Author: Paul Wagenaar

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE – But are you prepared?

Paul Wagenaar

According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s website, in Ontario more than 250,000 workers are injured in workplace accidents annually. Their most recent statistics show the average direct cost of these accidents can be more than $20,000; in medical expenses, lost time, lost productivity, etc. In certain cases, direct and indirect costs can exceed $80,000. Accidents can injure associates and visitors, result in fines, penalties, and lawsuits that in some severe cases can result in organizations being shut down. Many of these accidents are preventable or can be mitigated if an organization, from the top to the bottom, commits themselves to a culture of proper Health and Safety.

Prospecting 101 – Making a good sales associate a GREAT SALES ASSOCIATE

Paul Wagenaar

“Good to great” is the title of an excellent book by Jim Collins. Collins writes about how some of the good organizations made themselves great organizations by doing things well that were available to everyone in their sectors, but only a few made the effort. As a commission sales associate, you have the same opportunity. The things that you need to do to become truly great are at your fingertips, the same way that they are for everyone else, as with the examples in his book, only the great sales associates do them.

Small & Medium sized Organizations – Theft and Fraud Prevention Tips

Paul Wagenaar

There are many “warning signs” that can help you avoid being a victim. Anticipating that fraud attempts are going to occur, putting preventative measures in place may be your best defense. It is not a question of “if” your organization might be a potential victim of theft or fraud; it is only a question of “when.”

Real Sales Issues – Customers asking for a “deal”

Paul Wagenaar

As a sales associate, having the right answer when a customer asks “for a deal” and being able to handle the question comfortably can be difficult for new sales associates and even for older associates who are struggling. In this post, we will discuss some suggestions on how to handle these situations, from some of the best sales associates I have known.

GIVING BACK – Coaching Minor Sports

Paul Wagenaar

Some of my posts are about building the culture of organizations. A great way is to encourage your associates to volunteer to help with minor sports. These are a few tips and lessons that people shared with me and I believe made a significant difference helping me to coach, and helping the players to learn and have fun.

HEALTH & SAFETY BASICS – Students & New Hires

Paul Wagenaar

Did you know that Students and young workers have a much greater chance of being hurt in the workplace than older workers?

Part of the reason is inexperience and lack of training; another part though is a lack of understanding of the protections that are in place for all workers regardless of experience. Consider this to be an introduction which outlines some of the government legislated protections that are in place for you.

BUILDING FUTURES: Hiring Summer Students

Paul Wagenaar

Often over-looked and underappreciated students represent a great opportunity for virtually for every kind of organization. For students: summer jobs are a way to earn extra money, save for school, to gain valuable experience, and to begin to establish their reputations. For organizations: hiring students can bring fresh energy and ideas, and it can be a great way to help your community. Make no mistake there is a steep learning curve on all sides; however, taking a moment and reviewing these eighteen tips may help make that curve a little less precipitous.

TRAINING 101 – Role Playing

Paul Wagenaar

Like so many skills, selling ability is a learned skill. Even someone with “natural selling skills” can be better. Perhaps the most effective training method is also the one that most people feel the most uncomfortable with: role-playing. The primary focus of this post is teaching selling skills; however, role-playing can help in virtually any training situation.