Sales and Life

Am I a workaholic?

2010-09-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

I'm working on several blogs at the moment, trying drastically to keep up with each one of them. This post will just be an update of things that are currently happening in my life.

Major recruiting events for the CA profession are going on. I am attending them all, hoping that I make the right impression with the right people. I am so set on where I want to go. I am so motivated to become a CA that I will do anything. In the past week I have met with Partners for lunch, recruiters for coffee and have spent so many hours on my resume. I have also started working for an NPO through UBC that works with underprivileged kids in Vancouver. I am doing everything possible to make it happen.

Why do I want to be CA? It is the constant learning that calls my name. It is the never ending ability to have a high paying job. Maybe I am just a workaholic. But I think I am hardworking but also well rounded at the same time. I play for a VMSL soccer team, I volunteer and I socialize with friends. Just recently I got engaged and look forward to the future.

Everything is going well.

Ghana should have won; the red card that put uruguay into the semi finals

2010-07-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

The hand ball that saved uruguay can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgGdPxhEcLw

While Ghana failed to put in enough goals in penalty kicks, they should have won considering the volley ball style save by Suarez of Uruguay that stopped the ball from going into the net. This would have been a goal and Ghana would have won. Does this seem fair? That Suarez saved his countries fate by doing something illegal and knocked Ghana out. I think a red card is not enough here, I think there should be a conselation goal awarded to Ghana for their efforts and to penalize the other team. A hand ball like that should never be seen in soccer.

Before I Die

2010-06-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

What I want to do before I die is an important goal to have. For myself, Climbing K2 and Everest are top on my list. I have climbed mountains but nothing as high as these two. Last summer I got a glimpse of the Himalayas when I was in Turkey. After doing the hardest job on the planet, door to door sales, I was pumped to do something even bigger. Whats bigger than climbing everest? The mountain that has claimed so many lives. I know I can do it and plan to do it before I am 50. I know I can do anything if I just put my mind to it.

World Cup up to Now

2010-06-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

So what have we seen so far in this years world cup? We saw a shaky start for Spain, only to beat Chile and move on to the next round. We saw dominant Brazil, Argentina and Germany come out as the top talents for the win. I truly believe it will be one of those teams winning by the looks of it. Germant is my first, only due to their methodical playng style and calm and collected demeanor. Their defence is remarkable and the have awesome striking ability.

Underdogs to win could be cote d'ivoire. Im saying this because thier offensive power was shown in the previous round and during thier game today against Korea. COuld be an upset.

My question is what have countries learned from playing in the world cup? What did the prominent swiss learn? You have to score goals to make it to the next round. I seriously thought they were in it to the next round but a draw to Honduras stopeed both of thier tracks.

What will be seen in the next round? I look to watch Portugal play Spain.
The US vs Ghana will also be exciting, unfortunatly, Ghana will probably win it.

Do's and Dont's of Networking

2010-06-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Notes on networking and seeing as many people as possible! Seriously, there are some people who need to relax when it comes to meeting other people that already have jobs. Case in hand, Im talking to a friend of mine from a very prominent firm and we are having a good conversation. Out of nowhere someone sticks there hand between us and introduces themelves. I could tell immediatly that my friend was peeved as she said "excuse me we were just in the middle of a conversation." This is not how you get hired people. Anyway, this is just something that grinds my geers. People need to develop better communication skills and tactics or they will never get hired.

On a brighter note, the casino night was a huge success. All the large firms were there as well as some very interesting medium firms that had some very cheerfull representatives. Tough choice, but that will come in September.

