly prospect than a tough or obnoxious one, but the payoff can be big for those confident enough to pursue the latter. By not taking a prospect's gruff style personally and by maintaining a consultative approach, even the toughest prospects can open up once you break through their initial, oftentimes superficial defenses. Another way of looking at this is that the competition for their business is so much less, because the average salesperson doesn't have the skill or fortitude to stand toe-to-toe with them.

  Several years ago, I had the great pleasure of inviting an Olympic athlete to speak at one of my advanced membership development and retention workshops. A parallel we discussed between professional new member sales and athletics is the fact that " practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. " As an athlete, he shared that he spent more than 1,000 hours in pre-competition practice for every one minute of competition. I encourage everyone to think about their "perfect practice time." If the 1,000-to-1 ratio sounds like a bit much, at least consider the words of Abraham Lincoln: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."

In the midst of life's tumultuous journey, there are moments when we find solace in the most unexpected places. Take, for instance, Sir Isaac Newton's third law of physics, a principle that transcends the realms of science and extends its wisdom into the fabric of our daily lives. Newton's third law succinctly states, "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Although initially formulated to describe the fundamental nature of forces in the physical world, this law's application is far-reaching, touching the very essence of our human experiences. Consider those days when everything seems to be going awry—when the challenges outnumber the victories, and the road ahead appears daunting. It is during these moments of adversity that Newton's third law can serve as a beacon of hope. Just as every action begets an equal and opposite reaction in the world of physics, so too does life offer the promise of a brighter day after the darkness. The wis...

  If you are ready to be more aggressive with your time management, you can increase your productivity and income by more efficiently using only forty minutes a day - twenty minutes in the morning and twenty minutes in the afternoon. By focusing on just these two small chunks of time, you can . . . Add 200 minutes per week ( 3.33   hours per week); Add 860 minutes per month (14.33 hours =   1.79 days per month ); and Add 10,320 minutes per year (172 hours =   21.5 days per year   - a full working month)!

Like two sides of a sharp blade, habit creep can work for you or against you; it can cut to make your position easier and nourish you - or make you bleed, with either happening so gradually that the effects are often overlooked and unrecognized, hence, habit creep.  One of the ways I demonstrate this natural phenomenon is by having folks watch a short video that beautifully exhibits the gradual effects of habit creep.

  It's not by accident that reflection, action, and change are often the result of first asking a great question. One such example: "What one word do we want to own in the minds of our members, employees, and strategic partners?" A deceptively simple query that is not so easy to answer due to the vast diversity of your programs. Go ahead, ask your colleagues! The challenging questions we ask ourselves as an organization are the ones that tend to be the most transformative, especially during these times of rapid change and massive disruption. Here are a few more example questions every organization should be asking: Q: Would we rather recruit knowledgeable and informed long-term members who join for the right reason or sell to uninformed, easy to get short-term members? Do our incentives match the goal? Before you assume you have a retention problem, consider whether you have an acquisition problem instead. As they say, easy come, easy go! If more than 10 percent of your n...

  Are You Having a Rough Day? Well, you're not alone. Here are some other folks that had the occasional rough day too . . . 27 publishers rejected Dr. Seuss's first book,   To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street . Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime, and even this sale was to the sister of one of his friends for 400 francs (approximately $50). This didn't stop him from completing over 900 works of art. A Paris art dealer refused Picasso shelter when he asked if he could bring his paintings in from the rain. Charlie Chaplin was initially rejected by Hollywood studio chiefs because his pantomime was considered "nonsense." Stephen King's first novel   Carrie   was rejected 30 times. After Harrison Ford's first performance as a hotel bellhop in the film   Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round , the studio vice president called him in to his office. "Sit down, kid," the studio head said, "I want to tell you a story. The first time Tony...

