The winner of the contest (announced earlier via email to all participants) is LeeAnn Wick. Thanks to all for your participation.
Win a Sixty Minute Makeover!
The winner of the contest (announced earlier via email to all participants) is LeeAnn Wick. Thanks to all for your participation.
Leave A Reply (25 comments So Far)
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Terry McGowan
990 days ago
Dear David,
I’ve been getting your newsletter for years now. I attended your recent sessions at Promotions East and I truly believe that a Top Secrets Makeover could do wonders for my business.
I’ve been in the industry for just over three years and feel like I’m stuck. I’ve hit a certain level of sales and I’m having trouble breaking through. I think your Makeover would call attention to the areas where I need help and I am more than ready to make the necessary changes.
I work hard already, and I’m willing to work even harder if I know I’m doing the right things. I am very motivated and will try anything to get better results and make more sales.
I know you said it’s not a race for fastest post, but I know you like action takers, so I hope I’ll get some extra points for being one of the first to respond!
Thanks for your consideration.
Terry
Barbara Garelick
990 days ago
1. I think it could help me to better structure my business and also streamline what I’m currently doing. I want this badly so I can appreciate my business strengths and yet live a more balanced life with my family. I work too many hours, and although I have a successful business, I believe I am worthy of a personal life as well.
2. I have a 26 year old, successful print production & promotion agency. I work from home while raising 2 boys, a cat, a dog, 2 frogs along with my husband. I am great at what I do, have many satisfied customers (98% of my business is referral). I think I am worthy of your Makeover because I am good, but just don’t have the time to do the tweaking my business needs. It’s so time consuming to research and implement my alternatives, while still doing quotes, placing orders and follow-up for my customers.
3. I will implement the changes because my goal this year was to make strides towards balancing my life. I have already made several drastic changes this year. I now take 1 hour a week to mentor a child. I have spent more time with my boys and took a 13 day vacation this summer. I have switched my administrative program and web site hosting from one provider to another. I have started re-vamping my cluttered office space and begun researching e-blasting and using the internet to benefit my sales. I am a 1 woman show (with some weekly bookkeeping help)and know if I could properly have my back end working smoothly, I could be out there prospecting, selling and networking more.
Robin Lindemann
990 days ago
I know the make over would help keep me moving forward..so much is on the line for me here..my house for one..I love this business and I love working with people but I need to grow..to get new customers to work with me..I know that through my affiliation with I Promote U..I can beat my competitors on price with out taking it out of my pocket, but I need people to give me a chance to prove that I am the best choice for them to work with. I have faith enough in myself to remortgage my house to support my business growth but I need help in the form of direction..someone else to look at what I am doing and give me honest and effective feed back..I have physical limitations but I get up everyday and I am cheerful..I network 8 to 9 times a month..I belong to a great and strong business group that supports my efforts..but I want to grow..I need to grow..I want to double or triple my business from this year..I have taken steps to improve my business base and I know that if you are looking for someone who will take your coaching and one on one training and use it..that person is me..I am determined to be sucessful and I know that I will get to the top of my goals later rather than sooner but I have heard you teach and I know that I can take what you are offering and use it to grow and get there sooner..pure stubborness alone with get me there but having a business coach/mentor is even better than my life coach..I know that givers gain and mentoring works but I need help for myself. I can take what you are offering and succeed in my goals and growth. I need someone who will look at what I am doing and fine tune what I am doing right and toss out what I am doing wrong. There must be better than where I am at now. I know that I am the best choice for this gift/prize. Pick me and let me prove it. My passion is for my business but I do not want it to turn to desparation..thank you; Robin
Mark
990 days ago
I believe that this would help me achieve the goals that I have set. It would also serve as a success story for you and your company. It would be a win win situation
glenda laverty
990 days ago
1. Direction and advice will provide a more focused approach to the business. Getting Started and Customer Aquisition program have helped us to truly grow this year. We are trending 100% growth and therefore at times it feels as if we’re all over the place.
2. Customer Aquisition program has helped me land several mid/size companies and 4 large corporate companies. YTD incremental sales from using the program is approximately $60,000 – I have a hunger for systems and programs. I share my experiences through the discussion group. I must be one of David’s biggest fans.
