Spectra Learning

2011-08-04T09:12:00.001-07:00

Feedback is only as good as the results that may come from it. Strategizing with the end goal in mind before delivering feedback can be most critical to achieving optimal outcomes.

2011-07-08T10:25:00.001-07:00

Demonstrate leadership balance. Ask questions, challenge thinking & support decisions. Being a "fix-it fanatic" robs individuals of the opportunity to develop by way of experience. Direction is critical, domination is counterproductive.

2011-06-30T15:32:00.001-07:00

Direction comes only with clarity. Candid conversations & raw experiences can help to lead the way...Connect with those who can challenge your thinking. Direction and success will follow.

2011-06-14T11:43:00.001-07:00

Clear vision without execution is wasteful.
Execution without vision is exhausting.
Clear vision with execution is powerful & rewarding.

2011-05-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

Remember, the man holding the power in a negotiation is not always the person with the most money, biggest title, or greatest publicity.

2011-04-28T11:02:00.001-07:00

Human development is a life-long journey. Pay attention and embrace the learnings...performance and success will follow.

2011-03-29T11:44:00.001-07:00

Sales professionals who work to build a positive Professional Brand pave the way for predictable success.

2011-03-25T09:45:00.001-07:00

Transparency in the workplace is what builds a solid culture of commitment and innovation.

2010-08-01T17:35:00.001-07:00

A unique value proposition must run in conjunction with a targeted sales strategy to capture consistent wins.

2010-06-24T15:16:00.001-07:00

Realizing individual potential often takes someone else seeing it in you first. Surround yourself with growth coaches, creative challenges & personal advocates.

2010-04-28T22:56:00.001-07:00

Don't get to your contingency plan without planning for contingency. Strategy & forethought are critical even in the pressure cooker.

2010-03-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

What's New For You?

Although we continue to see clients struggle with the challenges of tough economic times, we are strongly encouraged by the innovation, perseverance, and flexibility we continually observe on the business front. Like so many of the world-class athletes we watched overcome injury, agony, and defeat, only to come back and win gold medals at the Winter Olympics, we too are seeing large and small organizations fight to overcome adversity and march toward the victory line.

As trusted advisers, we realize that we too have a responsibility to work differently to help our clients achieve their goals. This year we are taking a stand and thinking out of the box to provide customers cost-effective tools, value-add support, and leading edge thinking. Our goal is to help organizations get better results, be more productive, and lead toward greatness to cross the finish line, beat the clock, and win the gold! So, what’s new? Let me share…

Social Style App Released for iPhone and iTouch
For years we’ve been helping organizations to improve communication effectiveness in the workplace through a training program and assessment tool referred to as Social Styles or Building Relationship Versatility. Now not only is there a training program for learning, there’s also a new App to support learning and implementation in the field. Social Styles is now available for purchase through iTunes. Reinforcing the use of Social Styles on a daily basis is helping customers to continue to increase their Return on Investment.

The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business
In February, 2010 The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business hit the presses. As a long-time strategic partner of One Page Business Plan, we were delighted to see a book finally address some of the issues inherent to women in business. We were also greatly honored to be able to work with Mr. Jim Horan, Author of One Page Business Plan, to provide our own thinking and share stories to later be used in his new book. This book shares powerful insights of women who have succeeded and continue to reinvent themselves to beat the economic challenges. The book is realistic and user-friendly. Although it is addressed to women, don’t let the pink fool you, many male executives are finding the content truly valuable and inspiring as well.

How to Think Like an Executive
In response to a need to reach greater management audiences at a lower cost and help them to think strategically for better bottom-line results, we are now implementing a 1-2 day training program called How to Think Like an Executive. This program uses the technology of the One Page Business Plan to teach upcoming and senior leaders how to effectively build strategic plans that articulate their most important organizational goals, bring alignment between team members, and hold themselves and their teams accountable. The outcome of their 1-2 days is a draft of an annual plan and a foundation for strategic implementation.