  In the realm of success, the Greeks have gifted us a beautiful term - "Meraki" (may-rah-kee). It encapsulates the essence of infusing soul, creativity, and love into one's work, leaving an indelible mark. Meraki is that elusive quality, a secret ingredient that propels individuals to hyper-success in our fiercely competitive marketplace. Identifying Meraki is akin to finding a rare seed, and in my quest, I've curated a comprehensive list of thought-provoking questions. These questions serve as a compass, guiding me to discern the presence of Meraki in every professional I bring into our membership and retention team. This meticulous approach significantly enhances the likelihood of long-term success for all involved. Meraki is not a skill that can be taught or a facade that can be faked. It is a flowering that takes place through authenticity, wisdom, and the passage of time. It's the commitment to imbue every task with a piece of oneself, a dedication that goes...

A Guide to Navigating Your Mentorship Journey Embarking on a journey of personal or professional growth often involves seeking guidance from experienced individuals who can share their wisdom, knowledge, and insights. Choosing the right mentor is a crucial step in this process, as a mentor can significantly impact your development and help you navigate challenges. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to choose a mentor wisely. Define Your Goals and Needs Before seeking a mentor, take the time to reflect on your goals and needs. What specific skills or knowledge are you looking to acquire? What challenges do you anticipate in your personal or professional life? Understanding your objectives will help you identify a mentor whose expertise aligns with your aspirations. Identify Potential Mentors Look for individuals who have achieved success in your field of interest or have the skills and experience you seek. This can include colleagues, industry leaders, or professi...

In the realm of sales and outreach, leaving a voicemail might not always seem like the most fruitful endeavor. However, skilled professionals understand that reaching a prospect's voicemail can offer invaluable insights that can significantly enhance your chances of making a meaningful connection. This often-overlooked step can provide a window into the personality of the individual you're trying to reach, ultimately influencing how you approach your initial introduction. In this article, we'll delve into the art of leveraging voicemail greetings as a strategic tool in building rapport and establishing a foundation for fruitful conversations. The Power of the Voicemail Greeting Upon reaching a prospect's voicemail, one of the first things to pay attention to is their greeting message. It may seem like a small detail, but it holds a wealth of information about the person you're attempting to connect with. Is their voicemail message characterized by a light, bubbly, a...

In the fast-paced world of modern communication, silence is often overlooked or even feared. However, it is a crucial element in becoming a proficient communicator. When engaging in conversations, it is imperative to remember that silence allows space for the other party to participate actively. By incorporating strategic pauses, you create an environment where your prospect feels comfortable to share their thoughts and perspectives. These moments of quiet reflection grant them the opportunity to organize their ideas and express themselves more effectively. Embracing silence not only enhances the quality of conversations but also fosters deeper connections. It demonstrates a genuine interest in what the other person has to say and encourages them to contribute meaningfully to the exchange. So, rather than shying away from moments of quiet, consider them as invaluable opportunities for both parties to truly connect and communicate with intention and depth. Remember, sometimes, silence t...

Joining a chamber of commerce can offer numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. Here are ten compelling reasons to consider joining Networking Opportunities - Chambers of commerce provide excellent networking platforms where you can connect with other local businesses, potential customers, and community leaders. This can lead to valuable partnerships, collaborations, and new business opportunities. Visibility and Exposure - Being a member of a chamber can increase your business's visibility in the community. Chambers often promote their members through directories, events, and various marketing channels, helping you reach a broader audience. Credibility and Trustworthiness - Membership in a reputable chamber of commerce can lend credibility to your business. It signals to customers, clients, and partners that you are committed to the local community and adhere to certain ethical and professional standards. Access to Resources and Information - Chambers often provide valua...