3. I have over 15 years outside sales experience so I believe I have what it takes to be focused and determined. Often I miss having a Sales Manager to confirm that our efforts are in the right direction. I’m definately a ‘doer’ looking for some accountability and expertise especially regarding next steps for growth.
Linda Dee DePonte
990 days ago
1) The positive impact the Makeover would do for our business is Keep us on Track. We all know what to do, it’s the “keep doing it day in and day out” that loses momentum as distractions take one off course. Knowing you should get back on course is not enough, there needs to be that Coach that smacks you with reality by asking the hard questions. “How is that networking helping you fill the pipeline?” “Are you collecting good cards? or really qualifying people?” “Is it helping you to achieve your goals?” How many prospects do you need to qualify daily to meet that weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual goal?
2) We should be chosen for the Makeover because we are ripe for coaching and focus. When we started this business 19 months ago, my business partner had to get a temporary job at the Census Bureau to make ends meet. I was left to absorb as much as I could through your various programs and build the business. I have done fine, but we are at a point where we need to go to the next level. My business partner is coming back next week 100%. We are both very excited about making a plan and working the plan. We need to measure, analyse and execute necessary changes as they occur. We are smart enough to know that we need guidance to execute the plan, and appreciate the wisdom and honest set of eyes and ears that will keep us focused on exceeding our goals.
3. Hard work never stopped either of us from succeeding in our previous careers. You knew what had to be done and you did it. Listening to others successes and failures creates a roadmap for success. Mimic the successes, avert the failures. Your recommedations come from solid experience, and your purpose is for us to succeed. We like those odds when given the opportunity to build a very successful business with sound fundamentals and strategies. Pick us, we’ll make you proud.
lee jeffers
989 days ago
It’s tough getting started in this business. And I often wonder if I am going about client development in the most efficient way. And sometimes it would be great to have a Mentor, like a Dutch Uncle, to talk with and seek advice. LEE
LeeAnn Wick
989 days ago
1) The Top Secrets Makeover would help us take our family owned business to the next level. We have implemented many of your guiding principles from Top Secrets Getting Started & Customer Acquisition, but with direct specific guidance and tweaking we know our business would truly skyrocket by at least doubling or tripling sales in the next 6 months.
Taking it to the next level will allow us the ability to hire others to come in and work the system we will create, thereby giving us monetary ability & the time to start a family. Currently we have put this on hold due to long hours & stress of not having enough saved for such a life changing event.
2. Why you are the very best candidate for this Makeover and should be chosen over everyone else who registers. Don’t be shy here… sell me. (Hint: This should be about things like drive, focus and determination, not neediness.)
I am the best candidate because when I set a goal and get specific personal guidance, I am overcome with laser like focus that doesn’t stop until I have achieved the goal set. Choose me & I WILL be one of your truly outstanding success stories.
One of the characteristics that friends & family use to describe me is “driven” – I have been since I was a teenager working to afford a car; putting myself through undergrad to earn dual degrees in Accounting & MIS while working full time; working hard to get an MBA in Finance from Pepperdine; starting a few companies, etc. The philosophy I live by -If I am not working towards achieving a goal I am not happy or really living life at all.
Another characteristic that friends, family & clients alike also use to describe me is Persistent. Have I mentioned my laser like focus? This is how it plays out, I keep going & going until I have achieved my goal. This has carried me far in life, persistence does pay off. If I had personal help showing me the areas that need more attention & my dogged persistence – I know my success would translate real, tangible sales growth.
3)I crave feedback & help. Given my educational background I am usually the one at the helm making the decisions without too much constructive criticism. I know my education doesn’t mean I know everything – constructive feedback/ideas/pointers/strategies are not only welcomed they are NECESSARY for me to be able to grow the company I so strongly desire.
I am extremely coachable, always have been and I strive to always be that way. Constant learning is another principle I live by, constantly reading books, business & industry magazines, asking for feedback, listening to customers, taking classes, etc.
There is no disillusionment that winning a 60 Minute Makeover will magically change my business, that will be just the beginning of the plan. I am not afraid of work, I am looking for help to create a well thought out strategy – a plan that I can attack with my drive & persistence.
