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October, 2020
Welcome to YOUR newly designed and re-formatted Results Report.
JEFF BLACKMAN'S RESULT REPORT
 
 
TAKE ACTION. For on the clock of life or watch of winners THE key word is NOW!
 
 
Strategies and ideas for life and business, to help you maximize results!
 
You're receiving this complimentary e-letter, either because you requested a free subscription or because of our relationship with you, your company or your association.
 
TOO TINY? NO WORRIES!

If you're reading The Results Report on your desktop, initially your browser or operating system might make it tough on your eyes, as the page or font appears small. No worries! Simply hold down your Windows Key or Apple Command Key and at the same time hit your + key. Each time you do this, it'll enlarge the type or page. It's that easy! Now you'll have a bigger and better Results Report reading experience. (To decrease the size, hold down your command key, while also hitting your – key.) Here's to your results!

 
 
POWERQUOTES
 
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.
     - Albert Einstein
 
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering, can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.
     - Helen Keller
 
You have a greater likelihood of listening a customer into an investment, as opposed to talking them into a buy!
 
Integrity must be built into everything we do. Its impact is powerful. It's characterized by goodwill and good sense. When you're an integrity-based individual, you possess a special power: an aura of influence.
 
One of my clients has taught his salespeople and other employees to ask themselves this question, 'Would you be willing to explain your decision or action on network television?' How's that for a gut-check test?!

The preceding three quotes, are excerpts from the new 5th edition of my bestselling, Peak Your Profits. Now available on Amazon at:

https://tinyurl.com/BlackmanPeakYourProfits5

And thanks to all of you, who helped PYP5 jump to #73 on Amazon.

 
 
JEFF, SO WHATTA YA THINK?
 

QUESTION: Jeff, during any stage of life or business, are there certain things or principles that always ring true?

ANSWER: Whoa, intriguing question. When it comes to life and business, I could probably—easily list tens or even hundreds of universal truths. Yet, in the interest of brevity and space—here are seven time-tested truisms, with immediate applicability and relevance. Personally and professionally.

1. People only change for their reasons, motivations and desires. No matter how much you urge, cajole, educate and incent—if somebody doesn't want to do it faster, better or smarter, they ain't gonna do it. Or they'll half-heartedly attempt to do it, and justify why it didn't work! So first, understand others. Then, to help them succeed—define positive expectations, desired outcomes and a game plan for growth. Complemented by encouragement and accountability.

2. Before you try to change the world, upgrade yourself. Start with your skills, attitudes and behaviors.

3. Surround yourself with smart people, who can always give you a viewpoint that's fresh, honest and direct. (Remember, if two people are always in agreement, one of them ain't necessary!)

4. Move forward. It's okay to reflect on the past, yet don't brood over it. If it didn't work, learn from it. Then: G.O.I.M.O. (Get Over It, Move On!)

5. Add laughter and amusement to your day, i.e., take out an old picture of yourself, then ask yourself, “What was I thinking?!”

6. Analyze what was—to create your next—what will be.

7. Live a life of when, not if.

What are your truisms?

Would love to add them to the list and give you credit. So please send 'em to: [email protected] Thanks!

 

EXTRA HELPING OF SO WHATTA YA THINK

As you know, in this section of The Results Report, you traditonally ask me a question. Yet this time, I'll share a recent experience, and then ask you, what you think!

Here's what happened:

Twenty-eight years ago, before we broke ground on our home, our builder asked, “You've got lots of trees, which ones do you want to keep?” A keeper, was a maple tree. Tall, majestic and close to our house—as if it kept a watchful eye over us. Yet over time, it withered and died. That required calls to three tree services.

My wife and I made our decision. Here's Al, team leader/climber in action.

Al and his team had the tree down, stump removed, trunk and branches ground within an hour. (I marvel at folks who execute brilliantly!)

Here's what was especially interesting. I called the other tree companies, to let them know we selected someone else. (It's something I do, for personal/professional decisions. Why? Seems like the right thing to do.)

Each was grateful. They asked, “Why” we chose another company, I told them. They responded, “We seldom get calls like this.” / “Very thoughtful.” / “Shocked you called.”

I found this, shocking! Transparency, clarity are really easy.

If you intend to deliver a great service experience, or expect to receive one when you're the decision-maker...

Realize, when you're a prospect or customer, it's worth embracing a simple strategy I once heard, “Being kind, courteous and classy, never need to take a holiday.”

