How to Master Both the Sales Process and the Sales Cycle
Imagine this: Your sales team nails the pitch, the proposal is perfect, yet the deal stalls. Emails go unanswered. Approvals drag. The quarter ends and the deal slips. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In today’s business landscape, 74% of B2B deals take four months or more to close. Buyers are informed, competitors are aggressive, and expectations are constantly shifting. This VUCA environment has rewritten the rules of selling. Charisma and persistence are no longer enough. Deals aren’t won by who talks the loudest—they’re won by those who understand the mechanics behind every stage of the sale and know how to strategically manage both the sales process and the buyer’s journey. The Two Forces That Drive Sales Performance Sales today is not just about closing. It’s about mastering two interconnected forces: Companies that master both forces gain a clear competitive edge. They don’t just build predictable pipelines—they create scalable, sustainable growth. Those that ignore the balance? Deals stall, revenue slows, and competitors take the lead. Why Many Teams Confuse the Two Many sales teams confuse the sales process with the sales cycle. They treat them as if they’re interchangeable,but they’re not. You can have the most beautifully documented sales process—complete with stages, scripts, and KPIs—but if your team is unable to adapt to the buyer’s decision-making timeline, deals stall. Proposals sit unread. Momentum disappears. The reverse is equally risky: relying too heavily on star performers. These “natural closers” may win big deals using intuition and relationships, but their success isn’t scalable nor sustainable. New hires struggle, leadership lacks accurate forecasts, and growth stagnates. Let’s take a look at Allbound’s story. A fast-growing SaaS provider, they faced a challenge familiar to many sales teams: despite having a talented team and a documented five-stage sales process, deals kept stalling. Their average sales cycle stretched to 92 days, forecasting was unreliable, and leadership struggled to predict revenue. The issue wasn’t effort—the team followed the playbook precisely—but the process didn’t reflect buyer reality. Enterprise clients involved multiple stakeholders, lengthy procurement approvals, and shifting internal priorities, making the rigid process ineffective. To address this, Allbound decided to rethink how its team sold. They embraced the science of the selling process—clear steps, consistent qualification, structured follow-ups—but combined it with the art of the sales cycle—moving in rhythm with buyers, adapting to their priorities and timing. Instead of relying solely on static scripts, they implemented advanced tools to gain real-time buyer insights, adopting an insights-based selling approach that surfaced what actually mattered in each conversation. This shift gave Allbound’s managers unprecedented visibility into deal health. They could identify bottlenecks early, coach reps on objection-handling with data rather than guesswork, and ensure qualification steps were standardised without losing flexibility. Reps were empowered to tailor their approach to each stage of the buyer’s journey while still operating within a repeatable framework. Deals no longer felt like “pushing” buyers through a funnel but rather guiding them naturally along their decision path. The results spoke for themselves. Sales cycles dropped from 92 days to just 16. Forecasting accuracy improved by 85%, win rates doubled, and onboarding time for new reps fell by 40%. Customer acquisition costs declined as deals progressed with less friction. More importantly, Allbound created something scalable: a system where every rep—not just top performers—could succeed because process and cycle were aligned. It’s proof that when the science of process meets the art of the sales cycle, sales excellence happens. Deals close faster, forecasts become more reliable, and customer relationships deepen because buyers feel understood and guided—not pressured. This balance of structure and adaptability turned Allbound’s sales motion into a predictable, sustainable growth engine. The Science of Selling: The Sales Process In today’s data-driven market, successful sales teams don’t just rely on instinct—they rely on structure as well. A well-defined sales process is more than just a checklist; it’s the foundation of a high-performing sales organization. It provides clarity, consistency, and repeatability, transforming selling from a game of chance into a predictable science. At its core, the sales process is a step-by-step framework that guides prospects from the first interaction to the signed deal, answering critical questions like: Why the Sales Process Matters Research from Harvard Business Review shows that companies with a documented sales process achieve up to 28% higher revenue growth compared to those without one. Yet only 46% of sales teams report having a clearly defined process in place. Without structure, sales teams operate like pilots without a flight plan—leading to longer cycles, inconsistent results, and unpredictable