Olivia
988 days ago
1. Our company has developed good patterns of behavior for growth. We know our competitors strengths and weaknesses, we have established hours of operation, we have developed programs for our company that are designed to both acquire and retain clients. Our primary focus is to educate our clients the value of our relationship with the programs we have in place. We are steadily acquiring clients from our current client base referrals and other marketing efforts, but we need to improve our habits, our patterns, our questioning and our value statements to grow our client base to the next level.
2. Creativity, Resourcefulness, Tenacity, Grit, Confidence, Energy and Humor best sum up my personality. Not one to shy way from a challenge, being “best” in my area of concentration has followed me through any career or personal path. Currently my focus is building a successful business. Success in business means not just financial security, but creating an infrastructure that reflects the core values of that business. For our company education and community involvement reflect our personal values, we weave those into the fabric of our company’s presence in our market area. For example, we have an active intern program, mentoring local students interested in marketing. As we grow, I’d like to have students see the progression of our company, while experiencing first hand the nuts and bolts of business in a way that shows them what can be achieved with determination and purpose.
3. I value straight forward plain talk. Objective, experienced input can help to model better patterns of behavior for our company. Knowing that the input will come from a seasoned professional that has developed approaches and best practices based on their team’s experiences will help us achieve the next level. Your approach to steering a company or individual is derived from your consistent testing and reflection; those practices will help us target areas for change and develop strategies that can be followed based on our company model and our goals.
Susan Feder
985 days ago
1. I have been in business for less than a year and am struggling to find my niche. I believe by having intense focus from you, that I could narrow down at what I am really happy working with, and how I should laser focus my business.
2. I have been working for over five years trying to find my true passion and I entered the Promotional Products business reluctantly, having been laid off once again from the corporate world. I was amazed and happy to discover that this was something I loved and was truly good at. But having been in Corporate America most of my life, the actual nuts and bolts of running a business and getting clients has really boggled me. Once I get the clients, they appear to be clients for life and I have befriended them, and make their business part of my business. But, I need to know how to get over that hump as far as actually getting new clients and not relying on re-orders. I also love doing the solution, vs the promotion of their business and that has been quite interesting and I want to learn how to really market that aspect of my company.
I used to work for in the Cruise Industry and if you don’t do it, it doesn’t get done. Real – reason? Because I want to stay in my dream house and if I don’t start making money soon, that is not going to happen! Seriously, I know I will follow all the pointers and do what is needed.
Brian wellborn
985 days ago
David,You should choose me. My wife and I try so hard to implement every detail that you have put in place for us. Some how I can not put the pieces to the puzzle together. I just tried all of the internet marketing things and we hired all te right people went through every word you said, bought the 52 weeks and there was a flood in Pakastan were we had every thing going our way.
You are the only person that can will fit in with the drive and determination factor that will have a postive impact on our business. Im just saying t that we follow everything step all the way. But sometimes you can over think these things. That makes them fall apart. With 60 min of your time would make the difference in our business. We are ready to go to the next step. Our time in the past has been great. We want to Excel be more than a printer. My wife and I really want to help others with there business grow. Alot of those times we don’t get the chance, because step one or two or three fell apart. Not any ones fault, but mine. Every team does need a coach or the team is not complete. We still have a lot of business even though there are 8 other printers in our small town and we are growing because of you. My wife and I would get the most out of your make over. The reasons why is we do listen to what you say and we try what you tell us and we believe that you can help us be the business owners that we need to be. and would be a big help for other Promotional Printers.
Thanks
Brian wellborn
Carla
985 days ago
1. Inner happiness. To get that “feeling” every time I wake up that I am helping a lot of people feel appreciated, recognized and motivated on a large scale by doing something I am passionate about, promotional products! A ripple effect with me as the first pebble.
2. I want to be the voice for where we can be, rather than where we are. I started at the bottom right from as a marketing major in college. Fast forward to 8 years in the industry where I now run my own distributor firm, I still haven’t given up on my dream no matter the obstacles. Others have filed for bankruptcy but even though I was close I decided I wasn’t going to so I just closed my showroom to cut overhead costs and worked from my home office. I am pleased to now have another office again to meet clients and will just keep working towards my dream showroom with full production and fulfillment warehouse. I’ve been working on a revised business plan and know a makeover like this would give me the leverage needed implement a new growth strategy.