Till then small updates will be posted with news and info. \
Cheers

The World Makes Way for Those That Know What They Want

2010-05-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

Networking season is upon us. Time to load up on your business cards and get into the "shark" mode. This is the attitude needed to survive the accounting recruiting season and to land that dream job with the big 4. First event: UBC Monte Carlo Night, a night filled with 6 of the top firms, food, drinks and some slight gambling. i feal my shmoozing skills will win against the competeition and my need to succeed will come through. This is what I hope the recruiters are looking for. Someone who is a go getter, a self starter who will work their ass off for the chance to move up. I see myself in five years making well over 6 figures. Things I will get will include a cabin in whistler, BMW 3 series, and a nice apartment with a music room. Yes, this may sound entirely selfish but this is how you must be to succeed in this crazy world. You cant just sit there and let life go by. Go out there and grab it. Yes, I am sure you have heard the same from many other peope and you are inundated with self help "nonsense" but you must be a tiger out there. No buts. The world will make way for man or woman that knows what they want to do. Find out what you want to do and fight for it.

Changing Tides

2010-04-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

I have taken up the goal of becoming an accountant for one of the top 4 accounting firms. I will complete my CA. I have half of the required courses from my masters level courses and am retaking finance to get a better understanding of the subject, as I learned it in 6 weeks last year. I think it is a pretty tangible goal as I currently have a 83 average in my req courses and a 3.65 overall gpa. As well I have a 650 GMAT. I plan on getting 80+ in all my remaining courses (5) and network like crazy over the next 6 months. The firms hire in the fall so I have many opertunities to network with key individuals. From what I have heard it is best to have an 'in' with someone in an accounting firm, learn the ropes of the hiring process and gain the competitive advantage.

More posts will be coming.

Referrals: The Missing Element

2010-01-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

This post was compiled using notes taken during a speech by Dustin Hillis in Phoenix AZ.

For some of us working referrals is a foreign concept; we are scared of asking or do not understand how to do it. Yet, when Dustin was working, during most of his summer his sales were coming from 80 percent referrals and 20 percent cold calling. That means that almost 16,000 units came from referrals. Think of how much you could increase your sales by just adding referrals to your repertoire.

Dustin begins by outlining the mentality needed to efficiently use a referral system; that is: you must have belief in your product and service. Without this strong belief, customers will never give you names. Work the 80/20 rule which means in the first three weeks 20 percent of sales come from referrals and the last three weeks 80 percent came from referrals. Finally, get more sit-downs! More sit-downs equal more referrals.

I wish I had ten customers that were as cool as you!

How to Ask for a Referral

1. Transition Statement

2. Clearly ask for a referral

3. Paint the picture

4. Isolate faces

5. Write down referrals

6. Ask who else

7. Get pre-approach

Transition Statement

1. Thank them

2. Build them up

“Thank you for who you are and making an investment in your kids’ educational future. I wish I had 10 customers just like you.”

Clearly Ask for a Referral

1. Build them up

2. Create a buying atmosphere

“Based on who you are and who you know, who would be a good fit to talk about their kids educational needs”

Or for recruiting:

“if you were a corporate recruiter and you were selecting people for an internship where people can build a career who would you interview?”

Isolate Faces

1. Start broad

2. Identify their circle of influence

3. Get specific

“Basically, I'm looking for anyone who has kids. I know you are really involved with your PTA group. Who is the person you’re close to in the PTA? Who did you sit next to last meeting?”

Write down the referral

1. Break eye contact

2. Look at referral pad

3. Don’t talk until they give you a name

Ask: “Who else?”

Don’t get pre-approach immediately. Write down as much as possible. Thank them for giving you a referral. Ask: “Who else?” until you have ten referrals.

“Thank you so much. This is really how I do business and this helps a lot! Who else would be a good fit to talk to?”

Get Pre-approach

- Get the decision makers first name. What kind of decision maker are they?

- Both mom and dad?

- What time will they be at home? If you were me, what time would you go see them?

- What grades are their kids in? Are the kids in the same as yours or older?

- Tell me about John, what kind of guy is he? Is he straight forward, detailed, extroverted?

Navigating referrals

Fighter, entertainer, detective or counsellor?

