Profit – Executive Growth Strategies

December 14, 2020

The Economic Explosion Resulting From The Coronavirus Vaccine Or Do You Want Fries With That???

CVS, Rite-Aid, Walmart, Sams Club along with just about any place that has a pharmacy cannot get the Coronavirus soon enough and for reasons that may not be clear to everyone. This morning on Stuart Varney I saw the statistic that 41% are ready to get the vaccine as soon as possible, 44% want to wait a bit and 15% said they would never be willing to get vaccinated. While these are the highest acceptance rates I’ve seen I don’t doubt them. Why are so many companies in line to provide this service? The reason is selling fries with that vaccine.

McDonalds became very profitable after training their counter staff to ask “do you want fries with that?” This simple question raised the average ticket by only $1.79 (the cost of a medium fry). While $1.79 may not seem significant on its own merit you must consider McDonalds sees 62,000,000 customers every day! If only 20% are upsold to that means an additional $22 million in sales daily and $8 billion in sales annually! This all comes from asking “do you want fries with that?”

When you know what you can sell your ideal customer and you combine that with what else you can sell them you enter the Zone Of Pure Genius! These companies know that 41% of the nation cannot get the vaccine soon enough. In these stores the place where you will physically get the shot is at the back of the store. They’re betting you’ll do some shopping for other things while you’re there anyway. This is a very solid plan. I’ve already had e-mails from two of these named companies reminding me that they will be offering the vaccine and asking to place me on their list. It gives them a reason to contact me with the expectation I will open and read it. The initial e-mail also contained coupons for products related to colds and the flu. As a friend who is a CPA tells me “whenever the IRS announces a tax simplification measure it is the same as a full employment act for accountants!”

My name is Steven Clauson. I coach people who want help getting where they want to be. The people I coach are typically already taking action, getting results and ask what’s next and what actions to take to make an even greater impact. They aren’t afraid to ask for help. How can I help you? What actions are you taking? Those who have a plan and implement that plan lead the pack. Planning, preparing to win and taking appropriate action means you hear the word “YES” more than ever. Only if you are one of the few willing to take action, do what’s required and play full out are you likely to hear the word yes more often. People hearing the word “YES” are winners on the playing field because they play full out and dominate. For these people results matter. Tired of results less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com

June 23, 2020

If You’re Motivated By Weekends And Vacations Something is Missing!

When you start Monday looking forward to Friday something is missing. Time off is great until that’s what driving you. When that happens everyone knows it and can feel it. It’s the feeling you get when you talk with someone who must make a sale to stay alive.

I was promoted to foreman for Home Building Center in 1978. The person whose position I was promoted to left behind a sign that said “If you want to kill time try working it to death.” Like so many people who are initially hired to do a job I was unqualified. I knew it was up to me to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible. I spent evenings in the local library reading books on project management and logistics. This made for long weeks and weekends. I looked forward to Friday to arrive because I had the weekend to immerse myself in what I was going to implement on Monday. This drove me and motivated me to want more. This was time well spent. Within just a few months I was driving a new car and my sales numbers were the best the company had ever had.

Fast forward to 2020. I see too many uninspired people largely just going through the motions. Long ago they decided to quit reading, they decided to quit challenging themselves and in many respects they decided to just give up. It appears that some of the people get out of bed to share their defeat with others… no need to keep their level of sadness and defeat to themselves when we we’re all told that misery loves company.

I spend my weekend with friends doing what’s important to me. I read every day to sharpen my axe and never turn off my cell phone. I’ve learned to either fix most any problem comes up or who to call if I can’t get the job done myself. What motivates you and actually gets you out of bed? If you aren’t excited when your feet hit the floor we need to talk!

June 8, 2020

Optimism Or Reasoned Optimism?

In the current climate we’re living in, being optimistic may be a good thing. In the current climate we’re living in creating multiple reasons to be optimistic is an unstoppable force. Personally, I prefer reasoned optimism.

One of my favorite quotes is “Dig your well before you get thirsty.” For most this is easy to understand and the actual doing can be very different. I dig my well daily and the results speak for themselves. I understand that intelligent outflow creates meaningful inflow. I’m shocked at how many people wake up each day and play at a level 1 or 2 on a scale of 10. What do they think is going to happen?