3. I am a continuous learner that puts my knowledge into action. Each program I have taken has provided steps to take me to the next level of my career and I’ve achieved every major goal I have had in the last 10 years. It has took determination to become the youngest female at the time to achieve my CAS, win Entrepreneur of the Year in my city, and work every day for the last couple years in my business with little to no pay cheque in order to make sure vendors get paid and my credit remains good. I will do whatever it takes to reach the next level because I have gone too far and risked too much. I have nowhere else to go but UP!
Mark
985 days ago
The train is on the tracks and has left the station. However, it’s not coming up to speed quickly enough. As the winner of “Mark’s Sixty Minute Makeover!” you will receive a FREE embroidered jacket! You will also receive FREE GIFTS including a badly imprinted water bottle and sticky notes with a misspelled word.
I will take all of your advice GUARANTEED and as an added BONUS, I promise to buy your next product! I’m Ready to Grow My Business Now.
P.S. Remember, my career success begins by your selecting my entry.
Tom Short
984 days ago
1. Out here in the “desert” of Tennessee, sits a small weed whose roots are deep but who desperately needs watering and nourishment or it will wither in this “climate.”
2. Our business is blessed to be succeeding where others are struggling on the print side of the ledger, but I have NEVER been able to transfer that talent to the Ad Specialty side of the business. I believe a pro can get me there.
3. Only a fool would fail to listen and incorporate the strategies that could help improve the lives of his family and associates.
Hope
984 days ago
Hi David,
I agree that I need to work differently because these are “different” times. I’ve gone outside my “comfort zone” and am tackling new markets. But I think I could particularly use some help with getting people’s attention when I first make contact.
I have to do a lot of initial contacts by phone, and I can’t say that I’m very successful. I don’t feel I’m effective in conveying to them that I give “outstanding Service” and competitive prices. I could really use your help with this.
I’m ready, willing and able to make use of your suggestions. I understand the climate right now and all it’s limitations. I think I’ve developed a good plan to overcome the obstacles. I just need some new approaches to getting peoples’ attention. Once I get them to meet with me, I know I will be succressful. I need the opportunity to get your FREE 60 minute makeover to give my plan the “finesse” it is lacking.
Please give me this opportunity!
Hope
Kim Haber
984 days ago
Hello David,
I have been in this business for over 20 years and have seen many changes over the years. I invested in your great system several years ago while working for another company and I increased my sales from $100K per year to over $500K per year, and this the very first year I implemented the system (for Salespeople).
With everything that has changed in our industry over the past few years, I find myself struggling in obtaining new clients attention and loyalty like I have in the past. I ask myself if I am just old fashioned or if the world has changed so much that I am missing the “boat” so to speak on knowing what trigger points I should be hitting to get them hooked into my products & services.
Am I too old fashioned to think that loyalty still matters to people out there?
I really need a push in the right direction or I will be out of business from an industry that I have loved and helped many, for so many years. Your great expertise helped me once before and I know that you are the ticket to help me overcome what is “hanging me up” presently, once again.
Tim Holliday
984 days ago
Hi David,
Thanks for the opportunity. Here’s my thoughts on your questions:
1 – The Top Secrets dvd series that we bought from you a while back has become a cornerstone training piece for our sales people in and outside of our retail store. And your weekly emails get discussed a lot as well, as many of the subjects you discuss cover sales of many items – not just promotional ones. All of that said, I believe a Makeoever from you would be extremely beneficial for us to take things to the next level. We’ve done much, but we’ve kind of hit a level that we could use some help with getting over.
2 – I would be the best candidate for this opportunity, because no one has the initiative, drive and motivation like I do. I run this business, write for trade publications, and in my spare time, serve as a youth minister. In all of these roles, I’ve been able to work promotional business out of them, so they become money makers. I’m looking for new ways to grow my 46 year old business, and creativity is key, which is something you have been great at giving me tips with. If I am chosen, I promise you to run like the wind with all that you suggest, and give you results that you can publish that would want to make others have an opportunity to do the same with you.