Referral tool box: referral sheet, use your map, create triggers and anchors

Schedule:

8-10 referral appointments

10-12 plough the field – lunch appointment

1-3 plough the field

3-5 referrals

5-7 appointments

7 make a list of top prospects

7-10 VIP list

New Beginnings: IT (Information technology) Sales Career

2010-01-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

So, it has been some time since ive updated this blog. This has been due to my involvement in a recruiting process for an IT firm called Eigen Development, a firm that creates POS software for business' all around North America. I went to through a month long interview process which involved 5 trips to the company (which is located in Vancouver). I had three interviews with the HR Manager, the Sales Manager, then an interview with both of them plus the President of the company. This last interview was 2 hours long and filled with numerous behavioral questions!

So, yesterday I get a call when I was en route to Nashville for a sales conference. I believe I was in the Dallas airport. This was the beginning of my IT career. My interest in IT sales has mounted from my masters degree and from informational interview conducted with key individuals.

I am very excited. While it is not a comission sales job (which is somewhat odd), there are many incentives including profit sharing, promotions and free hockey tickets on top of a pretty decent salary.

While this may mean the end of my book selling days, i see it as a new beginning and an awesome one at that.

New updates and teachings will come. Patience.

PS: Please feel free to connect with me on facebook and on linkedin. Cheers

Memoirs from Phoenix, Part 1

2009-10-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was privileged to attend the Southwestern Key Person’s Meeting in Phoenix. Over this four day seminar, we participated in daily seminars as well as team building exercises. There were about 100 students from around North America and it was fun meeting new people during “happy hour” over a glass of wine and complimentary popcorn. I took notes throughout the whole weekend and will now attempt to compile the key points for your and my benefit.

Most of the time there, I recall the speakers talking a lot about improving in the areas of life that you are weak in. I believe this was Ron Alford speaking. If you suffer in confidence, practice being confident. Get back to the basics. Crave wisdom that you do not have. Do it the right way. Be Triple H: hungry, humble and a hero.

As well, a work-life balance, or integration, was stressed. This was visualized by a bubble exercise where the relationships between your physical, Southwestern, relationship, social, family, financial, and spiritual aspects of life were analyzed together. How are these aspects related? How would you like these aspects to look in the future in relations to each other? What are three things you will do tomorrow morning to be more of a balanced person? For myself, I realized that my spiritual side of life was quite low, so I wrote I would spiritually believe in myself from now on. As well, I would be more positive around my family and give back to my community.

Dustin Hillis, the record holder for our company, selling over 20,000 units in one summer, talked next about “How to Double Your Production.” According to Dustin, selling is 100% conviction with 0% pressure on your customers. He showed a movie that really got me fired up called 212: The Extra Degree: http://www.212movie.com/. Dustin stressed that it wasn’t changing something huge that led him to double his production, yet it was doing the small things right and respectively that tipped him over the edge. What is double for you?

The Top Producer Mentality. What is that? According to Dustin there are two important systems that need to be in place. One is your M.E.P. or your Maximum Earning Potential. This means setting goals for yourself that push you beyond your best. It is similar to Mort Utley talking about thinking big. The next system is something we should all be familiar with and that is RAFT, or the ability to overcome obstacles that could sidetrack you. Realize an event is occurring, Accept the current situation, Focus on the controllable, and Transform the negative emotions into positive momentum. Dustin continues on to criticize what you think is your best day. You should have the mentality that your best day sucks. Nevertheless, you should not be focused on your results if you want to have massive growth. If you want to grow you should focus on activity “like a hawk!” (Hillis).

Become a Student of the Game. You are only successful as your five best friends (that made me think a lot). Carry your sales talk everywhere. Listen to advanced sales CD’s as if they were your favourite band. We talk about luck, or how lucky we are all the time. Luck is preparation meeting opportunity. So be prepared! Read Sun Tzu – The Art of War. Are you going 100% all the time? The full bag is cheap. Do all the stuff that they tell you to do and DO IT NOW! Dustin is very motivating.

Nick Henderson a DSM came up next with tips on how to save money. He says that it is not about how much money you make, it is about how much you save. He talked about the importance of making a budget. He mentioned the ease of using debit cards and that we should remove our money from these accounts and invest them in mutual funds or some other investment. During the summers we should remit 90% of everything we take in and not pay expenses back home with this money. If we do these things we will have a big check.