forecasts. Case Study: TTMS’s Sales Process Reinvention TTMS is a mid-sized organization in the life sciences sector that found itself growing fast, but with major frictions in how it sold. Sales reps were operating independently, customer data was fragmented, leads were being lost in the pipeline, and forecasting was unreliable. Leadership realized that despite having talent, growth was being bottlenecked by a lack of structure. To fix this, TTMS embarked on a sales process reinvention project. They worked closely with their sales, operations, and marketing teams to map what “good selling” should look like at each stage—from lead capture to deal close—and codified that as their new standard sales process. Key changes included clearly defining each stage (lead → opportunity → closed won/lost), assigning explicit responsibilities (who does what when), introducing structured follow-ups and activity reminders, strengthening cross-department communication so nothing slipped through gaps, and building dashboards that let managers see pipeline and stage-by-stage conversion metrics in real time. The results were striking after they rolled out the updated process. Lead loss decreased significantly because every lead was tracked and followed up according to the process. Pipeline visibility improved, enabling leadership to spot issues (like a stage where many deals stalled) and intervene quickly. Forecasting reliability increased, giving the company better confidence in quarterly planning. Yet having a well-defined process is only half the equation. To turn consistency into real wins, sales teams must also embrace the art of selling — aligning with the buyer’s rhythm and adapting to
Extend Your Impact: The Final 4 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders
Ever wonder why some teams click and outputs flow like clockwork, yet others scramble and stumble? The difference isn’t skill—it’s connection, communication, and trust. In The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders, the message is clear: great leadership extends beyond self. Research shows that emotionally intelligent leaders contribute to a 20% improvement in team engagement and performance. When leaders lead with empathy, accountability, and purpose, they create a ripple effect. They don’t just build strong teams—they elevate people, culture, and outcomes. That’s the true mark of self-extension. Previously, we have covered 2 categories of these 12 principles. The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders are grouped into three core categories: Today, we will be covering the last category — Living which consists of: Let’s explore them one by one. Principle 9: Be Accountable From the Living Principles: Self-Extension “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” — Maya Angelou Owning Up, Not Running Away Taking ownership isn’t always easy. When work feels chaotic or life gets overwhelming, it’s tempting to deflect, stay silent, or point fingers. But accountability is a hallmark of maturity—and a key trait of trusted leaders and teammates. When there’s a misunderstanding, a missed deadline, or something just doesn’t go right—own it. Say it plainly. Acknowledge the gap. Then take stock of what you could’ve done differently. Learn. Adapt. Move on. You don’t need to beat yourself up, but you do need to take responsibility. This willingness to step up instead of pointing fingers demonstrates character. It tells people, “I keep my word. You can count on me.” There’s a huge difference between saying, “It’s not finished,” and “I haven’t finished it.” The latter reflects honesty and personal responsibility. The former is evasive. People who lack ownership and accountability often deflect, deny, or delay. They protect their ego in the short term, but erode their credibility in the long run. On the other hand, people who embrace responsibility tend to grow faster, strengthen relationships, and lead with integrity. Owning your part doesn’t make you weak—it makes you trustworthy. And in any team, that’s the foundation of real respect and long-term success. Why Accountability Is a Force Multiplier When we practice accountability, big shifts start to happen: The opposite? Blame, complaining, and excuse-making—all of which waste time, diminish morale, and slow progress. To Act or Not to Act Keeping yourself accountable is more than a mindset—it’s a decision. It’s a promise to yourself that you won’t opt out when it gets uncomfortable, inconvenient, or difficult. It’s the personal standard that says: I follow through—even when no one’s watching. Can someone walk away from a commitment? Absolutely! It happens all the time. But the moment you decide not to, the moment you say, “I will be responsible for my life, my results, and my contribution,” you begin stepping into your fullest potential as a leader. Real-World Example: Fighter Pilot Debriefs One of the most powerful models of accountability comes from fighter pilot culture. After every mission, pilots conduct a debrief—a structured, honest post-mission review. What’s most striking? The flight leader, or “lead,” begins by publicly admitting their