3 – You don’t get to be in business for 46 years by not changing with the times, trying new things, and working to continually grow your business. We just had the best year in the history of our company last year, in what most would say was the toughest economy in a long time. If that isn’t evidence of my willingness to do what it takes, which is more than most who get information, maybe try it, then abandon it (think gym membership), I don’t know what is. I’m going to be here for a long time yet, and would take all you offer, implent it, and grow with it.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Jeff and Lee
984 days ago
Hello David,
We have received your newletters and tips for several years now. All are saved for reference as well. We know that we can benefit from your free 60 minute makeover because we beleive we have gotten stuck in a rut. We need to find ways out of the rut to continue the growth and success of our company, even in these economically challenging times.
We are a small company and we do have some large and well established competition. We have, however, been surviving under those conditions but survival is not enough. What started as a home based business 17 years ago outgrew that and has been moved in to a building all it’s own, complete with showroom. We have accomplished that in our “spare time” while also working somewhere else full-time. We are now focusing all our time and energy on our business on a full-time basis.
The awards side of our business is the better known and most successful but that is seasonal in this area. We have not seemed to be able to translate that same success to our Promotional Products business. We need to kick that up a few notches and expand to more markets and try some different methods. We just aren’t sure where to go and how to do it.
We agree that we need some professional assistance in getting beyond where we are and to where we want to go. We hope that you will see fit to provide us with that through your 60 Minute Makeover. Thank you.
Anthony Sakowicz
983 days ago
In consideration, I don’t feel that I can compete with some of the great comments and answers provided to you above. I am new in the business and have been very slow in getting off the ground. I have joined ASI and still don’t find the information provided by them of great help. Partially because I think their website is quite complicated and difficult to negotiate. I feel that a one on one with you may cure my slow start in this business. Last year I purchesed one of your programs and was quite inspired by it. However, in moving my home, twice in a year, I have misplaced the DVD set which prevents my review of your fantastic help. I think you are the most creative and inspiring entrapaneurs with whom I have ever studied. One on one would be a total starting gun for what my needs currently are. Not exactly in comparison with some of the other comments you have received but thanks.
Anthony Sakowicz, Reno, Nevada.
Elise Lindborg
982 days ago
QUESTION ONE: What sort of positive impact you believe a Top Secrets Makeover would have on your life?
ANSWER: In an economy where many businesses both big and small are reporting major losses, ZippyDogs is on its way to the best year yet. Our average annual growth rate has been 8.5%, but this year our diligent planning and positive outlook has resulted in nearly 20% growth over 2009. However – WE WANT MORE! A Top Secrets Makeover will make our lives more exciting and challenging! We have stagnated sales of around $550K per year and want to hit the million dollar mark by the end of 2011. We are at the tipping point of meeting our goal of $1 million in sales – but we need those words of wisdom from David to help push us over the edge. Today there are over 10.5 million women business owners – yet only 3% are reporting sales over 1 million. We want to break that ceiling and know that your tips will not only help increase our revenue but will require us to hire more people and contribute to growing the US economy.
QUESTION TWO: Why are we the very best candidates for this Makeover and should be chosen over everyone else who registers?
ANSWER: Earlier this year we decided we didn’t want to participate in this recession and fear-based economy. We made a concerted effort to get out more, network, and remind customers that it’s okay to promote their business. We would be the best candidates for David Blase because we have had steady growth since 2004. We have never had any sort of mentor in this business and would love to talk to someone who has been successful and is willing to share their secrets. We are looking for that “ah ha” moment and feel David will be able to quickly look at our last 10 years and say hey kids – this is so simple all you need to do is XYZ and point us in the right direction.
QUESTION THREE: Why do we believe we are more likely than anyone else to actually implement the recommendations I make to you and get results?
ANSWER: Because we will! This week we are moving our office out of our home and into a building we just bought. That’s right – in this economy we bought a building – we knew this is something we needed to it order to break our plateau of $550,000 per year in sales. We did not take no for an answer when two large banks turned us down for a commercial property loan. We found a smaller bank, sold them on our goals, opened our books and said take a chance on us we are ready to grow. They gave us the loan and we are fired up to not just grow – but kick ass next year. We are ready – we have the space, the experience, drive and determination to grow our distributorship into a multi-million dollar woman owned business. We are smart, educated women who will definitely implement some secrets of David Blaise this fall and winter. WOOF!
Katy
982 days ago
Hi David,
Thank you for offering this opportunity!