Yvette another DSM talked about how to have more growth through recruiting more people. First you must understand why you want to grow. Is it to become more confident, pay off debt, coaching, etc? To sell more books next summer recruiting will allow you to bring more momentum, a better schedule, more confidence, more excitement, higher goals, more belief and more competition. You get these things from recruiting. Look at Grayson Jones and Jena Klein who brought out big teams and had big units. To have a top team you have to find and retain the best people, you have to be attractive. People don’t join the business, they join you. You must become a leader in all aspects of life. Mentality for recruiting people: why would they want to sell books? Why would they not want to sell books? Why should they sell books? Have pictures to show people. When approaching and inviting, be yourself, use your sales manager. The worst thing that can happen is that they say no. The best is that you change their life. There is a lot of stuff here and they went really fast.

Kyah Hillis was next up. She broke the record a few times back in the day with units over 17,000 before Dustin came along. Kyah really knows how to put it straight. With regards to recruiting she postulates the need to create an environment that people want to be around. You are a role model! Towards selling she talks about the mentality of whether or not she did her best every single second. Instead of seeing this job as just a part time job, “work like you are going to retire with Southwestern”. Towards units she stresses the fact that we are not our units, and that we are created for so much more. This goes back to the idea of focusing on our activity and not on our results. Don’t freak out when you have a good day! “Who I am is greater than my units”; know yourself to take off the pressure.

Joni Bicknese was another excellent speaker. She heads our HR department. She outlines 4 core success factors:

1. Strong goal clarity

- Where you want to go? When you want to arrive? How are you going to get there?

2. High achievement drive

- Inner needs drive goal achievement. Fantasize: think differently than others. Think about reaching goals and fulfilment. Fantasize about achievements and talk to others about goals attainment. Go places, read things, do high achiever activities. Think of the rewards and not just reaching the goals. Serve customers exceptionally well and gain the respect from other.

3. Healthy emotional intelligence

- Understand feelings and emotions and how they influence our external behaviour

- Take control of emotions

- Do difficult things

4. Excellent social skills

- Value people

- Listen to what people say and how they feel

- Understand

- Respond variably to varied social situations

- Cause others to feel understood

On Not Giving Up: The Philosophy of: "It Does Not Matter"

2009-10-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in life, work, relationships, etc, where it becomes unbearable to continue on the current path. Something is hindering your continuation and slowing you down. You are so inside your head with worries and disbeliefs, which most of the time are not real, you stop. On the sales field my first year working with the Southwestern Co. I came across a hindrance that halted me in my tracks. I was knocking on doors selling educational material and was getting rejection after refection. Compared to my teammates, I was not producing to my desired level of standard. I remember sitting in the middle of suburban northern Edmonton unable to continue on. I was devastated. I knew that I could do this job but my mind would not let me and it was only my third week out there. I think back on this now and laugh. I had lofty goals of 3,500 units or approx. 20,000 dollars profit (which was pretty good for a first year dealer). I was not meeting these units. Why was I so in my head then? Why did I let other people affect my mood so much? I thought about quitting, nevertheless I knew I was better than this. So I followed a manager the next day to get some ideas. I calmed myself down and went out the next Monday with the air of indifference of whether I sold something or not. Immediately, I started to get better and sales were good because I did not care and people saw this, so they were less defensive. I ended the summer selling a little over 3,000 units (not so bad) and winning a free trip to Mexico. I won every single award there is and was 39th out of 1500 first year dealers internationally. The lesson here is that I don't know how id feel about that summer if I had given up. Getting out of your head and seeing situations objectively is the key. The phrase I used that helped me out was "It does not matter." So if your car breaks down, or it is raining, or if you have a zit on your face and you have to give a presentation, just think "It does not matter." It really does not. People worry about so many things that aren't real. getting out of this state and controlling your mind is key. Laugh at life and you will succeed.