own mistakes using “I” statements: The leader goes first—transparently, without excuse. This creates a trust-based environment where everyone feels safe enough to reflect honestly. The tone is not blame, but growth. In this model, accountability isn’t punishment—it’s clarity. It’s owning outcomes so that everyone gets better. Want to build a culture of accountability? Start at the top. Model it first. Say, “Here’s what I could’ve done better,” before pointing the finger elsewhere. The Power of Accountability (And How to Practice It Daily) Accountability isn’t just a trait—it’s a daily practice. When embraced fully, it becomes a force that shapes your leadership, deepens your relationships, and drives real progress. But how do you actually live it out, especially in a world full of distractions, blame, and shifting priorities? Here are a few practical ideas to help you begin building daily accountability—without waiting for someone else to lead the way. 1. Focus on What You Can Control You can’t control the economy, other people’s moods, or curveballs life throws at you—but you can control your mindset, your response, and your follow-through. Instead of saying, “No one trained me,” an accountable person says, “I didn’t ask for the training I needed—next time I will.” The shift from blame to ownership is subtle but powerful. It moves you from feeling stuck to feeling empowered. 2. Create Clear Agreements Accountability thrives when expectations are clear. Whether at home or work, ask: Even simple agreements prevent confusion and build trust. One small act of clarity can dramatically reduce misunderstandings, delays, and frustration. 3. Do What Matters Most, Not Just What’s Urgent Being busy isn’t the same as being accountable. The most effective leaders learn to say no to distractions and yes to what truly matters. For leaders, accountability isn’t about meeting deadlines—that’s expected. The real challenge is staying focused on what actually moves the needle, not just what’s loud or urgent. That means: For leaders, accountability isn’t about meeting deadlines—that’s expected. The real challenge is staying focused on what actually moves the needle, not just what’s loud or urgent. That means: We mentioned this in one of our previous blog “4 Ways to Become a More Successful Leader”—Principle 4: Prioritize Your Time—where we introduced the Eisenhower Matrix as a framework to deciding what is both important and urgent. It’s a reminder that just because something demands your attention doesn’t mean it deserves it. Being busy isn’t the same as being accountable. The most effective leaders learn to say no to distractions and yes to what truly matters. Accountability means making purposeful choices—and sticking with them even when things get hard or messy. The Ripple Effect of One Accountable Person One person who consistently shows up, follows through, and owns their outcomes can shift an entire team or culture. That’s the real magic of accountability: it spreads. Quietly. Powerfully. And it
Beyond Intelligence: Why Emotional Intelligence Defines Great Leaders
Have you ever worked with someone incredibly intelligent yet found them difficult to connect with? Or encountered a leader who wasn’t the most technically skilled but could inspire and uplift everyone around them? This contrast often comes down to Emotional Intelligence (EQ) versus Intelligence Quotient (IQ). While IQ enables leaders to think critically and make data-driven decisions, EQ helps them connect, inspire, and build strong relationships. A 2023 study by Harvard Business Review found that leaders with high EQ manage teams more effectively, reduce workplace stress, and drive greater engagement. So, what truly defines a great leader? Let’s explore. IQ in Leadership: The Power of Intelligence IQ represents a person’s ability to learn, reason, solve problems, and think strategically. It plays a crucial role in leadership, particularly in fields requiring both technical expertise and analytical thinking. Leaders with a high IQ can process complex information, make fast decisions, and navigate challenges with critical thinking. Think of Elon Musk. His ideas have fueled groundbreaking innovations at Tesla and SpaceX. Yet, a 2022 study in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal found that leaders with a high IQ, but low RQ often struggle with employee morale and retention. Consider Steve Jobs. His IQ was undeniable, but in his early years, his intensity and perfectionism sometimes alienated his team. It wasn’t until he developed greater emotional intelligence—learning to listen, empower, and connect with his employees—that Apple truly flourished. His journey demonstrates that intelligence alone doesn’t make a leader; it’s the ability to inspire and bring people together that creates a lasting impact. EQ in Leadership: The Heart of Influence Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both in yourself and others. It includes self-awareness, empathy, communication, and emotional control—skills that create trust, resolve conflicts, and foster collaboration. Think about leaders who make you feel heard and valued. Oprah Winfrey is a prime example—her ability to listen deeply, empathize, and uplift others has made her one of the most influential figures in the world. According to 2023 TalentSmart, leaders with high EQ drive 58% of job performance and are four times more likely to retain employees. Why does EQ matter so much? Ultimately leadership is about people, and EQ enables leaders to connect, inspire, and create meaningful impact in ways that IQ alone cannot. The Sweet Spot: Combining IQ and EQ for Exceptional Leadership Great leaders don’t rely solely on IQ or EQ—they master both. IQ is essential for problem-solving and strategic thinking, but EQ determines how well those decisions are communicated and embraced. