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Why Learning How to Sell is a Must In This Day and Age

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Why Learning How to Sell is a Must In This Day and AgeAnyone in a sales-oriented position will always be looking for ways to improve their technique and improve their ability to make more appointments and close more deals.

Using professional dealership phone training, for example, is an excellent way to try and improve sales conversion rates, but improve customer service and satisfaction levels at the same time.

The mindset of every consumer has dramatically changed in recent times and that is a compelling reason why it is essential that you learn how to sell in a way that is relevant for this day and age.

Developing the right skills and attributes

A fundamental aspect of learning how to sell successfully is being able and willing to develop the perfect skills and attributes required to achieve consistent positive results from your efforts.

One of the most important attributes to have is self-motivation.

Nobody can teach you to rise each morning with the desire to win and achieve success. You can definitely develop good sales skills with the right training and guidance, but you also have to want to be a successful salesperson to become one.

The modern sales environment is just as competitive and consumer attitudes might even have changed over time, but you still need the core attributes and skills to be able to close the right amount of deals.


Share your vision and ideas with others

Selling can often be viewed as a singular activity, especially when it is in a very competitive results-orientated environment.

However, it actually makes a lot of sense to seek out peers and mentors within your organization, and beyond if necessary.

If you have an idea of how you can improve the sales pitch by adding value to what you are offering the customer it would be a sensible strategy to talk these through with other members of your team and those connected with the sales process.

This approach can help you bring new ideas to fruition. Sharing your ideas can have the impact of improving your individual sales performance.

Do you have the basics to be a successful salesperson?

Even if you have a natural level of confidence in your own ability and a strong desire to succeed it still helps greatly to be able to channel that positivity and energy in the right way.

The best way of doing that is to have the basic sales skills in the bank that give you the blueprint for future success.

Learning how to be a good salesperson involves having good listening and communication skills. You develop these basic skills over a period of time through experience. But you can influence that upward trajectory in your sales performance and career prospects by committing to learning the basic sales skills needed by everyone in that sort of role.

Investing your time and effort into learning how to become a better version of yourself and improve your sales performance could turn out to be money well spent, especially when you start to see the results.

Reaching Your Retirement Years: What Should Be On Your Mind

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | Reaching Your Retirement Years: What Should Be On Your MindAccording to a study by the National Institute on Retirement Security, nearly two-thirds of American workers between the ages of 55 and 64 have less than $30,000 saved for retirement. And that’s just one statistic that shows how many people are unprepared for retirement.

Another issue is that many people don’t want to retire at retirement age. They may like their job, or they may not feel ready to give up their independence. But if they’re not prepared financially, they may have no choice.

So what can you do to make sure you’re ready for retirement? Here are a few tips to consider before you reach that age.

Save Up as Early as Possible

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. Time is one of the essential factors when saving for retirement. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow. Even if you can only hold a little bit each month, it will add up over time.

Of course, life happens, and there may be times when you have to dip into your savings. But if you have a solid plan, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and reach your goal.

Retirement planning will be critical for your success. You can start by researching and determining how much money you’ll need to retire comfortably. Once you have a goal, you can start working towards it.

There are a few different ways to save for retirement. You can open a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, both great options. You can also start contributing to your employer’s 401(k) plan.

If you’re self-employed, there are still options available to you. You can open a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. These plans allow you to set aside a certain percentage of your income for retirement, which can be a huge help down the road.

No matter your route, ensure you contribute as much as possible.

Watch Out for Your Health

Your health is one of the most important things to remember as you approach retirement age. It’s essential to take care of yourself and ensure you’re as healthy as possible.

As you age, your risk for certain diseases and health conditions increases. This includes heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. So it’s vital to be proactive about your health and get regular check-ups.

It would help if you also focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. These lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases later in life.

It’s also essential to have a solid health insurance plan in place. Ensure you understand your coverage and what it will cost you in retirement. If you’re unhappy with your current plan, now is the time to shop for a new one.

It would help if you also considered long-term care insurance. This policy can help cover the cost of assisted living or nursing home care. As you get older, this coverage will become more critical.


Prepare for the Unexpected

No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something unexpected will happen. That’s why it’s essential to have an emergency fund in place. This fund can help cover unexpected expenses, like medical bills or car repairs.

Ideally, your emergency fund should have enough money to cover three to six months of living expenses. But even a tiny amount can be helpful in a pinch.

You should also have a plan for what will happen if you’re unable to work. This could be due to an illness or injury. If you have a family, you’ll need to ensure they’re financially taken care of before you retire.

Disability insurance can help replace your income if you’re unable to work. This coverage is especially critical if you’re the primary breadwinner in your household.

It would help if you also considered life insurance. This policy can provide financial protection for your loved ones after you die. It’s an essential piece of the puzzle, especially if you have young children or a mortgage.

StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | Reaching Your Retirement Years: What Should Be On Your MindGet an Easy Part-Time Job

One of the best things you can do as you approach retirement is to get a part-time job. This additional income can help cover expenses and give you extra wiggle room in your budget.