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to truly listen is a skill that sets exceptional communicators apart. To become an expert listener, one must go beyond simply hearing words and strive to understand the deeper meaning and emotions behind them. Firstly, practice the art of non-verbal communication. Maintain eye contact, nod in agreement, and use facial expressions to convey empathy and engagement. This signals to the speaker that their words are valued and encourages open, honest communication. Secondly, resist the urge to formulate your response while the speaker is still talking. Instead, focus entirely on their words and absorb their message. This allows you to respond thoughtfully and with greater insight, rather than simply reacting. Additionally, active listening entails asking insightful questions. By seeking clarification or further information, you demonstrate genuine interest and a desire to fully comprehend the speaker's perspective. Moreover, resist interrupti...

In the realm of professional communication, your voice is an invaluable instrument. It carries your message, conveys confidence, and establishes your presence in the business world. Just like a musician tunes their instrument before a performance, business professionals can benefit greatly from warming up their voice before important meetings, presentations, or negotiations. Let's explore why your voice is a crucial tool and introduce some effective warm-up techniques to ensure you're delivering your message with maximum impact. The Voice as Your Instrument Much like a musical instrument, your voice requires care and preparation to perform at its best. It's the medium through which you convey your ideas, influence decisions, and establish rapport with colleagues, clients, and superiors. A well-prepared voice exudes confidence and authority, making it an essential asset in any professional setting. Warm-Up Techniques for Business Professionals Breathing Exercises Start by fo...

In today's fast-paced and interconnected professional landscape, technical skills alone are no longer enough to guarantee success. Employers and leaders increasingly recognize the critical importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace. This invaluable skill set, often referred to as EQ, involves the ability to understand, manage, and effectively navigate emotions in oneself and others. Let's delve into why EQ is a game-changer in career development. Understanding Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence encompasses a range of abilities, including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. It's about recognizing and harnessing the power of emotions to enhance communication, build relationships, and make sound decisions. Empathy - A Cornerstone of EQ Empathy, a key component of emotional intelligence, allows individuals to put themselves in others' shoes, understand their perspectives, and respond with sensitivity. This quality is parti...

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptability and innovation are key drivers of success. While entrepreneurship has long been championed for its ability to bring fresh ideas to market, a parallel concept, intrapreneurship, is gaining prominence. Intrapreneurship involves cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset within a corporate or organizational setting. This article explores the significance of intrapreneurship and provides practical insights on how businesses can harness the power of entrepreneurial thinking within their own ranks. Embracing Innovation from Within Recognizing the Intrapreneurial Spirit Intrapreneurs are individuals within an organization who possess an entrepreneurial spirit. They exhibit a penchant for innovation, a willingness to take calculated risks, and an eagerness to challenge the status quo. Identifying and nurturing these intrapreneurs can be a catalyst for organizational growth and transformation. Fostering a Culture of Innovation To cult...

In the competitive landscape of today's business world, building a strong brand is paramount for success. This is especially true for small or new companies striving to establish themselves in their respective markets. A well-defined brand strategy not only sets you apart from the competition but also fosters trust and loyalty among your customers. Here are five essential brand strategy principles to guide your small or new company towards a path of sustained success. Clear Brand Identity and Positioning The foundation of any successful brand strategy is a clear and distinct brand identity. Define what your company stands for, its mission, and its unique value proposition. Consider what makes your products or services different from the rest. This differentiation will be the cornerstone of your brand's positioning in the market. Action Step - Conduct a thorough brand audit to identify your company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Use this information to ...

Success is a journey that requires not only hard work and determination but also a positive mindset. Affirmations, when used effectively, can be a powerful tool to cultivate this mindset. They are positive statements or phrases that can help rewire your subconscious mind, boost confidence, and propel you towards your goals. In this article, we'll explore how to write affirmations specifically tailored to success. Be Specific and Clear One of the key elements of a successful affirmation is specificity. Vague or general affirmations may not have the same impact as those that are precise and clear. For example, instead of saying "I want to be successful," try "I am achieving remarkable success in my career as a software developer." Use Positive Language Affirmations should be framed in a positive light. Instead of saying "I am not a failure," try "I am a capable and accomplished individual." This positive framing helps focus your mind on what yo...