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transformed the company’s culture by shifting them from a rigid, top-down approach to one that prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and innovation. His balance of high IQ and people-first leadership (EQ) turned Microsoft into a thriving, employee-driven powerhouse. According to Forbes, companies led by emotionally intelligent leaders see at 20% increase in employee engagement and 40% higher team performance. Another great example is Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her ability to blend IQ and EQ was evident in her crisis leadership—whether responding to the Christchurch attacks or managing the COVID-19 pandemic, she combined strong decision-making skills with genuine empathy, making her leadership widely admired worldwide. Combining IQ and EQ for Exceptional Leadership Want to grow as a leader? Strengthening your EQ is a game-changer. Here’s how: ✅ Practice Self-Awareness: Recognize how your emotions influence your decisions. Keep a journal or ask for honest feedback to gain deeper insights into your leadership style. A Harvard Business Review in 2023’s study found that leaders who actively develop self-awareness improve their decision-making accuracy by 34%. ✅ Develop Empathy: Great leaders don’t just hear—they listen. Put yourself in others’ shoes, validate their feelings, and respond with understanding. Research from Psychological Science in 2023 shows that empathetic leaders foster stronger team trust and collaboration. ✅ Refine Communication Skills: Be clear, listen actively, and ensure your message resonates. Studies reveal that leaders who communicate with emotional intelligence see 32% higher team performance, as highlighted in research from the Journal of Organizational Behavior in 2022. ✅ Navigate Conflict Wisely: Disagreements happen, but how you handle them defines your leadership. Stay patient, focus on solutions, and address issues with emotional intelligence rather than reactionary responses. According to Forbes, leaders who approach conflict with emotional intelligence improve team cohesion by 28%. ✅ Embrace Change with Resilience: The best leaders don’t fear change; they adapt. Approach challenges with curiosity and an open mind, turning obstacles into opportunities. Research from McKinsey & Company in 2023 found that leaders who embrace adaptability improve team innovation by 25%. ✅ Lead with Authenticity: People follow leaders who are real, not just impressive. Show vulnerability when necessary, admit mistakes, and lead with integrity. A 2023 Deloitte study found that authentic leadership increases workplace trust by 30%, directly impacting employee satisfaction and retention. Conclusion: So, Which Matters More? While IQ is important, EQ is often the true differentiator between a good leader and a great one. A high IQ may help you think strategically, but a high EQ helps you lead, inspire, and create lasting impact. The best leaders don’t choose between IQ and EQ—they master both. What do you think? Which has played a bigger role in the leaders you admire? Share your thoughts in the comments! Ready to Elevate Your Leadership Team & Drive Lasting Success? Leadership isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about connection, adaptability, and impact. At PowerUpSuccess, our customized programs enhance strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and overall leadership effectiveness. Whether you’re looking to boost team performance, strengthen leadership skills, or foster a culture of innovation, we have the right solutions for you. Let’s unlock your leadership team’s potential together! 📞 Contact us for a complimentary consultation today! 📩 Email: [email protected] 📞 Call: +603 7960 3088
4 Ways to Turn Objections into Opportunities
