April – Success
Jeff Pankoff with Sandler Training is a VirtualOffiCenters Client at Olympic Place, and our Success Client for the month of April. Jeff worked in corporate sales training for over 20 years before purchasing his own Sandler franchise. His risk paid off, as Jeff was named Rookie of the Year his first year in business with Sandler! Jeff enjoys the freedom and flexibility of being a virtual client. He uses all of the centers’ convenient locations for conference room space, as well as taking advantage of the many networking opportunities that OffiCenters provides. Read on to find out more about Jeff’s success with his company.
Every business has a story, tell us yours. I worked in sales, training, and sales leadership in corporate America for over 20 years but always wanted to run my own business. As National Director of Sales at my last company, I had the opportunity to use the Sandler Training System with my sales force and management team. My group and I were very impressed with this selling system and experienced positive results. The Sandler contact we worked with encouraged me to consider being a Sandler business owner. One year ago, I left my company and purchased a Sandler Franchise. It was a leap of faith, but I have loved every minute of it. It was the best business decision I have ever made.
You were chosen as this month’s Success Client. Tell us about your most recent success. All 400+ Sandler Franchisees and Associates attend international sales meetings three times a year. In March, at the Sandler International Conference, I was awarded the Rookie of the Year. It is awarded to the highest revenue producing business owner who has been with Sandler less than 18 months. This is among all new franchisees worldwide.
No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . . My business is off to a great start in this first year. I had high expectations for myself and very lofty goals. Achieving Rookie of the Year was one of my goals, as it is one of the most prestigious awards at Sandler. Better than the business success, I feel like I am doing what I was meant to do and am good at it. I love helping sales professionals and business leaders grow and achieve their goals. I enjoy helping others reach their highest potential, and I know I am making a difference in the lives of my clients.
We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom. In order to achieve success, you must fail. At Sandler we embrace mistakes, because they are opportunities to grow and learn. The key is to fail often but fail forward, and don’t punish yourself. To achieve success, first establish a clear vision and purpose for your life and your business. Then set specific, measurable goals to achieve your vision. Create a behavioral plan to meet the goals and work those behaviors every day. A goal without an action plan is just a dream. And most important, believe in yourself and maintain your confidence through the ups and downs that all businesses face. Keep your faith in yourself and conviction in what you do.
Share the best advice you ever received. I received a key piece of advice years ago as a brand new sales rep, “Make every customer feel like they are your only customer. Make them feel special and be fully present in the moment with every person.”
Describe your perfect day off. Coaching my boys in a championship hockey game, then taking my daughter out for ice cream and ending the evening on a date with my wife!
What might someone be surprised to know about you? I’m all thumbs when it comes to household maintenance. I’m the opposite of a “Do It Yourselfer”.
Together we are stronger. Tell us something you like about being our client. VirtualOffiCenters has been crucial to my success as I start my business. I utilize conference rooms throughout the OffiCenter system each week to conduct training sessions. VirtualOffiCenters many locations allow me to have meetings or training sessions where convenient for my clients. The staff is always so helpful and professional in easily scheduling my needs. The flexibility provided to have office space and access to conference rooms allows me to get what I need in the most affordable way. I have also enjoyed meeting other business professionals and networking in the OffiCenter system. This is a benefit that I was not expecting when I joined. Some of my first clients were from OffiCenter!
If you could work anywhere under the sun, where would you choose? Minnesota – I love it here! Great schools, neighborhoods and business community.
How can people CONNECT with you? Feel free to call me at 952-300-0906 or email at jeff.pankoff@sandler.com. You can learn more about Sandler Training and me by visiting my website at www.northstar.sandler.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jeff-pankoff/7/982/74a.