“Get Control!™ of Blackberries”
As a strategic partner of getcontrol.net, we’re offering a new 90 minute module to improve productivity and reduce expenses in the workplace. Get Control of Blackberries can be delivered via webinar and in a live classroom setting. It offers over 50 new shortcuts and strategies to:
Help manage contacts and options
Set up icons, favorites & desktop
Save time
Increase security & safety
Decrease liability

Faster, better, easier...today's game is all about capitalizing on your advantages. To learn more about a few of these new offerings, contact us at (949) 363-6600 or visit the Spectra Learning Group site at http://www.spectralearning.com/.

2010-03-03T16:20:00.001-08:00

We're conducting a Counselor Salesperson Seminar on March 30-31 in Irvine, CA. A great platform for sales success. There's open enrollment for individuals. For more info visit http://ping.fm/ya3T7

2010-03-01T11:52:00.001-08:00

The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business is out...Powerful insights from Highly Successful & Inspiring Business Women.

2010-01-13T14:29:00.001-08:00

Food for Thought...“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Sir Winston Churchill

2010-01-05T13:24:00.001-08:00

These days, if you do what you've always done, you won't get what you always got...Innovation is everything. Use it.

2009-12-07T16:31:00.001-08:00

David McNally recently released a new book, Even Eagles Need a Push. Take a peak at the trailer for new inspiration. http://ping.fm/MOG4Z

2009-11-25T12:07:00.001-08:00

Don't keep appreciation a secret. Reach out to family, friends & clients. Let them know they're appreciated. There's no victory in mystery.

2009-11-17T23:13:00.001-08:00

Hiring Independent Sales Rep for line of productivity solutions. Visit www.spectralearning.com & send resumes to sryan@spectralearning.com

2009-11-11T23:03:00.001-08:00

A few quick tips for maximizing virtual meetings http://ping.fm/qp19s

2009-11-09T19:30:00.001-08:00

Great article for targeting and acquiring new clients. Read on! http://ping.fm/joffo

2009-11-09T11:53:00.001-08:00

Just started...new group on LinkedIn, Spectra Learning Group, for executives to learn and share best practices around sales, strategy & productivity. Join us!

Hiring Headaches? 5 Flags of Floundering Sales Reps

2009-08-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hiring Headaches? 5 Flags of Floundering Sales Reps

Growth? The thought of it for some organizations can seem impossible considering the economic times. Sales and revenues are a continuous challenge for many. However, as you begin to challenge the tipping point and begin considering on-boarding candidates to help grow your organization, you may want to pay attention to five flags that often lead to floundering sales performance.

1) Lack of Endurance and Determination
Candidates who aren't able to articulate how they overcome adversity and endure life's challenges are likely to be the ones to quickly throw in the towel when things get tough on the sales front.

2) Lack of Interpersonal Skills
Connections with the customer are critical. If there is a discomfort during the interview of any kind, there will likely be discomfort at the customer interface. Listen to intuition on this one. If all credentials look good, yet something about their communication approach is not sitting well with you, it's important to listen to that voice.

3) Lack of Listening Skills
While interviewing, listen for direct answers. If the answers flounder down an unrelated path, perhaps it's time to consider another candidate. If a prospective sales hire isn't listening to your questions, how can you be assured they will be listening to the customer? The minute a customer feels unheard is the minute that valuable business is lost.

4) Lack of Competitive Spirit
Has your candidate participated in competitive sports? Academic pentathlons? Dance Competitions? Marathons? Tasted victory during a challenge? The work ethic and competitive spirit that builds a winner in any competition, tournament, or challenge is the same intuitive drive required for sales success. Inquire about past experiences and history to get a sense for how they've responded in competitive situations. Those that thrive during competition most frequently hit quota and quickly climb to the top of the performance list. Those that don't, well, let's say they don't frequently hit the history books for stellar performance.

5) Lack of Problem Solving Skills
Successful salespeople do not push product, they partner with customers to solve problems. Taking candidates through problem solving simulations can pay off. If they respond appropriately, you're on your way. Customers who perceive partnership and problem solving capabilities from their sales rep are likely to embrace long-term working relationships. Conversely, if this skill is missing, so will be your revenues.

Avoid the flags and begin sustained growth that will take you to the next level of success.