We’ve all had experiences where we think the deal is going well before the dreaded objection is played. Suddenly, your sale has been derailed by the proverbial handbrake and everything comes to a screeching halt. A prospect will suddenly tell you that your price is too high, they don’t have the budget, or they aren’t sure about your product/service’s value add. The good news is that objections aren’t dealbreakers. In fact, we have a saying in our organization: “Objections are from heaven.” While I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out–objections are a perfect way for you to address concerns, emphasize on value, and build stronger relationships with your clients. Whatever level you’re in your sales cycle, we’ll show you 5 surefire ways of turning objections into opportunities. What is objection handling? Objection handling is a crucial part of the sales process. This is the best situation to be in, because you’ll be able to address and overcome customers’ concerns. As a sales professional, this is your chance to turn a hesitant prospect into a loyal customer. Most objections stem from two main issues: The key to this is anticipation. By anticipating these objections before they’re raised, you can proactively address them with valuable dialogue, instead of reacting reflexively. Common Types of Objections 1. Budget/Price Objections “It’s too expensive.”“We don’t have the budget.” If you’re in sales, you’ve probably heard these objections countless times. But before jumping to offer a discount, take a step back and assess the real crux of the objection. Is the price genuinely too high compared to the market rate? Or does the prospect simply not see the full value of your product or service yet? If it’s a matter of price, slashing numbers isn’t always the best move. Instead, focus on reinforcing the unique value your offering brings. For example, let’s say your product is 20% more expensive than a competitor’s. Why? Maybe it’s built to last longer, offers superior service, or delivers better long-term results. Instead of competing on cost alone, highlight these differentiators and show how they directly solve your prospect’s pain points and drive better business outcomes. Ultimately, price objections are often value objections in disguise. When you shift the conversation from cost to impact, you’ll find more opportunities to close the deal—without immediately resorting to discounts. 2. Authority objections “I’ll need to get my boss’ approval on this.” At first glance, this might seem like a straightforward objection. But is it really about needing approval, or is it a sign that your prospect isn’t fully convinced yet? If your company is relatively new or not widely recognized in the industry, prospects may be wary to move forward. Many businesses prefer working with established brands that have a proven track record. So how do you overcome this hesitation? Leverage social proof. Support your pitch with case studies, testimonials, and success stories from similar companies in their industry. Show how your product or service delivers real results, making it easier for your prospect to advocate for you internally. But what if they genuinely aren’t the decision-maker? In that case, your goal should be to identify and connect with the true key stakeholders. If that’s not possible, equip your prospect with compelling data, clear benefits, and persuasive messaging to help them champion your solution within their organization. By reinforcing credibility and ensuring the right people have the right information, you can streamline the approval process and increase your chances of closing the deal. 3. Lack of urgency objections “This isn’t a top priority for us right now.” This objection typically means your prospect doesn’t see an urgent need for your offering. Instead of pushing harder, take a step back and dig deeper. Ask strategic questions to understand why addressing their challenge isn’t a priority at the moment. Are they focusing on other pain points first? If so, there may be an opportunity to position your solution as a way to help with those pressing concerns. By aligning your offering with their immediate business goals, you can shift the conversation from “not now” to “let’s explore this further.” 4. Lack of need objections “This isn’t something we need at our company.” When a prospect says this, it’s often because they don’t fully understand how your product or service can benefit them—or they’re simply too busy to listen. Instead of immediately trying to convince them, take this as a chance to qualify the prospect further. Use open-ended questions and active listening to uncover their pain points, challenges, and goals. If your offering truly isn’t the right fit, you’ll know early and can move on. But if there is potential value, you can tailor your approach to show exactly how your solution addresses their specific needs—turning initial resistance into real interest. Ready to Empower Your Sales Team and Transform Your Workplace? Sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about resilience, growth, and building connections that last. At PowerUp Success, we help sales teams navigate challenges with confidence, embrace a growth mindset, and unlock their true potential. Our range of signature programs is tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of your industry. Whether it’s boosting team performance, enhancing leadership skills, or fostering collaboration, we’ve got the right learning solutions to get you there. The best part? We customize everything to ensure it fits your specific goals and vision. Ready to transform your sales team and drive success? Let’s chat! Claim your complimentary 15-minute consultation today. Call us at +603 7960 3088 or email us at [email protected].