I’m reminded of a short story I heard from Robert Ringer who wrote the book Maximum Achievement… Every day in in Africa a Lion wakes up and already knows they must run faster than the slowest Gazelle or they won’t eat. Every day in Africa a Gazelle wakes up and already knows they must run faster than the fastest Lion or they will be eaten. Each knows when they wake up they must start running to survive! Have you started running yet?

My name is Steven Clauson. I coach people who want help getting where they want to be. The people I coach are typically already taking action, getting results and ask what’s next and what actions to take to make an even greater impact. They aren’t afraid to ask for help. How can I help you? What actions are you taking? Those who have a plan and implement that plan lead the pack. Planning, preparing to win and taking appropriate action means you hear the word “YES” more than ever. Only if you one of the few willing to take action, do what’s required and play full out and you likely to hear the word yes more often. People hearing the word “YES” are winners on the field playing because they play full out and dominate. For these people results matter. Tired of results less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com

June 7, 2020

What’s Left Over When Your Time Is Up?

This isn’t a highly motivational picture. It was placed to get your attention. All of us will have this day. I’m not looking forward. I know it’s gonna get here. Elon Musk is working on a go around but I’m not optimistic.

Most of the people I meet are incredibly protective with their money while paying minimal attention to their time. This is ass backwards. My wife told me to eliminate the words ass but PFUI… sometimes I need to be blunt.

When your coffin lid starts to close or they place the lid on the urn what you will have left over is money… what you will have no more is time. The last thing I’m worried about is someone who wants to steal my money. No worries… I know how to make more money with incredible reliability. The most non-renewable resource I have is my time. Your most non-renewable resource is your time. When you run out of time you can’t fix it. You’re done! Many years ago I filed bankruptcy… isn’t that proof I was out of money? I got more money and you will too. Why do most people feel the opposite?

If you want to steal my time we’re going to have an issue. I have literally refused to work with people simply because they have no respect for my time or theirs. If you are constantly running behind you must not respect someone and it better not be me. The worst person to disrespect on the subject of time is yourself. The value you put on your time determines your income. Be On Time!

My name is Steven Clauson. I coach people who want help getting where they want to be. The people I coach are typically already taking action, getting results and ask what’s next and what actions to take to make an even greater impact. They aren’t afraid to ask for help. How can I help you? What actions are you taking? Those who have a plan and implement that plan lead the pack. Planning, preparing to win and taking appropriate action means you hear the word “YES” more than ever. Only if you one of the few willing to take action, do what’s required and play full out and you likely to hear the word yes more often. People hearing the word “YES” are winners on the field playing because they play full out and dominate. For these people results matter. Tired of results less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com

January 10, 2017

“A” Players Hire “A” Players. Who Do “B” Player Hire?

       It’s a fact that “A” Players only hire “A” Players when they need something done. Why work with someone who produces a result below your current skill set. This is about who hires “B” Players and more importantly why they hire them.
I decided long ago it was easier and less expensive in the long run to work with “A” Players exclusively. It seemed expensive at first… turns out it was one of the least expensive things I ever did.  Working with “A” Players kept me off balance and uncomfortable and as a result I was productive instead of busy. “A” Players demanded results from me I would have never demanded of myself.
It turns out the “B” Players hire “C” Players!  Why have people around you who are constantly nagging you to do this or create that? Seems like a lot of work. Another good about hiring “C” Players is they aren’t invested in the result they help you create. They are happy to cruise along, settle for less and pretend to smile. Sure, low standards and a commitment void is a shitty way to live and unless you tell someone the secret is yours. We make choices every day about working with “A” or “C” level people. Whose on your team?
        My name is Steven Clauson and I coach “A” people to take “A” level actions, be their best and win more often. I know the one taking action most often wins. Taking action means you will hear the word “YES” more than ever. Are you one of the few willing to take action, do what’s required to hear the word yes more often? People accustomed to the word “YES” are winners on the field playing full out and dominating. For these people results matter. Tired of results less than you know you can produce?  Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com

October 6, 2015

Participation Trophies In The News.

