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Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Take A Risk, Move Out Of Your Comfort Zone
By Dave Kahle
What sets the exceptional professional apart from the average? Regardless of what the profession, from sales to psychiatry, the exceptional professionals share certain characteristics. Here's one: The propensity to take risks.
Now, don't get the wrong idea. We're not talking about skydiving, nor are we talking about sinking your life savings in the new start up. We're talking about taking risks that force you to move out of your comfort zones on the job -- risks that will stimulate you to stretch yourself, to become more competent, to gain new skills, to expand your abilities and, maybe, in so doing, help you become more effective and more efficient.
Talk to someone in your profession who has become exceptionally successful. Ask him/her about the risks they have taken in their professional lives. You'll find that almost every successful professional has stretched himself/herself beyond comfort zones a number of different times. It's one of the characteristics of the highly successful professional.
If you can build an inclination to take these kinds of risks into your mindset, you'll grow faster and further than if you remain safely inside of your comfort zones.
Everyday Risks
As a salesperson, when you call on a different type of customer than that with which you have become comfortable, you take a risk. For example, when you call on the CEO instead of the marketing manager or production supervisor, you've stepped out of your comfort zone and taken a risk. When you choose a new way to make a presentation, or a new way to contact your clients you are taking a risk.
When you chose to question and then change some long-entrenched habit, you are taking a risk. When you expand your efforts in any direction that calls for you to stretch and attempt something new, you are taking a risk.
Increase Self-Assurance
Some of those risks will turn out well, others will become failures. Regardless, the simple act of trying something different and new will help you. You'll gain confidence in your abilities and you'll learn from both your successes as well as your failures. Your life will expand, you'll grow wiser and you'll become more successful.
That is the sure payoff for every risk thoughtfully taken.
Source: Dave Kahle is a world-class speaker who has presented in 41 states and six countries. He has published more than 1,000 articles, and six books in 10 languages, as well as numerous multi-media training programs.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Now, don't get the wrong idea. We're not talking about skydiving, nor are we talking about sinking your life savings in the new start up. We're talking about taking risks that force you to move out of your comfort zones on the job -- risks that will stimulate you to stretch yourself, to become more competent, to gain new skills, to expand your abilities and, maybe, in so doing, help you become more effective and more efficient.
Talk to someone in your profession who has become exceptionally successful. Ask him/her about the risks they have taken in their professional lives. You'll find that almost every successful professional has stretched himself/herself beyond comfort zones a number of different times. It's one of the characteristics of the highly successful professional.
If you can build an inclination to take these kinds of risks into your mindset, you'll grow faster and further than if you remain safely inside of your comfort zones.
Everyday Risks
As a salesperson, when you call on a different type of customer than that with which you have become comfortable, you take a risk. For example, when you call on the CEO instead of the marketing manager or production supervisor, you've stepped out of your comfort zone and taken a risk. When you choose a new way to make a presentation, or a new way to contact your clients you are taking a risk.
When you chose to question and then change some long-entrenched habit, you are taking a risk. When you expand your efforts in any direction that calls for you to stretch and attempt something new, you are taking a risk.
Increase Self-Assurance
Some of those risks will turn out well, others will become failures. Regardless, the simple act of trying something different and new will help you. You'll gain confidence in your abilities and you'll learn from both your successes as well as your failures. Your life will expand, you'll grow wiser and you'll become more successful.
That is the sure payoff for every risk thoughtfully taken.
Source: Dave Kahle is a world-class speaker who has presented in 41 states and six countries. He has published more than 1,000 articles, and six books in 10 languages, as well as numerous multi-media training programs.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Would You Like Fries With That?
By: John Boe
Take a cross-selling and up-selling approach to boost business.
While you may not have recognized it, the last time you ordered from a fast food restaurant or went to the post office, there is a good chance you experienced some form of cross-selling or up-selling. Cross-selling and up-selling are well-established and highly effective marketing practices used by many industries.
What is cross-selling? It is a proactive, ongoing sales process designed to provide your customers with a full spectrum of your company's products and services. What is up-selling? It is the attempt or effort to persuade a client to buy more expensive items or additional items. The good news is that cross-selling and up-selling are two of the most profitable and least risky endeavors a sales rep can undertake.