7 Tips to Be More Productive In The Workplace
We’ve all been part of the hustle and bustle, whether it’s in our workplaces or dealing with deadlines. To top it off, we face many additional challenges given the current circumstances around the pandemic. No matter how hard we try to make efficient use of our time or strive for productivity, it can be tough meeting all your goals sometimes. Maybe you’ve subconsciously cultivated some work habits–good or bad–that make it challenging to maximise your productivity. That’s normal, and completely human! While you cannot become more productive overnight, you can certainly work on forming some disciplines that help the process more effectively. All good things come with patience, hard work, and dedication. First, before we begin, I’d like to state that there are so many ways to help us sort out our priorities and streamline our workflow. For example, I’m a fan of using self-help resources and productivity apps to help keep me on the right track. To be honest, I’ve found that there is little merit when it comes to limiting the mind to a one size fits all approach. What may work best for someone else may not be what you need. Secondly, I, too, have found it hard to hit the sweet spot of productivity. But after a couple of trials and plenty of error, I’ve learned what worked best when it comes to jumping back on the productivity wagon. So with that, here are some steps and tricks from a fellow employee in our fight against distraction. Here are 7 tips to be more productive in the workplace: 1. Get organised As someone who works in a fast-paced environment, I can attest to the essentiality of order. Getting organised shouldn’t be a stressful task; instead, it should bring you a sense of peace and ease, which becomes feasible with a little bit of work and time. At the end of each day, spend some time decluttering, sorting, and prioritising tasks for the next day. Doing this allows you to be better organised before the next day to avoid feeling overwhelmed the first thing in the morning. Plus, removing clutter, be it physical or digital, has other perks too. Since clutter can cause stress because it’s an excessive visual stimulus, it sends a signal to our brains that our work is never done and creates guilt, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. Being organised is more than just having a tidy, physical workspace. One of the biggest challenges is organising and managing your time. In fact, it’s proven that if you spend 10-12 minutes planning your day, you’ll save up to two hours of time that would have otherwise gone to waste. That’s two extra hours to work on things that matter! 2. Tackle the most important task first Contrary to what you feel is more comfortable and easier to do, it’s best to prioritise the highest impact and daunting tasks. There’s a saying that goes, “eat the frog”. Mark Twain once said “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”. The most important to-dos are often your most challenging task that requires the most energy and focus. Moreover, when you procrastinate, it can often lead to them being harder to begin. Although we all know that all working hours vary, we can agree on one thing. Employees tend to work the hardest from 9 AM to 12 PM. After this time, productivity tends to drop significantly. I know I definitely struggle to stay awake after lunch sometimes. That’s why it’s best to tackle it first thing in the day before those other less-important-but-more-urgent things get in the way. Not a morning person? That’s also fine. The same principle applies to any time of the day that you feel energised, focused and productive. You ought to take full advantage of your best work hours, whether that be morning or night. When that time comes, do your most important task first. 3. Find a system that works best for you. As I mentioned before, what works best for someone, might not necessarily work well for you, so find a system that works best. We’re all diverse in our thought, characters, and approach to doing things, regardless of our background or industry. Everyone has different goals, preferences and priorities. However, trying out what other successful people have tried and tested is a good place to start. Remember that hundreds of factors can impact our productivity in the workplace. The tools you use each day, the people you surround yourself with and even your work environment. For example, if you’re not a morning person, you might find