It’s essential to find a job that’s easy and flexible. You don’t want something that’s going to be too much of a strain, physically or mentally. The goal is to find something that’s enjoyable.

There are plenty of great part-time jobs out there. You can work in retail, customer service, or even start your own business. The sky’s the limit!

Final Thoughts

The key is to start planning now. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be when you reach retirement age. So start saving, watch for your health, and prepare for the unexpected. With some preparation, you can enjoy a long and happy retirement.

 

How to Cross-Pollinate Experts’ Advice for Greater Success

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There are many paths to success. But did you know that you can achieve even greater success by following the advice of multiple experts? When it comes to business, for example, you may have heard that it’s important to niche down and focus on a specific area. But at the same time, others will tell you that it’s essential to cast your net wide in order to attract more customers. So who should you believe? And how can you cross-pollinate the advice of different experts in order to create an actionable plan that works for you? In this blog post, we will explore exactly that!

StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | How to Cross-Pollinate Experts’ Advice for Greater Success

Why You Should Cross-Pollinate Expert Advice

There are many reasons why you should cross-pollinate expert advice. For one, it allows you to see all sides of an issue and make a more informed decision. Furthermore, it can help you challenge your own assumptions and biases, leading to more creative solutions. Additionally, hearing multiple perspectives can spark new ideas and help you come up with innovative approaches that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.

How to Cross-Pollinate Expert Advice

Now that we’ve established why it’s beneficial to cross-pollinate expert advice, let’s take a look at how you can actually do it. First, when you’re considering multiple pieces of advice, make sure to take into account the source. Is the expert credible? Do they have experience in the area you’re looking for advice on? How well do their ideas align with your own values and goals? Next, it’s important to evaluate the advice itself. Does it make sense? Is it supported by evidence? Are there any potential downsides that you haven’t considered? Once you’ve done your due diligence, you can start to piece together different aspects of the advice to create a plan that works for you.


Example: Cross-Pollinating Expert Advice on Real Estate Investing

Let’s say you’re interested in real estate investing and you’ve been reading advice from different experts. One expert, like Paul Ognibene, says that it’s important to invest in areas with high potential for appreciation. Another expert, like Gary Keller, suggests looking for properties with a good mix of cash flow and equity growth. So how can you cross-pollinate this advice? One option would be to look for properties in areas that have both appreciation potential and strong cash flow. Another approach would be to invest in properties with a good mix of equity growth and cash flow, but focus on those that are located in areas with high potential for appreciation. There is no one right way to cross-pollinate expert advice. The key is to tailor the approach to your own goals and circumstances. By taking the time to consider all sides of an issue, you’ll be able to make better decisions and achieve greater success.

Putting It All Together

Cross-pollinating expert advice is a great way to optimize your decision-making process and come up with more creative solutions. By taking into account the source, evaluating the advice, and piecing together different perspectives, you can develop a plan that is tailored to your specific situation and goals. So go out there and start cross-pollinating!

How To Reinvent Yourself After A Divorce

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | How To Reinvent Yourself After A Divorce1. Breathe

The first thing you need to do is breathe. You will have to take some time to adjust to your new normal. When you go through a divorce, it will be like going through mourning until you can reach acceptance. When you feel overwhelmed, you should simply stop whatever you’re currently doing, close your eyes and take a few deep and slow breaths.

Remember, divorce is certainly a roller coaster ride that is filled with emotional distress. This is the case even if you were the one who asked for it to begin with. Divorces typically feel like failures and you will likely start doubting yourself. However, what happened yesterday is now in the past and tomorrow, you will be faced with a new day and new opportunities. Unfortunately, 50% of marriages do come to an end and result in divorce. It is simply something that happens.

2. Remain Present

It is important to always strive to learn from your past mistakes. It is also a bad idea to live in the past. If you keep thinking about the past, then you won’t be able to see what is currently happening. The most important time is always right now, wherever you are.

Of course, your history will always form a part of you, but it is not the entirety of you. Make sure that you turn the next page of your life and try to live within each current moment. Don’t allow your past to imprison you. If you are having issues with getting over your ex-partner, you should try a variety of wellness tools, therapy etc.

3. Enjoy Your Freedom

When a marriage breaks down and it ends in divorce, you will feel many different things. However, you should also feel a sense of freedom and liberation. Be sure to actually enjoy it! Now, you won’t have anyone preventing you from living in whatever way that you truly desire. You can now do everything you desire, even the things that you stopped doing because of your ex.

Additionally, you can explore all of the things you would like to do. You can start by trying new things. This can mean skydiving, going on an adventurous road trip, visiting another country or even moving to a new country. There are literally no limits! You also don’t need to rush and get into another relationship. You should take some time to enjoy being single. Consider that within this country, there are 30 million single people who live on their own.