My first exposure to cross-selling was as a teenager in high school working part-time at McDonald’s during summer vacation. Looking back on my brief tenure selling hamburgers, I can still hear my manager’s daily refrain: Be polite, keep the counter clean and always, always ask if they would like fries with their meal.
A couple of years later while attending college, I took a part-time job selling shoes at the mall. I was paid an hourly wage to sell the shoes, but I received a commission whenever I cross-sold products such as shoe polish, socks or purses. This was my first taste of commission, and as a starving college student I took to cross-selling and up-selling like a duck to water.
A Comprehensive Approach
Some shortsighted salespeople might suggest that customers are irritated by cross-selling and perceive it as an aggressive sales technique. Interestingly enough, consumer research indicates the reverse is true. Most consumers surveyed actually prefer a full range of products and services and appreciate the convenience a comprehensive cross-selling approach provides. Top producing salespeople understand the power of cross-selling and recognize it as a critical component for promoting both customer retention and revenue growth.
Not surprisingly, two of the key elements that make cross-selling and up-selling work are trust and convenience. Your customers already possess a degree of trust in your company and this can be converted into additional sales that are not directly related to their existing products.
The best place to introduce your customer to the concept of cross-selling is during your initial needs analysis meeting. Unfortunately, many salespeople fail to take the time to conduct a thorough needs analysis and as a result do not uncover potential products and services that would be of benefit to their customer.
Uncovering Potential Needs
Effective cross-selling is all about guided self-discovery. Through a series of thought provoking, open-ended questions, successful salespeople assist their customers to uncover potential needs. During the needs analysis interview, I highly recommend using a checklist that incorporates all of your company’s products and services. Relying on your memory alone is a poor business decision, so take the time to jot down key information. Ask questions and take good notes.
Developing a systematic approach to cross-selling and up-selling brings in additional revenue with relatively low expense and effort. As you prepare for your next client appointment, I challenge you to look for cross-selling and up-selling opportunities that you can incorporate into your presentation. Sales reps who fail to implement an effective cross-selling program actually do a disservice to their customers and leave the back door open to their competitors.
John Boe presents a wide variety of motivational and sales-oriented keynotes and seminar programs for sales meetings and conventions. John is a nationally recognized sales trainer and business motivational speaker.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Take a cross-selling and up-selling approach to boost business.
What is cross-selling? It is a proactive, ongoing sales process designed to provide your customers with a full spectrum of your company's products and services. What is up-selling? It is the attempt or effort to persuade a client to buy more expensive items or additional items. The good news is that cross-selling and up-selling are two of the most profitable and least risky endeavors a sales rep can undertake.
My first exposure to cross-selling was as a teenager in high school working part-time at McDonald’s during summer vacation. Looking back on my brief tenure selling hamburgers, I can still hear my manager’s daily refrain: Be polite, keep the counter clean and always, always ask if they would like fries with their meal.
A couple of years later while attending college, I took a part-time job selling shoes at the mall. I was paid an hourly wage to sell the shoes, but I received a commission whenever I cross-sold products such as shoe polish, socks or purses. This was my first taste of commission, and as a starving college student I took to cross-selling and up-selling like a duck to water.
A Comprehensive Approach
Some shortsighted salespeople might suggest that customers are irritated by cross-selling and perceive it as an aggressive sales technique. Interestingly enough, consumer research indicates the reverse is true. Most consumers surveyed actually prefer a full range of products and services and appreciate the convenience a comprehensive cross-selling approach provides. Top producing salespeople understand the power of cross-selling and recognize it as a critical component for promoting both customer retention and revenue growth.
Not surprisingly, two of the key elements that make cross-selling and up-selling work are trust and convenience. Your customers already possess a degree of trust in your company and this can be converted into additional sales that are not directly related to their existing products.
The best place to introduce your customer to the concept of cross-selling is during your initial needs analysis meeting. Unfortunately, many salespeople fail to take the time to conduct a thorough needs analysis and as a result do not uncover potential products and services that would be of benefit to their customer.