that you have different hours to be productive at your work. Furthermore, you know where your gaps lie. Some might find listening to music at work helps them focus and be productive, whilst you find it distracting. Know what works well from others, try and test it, and keep the ones that benefit and are suited to you. 4. Don’t multitask Upon research, studies have shown that multitasking makes us less efficient and more prone to errors. The hard truth to multitasking is that the rapid shifting of tasks and topics does not allow the brain to retain the information or apply it efficiently. According to a neurologist, “When we think we’re multitasking, most often we aren’t doing two things at once, but instead, we’re doing individual actions in rapid succession or task-switching.” One study found that just 2.5% of people can multitask effectively. That means for the rest of us, we’re not effectively using our time and work when we multitask. The cost of multitasking leads to a reduction in productivity, which defeats the initial purpose of why we multitask in the first place. So let’s stop trying to do everything at once. Instead, let’s give our tasks the full attention they require to increase productivity, one job at a time. 5. Keep a distraction
How to Deliver Effective Virtual Training Over Zoom
Looking back in these past 9 months, we have delivered more virtual programs, online coaching, and virtual engagements than in our 20 years of business existence. What’s most interesting is that our customers who were previously skeptical about effectiveness of conducting online, have turned around. In fact, they are now our strong supporters, widely accepting the way forward to engage and up-skill people. I would say the industry have been propelled another 5 years into the future in terms of digital learning acceptance. Having gone through so many hours online (my Zoom report says I have been clocking an average of 8,000 minutes a month ), I would like to share several tips to run live online programs/meetings successfully as a host or lead facilitator. Since there are so many things we can talk about, in this post, we will focus on 3 powerful tips on logistical matters prep, lighting, music, etc. Here’s part 1 of How to Deliver Virtual Training/Meetings Effectively over Zoom (3 for 3 series: 3 Powerful Tips in 3 mins): 1. Lighting You’ll want to have three lights, preferably identical. Place one light directly in front of you, one at around 45-degrees to the left and one 45-degrees to the right. While yellow lights (3,000 Kelvin or 3K soft) gives a warm feel, LED white lights (5,000 – 6,000 Kelvin or 5K-6K daylight) is better overall for producing video-friendly color temperature. Make sure the lighting is placed from the top rather than direct, to reduce shadows. Also, put the lights behind the cameras to reduce having too much light into the camera lens. 2. Playing quality Music on Zoom Take note that Zoom has very powerful features to help deliver quality voice or music over the Internet. In order to have the best sound quality when playing music or video over zoom, especially if you are inputting a separate source via your phone or any sound card, there are few key things to keep in mind. 3. Use two Zoom accounts One as a host and another as a participant. There are 2 reasons for this: A. So that you can view what your audience is seeing and it helps you to know what’s going on without having to ask our participants eg. Can you see my shared screen? This gives you the ability to quickly fix things as a host and keeps you looking professional! B. If you log in via their separate account with your tablet, you can use this as your tactile whiteboard and have more accurate handwriting (use ppt, word, note-taking app like penultimate, etc). This allows you to quickly switch screens with your slides or other app windows that you are sharing with your host account. Of course, you can also use your main host account and connect a separate drawing tablet (eg. Wacom, Gaomon, Huion, XP, etc) and use it to annotate on your shared ppt or whiteboard too! But I find using the logging in separately with an iPad and Apple Pencil enables me to write most legibly and the written notes are stored ready to be reused again for a recap or sending as a post-session resource for my participants. The verdict I hope that what I have shared will help trainers and facilitators deliver more effective and engaging Virtual engagements. Be alive in your Passion!