1)The Top Secrets Makeover would have a positive impact because it’s very empowering to have one on one coaching- we in sales often feel very alone. Your humor helps a great deal too!
2)I am the best candidate because I always tend to see the big picture and dream big- even when others are negative; I’m driven to be successful and inspire others.
3)I’m known as a person who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. I know I will overcome any obstacles in implementing the things I learn.
bruce fitzsimmons
982 days ago
1. What sort of positive impact you believe a Top Secrets Makeover would have on your life.
I believe that I can be the most successful salesman in the promotional products industry. I will build up my business and attract other sales people to join me in my company and train them to be extraordinary salesmen. To do this, I want to work with you the best trainer in the industry. I would like to work with you and become an incredible success story for your business and mine. I am looking for a mentor like yourself in the promotional products industry. I am a business owner who will work hard to be the best. I am ready and willing to be coached. My goal is to inspire and motivate everyone around me. My goal out of this makeover is to be a leader and an example for others in this industry and in my life.
2. Why you are the very best candidate for this Makeover and should be chosen over everyone else who registers. Don’t be shy here… sell me. (Hint: This should be about things like drive, focus and determination, not neediness.)
I already have a very successful business, right now it is very private, very few people know about me other than my clients and suppliers. I care alot about people. I want everyone around me to be successful. I am ready to expand my field of influence and become an incredible sales trainer. At this point in my life the level of success I am experiencing in my business is going way beyond anything I could of imagined even a year ago. There is no ceiling for what I see we can accomplish working with the best people and attracting the best people as clients. I am in the process of releasing the brakes on our business and taking it to the place where it can be the inspiration which I see it can be for so many. In working with you I will come from my heart because I want nothing more than extraordinary relationships with people in my life, from this you will be able to count on and trust me 100%.
3. Why you believe you are more likely than anyone else to actually implement the recommendations I make to you and get results.
My word is my bond. Give me a challenge and I will deliver. You can count on me to follow through with you, have fun and deliver the results.
John M Hudicka CAS
982 days ago
1. I’ve redefined my self, my personal relationship, my spheres of influence and ways of thinking and acting – stepping outside my level of past comfort zones, on every plane. It follows a totally new approach to my business can opnly improve and ensure a new level of success and dimension, professionally…
2. I’m ready and seeking to “put it all on the line” not only to be a personal success story, but an industry example of success, that this can be accomplished by anyone serious & committed to doing it, theeby hopefully motivating many many more to take he challenge & succedd!!!
3. I’ll implement my makeover, immediately, with the motivational support of my sopouse and share it by mentoring others to ensure spreading the success! If you ever read “The Secret” you know this to be key in one’s succes…
Mike Gerrish
982 days ago
I am new to the business and can use all of the help I can get!
Stacey
982 days ago
David,
Thank you for this great opportunity. Our company, Premier Corporations, is familiar with your services and industry expertise. Each year at the ASI Tradeshow, our company sends about 15 employees to participate in your classes and experience the latest industry trends. This knowledge is then used in our daily Standard Operating Procedures and new hire training process. The majority of us are under the age of 30 and really employ the energetic, go-getter mindset. One area that needs more focus, as young professionals in the promotional industry, is sales confidence. Our company knows that the Top Secret Makeover will allow us to implement this missing piece to our puzzle.
Recently, Premier was grateful to receive a regional hiring grant, where we employed nine people in July 2010. This program helps the community create job opportunities that were not available previously, and it excels our company’s growth, evolving us into a constructive North Central Florida company. While this grant helps everyone involved, there are a couple aspects that do not benefit our company. These are sales skill set and self-assurance in the sales process. At Premier, we are very confident with our customer service and array of products, but our young sales team lacks the expertise needed to capture and then close sales. Learning from a successful industry representative like yourself, is something that would be very beneficial for years to come.
The positive impact of your Top Secret Makeover will allow us to implement a fail-proof system, so our employees will evolve and succeed in the sales development of our company. The better training foundation that would result from this makeover will be systemized and replicated for continued future success. Being eager and driven are key qualities of our youthful employees. These qualities are not common in our industry, and even more reason why we deserve this opportunity. While we are the sports car, you are our gas. Please help us get going… off to the races!