Posts Tagged ‘get promoted’

U.S. Cellular Raving Fans

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

When I stopped by to visit Barb Mikula in her office, I could not miss the Raving Fans board near the door with thank you notes from her customers. Reading these notes I could tell Barb provided the type of customer service Ken Blanchard writes about in his book Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service“.

I was thinking of Barb when I heard the new U.S. Cellular ads on television. In these spots, the cell phone company highlight one of their customers including a phone number for follow up. This is similar to the Get Promoted Client Spotlight we do at CyberLife Tutors.

Get Promoted! CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight

Customers rave about the service at U.S. Cellular stores. Every employee is empowered to make sure the customer is happy. I have seen employees walk customers out to their cars with umbrellas when it rains. One employee tells me, “You do not choose to work at U.S. Cellular, they choose you.”

What to experience our Raving Fans service? Give us a call at 847.207.7412.
Read more

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Client Visits This Week

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

During the week I was on the road visiting with clients at classes and their businesses. This part of my work gets me pumped up as I am so excited by their talent and enthusiasm for their clients. Let me tell you about a couple of these folks and how they support other local businesses.

Customers love Barb Mikula of Allied Mortgage in Spring Grove. Here is a photo of Barb in front of her “Raving Fans” board where she posts cards and letters from delighted clients. One customer just sent this huge floral arrangement and a card to express her gratitude. Barb showed me a 2″ thick binder with additional customer testimonials. In talking with Barb, I learned how she takes a holistic approach to a client’s financial situation to get them the right mortgage advice and her referral business is huge. She specializes in loans for first time buyers and refinancing. Most of her business comes from referrals.

Barb is active in the community as a Director of the Richmond/Spring Grove Chamber of Commerce, member of Women’s Networking Group and McHenry County Association of Realtors.

Visiting Joyce Konstantinow Lakemoor Blooms and Rooms Mad Hatter open house this week was a visual treat as her retail space is filled with fresh ideas for your home. During her open house, Joyce partners with other businesses to bring new products and services to her clients. Not only does she offer interior design services, I saw architectural drawings of a client’s remodel, paintings and drawings. Joyce also thrives on referral business. Here she is in one of her showrooms.

We will share more client stories through our Client Spotlight feature. To learn how you can be featured, check out Get Promoted!

These business owners are learning to use social networking to expand their business. Registration for Social Networking for Business classes at the Shah Center in McHenry still available. Details here.

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CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight: Carol M. Seemayer

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Here is another CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight, my way of thanking customers for their support. This is also an opportunity for my clients to build their networks and gain visibility. Reach out and say “hello” to Carol. Read more on how you can “get promoted”.  April

Get Promoted! CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight
Get Promoted! CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight

CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight – Carol M. Seemayer

Hello!

My name is Carol M. Seemayer and I am thrilled by April’s invitation to introduce myself to her readers in this edition of the CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight! I am grateful for this opportunity to get connected and gain visibility with others.

I have been a stay-at-home Mom for the past 25 years. A major portion of this time was spent instilling the value of a quality education in my children, and in raising responsible adults. Time not spent achieving these goals was spent volunteering for various opportunities in my community. My volunteer work allowed me to use and expand on my transferrable job skills and gave me the chance to learn new ones.

In my former professional life, I was a COBOL programmer, technical writer and consultant for a Motion Picture and Commercial Talent payroll firm based in Chicago, and spent some time as Senior Technical Customer Support Analyst for a mini-computer manufacturer. Prior to that, my career was centered in an educational environment. Responsibilities of these positions required me to be proficient in accounting, customer service, Human Resources, payroll, technical and creative writing, communications, education, and Executive-level office management.

I was elected to the Board of Directors of the Winding Creek Townhome Association – Algonquin in October 2007 and have served as a Director since that time. The Board oversees an annual budget of $333,000 and acts as the governing body for our non-profit Association. My Board duties include the ability to analyze, project and manage the operating budget, and to make sound decisions for the well-being, maintenance and enhancement of the community.  As Chair of the Rules and Regulations committee, my responsibilities required me to select, coordinate and lead a committee of five in the research and development of a Rules and Regulations document, which is now one of the governing documents of this Association.

I have also been involved in volunteer opportunities to work with children and teens. I established, provided leadership and maintained membership numbers in the largest Girl Scout troop in my Parish for four years, and continued my involvement with other GSA troops in the area when my troop moved up. One of my favorite volunteer jobs required me to coordinate, promote, supervise, produce and direct variety shows. In a special assignment, I was instrumental in the design and implementation of an athletic uniform inventory system, and became solely responsible for the execution of a plan to refurbish uniforms, saving $2,500 in seasonal replacement costs. I have tutored and mentored students, and have been frequently requested to speak in classrooms as a recognized authority on Native American culture, language and tradition.

