Help Our Troops to Accomplish Their Goals!

While we enjoy our freedom today, thousands of our young men and women are overseas serving our country. Many have left their families behind to fulfill their orders and to fight the war on terror. Regardless of your opinion of the war, there is no doubt that our troops need help! In addition to the hardships of being at war, the length of their deployments have been increasing, placing an even greater level of stress on our service members, their spouses, and their children. The divorce and suicide rates for our military members are too high.

In addition to their unique struggles, many veterans return home with significant physical and mental challenges. I have seen, first-hand, the challenges faced by our troops. As a keynote speaker at many pre-deployment events for our service members and their spouses, I have listened intensely as they described their difficulties to me. They struggle in ways that most people will never experience.

Our military leaders understand the importance of keeping their troops focused on their personal goals, especially while they are deployed. However, staying focused on your goals is not that simple, especially when you are in a combat zone. After all, most of us stop moving toward our goals as soon as their is a slight ripple in the water. Imagine trying to stay on track with your goals as bullets whiz by!

As a former U.S. Marine, I speak to our troops and their families about the goal-setting strategies in my book, The GOAL Formula. But I can only reach so many of them at military-sponsored events. I am committed to reaching more of our service members. With your help, we can reach them all.

In addition to speaking to our military, I speak with a lot of civilians who want to give back to our troops. Wearing yellow ribbons and waving the flag is a start, but very few people actually take action to “support” those who put their lives on the line – each day! Most Americans want to do something, but often do not know what to do to support out troops. Now, we can all take GREAT action to help support the men and women of our military!

I have launched OPERATION GOAL FORMULA to help our troops to accomplish their goals. Individuals, businesses, and organizations can buy copies of my book, The GOAL Formula, at a discount, and we will have them sent to our troops via care packages. As the holidays approach, help us to deliver a powerful tool to our troops!

Each book includes a message to the service member, from the person who bought the book. It also provides the service member with a way to write back! We have already started to ship books to our troops! Help our troops to stay focused on their goals. This week – take action!

Here’s how you can participate in OPERATION GOAL FORMULA:

1. Buy a Book for a Hero: Order copies of The GOAL Formula and we will send it to our troops via care packages: http://www.thinkgreat90.com/index.php/solutions/operation-goal-formula

1. Go to our Facebook page and give us a “Like”: http://www.facebook.com/Operation.Goal.Formula

1. Spread the word – tell as many people as you can!

If you are a business owner, become a sponsor of OPERATION GOAL FORMULA. Your company logo will be posted on our website and printed on our literature – E-mail us for more info.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our heroes.

Think GREAT,

Erik Therwanger

3-D Sales

Every business and every organization want the same thing – greater results. Is it time for you, your group, and/or your team to achieve greater results? I have sold many different products in many different industries, and I have learned a valuable lesson – selling is not always easy! Your desire will play a critical role in your ability to accomplish your sales goals.

A sales professional without desire is like an engine without fuel. Even the best vehicle will fail to perform, when it is lacking the necessary fuel. An idle engine creates no movement. Your sales efforts need momentum, not only to get things started, but to keep things moving. A deeper desire yields a more powerful fuel.

Being a salesperson is a lot like being a professional athlete. While both fields have the potential for an amazing income, the best salespeople and athletes focus on more than just money. Having the desire to win, they are willing to do what it takes to accomplish their goal.

Although most superstars typically do not have a desire to practice, they do possess a strong desire to win. Football players desire to win the Super Bowl. Baseball players desire to win the World Series. Olympians desire to win the gold medal.

Most salespeople desire to win, too. They desire what a successful sales career will bring them: lifestyle, security, freedom, etc. Many people do
not have a desire to sell. This is not a bad thing. It is a reality. People get excited to close big sales and understandably so, but that is not what they
are truly passionate about. Passion is always deeper than a paycheck. If the depth of your desire does not exceed your wallet, it is highly unlikely
that your earnings will ever exceed your expectations.

