We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mike Acuff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mike below.
Mike, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Throughout my career I have come across many successful people that either work in corporate america or own a business or businesses. I have noticed that every single person has a different outlook on what success is and how you can achieve it, but there are multiple universal attributes as well.
I would like to think of these as non-negotiables when working towards whatever success looks like for you:
1. Determination: You have to be persistent, because the road to success will be filled with trials and obstacles.
2.Resilience: Always turn negatives into positives. Use your failures as learning experiences and move forward.
3.Networking: Build relationships and always be looking for an opportunity to tell people what you do and how you do it. Never meet a stranger.
4.Constant Learning: Look for ways to expand your knowledge and be a master of your craft. Always be learning something and soaking it up like a sponge.
5.Effective Communication: Learn how to explain your thoughts and ideas in a way that allows people to understand your vision clearly. This will help them get behind you and assist in your success.
My story:
Ever since I was a kid, I was surrounded by business simply because of our family-owned business ran by my mom. I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in the boardroom by the age of 8 and even had my own business cards at age 5. I thought I was the real deal! I even asked my employer at the time aka (My Mom), if I could have a raise from .75 cents to a $1.00, because I felt like I was very deserving for sweeping the floors to the best of my ability.
As I continued to get older, I continuously got chances to sharpen my skills regarding business and how processes worked. I attribute my success in Networking and Effective Communication to the opportunities I got at such an early age.
As I got older, I became extremely involved in sports and eventually included traveling the country getting to play in some very cool places and getting to meet some really awesome people and coaches. I have had the chance to play on a lot of different teams that obviously included a lot of different type of players and coaches. Being considered a leader on those teams, I was able to work on my communication skills and leadership skills among my teammates. Also, there are different types of coaches, so i have had some that are loud, some that are quiet, and some that are both. Learning how to be effective under different coaching styles has helped me with resilience. I have always had a competitive nature, but playing high level sports just took the competitive nature to another level. Determination was instilled in my mindset because I do not like to lose and I want to be the best I can be at whatever the task is that I’m working on. I attribute my success in being Determined and being Resilient to my years of sports and navigating the politics, coaching styles, and different teammates throughout the years.
Fast forward to adulthood. The day I found out I was going to be a father, was the best day and the scariest day all at once. That day was also the day that I decided to roll all of the “Success” attributes into one Mindset. There was no option for me to not be successful because I had to make sure that I was always going to be able to provide for my wife and my one kid at the time. Being a parent and husband is where the success attribute of Constant Learning is used. You always have to be learning about how to be the best parent and best spouse, because that is a marathon, not a sprint.
In conclusion, Success looks different to every single person, but to be Successful in whatever it is there has to be some universal attributes. You have to have Determination, Resilience, Networking Mindset, Constantly Learning, and Effective Communication Skills. Your journey is going to look different then the person next to you, but the end goal is always the same… SUCCESS.
Please tell the readers about Localiq and what you offer to businesses
At LocaliQ, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive suite of marketing and advertising solutions customized to the unique needs of our clients. Our offerings span a wide range of services including:
Strategic Marketing Consulting: My team collaborates with clients to create actionable marketing strategies that drive growth and align with their business objectives.
Digital Advertising: From pay-per-click campaigns to programmatic advertising, we leverage the latest tools and proprietary platforms to ensure our clients’ brands stand out in the digital landscape.
Content Creation: Our award-winning in-house team of designers produce high-quality, engaging creative that tells compelling stories and creates a strong call to action.
Branding: Whether it’s a fresh brand identity or a rebrand, our designers dive deep into understanding of our clients’ businesses to deliver designs that resonate and tell their story.
Social Media Advertising: Our team puts together social ads that not only engages audiences but also puts your company in front of the ideal targeted audience. This will increase conversions and leads.
SEO & SEM: With dedicated experts on board, we ensure our clients’ online presence is optimized for visibility on all search engines.
The problems we solve span a variety of challenges. For many of our clients, it’s about increasing brand awareness in a crowded market, driving more qualified leads, or converting more of their existing traffic into loyal customers. For others, it’s about navigating the digital transformation journey and integrating modern marketing strategies into traditional business models.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to understanding our clients’ businesses at a granular level. We’re not just a service provider; we see ourselves as partners, deeply invested in the success of our clients. This allows us to craft solutions that are not only innovative but also relevant and effective for the unique challenges each client faces. Our team’s diverse expertise, combined with our forward-thinking approach, ensures we remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving marketing landscape, consistently delivering unparalleled results.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a sales team and maintaining high morale can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can cultivate a motivated and high-performing team. Here are some advice and best practices to consider:
Clear Communication: Ensure that your team is well-informed about company goals, product changes, and market dynamics. Regularly check in with team members to offer guidance and answer questions.
Offer Training and Development: Continuous learning opportunities can improve skills and boost confidence. Whether it’s product training, sales techniques, or soft skills, prioritize the professional development of your team.
Recognize and Reward: Regularly acknowledge top performers and celebrate team wins, no matter how big or small. This recognition can come in many forms: bonuses, awards, public praise, or even small tokens of appreciation.
Empower Decision Making: Give your salespeople autonomy, trusting them to make decisions. This not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Cultivate a Team Environment: Foster a culture where team members collaborate and support one another. Regular team-building activities can help in developing camaraderie.
Address Concerns Promptly: If a team member has concerns or grievances, address them promptly. By showing that you care and are proactive, you build trust and prevent potential morale issues.
Flexibility: If possible, offer flexibility in working hours or location, especially if it can help sales reps manage their territories or client meetings more efficiently.
Provide the Right Tools: Equip your team with the latest CRM tools, sales software, and communication platforms. Having the right tools can significantly increase their efficiency and reduce unnecessary stress.
Maintain Open Door Policy: Encourage your salespeople to come to you with their challenges, ideas, or concerns. By being approachable, you foster an environment of trust.
Focus on Well-being: Recognize that high-pressure sales roles can lead to burnout. Promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage breaks. Consider offering wellness programs or resources.
Transparent Career Pathways: Show your team that there’s room for growth within the organization. Discuss career trajectories and the steps needed to get there.
Involve in Strategy: Make your team feel involved by seeking their feedback on sales strategies or discussing potential changes in the market.
Remember, each salesperson is unique, so it’s essential to understand individual motivators and challenges. Regular one-on-one check-ins can provide valuable insights into what each team member needs to thrive. Building a positive, supportive, and inclusive team culture will go a long way in maintaining high morale and driving sales success.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Throughout my time at LocaliQ, several key factors have been instrumental in growing our reputation within the market:
Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizing the needs and goals of our clients has always been at the forefront of our strategy. This focus on genuine partnerships has led to long-term relationships and consistent referrals.
Industry Knowledge: Staying on top of the latest trends, strategies, and techniques in marketing and advertising has allowed us to provide informed recommendations and insights to our clients and prospective clients.
Team Leadership: My commitment to coaching, training, and leading a high-performing sales team has not only driven results but also contributed to our organizations reputation as a top-tier provider.
Results-Driven Mindset: Delivering measurable results and transparent ROI for our clients has been a significant factor in building and maintaining a strong reputation.
Networking: Active participation in networking groups, chamber luncheons, seminars, and conferences has allowed my team to foster relationships with key decision makers.
Transparent Communication: Ensuring clear and transparent communication with clients about strategies, outcomes, challenges, and solutions has reinforced our reputation as a trustworthy and reliable partner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.localiq.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthe901/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-acuff/
Image Credits
Kelly Day Linda White