During my involvement in “The Evil World of Home Improvement and Repair,” I learned to plan, design and construct numerous home improvement projects including electrical and plumbing repairs and modifications, and was responsible for routine and extraordinary maintenance on my home and lawn. These new skill sets proved invaluable when I assisted with the construction of projects at local schools.

My diverse background, my desire to accept responsibility and challenge, and my commitment to see a project through to its completion are just some of my many qualities. I have taken on tasks in the past 20 years that I never would have thought I was capable of.  Satisfactorily completing these tasks gave me personal satisfaction, as I excelled at them. This phenomenon has presented its own challenges for me, as I am now faced with the decision of whether I should re-enter careers I already have experience with, or turn my professional life in another direction altogether.

I hold an A.A.S. in Data Processing and Business, with distinguished honors, from Central YMCA Community College. I completed the requirements for that degree in the stipulated time, while working full-time in a high-pressure environment.

Despite not having completed the requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline, neither my supervisors nor I have found that has ever prevented me from satisfactorily achieving my goals. My high degree of energy, intelligence, common sense and ingenuity help me successfully perform the responsibilities of every position I have held. I like to say I hold a Master’s Degree in the School of Life. In the past, I have primarily been referred to employers by people who have noticed my work ethic and recognized my true potential. I am a person who consistently gets the job done and meets deadlines in the least amount of time, with the best possible end result.

I would appreciate the chance to network with anyone reading this article who can give me encouragement, insight, guidance, or constructive criticism as I make plans to productively re-enter the work force. I welcome the opportunity to connect via email, LinkedIn, or over coffee in order to benefit from your ideas and experience. My contact information is listed below.

I would like to thank April M. Williams and CyberLife Tutors for giving me this opportunity to rise from a position of relative obscurity to one of high visibility. April’s coaching has enabled me to make positive changes in my resume, the way I approach my job search, and in the way I present myself through social networking. Her insight into the current job market crisis and the best way to market yourself to stand out from the crowd has renewed my enthusiasm and hope for a better future. After all, April noticed my potential, didn’t she?

Carol M. Seemayer

Contact me:

carolmseemayer@aol.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolmseemayer

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CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight: Greg Malmstrom

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Here is another CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight, my way of thanking customers for their support. This is also an opportunity for my clients to build their networks and gain visibility. Read more on how you can “get promoted”.

Get Promoted! CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight
Get Promoted! CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight

CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight – Greg Malmstrom

Greg’s strong people skills and ability to resolve problems have made him an asset for employers. He focuses on root cause issue management and training to serve customers effectively. Starting with his service in the U.S. Army, he has served in a variety of roles and functional areas. Greg is interested in a position in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.

Reach out and say hello to Gregory Malmstrom …

- April M. Williams

Hello,
My name is Gregory Malmstrom and I am excited for the opportunity that April has given to me to participate in a series of profiles that help all of us get connected and noticed. This sounds like a great idea and I hope it benefits everyone involved.

I worked for Henkel Adhesives, the worldwide leader in adhesives manufacturing, for the past nine years. After acquiring the second largest adhesives manufacturer a corporate decision was made to consolidate three national customer support offices into one consolidated location. Therefore, most of the operations were moved from offices in the Chicago, Il and Buffalo, NY area to New Jersey. An offer to relocate was extended to me but due to commitments at the time I was not able to take the offer and joined the ranks of the unemployed.

When I started with Henkel Adhesives in 2000, I was a customer service representative and the company was going through transition with both acquisitions and computer implementations. I made it my responsibility to help with both. With the responsibility I was promoted to a coordinator. In total I lead four consolidations due to acquisitions, receiving awards for their success. Then I was approached to lead an SAP project for the order to cash (order placement to collection of payment) process. In this role I had to analize our processes and make sure they were compatable with the company process template, working with all other departments to make sure all processes worked together. This role required travel to other facilities for meetings and training for the process as well as conducting the training classes for all end users. Upon the conclusion of the successful project I was promoted to Customer Service Team Lead. Continuing work with the SAP project as well as leading the local customer service team. Ultimately training another facility to take over operations and ending operations at the local office.

My experience before Henkel Adhesives was as a customer service assistant manager at Laco Ind/Markal Co. were I assisted in the day to day operations of Customer Service with order entry and returns approval responsibility. Before that I was in Inside Sales/Purchasing at Total Plastics, Inc. independently quoting prices on items including freight and any fabrication work. Then more customer service/purchasing at Camden Wire Co, Inc. where I was responsible for a distribution warehouse when the sales manager was on sales calls. Before that I was a Finance Specialist for the U.S. Army working in different areas as a problem solver and other responsibilities as a unit truck driver.