Where's your (my) head at?

2009-10-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

"Why are you so in your head today?" someone asked me today. I could not explain it; lots of things are going on right now. Having a free mind, I am privy to allow myself to over think and analyze everything, to the point where reality has been misconstrued. I try to break free of this downward spiral through action and spending time with those I love. It makes me wonder were people back in the day so "in there head"? or is this a social thing of our time, propagated by media and television.

Giving Up Control: Why Some Managers Fail

2009-10-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

You cannot control another person! YOU cannot motivate them. These are errors in belief that many managers hold. While all this may sound highly negative, there are important lessons to be learned from these two phrases. This summer, I discovered the difficulty in motivating another person to work when they did not want to. In my defense, I was new to the whole management side of the business. Motivating someone to do a difficult job like sales was foreign to me. I was coaching three individuals on a regular basis; one was a top sales person the other two floundered in self pity and skepticism. Why the complete polarity in their behaviors? It has come to my attention that there were many external forces contributing to their failure; forces that I had no control over. At the same time I believe I could have gone about the situation in a different way. I had the belief that I could motivate people, whereas I should have had the mindset of coaching them through their issues, asking questions, so that they would uncover for themselves what would motivate them. Instead of telling them to have a positive attitude I should have asked questions. Sales is asking questions, uncovering a pain and then showing them how doing something will heal this pain.

Top 8 Books that have influenced my success in life and business and why they are important:

2009-10-07T10:54:00.001-07:00

1. Og Mandino: The Greatest Salesman in the World. Hands down, if you follow the principles in this book the world is your oyster. Why? Because the scrolls represent the backbone to any interaction in life and business in general. Read it everyday.

2.Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson. This book is rich with wisdom from experience. There are lessons here for the young to the old. It represents an analogy of successful thinking.

3.Secrets of the Millionaire Mind™, T. Harv Eke. Actionable book that presents material that can be easily applied to your life.

4. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey. Great book for those with a passion for developing new habits and learning their own strengths and weaknesses.

5. Get Smarter: Life and Business Lessons, by Seymour Shulich. A Canadian classic, bred from success. Learn from the financial guru himself, how to make key decisions and manage your financial future.

6. The Tipping Point: how little things can make a big difference, by Malcolm Gladwell. Fuses key insights into an interesting look at contemporary society and how ideas are spread.

7. Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. Another must read from Gladwell. If you want to understand whyand idea is successfull and why it spreads, read these books.

8. Good to Great, by Jim Collins. Understanding why some business' make millions and why others do not is an important lesson for anyone wishing to be succesfull. This book was part of my optional reading in my HR class. This book is a big deal, if only the Lehmen Brothers could have read this book.

Please leave comments or suggestions. As well, any comments on books that have influenced you would be great. Cheers.

Mission Statement

2009-09-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

To start, I would like to explain the purpose of this blog and its title: Sales and Life. It seems that sales and myself go hand in hand. Having run my own direct sales business for two years i have discovered that I have a knack for developing quick relationships with other people. Through immense diversity and barriers, I have accomplished and been successful at the hardest job on the planet: door-to-door sales. With my success in this area I have found that life has also become easier and that I am more confident with the events that take place. I guess a little understanding of what I was like before this transformation is important.

Before I began my immense transformation in the world of sales, I was a typical Arts student studying English Lit and International Relations at the University of Victoria. I grew up in North Vancouver, snowboarding regularly and playing soccer. In the summers I would work at summer camps and go sailing. I was always very competitive, which could explain why during my childhood i did not always get along with everyone. I was very involved with sports which did not help my grade point average. I tended to drift from social group to social group hanging on to only my true friends.

Now I have finished a Master's Degree in Business Management, have an awesome girlfriend, great friends, and run my own business recruiting and training students to direct sales. Sales has transformed my life. I thank the Southwestern Company for giving me the opportunity to run my own business. I want to thank the people who have believed in me throughout my career. This blog will outline my goals and passions.