Sales Training...The Video!

Hey Gang,

Once again, our podcast is in tandem with my blog!  If you loved my Sales Training tips...be sure to watch the video!

You Can't Spell Sell-Out Without U!

Hey Gang!

From what I understand, we live in a world that is considered to be "capitalistic." At first I thought it just meant that the rules of grammar dictate that we capitalize names of businesses, but upon further research, "capitalism" is all about exchanging money for goods and services.  It is a fancy word for selling and we live in a nation that loves to sell.

In the training world, sales training is huge!  I have never attended any type of seminars that cover selling, but I am thinking about presenting my own symposium all about this subject that I am woefully ignorant of.

How Hard Can It Be?

From my earliest memory I can recall going to stores.  My parents would drive to the supermarket or mall, crack the car window and tell me to wait there while they shopped. (Some days they would shop for hours!)  They would come back happy and smiling. They loved some of their purchases so much that they would have me squash in the trunk so their new products could be safely buckled in a car seat. (They were such passionate consumers!)

It wasn't until my adult years, when I actually stepped foot in a store that I realized persuasion is involved in making purchases.  Some stores persuade consumers with signs and displays, where other stores have sales people following shoppers everywhere...like mattress clearinghouses.

More Bleeping Rules

If you have been following my blog, you know I always have to address those cumbersome rules! They seem to be everywhere...even in the art of persuading someone to spend money on an item that they don't need.

One of the many rules is to be charming.  A good sales person just needs a pretty smile and limited knowledge of the actual product.  If it's a big ticket item like a car that is being sold, a great salesperson should worry less about the details of the automobile and more about having a a laugh combined with a hearty, "Sure, I guess." as a response.

Also, don't let a potential buyer ask too many questions.  If a customer starts demanding a lot of in-depth answers about a product, a good salesperson should  have a brochure handy.  They can hand it to the consumer with that trade-mark smile and tell them, "Read it for yourself, I have other people who may actually buy from me."

Finally, don't be in a rush! The best thing a good salesperson has is time.  If someone wants to make an impulse buy based on emotions, a great sales technique is to use no pressure!  A future customer's goodnight sleep and healthy perspective is a salesperson's dream!

Well, hopeful Sales Men, Sales Women and Sales Associates...get out there and try your best.  Remember, your paycheck is NOT going to reflect whether or not someone bought an item from you. (Or will it? I never attended a sales seminar.)

Stay Awake Kids!

Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer

Pointing With Power...The Video!!!!

Hey Gang,

My last blog was so popular (with me) that I thought it warranted its own video! (Also with me!)

Pointing With Power!

Hey Gang,

As a someday-corporate trainer, I will need to give future presentations....probably.  From what I understand there is a new and exciting innovation in giving speeches, it is an application called The PowerPoints!


What is this new technology?

Apparently this software is like a slide show that you can put together with a computer!  Not only can you place photos in it, you can also type words with it too!  Amazing.  When I first heard about this I thought it sounded too good to be true.  I said to myself, "We are finally living in the future."

How does it work?

There are several ways to access this magical computer picture-maker.  Some people pay for it. (It also comes with other software that you can use as a word processor and also make greeting cards with! The 21st Century...Am I right?) I decided not to choose the route of purchasing this computer program, instead I found an empty library computer that had it open already!  I jumped in that seat and started creating!

Are there any rules to follow?

Like anything fun and new, The PowerPoints comes with a certain etiquette that squashes its enjoyment.  In making my slides, I found the following dos and don's to PowerPointing:

• Use clip art SPARINGLY
• Do not use more than 6 words per slide
• Utilize the entire slide
• Use font sizes that are between 36 and 44

Do you HAVE to obey the rules?

It depends on the rules.  Traffic rules...sure.  State and Federal Rules...probably.  The PowerPoints rules...I say, take a chance and live a little.  Like my Nana Gainer used to tell me... "Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer, find somewhere else to be."

I decided to leave the comfort of those guidelines and make the following presentation using my own standards!

My First PowerPoints

Well Gang,  I hope these tips help with any presentations that you may have.  If you have questions, you can contact me at the library. I am still sitting in the same chair with the free PowerPoints!