Well, so whatta ya think? Please send your thoughts to: [email protected] Thanks!

 
 
THEN, NOW. STILL, WAYS TO WIN!
 

It's amazing what you find, when you're not looking for it. Since the inception of The Results Report in 2000, I've had the privilege to share with you, interviews with some of the top thought leaders and businesspeople in the world. Dynamic insights and growth strategies for success in life and business.

Bestselling authors. Hall of Fame speakers. Successful entrepreneurs. Dynamic leaders. High achieving and award winning—celebrities, athletes, journalists and broadcasters.

In this issue, have decided to share winning ways from someone who I know really well. Actually, better than...

Any other human being. Because, it's...me! Yet, this is NOT meant to be self-serving, here's why...

In November, 2008, (during the Great Recession), Alan Rigg, a fellow speaker and author, interviewed me for a teleseminar series on how to increase sales and grow one's business. Alan titled our interview: How to Increase Sales During an Economic Downturn. After the interview, Alan sent me a transcript.

As I read it, I quickly realized, “Hey, there's good stuff here!” (It was true then, during the Great Recession and ironically, still true today in a COVID-19 pandemic world.)

While I could simply provide the transcript, thought it would be far more impactful and valuable for you, to instead, select some key keepers. Short, powerful winning ways. The kinda stuff, you can take action on, now!

So here goes:

 Life and business are about choice. So when you hear, see or read about ideas or strategies to help you grow and prosper, you can either ignore or implement them. Erase or embrace them. Or anything in between. The choice is yours!

 Success starts with YOU: your choices, your beliefs and your behaviors.

 If you want to make more, you need to do more. So start doing things differently.

 If you want to sell more, you need to think more. So start thinking differently.

 The real responsibility or accountability for your success, starts with you. It's way too easy to blame “the economy,” “picky prospects” or “conniving customers”— which is what predictors of doom and gloom, naysayers and critics do.

 Today, customers are making decisions. Deals are getting done. Money is being made. So what will you do, to make sure those decisions, deals and sales are with you?

 Eliminate moans and groans. Eradicate complaints and whimpers. Remove bellyaches and gripes. Stop whining, start selling! (Hmm, that's a catchy title for a book!)

 What one thing could you do once a day, or one more time a day, that would have a significant impact on your life or your business?

 What role do referrals play in your pipeline?

 What are you going to do to increase your expertise, industry knowledge, product knowledge or sales knowledge?

 How can you provide greater value to your market or your territory? Your prospects or your clients?

 What impact would one more daily call to a customer, client, or prospect, have upon your business and your earnings?

 Attitude without action, is merely frustration.

 You're compensated for results, not intent. Grandiose plans are wonderful, yet let your results inform the world. Get to it and do it!

 Only control those factors over which you have control. Stop worrying about the rest.

 You have to deepen and strengthen relationships with current or prospective clients.

 Discover whether or not your current customer, client or prospect has: A problem to solve. A need to fill. Or a dream or goal to realize. And if one of these three doesn't exist, you don't have a prospect. You've got a suspect. So know, the only way you can determine what their interest is, what their desire is, what their challenge is—is by asking intelligent questions or power probes.

 If you want to truly demonstrate, (especially initially), your expertise, credibility, knowledge and reliability, it's going to happen more through the questions you ask versus the statements you make. Because those questions, will demonstrate your ability to help someone else improve their condition and attain a more favorable future.

 A feature or a fact is just that—it's what something is. What you need to focus on, is what your product or service does for your decision-maker. What are the: Results. Benefits. Advantages. And outcomes it delivers.

And here's a series of nine short success strategies:

Strategy 1: Adapt and apply this four-step revenue-generating approach:

Step 1: Ask a question that helps your decision-maker identify a challenge, an issue, a problem or even a goal, objective or dream.

Step 2: Tell them a quick “tale of triumph” or “success story” about how you helped another ecstatic customer or client, solve a similar problem or achieve the same or similar goal.

Step 3: Share specific anecdotes, numbers, metrics, percentages or stats about the impact of your solution.

Step 4: Ask your decision-maker, “What impact would results like these have upon i.e., your business? Your life? Your family?”

Strategy 2: Remember to REMEMBER: Referrals Every Moment, Every Month, Bring Excellent Results!

What's your cost of acquisition for a new customer? Tens, hundreds, or even thousands of dollars?

The good news about a referral introduction, is your cost of acquisition for that new customer or client is nothing. It's zip. Nada. Bupkus. And all you've gotta do, is ask!