After everything that has been in the news recently about the idea and value of participation trophies I spent a few minutes looking around my children’s rooms. My children were active in pursuits like Soccer, Football, Media, Track & Field, Lacrosse, Cheerleading and Swimming. I was looking for any remaining “awards” they are proud of for just showing up. I found none!
Upon closer examination what I did find was a varsity letter my son earned as a Varsity Swimmer for Elk Grove High School, my daughters awards for Academic Excellence, Academic All American and a Cheerleading award she was given that was voted on by her Cheer team at Pleasant Grove High School and my Step Daughters awards from the Media Communications Academy at Center High School where she excelled and set the standard she would use as a Cast Member at Disney . Not one of them kept awards for simply participating. I don’t think this is a mistake.
My Son recently was awarded the title “Customer Experience Expert” from Mazda Corporation. This is an award based on sales, experience and customer service ratings where Mazda calls the customer to drill down about their experience. This award comes with a title and a monetary bonus. In short, it matters and is earned.
My Daughter was recently placed into the management training program with Safeway Corporation based on effort, hard work, management approval and again the biggest factor is customer feedback. Feedback matters. I would add that my daughter will earn her certification as a welder in December and takes pride in maintaining the highest grade level and skill level in her class because this allows her to be the leader she knows she is.
My Step Daughter has recently been elevated at Disneyland from Cast Member to a manger based solely on Direct Customer feedback. At Disney direct feedback means that a guest captures someone’s name and has to go to a specific office near the main gate and write out what the Cast Member did to make their day memorable. Many Cast Members never have this happen and she has had it happen twice in the same week. Her name is Sammy and she is in Disney California Adventure and I promise you that if you seek her out it will be an experience your children will not soon forget. Disney expects that once you hit the stage you are all about the guest experience and this is difficult at best.
Each of these now adults were given participation trophies and each of them say that none of them mattered. What matters to them are the results they produce because that is a life trophy and one that matters

My name is Steven Clauson and I coach people who want to come out of the stands and onto the field or are already on the field and demand to maximize their efforts. Are you in the stands or on the field? Winners are on the field playing full out. These are people for whom results matter. Tired of results that are less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com

October 6, 2015

Who Creates Your Reality?

Who’s responsible for creating your reality? The word reality is defined as the way things actually are. With that being said the News people insist on watching is supposed to contain reality and what it really contains is grey areas of opinion and spin. Our lives happen just like this. Most of what happens comes down to opinion and spin.
Someone’s reality often comes down to their Response Ability in every given situation. Losing a parent, winning a football game, going through a divorce, filing bankruptcy and even getting an inheritance are examples of things that show your response ability. How will you respond in any given situation is what reality is all about. I know people dealing with each of these situations right now and the differences are stark and not what I would have predicted.
What I know to be true and a fact is that success is our duty, obligation and responsibility. We need to take it seriously. It matters! The last few days with a sick parent matters. Winning a football game matters. Divorce and the destruction of a family matters. Filing bankruptcy and having the chance to start over matters. Getting an inheritance and becoming the steward of someone’s financial lifes work matters.
Each of us holds the final definition of what reality means. When you choose to be part of the solution your ability to respond rises. What’s your current Response Ability?
My name is Steven Clauson and I coach people who want to come out of the stands and onto the field or are already on the field and demand to maximize their efforts. Are you in the stands or on the field? Winners are on the field playing full out. These are people for whom results matter. Tired of results that are less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com

July 21, 2015July 14, 2015

Your Mom Was Wrong… Start Talking To Strangers

Many of us were told by our Mom and Dad to not talk to strangers. This is very good advice when you are growing up and it becomes very bad advice around the age of 14 or the day you start playing team sports for many reasons. It is also around this age that many of us start to show a sincere interest in the opposite sex and if you aren’t willing to talk to strangers you are bound to remain lonely and confused. When you enter the world of being employed the problems multiply!