Over the last several years I have worked part time at Menards in the Building materials department. I worked for a survey company drawing “Plat of Surveys” on a basic version of CAD. I have most recently been working as a handyman both with an established company and working with clients on my own.

I am currently trying to decide what four year college to go to for the completion of my degree. I have taken just about all the courses I can at College of DuPage (C.O.D) With a 3.35 GPA in the study of Business Management.

Where do I go from here? I am looking to either find a position as a Customer Service Manager or Change my career path. I would like to work as a trainer, analyst, or in Purchasing. I even debate changing things up completely and go into electrical engineering.

I am currently working with April to help with my short term goal of finding a good position and further my career. Having been employed for the last nine years has been a blessing but losing that position has brought on the challenges of today’s job market. Finding that new position is definitely much different than it was back then and it is great that April is there to help guide people through the transition. Thank you April! Perhaps even someone reading this has the contacts to help me achieve this goal. I appreciate any help I can get. I can be contacted at the e-mail address below or on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorymalmstrom.

Gregory Malmstrom
malmstrg@yahoo.com

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CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight: Mark Sambor

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Here is our first CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight, my way of thanking customers for their support. This is also an opportunity for my clients to build their networks and gain visibility. Click here to learn more about how you can “get promoted”.

CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight –  Mark Sambor

Get Promoted! CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight
Get Promoted! CyberLife Tutors Client Spotlight

Mark’s growth in his career highlights an ability to learn and adapt within changing environments. Throughout company name and ownership changes, his team has thrived and expanded under his leadership. Mark’s ability to encourage and mentor results in loyal team members. He has demonstrated his thirst for new challenges by taking on increased responsibility. Willing to explore what is possible, he is inquisitive and analytical in his approach. Reach out and say hello to Mark Sambor…

April M. Williams

Hello,

My Name is Mark Sambor and I’m delighted that April has invited me to be the first in what I hope will be a successful series of profiles that helps all of us get connected and noticed. I believe this is a terrific idea and I appreciate the opportunity.

Currently, I am employed by MyPoints.com as the leader and VP of their Client Services team. MyPoints.com serves as an online loyalty site, where members are incented to shop at various online retailers or subscribe for different services and receive Points in return that they can then redeem for gift cards at numerous top retailers. Using a proprietary content and financial management platform, my team and I produce the offers that are provided to our members, either through the MyPoints website or our email program. I am responsible for the following disciplines that make up the Client Services team: project/campaign management, design, copywriting, quality control, campaign targeting, offline file processing and campaign reporting.

I started with MyPoints nearly 10 years ago as a project/campaign manager after several years in the banking industry. By displaying superior client service, quality, organization and intra-departmental communication skills I was recognized with 5 promotions over the past 10 years.

In addition to managing the day to day production of thousands of offers annually on behalf of our clients for our members, I am continuously generating and managing projects that result in greater efficiencies for my team.  Since 2006, I have been able to double our campaign output through platform and process developments while maintaining the same headcount. Campaign turnaround time has been reduced from 5.5 days to 2.5 days, allowing MyPoints to recognize millions of dollars in additional revenue opportunities without increased production costs. Platform improvement projects require buy in from senior management while working closely with the Engineering team on delivering our improvements to spec and within budget. I’m also responsible for developing and providing to senior management operational metrics that measure the performance and efficiency of my team, while also providing valuable insight to the performance of my various teams and the individuals that make up those teams.

In addition to my time at MyPoints.com, I am also a website project manager for the Taproot Foundation, which provides consulting services to nonprofit community organizations. My current project entails a website redesign for Chicago Commons, an organization located on the near west side that provides home health care for the elderly, adult education services and numerous youth programs and education services. I strongly recommend the Taproot Foundation to anyone looking to use their professional talents and experiences towards a rewarding cause. Check out taprootfoundation.org for a full list of the professional consulting services they provide and the talented individuals they need.

Finally, my education consists of an MBA from DePaul University and a BA in Liberal Arts/Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

I welcome the opportunity to connect with everyone reading this (my contact info below). Working with April has taught me the value in building and maintaining a highly effective network where we all learn from and help out one another.  I also want to thank April for opening my eyes to a world of possibilities.  Working with her has created for me a renewed feeling of excitement, confidence and passion as it pertains to my day to day worklife and my career.

Mark Sambor
Vice President, Client Services at MyPoints.com
(630) 532-9519
m_sambor@hotmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marksambor

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