Years ago, I was told by my dad that if I ever wanted to get out of the truck I needed to make my replacements. I got no further instructions on how to do that, but in that instant I knew what I had to do; I needed to train others to do what I was doing if I ever planned to move up.

So I began to make believe there was someone riding along with me, and I made notes of my teaching lessons to my imaginary trainee. This was how the trade manuals that documented how we did our work were born. Then I began to look at apprentices as more than big, strong helpers, and more as people who could become technicians or Installers — who could work on their own or lead their own team.

All of this meant I needed to become a better trainer. That’s when I attended Dale Carnegie© classes. I also got a tip from a trainer who said I needed to watch myself train by shooting video. Frankly, it was very painful at first. But, it was the best thing I ever did! I got much better at training in a hurry.

The funny thing is the better I got at training the better I was as a tech and as a sales person. The other thing that happened when I got better at training and at selling was I got better at marketing.

This was when I discovered the “Triangle of Success”.

As a trainer, I had to sell my attendees a concept to get them to buy-in to what I was teaching them. It took salesmanship! Once I learned to see things more from their point of view, it just naturally happened when I visited prospective customers. I was much better at selling a concept and myself. I got so good at seeing what it took to sell one customer that I began to see who was and who wasn’t my ideal customer. This helped me “speak” to them, and all my marketing and sales continue to grow.

Training, sales and marketing are a self-reinforcing powerful triangle. The better you get, the closer you’ll be to having both the staff and customers you’ve always dreamed of.  

Give Me 60 Minutes And I'll Show You The Secrets To Running A Profitable Service Business … Even During A Recession!

Al Levi is a consultant and a contributing editor to PM magazine and blogs for many other BNP trade magazines. He is now presenting a free online video event called the “60-Minute Recession Solution Online Video Seminar”.

For the first time ever, you’ll hear from him and just a few of the many contractors who have engaged the power of his Power! Programs. They’re happy to share how this dynamic program worked for them and how it is still working for them — especially in these tough economic times.

“This program has helped dozens of business owners I’ve worked with one-on-one,” says Al. “The Power! Plans have also helped. But now, thanks to new technology, I’ll be able to help many more contractors with my 12-month Power! Plan Coaching Program than ever before.” This program will include the building of your own customizable Operating Power! manuals.

These programs have been working for Al in his family business for years and in his clients’ businesses. Now they are reaping the results. Click on the following link to see and hear for yourself: www.60MinuteRecessionSolution.com.