I have seen people get excited when they make a big sale or when they lock in a high–volume client. And I have seen the spark in their eyes when
they receive valuable referrals. That is excitement! But that excitement would quickly fade if there was no financial gain. Why? True desire is not
about money. Those with the greatest results focus on much more than just their commissions.

To succeed in sales, you must be able to distinguish between excitement and desire. A successful sales career must have a high level of excitement
while a 3–dimensional sales career must also have a high level of desire. People get excited about the money they earn because it brings them closer to their desires – their goals.

Today, identify three sales goals that will provide you with the motivation you need!

My next blog in this series will discuss Determination.

Please leave a comment and forward this blog to a friend. For more information about 3-D Sales or Think GREAT, please visit our website: www.thinkgreat90.com

Sell With a Purpose,

Erik

I found an opportunity in the financial services industry. I knew nothing about sales, but I needed to sell! Over the years, I developed a 3-Dimensional approach to selling that allowed me to become a top producer and recruiter in the financial services industry, become the vice president of a post production company, and develop clients for my company Think GREAT.

My experience in the Marine Corps may not have directly trained me for sales, but it enhanced my ability to become a 3-Dimensional Sales Leader. In my book, 3-D Sales, I lay out, in great detail, three crucial components designed to change your perception of selling and enable you to experience new levels of success:

1. Learn the 3 Ds of Selling: Desire – Determination – Decisions
2. Understand how to Keep Your Sales Gears Turning
3. Discover that The More You Know, the More You Grow

I have found that the great success does not come from your sales skills, but rather your people skills. Unfortunately, sales people tend to focus only on their clients – hoping to sell to them and earn a commission. Well, after all, that’s the objective. But they tend to overlook a very important person in their business – themselves.

You already possess everything you need to start taking your results to the next level. Having a strong desire will help you to create a crystal-clear vision of what you need. Exhibiting a powerful determination will enhance your ability to stay the course with your sales goals. And making great decisions will open up opportunities to create the career you dream about.

As you focus on the 3 Ds of Selling, you will change your perception of yourself, your clients, and your success. Over the next few weeks, I will highlight each chapter of my book, 3-D Sales, in this blog series: Becoming a 3-Dimensional Sales Leader! My next blog in this series will discuss Desire.

Please leave a comment and forward this blog to a friend. For more information about 3-D Sales or Think GREAT, please visit our website: www.thinkgreat90.com

Sell With a Purpose,

Erik

Although my tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps ended in 1991, I have never stopped “serving.” I have been a civilian for 20 years now, but it is always my greatest pleasure to help make a difference in the lives of our military service members and their families.

This weekend, I will be participating in an amazing event in Minnesota, hosted by the Beyond The Yellow Ribbon organization. The BTYR (South Of The River) group is hosting a Military Appreciation Day on Sep 10, at Lion’s Park in Shakopee.

There will be foods, games, and entertainment. All at no cost! Everyone is encouraged to attend: military personnel and their families, and anyone else who wants to come out, have some fun, and show their support for our troops.

I will be joined by dozens of members of the BTYR, who have committed themselves to giving so much of themselves to our troops. Giving back in this way, not only makes me feel great, but it is in complete alignment with the foundation of my book, The GOAL Formula.

I am a firm believer that putting the needs of others at the forefront of your life, will help you to experience a greater life as well. As the new year gets closer, we all have many important goals that we would like to accomplish. This weekend, take some time to show your support for our troops by coming out and participating in our great event. If you’re not in Minnesota, there are other opportunities to show your support in your backyard!

For more information on this event, or how you can support our troops in your area, e-mail me at erik@thinkgreat90.com.

www.thinkgreat90.com

My background may have not prepared me for a career in sales. I served in the U.S. Marine Corps, went to film school, and finally ended up working in the entertainment industry. I could not imagine that I would ever be in “sales.”

Ten months after I was married, my wife was diagnosed with cancer. Needing to dedicate as much time as possible to being her caregiver, I left the entertainment industry and found an opportunity to make money in the financial services industry. This position would also allow me to control my schedule. It seemed like a great idea. The only drawback was that I would be selling and I would be 100% paid on commissions!