Stay awake kids!

Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer 

Leave Tony Alone!!!

Hey Gang,

It's been a dark week.  You may have heard that my Tony got in some trouble. Here is my heartfelt response!

My Yelp Review of the Atlantic Ocean

Hey Gang,

I found this nifty website that lets people give their opinions on a variety of  businesses that range from restaurants that I can't afford, to venues that I have never been to. It's fun to read these reviews.  I feel fancy and pretentious without having the bother of leaving my Gremlin.

Recently, I took a trip to the beach and had a less than stellar time. Admittedly, I am not the most well traveled person or even an unwell traveled person.  I haven't traveled a lot.  I kept hearing about this giant body of water that is only two hours from my house.  It has been my intent to go there for years, but one thing leads to another, and before you know it...I didn't go.  Finally I threw caution to the wind and decided make the trek to the sea!

Needless to say I had a less than stellar time, so I thought I would write a Yelp review about my experience.  I was not happy with my destination and wanted to express my displeasure. My review is about the Atlantic Ocean:

Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer
Walmart Parking Lot, FL
0 Friends
1 Review
Not Allowed Anymore Photos

Upon arriving at the Atlantic Ocean I realized that there were no sidewalks leading out to the water. This beach had only sand! Even that wasn't consistent, in some places there were shells too. I complained to the lifeguard in charge. He seemed not to care and told me to stop rocking his tall chair. I noticed everyone else on the beach had either towels or chairs so I quickly took refuge with a family of four. They had towels, chairs and a giant umbrella. Unfortunately, that arrangement was short lived, I was told to leave by both parents and again by the life guard. (I guess he was FINALLY paying attention.) After trying to unsuccessfully befriend other beach goers, I decided to head into the water. It was very unstable. Every time I tried to walk into the ocean, a crest of water would crash against me. Several times I sternly yelled to the crowd,"Who is in charge? I keep getting hit with this out-of-control foam." It was then that I was told that these were waves and were natural to the surroundings. I had a lot to learn so I kept walking down the shoreline. Eventually, I became thirsty and drank a giant scoop of ocean water. It was full of salt! Was I ever upset! I turned right back around and complained again to the lifeguard again. Thankfully, he directed me to two bicycle cops that he had called. The police officers listened intently before asking me to leave. (So helpful.) Overall, I only gave it one star. The ocean was unsanitary and there was no air conditioning anywhere on the beach. I hope my review will open the public's eyes to the barbaric conditions on our shores.

Stay Awake Kids!

Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer

Food Bike

Hey Gang,

Have you ever eaten at a food truck?  Well, what about a food bike?  Our latest podcast shows you the next big trend in food and transportation!

Domo Arigato Mr. Chatboto

Hey Gang,

I had a fun experience recently... I was in an intense text messaging conversation with a perspective new employer, things were going  great and I just knew this company was going to be a fantastic fit for the both of us.  As with most of my professional interactions, we engaged in a 45 minute back and forth of "You stop texting first. No, you stop texting first." To my surprise I later found out that I was communicating with a chatbot the whole time!

What is a Chatbot?

I know many of you are scratching your head right now and thinking, 'Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer, what in the world are you talking about?  You say the craziest things. I have never heard of this term.  What does this have to do with training? No one reads your blog!'

Well, let me explain. I learned that companies have automated programs that are designed to interact with job seekers by texting general information and setting up mundane appointments so the Human Resource people can get back do doing what they do best...gently telling me that I'm not going to get hired.

Why Use a Chatbot

Many companies feel that artificial intelligence can handle answering multiple questions and perform scheduling tasks easier than with a real person.  The chatty robots have endless patience and would never say, "Please stop asking me the same question...No you can't get paid with vacation time during your initial interview." (I didn't get that job.)

Are We Losing Our Humanity?

This is a deep question.  Are we, as a culture, becoming too dependent on technology?  Have we forsaken eye contact, handshakes and the power of a smile for a more streamlined workplace?  Are we someday going to become more computer than person?  I Googled all of these questions and it said we should be OK! Whew, what a relief.

Stay Awake Kids! (Or Reboot if you get too tired.)

Cathy Gainer Corporate Trainer