4. Rediscover Yourself

There is no better time than right now than to dive deeper into yourself and explore the other parts and versions of yourself. When you get a divorce, it is another chance to start your next chapter as a better version of yourself. Consider who you used to be before you got married. Think about all of the things you went through and experienced and how much stronger and wiser you are now. You are likely a lot more aware of what you truly desire and what you don’t want. Take some time to appreciate who you are right now and prioritize yourself.


5. Change Things Up

Did you ever want to change how you look or get a new haircut? If so, then you should definitely explore that. When you change how you look, it can certainly change how you feel. You can change your hairstyle, the type of clothes you wear, your makeup, jewelry and you can even change your weight!

6. Become Healthier & Update Yourself

If you neglected yourself in the last couple of years while being married, then this needs to change. You should visit your local hair salon or barbershop to get a new haircut. Next, consider changing up your fashion and wardrobe. You should also consult a nutritionist as well as a personal trainer or even a yoga teacher who can help you with your diet as well as physical health. If you have always wanted a smaller bust try Skin Works breast reduction.

When working out, be sure to create goals that are achievable. Once you stick to your diet and exercise program, you will definitely see and feel a change in your body. It is also a good idea to start hiking, walking etc. When you actually start to look and feel your best, you will be better able to reinvent yourself.

7. Start Dating

When you are ready, you can start to date. This may seem a bit scary, especially if you haven’t been on a date in a long time. However, don’t worry about it as there are millions of people in the same boat as yours. You can start to talk to people on social media and online dating apps like tinder.

With that said, you should be careful when meeting people online. This is because there are many scammers and predators online. So, if you like someone that you’ve met online, be sure to do a background check on them so that you’re protected.

How Sensible Is Investing Right Now?

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | How Sensible Is Investing Right Now?

With everybody’s concerns about the economy right now, it’s easy to feel suckered into the notion of doom and gloom. The hardest thing for any business owner or any individual that’s trying to provide a solid financial foundation for themselves is to understand where their investments should go. The rising cost of everything means everybody’s having to penny-pinch even more than normal, and when it comes to something like investing, it’s not irregular to see upturns and downturns in the market. When it comes to investing in stocks and shares, it’s important to get to grips with a few fundamentals.

When Do You Need Returns on Your Investment?

Rather than thinking about profit or loss, it’s far better for you to think in terms of timescale. Because there are a wide variety of stocks and shares on the market, and with each product comes a degree of volatility. New investors are going to consider whether they should put any of their finances into any product at such a difficult time in the world. The reality is that you have to look at whether you need the money now or in the future.

A great example is an investment like cryptocurrency. You can see that it’s had a volatile time, not just in recent years, but ever since it became widely known. AI traders like Bitcoin Motion are helping investors to bridge the gap by automating aspects of trading, but the fact is that with any new or old currency, you’ve got to ask yourself if you need the money right now. If you have some savings, you can invest and you don’t need the money for at least 5 years, you can put some money in.

Holding Your Nerve

Any seasoned investor will tell you about the importance of long-term investment. It’s a hallmark of amateur investors to want short-term results and nothing more, but this is a very myopic approach to investing because anybody who is looking to make an immediate profit is better off investing in a high-interest savings account. This means you can see your money compound fairly regularly. The fact is that there have been major highs and lows over the last few years. The bear market, when a market experiences prolonged declines in price, that occurred in 2020 bounced back and hit new highs by the end of August 2020.

In 2022, we’re seeing a very similar set of circumstances. There’s high inflation, interest rate increases, and naturally, those who are looking for short-term gains are going to be disappointed if they invest in stocks and shares.


What Does It Take to Be a Sensible Investor During Tough Times?

The reality is that we can never predict the future. You can purchase shares in individual companies or buy into a fund that tracks an index or invests in a wide variety of companies; this latter option is going to diversify your portfolio. Arguably, this is the best way to be a sensible investor during tough times. However, the most important thing is to remember that these things have all occurred before. There is nothing new, no matter how much scaremongering occurs online.

The financial crash in 2008 and the Black Monday crash in 1987 are two major events that occurred within the last 40 years, a very minuscule time in investing. It’s very easy to think that any downturn in the market means you should be swift in pulling your investment out, but this is why it’s important to look at seasoned investors such as the Warren Buffetts of the world. These people always understood the value of a long-term investment.

The problem we all have in the modern world is that when it comes to investing and stocks and shares is that people want to jump onto a sure thing. People get cold feet instantly. In order to be a sensible investor, you’ve got to understand what you wish to achieve from your investments. If you don’t go in with a plan, you aren’t going to be able to find the right stocks and shares that suit your risk tolerance, and when something comes up that causes a wobble in the market, you are going to panic and pull out. It’s far better to aim for any form of profit rather than setting yourself a specific amount.

When we talk about being a sensible investor, it’s not about finding the right products or shares, but about ensuring that you have an understanding of what it takes to achieve your financial goals. Investing is an incredibly diverse approach and doesn’t just cover stocks, shares, or cryptocurrency, it can involve profiting through property or even having a good savings account or a Roth IRA. If you are looking to put money into something right now, during these tough times, you’ve got to make sure that you are prepared to weather the storm.