Door-to-Door Sales: Leading Professionals to New Heights
By Jim Majeski (originally published here)
Every action we take in life has a corresponding reaction. Especially in the career choices we make. Accepting a position, for instance, where every move you make is delegated to you will never allow you to learn and spread your wings. On the other hand, if you choose to follow an entrepreneurial path, like a career in door-to-door sales, you will undoubtedly be exposed to many opportunities.
While once considered an old fashioned approach to selling products and services, today’s door to door sales professionals are now considered on the cutting edge –because of their uniquely developed skill-set. And the best part is, no prior experience is needed. Still, don’t forget to step wisely. You’ll gain a big advantage by utilizing the strengths of a premier outsourcing company.
You see, where you hone your skills should be equally as important as what is taught. A large face-to-face sales organization with a proven track record, can teach you techniques that they’ve perfected over many years, and are therefore proven to work. Techniques that will be invaluable to you throughout your entire personal and professional life – whether you stay in sales or not.
One such skill I consider to be one of the most underused in today’s workplace is the ability to listen. After all, you can’t fill a niche if you don’t hear what your customers are saying. A good door-to-door sales company can reverse this trend, as well as tutor you in great presentation and negotiation skills. These of course, go hand-in-hand with building your overall resilience – ultimately making you a great leader as others gravitate to you as a mentor.
In fact, I don’t know of any other career that allows you to fine-tune your ability to communicate on all levels like face-to-face sales. It allows you to reach your potential in every aspect of life, by teaching the importance of a diligent attitude and positive outlook. You can apply these skills in any workplace, or in life for that matter.
So if you’ve come to a fork in the career road, face to face sales is a path that shows you how people will react favorably if you act strategically. A path that helps you build relationships, instead of a flash-in-the-pan sales, so you’ll have repeat business for life. And a path that encourages you to stay positive and lead by example, so those you meet will believe firmly in you.
If you’re just starting the ascent up the career ladder, or maybe you’re at the middle rung: face-to-face sales can help make the climb easier, by giving you skills that will set you apart. Ultimately opening many more doors – the ones that lead to the place you’re dreaming about.
Cydcor Community Involvement in the Workplace
By Jim Majeski (Originally published here)
Whether it’s donating money, talent or time, companies of all sizes have the opportunity to make a positive difference for their employees and in the communities in which they live and work. For some businesses, doing good works in the community is an extension of a giving corporate culture, or of just doing well. Others are also getting involved out of necessity as more companies are being judged by partners, vendors, investors or customers by their activism and commitment to social responsibility.
Not only can participating in philanthropic endeavors benefit organizations in need and your company’s profile, but it can have a positive effect on employees – and even your bottom line.
Approximately 73 percent of U.S. workers say they are more committed to their company because of the company’s support of employee volunteerism, according to a recent study by Cone Inc. and RoperASW. Higher loyalty can lead to lower turnover costs, higher productivity and stronger relationships between staff and clients. Businesses may even be able to used charitable donations as a tax-write off.
Society trends indicate there’s a growing need to integrate career, family and social responsibility. Now, more than ever, there’s an expectation that employers help staff make positive contributions to society. Developing a philanthropy program for your company can also help recruit and retain talented employees. Approximately 62 percent of Gen Y employees prefer to work for companies that provide volunteer opportunities, according to Deloitte & Touche’s Volunteer IMPACT survey (2007).
Companies may choose causes in line with management philosophies, goals, corporate traditions or mission. At the same time, companies may give employees the option to choose charities that resonate with their own values or interests.
Your company’s community involvement extends beyond the bottom line and makes people feel good by doing what’s right. Though difficult to measure the direct impact on your company’s profit or reputation, consider the long-term influence and intangible benefit that corporate giving and volunteerism instills in your company’s people. Improving morale among employees and building relationships with community members is likely to lead your business’ success.
Corporate philanthropy can take many forms. Begin a volunteer program where employees can donate time on their company’s clock to a chosen cause. Identify a charity and donate money or time. Plan a day for management to spend time working together toward a good cause. For a day, trade a team builder’s office tools for paint brushes or serving utensils.
For example, our company implemented “Cydcor Cares Volunteer Day,” an internal program that encourages team members to give back to the communities that support them. We also donate time and money to chosen charities.
Creating a corporate philanthropy program can benefit a company by:
- Increasing employee satisfaction and loyalty.
- Appealing to potential employees and retaining current employees.
- Creating an alternative arena to build and strengthen employee management skills and responsibilities.
- Elevating your company’s reputation.
- Strengthening relationships within your community.
- Improving the health and quality of your community.
People carry these values and other personal work experiences with them throughout their lives. The benefit extends beyond the time at your company, increasing the experience’s impact on each employee.
Becoming conscientious of community involvement and strengthening your business with a growing roster of responsible employees is a win-win situation for all parties. While contributing to good causes keeps people happy, investing time and money in your own backyard is the best way to give back to the community that supports your company. A healthy society generates a prosperous business environment. Your community is the foundation of your business – don’t forget to take care of it.