Your customers or clients have already proven to you, the value they perceive in you. How? Well, they know you, like you and trust you. And they prove it, every time they pay you!

Strategy 3: Know that—your past success doesn't guarantee future success, it's merely an influencer.

Strategy 4: When people whine, whimper and complain, the questions are: “What are you going to do about it?” / “What are you going to do to get out of the morass and mediocrity, to pursue the opportunity and possibility?” / “What are you willing to do differently?”

In football, teams may alter their game plan. Pilots are continually altering their route, making minor changes because of chop or turbulence.

And in this current state of being, there may be chop and turbulence. So the question becomes, “What will intelligent business leaders and salespeople do to prepare, to become more valuable and more meaningful, to their customers and clients?”

Strategy 5: Be patient. Change doesn't happen overnight. It takes time. So as much as you'd like to have a quick return or rapid reward, sometimes it ain't gonna happen in 24 or 48 hours. It might take a month. A quarter. Or longer. Hang in. Stay positive. Stay strong. Stay focused.

Strategy 6: Your integrity is a non-negotiable. You're a walking, talking billboard for your company. If one person in your company chooses to engage in something that's unethical, it could jeopardize your entire organization.

When Sales & Marketing Management Magazine called me, to do a story on ethics and selling, the journalist asked, “Hey Jeff, what do you do if one of your top producers lies or submits a doctored expense report, or is unethical with customers?”

I asked, “Is that really the question?” She said, “Yes.”

I replied, “Okay, here's what you do: (pause) Fire them!”

And I was done.

She said, “Umm, I’ve got a 700-word limit. Can you give me something else?”

I asked, “Oh, okay, you need more words?” She said, “Yes, I need more words.” I replied, “Fire them, NOW!”

Strategy 7: You can be proactive, that's okay. You can be persistent, that's okay. Yet never manipulate another human being into making a decision. That only gets you the short, fleeting, quick hit. You're in this game for the long-term. Therefore, your reputation will rise above riches. Your reputation must reign supreme.

Strategy 8: When trust is high, fear is low. When people know they can trust you, they'll buy from you. They'll recommend you and refer you. And then they'll buy from you, recommend you and refer you...

Again. And again. And again...

Strategy 9: And most important, it's not what you know, it's what you DO!

 

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT ON HOW TO DRIVE YOUR SUCCESS:

To learn more about the importance of trust and the significance of asking great questions, please take a peek at this short video clip: (1:28)

https://tinyurl.com/BlackmanDriveSuccess

• • • • •

 
Want to see how Jeff helped one client drive results?
Please take a peek at this video, where Chris Randall, CEO of Ultra Risk Advisors, talks about Jeff's positive and powerful impact on his team:
 
To explore how Jeff can help you and your team drive results—with speaking, training, coaching, consulting and ongoing reinforcment—in-person or VIRTUAL, please contact Sheryl Kantor at: [email protected] or 847.998.0688
 
 
 
COFFEE BREAK FOR THE MIND®
 
Your cup of inspiration,   reflection and laughter!
 
 

CANINE COUTOURE!

When my older sister Linda got married in 1981, family and friends celebrated at a downtown Chicago hotel.

However, Oliver, our eight-pound black poodle wasn't on the guest list. Tammie, my younger sister, and I—thought this was an unfortunate oversight.

So weeks before the wedding, armed with white and black material, rhinestone buttons and silver sequins—Tammie and I visited a family friend who was a seamstress.

Our request, “Please make Oliver a tuxedo with tails!”

On Linda's wedding day, I snuck Oliver into the hotel. Then, after the ceremony, I released him to wander the reception area, so he could snack on appetizers and umm...flowers!

Oliver looked resplendent in his tux. Guests loved it. My mom was fuming!

However, between the end of the reception and the start of dinner, mom "lost" Oliver. She was frantic.

Now, Tammie and I could have told mom—that we knew Oliver was hiding at our feet beneath the head table, but we didn't. How come?

Because, it was too much fun watching mom scurry about the hotel in her flowing formal gown, asking strangers...

“Excuse me, have you seen a black poodle…in a white tuxedo?!”

 

FASHION FLARE!

My 91-year-old mom, Sallie—is rockin' with pandemic polka dot panache!

 

WEATHER WEIRDNESS!

There's nothing funny about a hurricane. However, their names can be somewhat ironic. The final three Atlantic storm names for 2020, (before using the Greek alphabet), were Sally, Teddy and Vicky.