Uncovering Potential Needs
Effective cross-selling is all about guided self-discovery. Through a series of thought provoking, open-ended questions, successful salespeople assist their customers to uncover potential needs. During the needs analysis interview, I highly recommend using a checklist that incorporates all of your company’s products and services. Relying on your memory alone is a poor business decision, so take the time to jot down key information. Ask questions and take good notes.
Developing a systematic approach to cross-selling and up-selling brings in additional revenue with relatively low expense and effort. As you prepare for your next client appointment, I challenge you to look for cross-selling and up-selling opportunities that you can incorporate into your presentation. Sales reps who fail to implement an effective cross-selling program actually do a disservice to their customers and leave the back door open to their competitors.
John Boe presents a wide variety of motivational and sales-oriented keynotes and seminar programs for sales meetings and conventions. John is a nationally recognized sales trainer and business motivational speaker.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Top 10 Ways to Ensure New Years Resolution Success
By Amy Ahlers
Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who set New Years' Resolutions actually achieve them? How can you ensure YOUR success? Try using the Top 10 Tips below.
1. Write Them Down. It's a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success.
2. Commit. Move beyond the land of "good ideas" to the land of true "commitment". Make the decision that you will show up for your goals. Perhaps you can do a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment.
3. Go Public. Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year.
4. Get Accountability. Even better than just letting others in on your "secret" dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, "So, how's it going with your goal?" Hire a Coach. Talk to your best friend or partner. Get some support!
5. Make a Plan. Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. I love to work backwards by starting with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You'll find an easy action plan to make your goals a reality.
6. Do a Goal Check-In. Before you decide on what you'll take on for the year, make certain you can answer, "YES!" to the following questions: "Am I the primary reason for setting this goal (vs. your mom, boyfriend, wife, boss, society)? Do I feel alive and energized by this goal? Is this goal in line with my life purpose or mission?"
7. Get Real! If you're contemplating putting a goal down that you always put down and never achieve, take a second look. How will this goal end DIFFERENTLY this year? Is this goal something you need to let go of? What purpose is it serving you each year? Is this goal masking as a form of self-punishment? What is the good enough reason to truly commit?
8. Focus With Reminders. Once you've written down your goals, created a plan and made sure they are worthy to pursue, figure out ways to remind yourself. Some clients post their goals in on their bathroom mirror or in their car. Others put reminders in their blackberries, iPhones or cell phones. Figure out what works for you.
9. Believe and Visualize. Do you know the story about the group of basketball players who spent one hour visualizing making baskets, while another group actually practiced? The visualizing players had better seasons! So visualize yourself on New Years Eve with all your goals achieved. What would that look like? How would it feel? Visualize once a day and see the difference it can make in your life.
10. Use anchors. Tie your goal to a habit you already have in place. Perhaps you decide to do your exercise right after brushing your teeth, or practice meditation after checking email. Anchoring your new behavior and goals to an existing habit is a great tool for success. May this year be the year that your goals and dreams manifest with ease and joy!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Ahlers
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who set New Years' Resolutions actually achieve them? How can you ensure YOUR success? Try using the Top 10 Tips below.
1. Write Them Down. It's a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success.
2. Commit. Move beyond the land of "good ideas" to the land of true "commitment". Make the decision that you will show up for your goals. Perhaps you can do a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment.
3. Go Public. Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year.
4. Get Accountability. Even better than just letting others in on your "secret" dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, "So, how's it going with your goal?" Hire a Coach. Talk to your best friend or partner. Get some support!
5. Make a Plan. Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. I love to work backwards by starting with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You'll find an easy action plan to make your goals a reality.
6. Do a Goal Check-In. Before you decide on what you'll take on for the year, make certain you can answer, "YES!" to the following questions: "Am I the primary reason for setting this goal (vs. your mom, boyfriend, wife, boss, society)? Do I feel alive and energized by this goal? Is this goal in line with my life purpose or mission?"
7. Get Real! If you're contemplating putting a goal down that you always put down and never achieve, take a second look. How will this goal end DIFFERENTLY this year? Is this goal something you need to let go of? What purpose is it serving you each year? Is this goal masking as a form of self-punishment? What is the good enough reason to truly commit?
8. Focus With Reminders. Once you've written down your goals, created a plan and made sure they are worthy to pursue, figure out ways to remind yourself. Some clients post their goals in on their bathroom mirror or in their car. Others put reminders in their blackberries, iPhones or cell phones. Figure out what works for you.