But I had much on the line. I quickly passed the tests to become licensed and I “tried” to sell. It seemed much easier than it actually was. I struggled. But I developed a proven method of developing new clients and exceeding the expectations of existing clients. I became a top producer and recruiter. I eventually returned to the entertainment industry, become the vice-president of a post production facility, and built a team that would generate over $25,000,000 in sales.

Now, I run my own company (Think GREAT) and I use those same techniques to build my business and to help other to increase their sales performance. In my book, 3-D Sales, I identify the essential components for an effective sales operation, an efficient sales team, and exceptional sales results.

This is the economy for great growth. Yes, this is the economy you want to build your business. An economy like this quickly weeds out your mediocre competition and allows you the opportunity to shine. The real question is “Will you turn on the light?”

Whether you sell by yourself, are part of a team, or you run a sales department, you can transform your performance into a 3-Dimensional success story. If I’ve peaked your interest, visit my website: www.thinkgreat90.com.

My next blog post, will break down the fist component of becoming a 3-Dimensional Sales Professional: The 3-Ds of Selling:

Desire
Determination
Decisions

Sell With a Purpose,

Erik Therwanger

This past week, I had the unique opportunity to leave Agoura Hills and attend a special workshop at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego. For five days, we witnessed the intense training that the new recruits receive as they are transformed into United States Marines.

We also had the privilege of visiting Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Camp Pendleton to meet with Marines who are serving our nation in a wide-array of job duties: pilots, mechanics, infantrymen, etc.

We also had the opportunity to speak to the recruits; the young men who are currently going through the intense training. It was great to hear their insights into serving our our country. Most were only eighteen years old.
It was great to be back at boot camp. It certainly brought back many memories – and some flashbacks of being yelled at by my Drill Instructors!
When I enlisted, it was during a time of peace. Yes, the first Gulf War did occur during my tour of duty, but I wanted to point out that all of the brave men and women who choose to serve our country today, do so during a time of war.

My hat goes off to everyone in our armed services who have taken a stand to protect our great nation, even if it means going into harm’s way. Agoura Hills is not a “military” town, like San Diego is, so you may not encounter our troops on a daily basis. But when you do, be sure to let them know how grateful you are for their service.

Respectfully,
Erik Therwanger
www.thinkgreat90.com

Needless to say, I am excited to speak with them. My discussion will revolve heavily around my new book, The GOAL Formula. I will be sharing my strategies and techniques about goal-setting with the most elite military organization in our nation – in our world! In fact, the Marine Corps has been successfully handling business since 1775. They are older than our country!

Wow, what an honor to be training our Marines! Then I started to think about it. The Corps has been successfully achieving their mission for over 235 years and yet, they are still focused on the developing the key component to achieving greater results – accomplishing goals!

Everyone wants to experience greater results and more success – in their personal and professional lives. Although the Marine Corps sees the benefits of goals, you don’t have to be a Marine to accomplish them.

Are you focused on specific, life-changing  goals right now? Isn’t it interesting that the first quarter of 2011 is almost over and most people have not resolved their New Year’s Resolutions? Accomplishing goals, even huge goals, is not easy, but it is simple. If it were easy, there would be no need to set the same resolutions every year, we would just automatically accomplish them.

No, accomplishing goals is not easy, especially when you are faced with challenging circumstances. But you can use a simple formula, The GOAL Formula, to stay on track – no matter what circumstances you face.

To learn more about The GOAL Formula, visit my website: www.thinkgreat90.com

Turn your goals into realities,

Erik

With the right job, you can increase your chances of accomplishing other goals. If your job pays better, you can accomplish the goal of eliminating debt, saving more money, or enjoying more of what life has to offer. If your job helps to fulfill your greater purpose, you can experience a greater peace of mind, knowing that you are doing something with a higher cause.

As a Goal Coach, I am constantly asked to help people identify if a new job should be one of their goals for the New Year. Here are five basic things to consider when looking for a “new” job to help improve your life:

1. Does the company have a greater purpose? Most businesses are here to make money, plain and simple. But some businesses, with visionary leaders, focus on doing more. Look for a company that gives back to its team and/or the community. Some businesses take an active role in charity events, community projects, and team development.