And here's what's bizarre: As you now know, my mom's name is Sallie. One of her brothers, was Teddy. And Uncle Teddy, was married to Vickie!

 

A TASTY SLICE & A SIX SIGMA SIX PACK

For a double dose of inspiration and knowledge, please take a peek at our latest blog posts:

https://www.jeffblackman.com/a-tasty-slice/

https://www.jeffblackman.com/six-sigma-six-pack/

And of course, you're welcome to become a blog subscriber too!

Coffee Break for the Mind is a registered trademark of Blackman & Associates, LLC

To make a Coffee Break for the Mind submission when you see or hear something funny, quirky or offbeat, please send it to: [email protected]

Looking for the ideal gift for yourself or others—to make the rest of 2020 a time for dramatic growth and success, then please head to Amazon for the new 5th edition of the bestselling Peak Your Profits:

https://tinyurl.com/BlackmanPeakYourProfits5

You can't buy happiness, but you can buy books—and that's kind of the same thing!
     - Unknown
 
Thanks to each you, who forward The Results Report to your teammates, peers, friends, family, customers and connections. With each issue, this literally happens thousands of times. And we're grateful. If you'd like to save a step, please send us the email addresses of those special folks you forward it to, as well as others you think would enjoy each issue. Then we'll add 'em to our virtual family. Plus, let them know it was your idea. Thanks!
 
 
 
MEET JEFF |Jeff helps you win BIG in today's competitive marketplace. His high-energy and high-content messages deliver immediate take-home value, growth and results for you and your team. Whether he works with you once in a dynamic keynote or once-a-month in an ongoing coaching and learning-system, he helps you drive relationships, revenue, profits, results and rewards. Jeff is singularly focused on helping you achieve and surpass your desired outcomes. And you're even protected by Jeff's incredible No-Risk Assurance.
 
JEFF BLACKMAN'S RESULTS TV | WATCH JEFF
 
RIGHT FOLKS, RIGHT RESULTS |What's driving current or prospective members of your team? Your salespeople? Service 
                                                    pros? And leaders? What causes them to produce, lead or loaf? What motivates them to attain, or not attain, new levels of success? What direction are they headed? Where do you want their journey to go? How valuable would it be, if you had the answers to these questions? Well now you can!
 
AUDIO EXCERPTS | Listen to powerful excerpts from Jeff's audio growth tools, CDs or interviews. | LISTEN NOW
 
 
 
SUCCESS STORIES
 
"Jeff, the feedback is the best I've received in 9 years of coordinating our Forward meetings. You scored a Grand Slam! Thank you for doing such a great job, in preparing and motivating our team."
 
David Wallach President
Barclay Street Real Estate
 
 
"At DUKAL we have an experienced team, exposed for many years to individuals and speakers who can help us. Yet when Jeff Blackman spoke, (a half-day results-session with reinforcement), I received comments like, 'Awesome!' 'Highly impactful!' 'Learned things I never knew, even after 25 years of selling.' 'I'll now take a different direction on how I present our value and work with customers.' and much more. Jeff's attention-to-detail and fact-gathering, made him better prepared in learning about our culture and team—than any previous speaker. And it showed! I highly recommend Jeff as an impact-player who can make any individual or company better!"
 
Gerry LoDuca President
DUKAL Corp.
 
 
"From the moment we met Jeff, he was interested in knowing our business at a fundamental level. He spent multiple sessions with our team, learning our merger challenges, interviewing customers and suppliers, and tailoring his 'change' message. He then set our conference tone with a fantastic kick-off. I highly recommend Jeff to anyone looking to launch a new initiative or jump-start their organization wiht new energy and direction. We value his hard work and preparation and were thrilled with his presentation."
 
Paul Dean Executive Vice President
LBM Advantage
 
 
Please click the following link, to see a
video testimonial from CEO-Chris Randall,
of Ultra Risk Advisors:
 
 
 
 
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Thanks for being a valued member of our virtual family! Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated. Plus, we value your feedback. The Results Report is read by loyal subscribers like you, in 58 countries. While 2020 has brought unique challenges, it ain't over! Continue to: Plan. Prioritize. Profit. Now and into next year. Action drives your results!
 
 
 
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© 2020 Blackman & Associates, LLC
2130 Warwick Lane • Glenview, Illinois 60026
[email protected]
phone: 847.998.0688 fax: 847.998.0675
 
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