Zig Ziglar once said that timid salespeople have skinny kids and experience has shown he’s right. Whenever you miss the chance to meet someone for the first time, otherwise known as talking to a stranger, your world has the chance to expand dramatically. There are degrees of separation and meeting new people changes those degrees and that separation. We know that statistically each of us knows 200 people +/-. If you were to meet 1 new person per day and took weekends off at the end of a year you would know 450 people +/-. If you sell anything you are going to make a lot more money and impact a lot more people. Stay in touch with these people and remind them how you met, who you are and what you do. Do this frequently and with a purpose.

I know that as I have aged I need to make it a point to stay in touch with people more often. To start with I don’t know when they won’t be around anymore and most people are like me in that they get busy and prioritize in different ways… ways that don’t always work. These people you know matter and make life richer in more ways than one!

If you don’t have a plan to meet these 5 new people per week call me. We will design a plan and I will show you how to stay on top of that plan and what you can make out of it. My name is Steven Clauson and I coach people who either want to come out of the stands and onto the field or are there and want to maximize their efforts. Are you in the stands or on the field of play? Winners have to get out of the stands. Tired of getting your ass kicked? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com

July 14, 2015

What Failing To Hit The Target Looks Like

A compelling article came across my desk today and I want to condense it and share what I see. Did you know…

68% of Americans say they receive too many brand e-mails. You are reading one now.
48% of Americans consider personalized e-mails from companies they do business with helpful.
17% of Americans cannot handle the current volume of brand e-mails
56% of Americans willingly share personal information to receive relevant offers.

Americans say they receive very relevant information from;

33% Credit Card Companies.
29% Supermarkets
29% Banks
18% Fuel Companies.

Americans do the following with poorly targeted communications;

70% close accounts or unsubscribe
60% un follow on social media
59% opt out of future e-mails
57% block phone numbers
54% delete apps.

Irrelevant communications cause consumer loyalty to waiver and that’s something we can ill afford. The days of Facebook postings simply for the sake of content are over. People are getting over run with electronic communication. They are tired of it and fighting back. We must be more relevant today than ever. When we send an e-mail or post a blog it has to be thought out and has to matter. To do anything less is electronic suicide.

This research was completed by the AIMIA Institute and they are a data-driven marketing and loyalty analytics company.

I coach people and help them determine what action to take, what to do more of and what to eliminate and help them to effectively demonstrate what makes them special and why their customer should be using them over any and all other options they might have. I show them how to produce results that are uncommon for most. Call me at 916-230-0176 or e-mail me at steve@assaultmarketing.com

July 14, 2015

Problems Don’t Age Well

Like many people who read this newsletter I enjoy wine. The wine I enjoy has aged for a while and that time spent aging adds to the bouquet of the wine and enhances the taste. While I don’t pretend to understand the mechanism I can tell you that I like the result and encourage winemakers when I have the chance. Problems are different in that they don’t age well.
When I had my private practice I knew that certain people had certain problems that defined them as a person. Removal of the problem meant nothing more than they had to go find or invent another problem to further define them. The Entrepreneurs I work with are quite different in that they don’t need to find issues, rather the issues find them. While this is not helpful it is the nature of the beast. The entrepreneurs that rise to the top deal with these problems in an on point manner as soon as they arise.
There are 2 ways to deal with a problem and only you get to decide which route you take. If you can declare that a problem is a non-issue and walk away from it you are doing well. If you have a problem that you cannot walk away from your best response is to overwhelm the issue and go at the problem from several different angles at the same time. The longer a problem is allowed to exist the harder it is to solve.
In cage fighting the goal is to get the opponent on the ground as rapidly as possible and go for the submission. In football you want to strike for the end zone as fast as possible and then score and score often. In business you must figure out what the actual problem is, confront it and put it to rest. Move fast, be focused, get help, don’t change the subject and act like you are killing an ant with an assault rifle. Solve your problem with everything you have and then move on.
What is the problem you have to solve today? You have to solve it for either you or someone else and leaving it unsolved brings an unacceptable cost and angst. Overwhelm the issue and get to the other side.
I coach people and help them determine what action to take, what to do more of and what to eliminate and help them to effectively demonstrate what makes them special and why their customer should be using them over any and all other options they might have. I show them how to produce results that are uncommon for most. Call me at 916-230-0176 or e-mail me at steve@assaultmarketing.com