2. Does the company have a great team? No matter what products and services the company offers, it will always be defined by the caliber of its team. Look for a company with happy team members and solid leaders.

3. Does the company listen? There is nothing worse than feeling like you are just a number, especially when you have something great to say. Not all companies are open to input from its ranks, but many companies place an emphasis on constant communication with its team members. Look for a company that has an open ear to its team.

4. Does the company help me to grow? In a fast-moving world, the most dangerous thing to your career is standing still – not learning. Look for a company that promotes internal training, both on the technical side of your industry and the personal side.

5. Does the company pay people what they’re worth? Sometimes, you may have to start out at an entry-level position, just to get your foot in the door. But it may be worth it, if you can see the opportunity behind the door. Be careful of a high starting pay rate, if there is little or no room for growth. Look for a company that is growing and allows its team to grow with it.

See you in 2011!

Erik

Everyone wants to succeed in sales, but not everyone “needs” to. A want is a wish; a need is a desire. I have discovered that people tend to get what they need, not what they want. A thirsty man does not want a drink of water, a thirsty man needs it. The difference between a want and a need is what will guarantee your success.   

I made the choice to develop a career in sales out of desperation, not preparation. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer, time was of the essence. She immediately was placed on disability and I could not afford to commute to and from work. I searched for opportunities to earn money and control my schedule. I had very few options. As I narrowed down my choices, I realized that a sales job would best suit our circumstances.

I did not have a background in sales, or experience in the financial services industry, but I had a ton of desire. I was determined to make this “sales thing” work. I did not want it to work; I needed it to work! At this stage, I was more concerned with survival. I needed to earn money to put food on the table. I figured that I would focus on success later. Right now, I needed results.

As I tapped into the burning desire I had to make my sales career work, I soon realized that my needs had to go deeper than just making money. Yes, the desire to earn more money is crucial to elevating your sales results, but it cannot be your only motivating factor. If all you are after is the money, your clients will sense that.

Given the choice between working with a sales rep, focused only on the payout, or working with a sales rep, focused on your best interests, who would you choose? Exactly! So will your potential clients. Clients will always choose a 3-D sales rep over a 2-D sales rep.

To become a 3-D sales professional, your desire must incorporate the following:

1. The desire to earn more money
2. The desire to achieve a greater life
3. The desire to help your clients achieve a greater life

Most people believe that there is one mysterious sales strategy or technique that will solve all of their problems. Their perception of selling is one-dimensional and it dramatically limits their ability to consistently succeed. To experience a new level of success, you must become 3 dimensional.

Why change the way you are doing things to become 3-D? Well, do you want your clients to perceive you as 2-D? By changing my perception of selling, I not only experienced a new level of success in sales, but I experienced a new level of success in life. I dramatically increased my income, bought my first home, purchased rental properties, wrote multiple books, found my greater purpose, and launched my own company.

So, you’re asking yourself, what is the answer to the question? What is the one thing you can do to increase your sales? The answer is simple. The one thing you can do to increase your sales is to do understand that there is not just one thing to do. Effective selling is only achieved by doing everything required to make the sale, keep it on the books, and retain your client. To excel at something, you must first define it.

Let’s take a look at what “selling” really is. Selling is an exchange; plain and simple. Even if you perceive your job as “just collecting a paycheck,” you are exchanging your services for their money. Every day, you sell your company on keeping you and they sell you on staying. If they perceive a better value in someone else, you may be out of a job. If you perceive a better value in another company, they may be out an employee. 

Becoming a 3 Dimensional sales professional is all about adding depth to who you are and what you have to offer – not what you are selling. I am often told that selling is “tough.” When I first started my career in sales, I probably would have agreed. Now, I am more certain than ever, that selling is not tough, it is T.U.F. You need to Be TUF to sell.

Your Clients Must:    

T - Trust You

U - Understand You

F - Follow You