9. Believe and Visualize. Do you know the story about the group of basketball players who spent one hour visualizing making baskets, while another group actually practiced? The visualizing players had better seasons! So visualize yourself on New Years Eve with all your goals achieved. What would that look like? How would it feel? Visualize once a day and see the difference it can make in your life.
10. Use anchors. Tie your goal to a habit you already have in place. Perhaps you decide to do your exercise right after brushing your teeth, or practice meditation after checking email. Anchoring your new behavior and goals to an existing habit is a great tool for success. May this year be the year that your goals and dreams manifest with ease and joy!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Ahlers
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Setting a Tone With Color
One of the things that makes the sign business so exciting for those of us in it is that no two signs are exactly alike. When it comes to color, there are some general “rights” and “wrongs,” such as ensuring that colors are bold enough to stand out, but personal taste and the tone you wish to set more often than not will determine the choices you make.
Here are some color meanings that may assist you the next time you create a sign:
• Black is the color of authority and power.
• White symbolizes innocence and purity.
• Red is the most emotionally intense color.
• Pink is tranquilizing.
• Blue is calming and often enhances productivity.
• Green symbolizes nature.
• Dark green is masculine and conservative, and it implies wealth.
• Yellow is considered to be an optimistic color and attention getter.
• Purple implies luxury, wealth and sophistication.
• Brown sends a message of being solid and reliable.
The way you use colors together will also tell a story…and we can help you make sure that message isn’t unclear, confusing or inappropriate for your purposes.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Monday, January 9, 2012
You’re not alone if you’re being challenged to make marketing decisions.
You’re not alone if you’re being challenged to make marketing decisions that will result in the most “bang for your buck.” Signage can play a significant role in driving people to your business, even if you work from a home or virtual office, if you consider your car to be a sign venue.
You certainly don’t have to go “all in” and get your vehicle wrapped (although we do offer that service). You can start more conservatively with magnetic signs that turn your car into a rolling advertisement and be quickly removed to share with other vehicles or on occasions when you prefer to be incognito.
Here are a few things to know about car magnetics:
The “rules” for vehicle signs are a bit different, since they’ll often be viewed on the move, but we can assist you with making appropriate decisions regarding size, color, font and logo placement, and design. You might be surprised how many eyeballs will see your car magentics…and how much business they can drive.
You certainly don’t have to go “all in” and get your vehicle wrapped (although we do offer that service). You can start more conservatively with magnetic signs that turn your car into a rolling advertisement and be quickly removed to share with other vehicles or on occasions when you prefer to be incognito.
Here are a few things to know about car magnetics:
- We use quality materials that are weather- and UV-resistant, so they don’t fade.
- We usually suggest purchasing three signs, one for each side of your vehicle and one for the rear (which statistically has the highest readership).
- We can make your signs using reflective material, so your message will be viewable even at night.
The “rules” for vehicle signs are a bit different, since they’ll often be viewed on the move, but we can assist you with making appropriate decisions regarding size, color, font and logo placement, and design. You might be surprised how many eyeballs will see your car magentics…and how much business they can drive.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Look Down!
When people learn we’re in the sign business, their thoughts typically go to the same place, the tried-and-true, traditional four-cornered sign that’s been used for years and years. Certainly those types of signs will always be in vogue, and we’re happy to design and produce them, but technology has come a long way and there are many other creative ways to get your message across, including signage that takes advantage of previously unused real estate…your floor.
The grocery industry has pioneered the use of the floor as a messaging platform, and why not, since customers have no choice but to walk on it. This type of signage isn’t right for every business, but it certainly makes sense for retail establishments, which benefit from having sales messages featuring fancy designs and bright colors in an unlikely place. Temporary event graphics, directional graphics, safety decals and parking decals also present great opportunities to make great use of your floor space for messaging.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
Floor decals are easy to remove and care for, yet they’re also highly durable and can even be used outdoors. They resist tearing, scuffing and many abrasive forces. We’d love to help you decide whether this “out-of-box” flooring will work for you and if so, how to best “floor” people with your message.
Sign-A-Rama - Kearny Mesa in San Diego
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