Top 5 Work from Home Tips for Digital Marketers
Working from home can be awesome for some people, but it can also prove to be…challenging for others. Before the insanity of 2020 struck, some modern professionals thrived from the luxury of occasionally working from home. But now that all of us are stuck at home, which environment is actually beneficial for our productivity? Our home office or our actual physical office? While being in the office, your coworkers tend to be the biggest threat to your productivity. However, at home, I’ve often found that it’s easy to become your own worst enemy. When you’re not surrounded by the backdrop of your colleagues and your boss, the drive to accomplish everything can dwindle. (Especially when you’re working in your pajamas and have a severe bedhead.) That just means it’s up to you to motivate yourself and complete your tasks–like you would in your physical office. As such, here are some tips from me and my team to help you keep yourself accountable and productive. Get an early start and commit to doing more Not a morning person? I feel you. In fact, I’m pretty much dead before my first cup of coffee or tea. But I’ve definitely benefited from the simple act of waking up to kick off the workday. Start off your day right by productively diving into your to-do list the first thing in the morning. Even the simple act of getting a project started can be the key factor in making effective progress on tasks or campaigns. While you’re riding high on that productivity train, attempt to also overestimate the number of things you’ll get done in a day. Because at the end of the day, even if you come up short of your initial goal, you still would’ve gotten a solid list of tasks done. And that’s a special kind of gratification that no other acclaim can fill. Plan out your daily tasks and schedule Working from home, while similar in the schedule of a typical office job, often requires strong self-discipline and accountability. Now, that doesn’t mean that your entire day centers only around work––because it’s especially important to take breaks for a much-needed refresher in order to retain some semblance of your sanity––it just means that any non-work-related activities need to be scheduled for your own knowledge. Therefore, when you’re creating your schedule, be sure to pencil in other commitments (i.e. kids, marriage, sports, volunteering, etc.) in order to motivate yourself to get work done before or after these extraneous responsibilities. Once you’ve set a clear schedule, make it accessible and visible to your other colleagues through a shared calendar (it can be a simple iCal or Google Calendar). By maintaining a schedule, you and your coworkers are aware of when to schedule a meeting. I find this extremely helpful to one’s mental health because it’s hard to know when to stop working and when to start. When you employ a schedule, it’s easier to keep track of what you need to get done and when it needs to be completed. Utilize the resources at your disposal Technology is a wonderful thing at times, isn’t it? Especially when one lives in the midst of a global outbreak. Since most of us are stuck at home, why not spend this time setting up an independent work area for yourself? Invest in a Spotify Premium account (maybe listen to some hype music to psych yourself up), use tools like Trello or Slack, jump on video calls with your fellow WFH colleagues, and etcetera. This is a great way to stay-in-sync throughout the day whilst simultaneously keeping personal contact with others. Embrace shared cloud technology like Google Docs or marketing automation systems to help you get your job done. Attend as many virtual marketing events as possible If you’re like me, then you’re a big fan of self-improvement and skills development. If you’re not really into, I’d suggest attending at least one marketing summit to hone your marketing skills and knowledge. Leverage this time to attend virtual marketing events to understand more about what your target audience is going through and how their behaviors, attitudes, and psychology is changing due to current events. Harnessing all the information available is a surefire way to keep up with current trends, metrics, and analytics so that you can tailor your messaging to fit contextually. Check out some marketing events like Content Marketing World or Adobe Max. Most importantly…take breaks! While most of us generally understand the necessity of taking breaks, I cannot help but emphasize it more. Taking breaks can be extremely beneficial in boosting your productivity levels, but it is also crucial to your mental health, as it can prevent fatigue or burnout. But don’t just take my word for it. According to a research report by Stanford University, taking breaks and going on a walk can bring exceeding positive results for productivity and creativity. Some other practical ways you can take breaks is by implementing the Pomodoro Technique. It enforces productivity by driving 25 mins of intense productivity then staggering it with 5 minute breaks in-between. As more intervals of tasks increase, so does the amount of break time. You could also practice the ‘Pulse and Pause’ technique. The technique focuses on taking longer breaks after 90 minutes of productivity. During this break, you could have a healthy snack or watch some funny Youtube videos. A personal favorite of mine is to schedule a workout. Studies have shown that physical activity like running, yoga, Zumba, boxing, and etcetera is immensely benign for mental and physical health as well as brain function. The verdict While working from home certainly has its perks––zero long commutes and flexibility in schedule––it can lead to some fatigue as well, as the novelty of remote working dies down. However, this unprecedented time shall pass and you’ll be back in the office before you know it.
