A certified sales trainer, Nancy Zare, Ph.D., works with service-based professionals who want to get clients without being pushy, aggressive, or sales. She provides them with valuable insight into how buyers buy so they can adjust their communication style to match their prospects’ styles.
For more details, visit her website here.
Today, we have a chat with Nancy to get more insight into her entrepreneurial journey!
Q. How did you get started as an entrepreneur? What inspired you?
Nancy: At first, selling was not on my radar screen. Service is what I was more interested in. My fascination with human behavior took root during my first psychology course and stayed strong, leading to a master’s degree and Ph.D. Along the way, I taught at Salem State University and Springfield College.
It was during my time in graduate school, where I had to implement mental health services that I learned the significance of selling. Fueled by a passion for aligning selling with my values, I delved into learning about it, eventually discovering the Platinum Rule: “Treat others the way they want to be treated.” As of now, my focus is on teaching people to speak the language of their prospects and framing selling as a service to help people.
Q. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive?
Nancy: The simple trick of hiring good Virtual Assistants has been a game-changer for me. It saves me from having to do work that I don’t enjoy or that is time-consuming, allowing me to stay focused and productive.
Q. How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule?
Nancy: I have found using a calendar link has been very useful for staying organized. It reminds me of appointments throughout the day. Additionally, blocking out time periods for specific activities and taking careful guard of my time off has significantly helped manage my schedule.
Q. What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Nancy: There are three things I consider most memorable: 1) Recognizing that we are all ONE, 2) Honoring and accepting our differences as a reason to celebrate and encourage, and 3) Learning to love oneself without taking oneself too seriously.
Q. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Nancy: I’ve actually started a book entitled ‘Jen’. It’s divided into three parts, each representing a unique phase of my life: Jennifer – when I was my parents’ daughter, Jenny – when I was my husband’s wife, and Jen – when I stepped into my own identity.
Q. What motivates you?
Nancy: My main motivation comes from an internal drive to fulfill my potential and serve humankind.
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Nancy: One of the best investments I’ve ever made is in hiring a coach. Over the years, I’ve hired multiple coaches, and the returns have been tremendously worthwhile.
Image credit: Bill Barbosa Photography
Q. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs invest their time in?
Nancy: I highly endorse investing in personal development. The skills you gain from this are irreplaceable and invaluable.
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Nancy: Creating a business is akin to giving birth to a child. You may have a clear picture in your mind of what it will be like, but remember, it is its own entity and it should be allowed to grow in tandem with the people you serve and your personal progression.
To keep up to date with Nancy and her journey, connect with her on LinkedIn.