I’ve heard of a few creative names, but I recently connected with a guy who exudes a certain style and creativity. I’ve known about him and have seen him in passing, but never knew what he was passionate about. As I was out one day at a restaurant, I saw this guy named Swift. We both nodded a greeting, and later he came over to speak to me, and we determined very quickly that we both love music creation. I use it in my work and he is a producer. Now that we’ve gotten to know each other, I asked him where the name Swift came from and what it stands for. He told me that his mother named him Swift, and it stands for Success Will Indeed Follow Tragedy. As a speaker and coach, this moved me as a power concept. This past year for many people was, and this new year will be, a year of personal tragedy. I do believe that success follows tragedy. Whenever I’m down, and I mean down, I realize the most important thing is that there is nowhere to go but up!
A Man Named Swift
March 7th, 2011Focus Tip of the Week
February 28th, 2011Focus plus effort equals results. Why do we lose focus? It’s an interesting combination, but simply put, our thoughts are in the wrong place. Our thoughts drive our ability to achieve goals and actions. The way we think can push us to opportunity or it can close the door to opportunity. Every second, hour and minute counts when it comes to goals. When we watch our favorite sports teams, we have high expectations for their focus and effort. We get angry when they fail to win against teams that we believe they should beat.
If you believe you deserve to be successful, focus on improving your game with perfect daily practice. Chip away each day during your primetime, by eliminating all distractions. No one thing or person should stop you from achieving your success, but you must zero in on your goals.
Remember, every second, minute, hour, day, week and month counts. They all add value to your success equation, and once they are gone, you can’t make them up.
Robert Van Arlen Speaks – Business Clubs of America
February 18th, 2011On February 22nd, I will be speaking to some of the most successful CEOs and business owners in the state of Arizona. BCA is a well-known organization that helps their members stay on top of the latest techniques to grow in their markets. I’m excited about this opportunity and look forward to igniting BCA with a highly engaging program.
Exploit Your Differences
February 14th, 2011If you are in sales, the bottom line is to exploit your differences. What makes you a stand-out? If you have any sort of competition, they are attempting to be different than you. My friend, Seth Joyner, former NFL player, states it this way: “If you’re not getting better, your competition is definitely looking for ways to improve.” The question is, why did you get in the business or career you are in? What do you want to get out of the business? How can you become a specialist who is an expert at their craft? You have to look at what you are doing and develop a differentiation plan.
Robert Van Arlen Speaks – Senior Advisory Group
February 3rd, 2011On February 9th, I will be speaking to 50 financial advisors on how to build their practices with both Focus and Engagement. Professional financial advisors are in the business of building relationships. I will introduce techniques to build meaningful immediate relationships with their prospective clients. I will also be introducing my new goal-setting process to keep them focused.
Never Go Blank During a Sales Cycle
January 31st, 2011If you are in sales, the bottom-line is never go a day, week or month without selling something. This is defined by your sales cycle. If you have an immediate sales cycle, you need to close business daily. If you have a slightly longer sales cycle, each week will get you there or you will close business multiple times per week. If you are closing big ticket items that produce over $10,000 in income for each sale, you should never go blank in a month. There are those who sell for companies that may have sales cycles that go for months, so whatever your period is, you have to post something during that period. The key is to never miss a cycle period. When you do, it turns a great week or month into an average one.
Focus 2011
January 27th, 2011My message this year is simple, and that is focus. I have been coaching numerous individuals over the past year, and I’ve found that a common critical issue is a lack of focus. There is always an opportunity to do other things that are exciting, but if they are not what you need for financial resources, let them go. I’ve learned that lesson myself. Distractions are goal killers. Focus is a goal igniter. Write out your focus plan for 2011. This involves everything you need to do to be the best at your practice. Think of it this way — would you go to a doctor or lawyer who was not focused? We love experts and specialists, so become an expert yourself.
Robert Van Arlen is a motivational speaker, author and strategic business coach. He uses music to inspire and engage audiences during keynote speeches. Robert also provides strategic coaching to individuals and businesses worldwide. To contact Robert Van Arlen, call (480) 767-7974.
You Never Know Who You’ll Meet!
January 11th, 2011Approximately two years ago, I met my father after a 40 year separation. Little did I know that I would one day meet my sister. For the past two years, we have been talking, catching up by phone as if we’d known each other for years. She is 28, so I guess I’m not the baby! The really cool thing is that she is coming to Arizona to give a speech–two speakers in the family. I’m so proud to have a sister that is both an academic and an entertainer. Amber is a recording artist with a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Management. Exciting times! You never know what life will bring, so expect the unexpected and embrace it.
The Power of the 10 Days
December 21st, 2010Every sales professional in every industry has the opportunity to win in the last 10 days. It’s funny because I always hear that no one is going to be around during the holidays. Games are won and lost during the 4th quarter, and it’s based on attitude. I’ve had the opportunity to lead national sales teams in both the US and Canada, and I can assure you that the best will take a few days off, but will make sure they’ve sought out every opportunity. Someone who is your perspective client or customer is working during the holiday season. I can also assure you that they are going to be more focused, because of fewer interruptions. Your fans deserve the best performance you can give. Remember every second counts, and we still have a few more to work with this year.
The Greatest Gift Is You!
December 20th, 2010Over the next few days, as we close out 2010, most of us have been scrambling to make those last-minute purchases. I recently had lunch with a friend of mine who is not going to be able to buy anything for their family. They are very happy and believe they have had a great year. I asked him why he was so enthusiastic about life, and he responded, “The Greatest Gift is Ourselves.” He stated that ,although he is not able to buy things, he is able to do things.