Associate Spotlight: Jillian Vega

Jillian Vega

Lead Account Manager

From: Munster, IN

A little bit about Jillian:

Originally hailing from Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico (yes, it's actually a place) Ms. Jillian Vega  relocated to the U.S. and was raised just over the Chicago border in Munster, Indiana.  Her competitive spirit stems from her years spent running track and cross-country.

What do people not know about you?

 Positivity is what keeps Jillian motivated everyday. "I'm a glass half-full person."  She also divulged that she does not get embarrassed easily, which explains why fit in so quickly with the outgoing team at SilverFern.

Why SilverFern?

"I understood the simplicity of the growth structure and opportunity that was offered. When I interviewed some button was pushed inside that made me want to succeed here."

What is your Favorite Part of the Business?

"The interpersonal relationships gained on a daily basis.  Also the fact that I can ask my coaches the millions of questions a day I have for them!"

What Character Traits Do You Admire? Why?

• "Perseverance- It requires a steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty in achieving success.
• Loyalty- It's important to have a strong feeling of support or allegiance
• Optimism- This is the most important because these types of people have persistence and consider themselves to be more resilient and try again"

SilverFern to Attend Midwest Regional Conference

SilverFern MLW To Attend Regional Spring Conference

Exciting news!  SilverFern just received confirmation that the location for the Midwest Regional Development Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago downtown on March 23rd.  This stunning venue located at 151 E Wacker Drive will easily be able to accommodate the 800+ plus anticipated attendees from all across the Midwest.

This event will be geared more towards our industry's entry level demographic covering both fundamentals and new concepts in training, the sales cycle, and leadership development.  During the general session, the key note speakers will address several topics ranging from recent global expansion in Barcelona, London, and newly vetted markets in Sydney, to explaining how we are able to consistently give our Fortune 500 clients the 100% return on investment they ask for for quarter after quarter. Additional sessions will be held for more focused and individualized training in areas such as recruiting and administration, business management, and field sales. Finally, we are eager to see what philanthropy event will be held to raise money and awareness for our partner foundation, Operation Smile. 

Regional conferences offer an outstanding opportunity to hear from experts in their fields and network with veterans in the business.  We are proud that some of SilverFern's very own team members have been once again selected to speak at this event and share some of the knowledge they have acquired over their years in the industry.  No spoilers yet, but 2 other entry level associates will be given special recognition during the general session so stay tuned!  We are excited to see our fellow colleagues and friends for a weekend of learning, networking, philanthropy, and fun!

A New Take on Sales from CEO Derek Fisher

Whether you like it or not, sales is everywhere.

If you want someone to adopt your idea, take your advice, buy your product, or hire you, make no mistake you are selling.  Why not become great at it?

Mastering the ability to make ‘offers’ and create associated commitments affects your ability to have more impact with less struggle and get things done.  Which means a better life.
Here is what we have learned and advocate:

Sales is not smarmy, cheesy, or inauthentic.  
Relationships are based on connection and likeability. 
How to differentiate yourself as well as your product or idea.
Adapting our relationship selling style to their personal style.  
Identifying client needs and ‘what’s in it for them’. 
Consider how people prefer to receive information. 
Enter the conversation with a specific goal in mind. 
LISTEN. Ask questions and really listen to the answers.  
Identify our key customers and serve them better than anyone else. 
Provide relentless, value based attention. 
Determine what we need to become absolutely excellent at doing what we love to do.
The limits to becoming truly excellent at sales are usually our own inner attitudes. 
Go back more than once.  
Great (sales) managers coach their people to become great at sales.

We learned this and we’re sharing it with our team.  We have an absolute blast while we’re doing this.  All we ask of our employees is that they bring their “A” game, because we’re going to be bringing ours.

- Derek Fisher, CEO 

5 Reasons Optimists Make Better Leaders

SilverFern is fortunate to be part of an industry that is growing rather than downsizing.  Our results and client satisfaction with 100% ROI allows us to not only work with great clients, but also to be selective in our hiring process.  We provide these clients with positive results, and the way we do that is by building the foundation of our company, our sales and marketing team, with positive-minded and motivated people.  This article published on Inc.com shows why including optimists in a company's onboarding process will not only set your organization up for success, but will also create like-minded leaders that will advance as the company continues to grow. 

http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/5-reasons-optimists-win-while-pessimists-lose.html

Associate Spotlight: Jessica Blodgett

 

 

 Jessica Blodgett

Lead Account Manager

Born and Raised

Edwardsville, IL

 

A little bit about Jessica:  
Jessica grew up in the southern Illinois town of Edwardsville, IL with her parents and younger brother.  A musician at heart, Jessica attended the esteemed Berklee College of Music for a year before transferring to University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.  During her time as a Fighting Illini, Jessica pursued a degree in Psychology which she completed in May of 2013. 
 

What do people not know about you? 
Jessica is not only an accomplished musician, but she is a songbird as well! "The first job I ever held was as a piano teacher.  I can play multiple instruments with a focus on piano, guitar, and vocal performance."

Why SilverFern?
  "I wanted to move Chicago and pursue a career in the city.  I loved the idea of working for a company whose main client focuses on helping reduce the carbon footprint caused by unclean carbon emissions."

What is your Favorite Part of the Business?  
"Simply put, I love the opportunity for professional growth and being in control of my own future"
 

Who is your idol?
“I look up to the female entrepreneurs in my family who have opened and ran their own small businesses." 

What character traits do you admire most?
"I admire those having the ambition and courage to set high goals. I also admire those with the ability to keep an open-mind and accept the ideas and views of others"

Associate Spotlight: Dinah Pineda

Dinah Pineda

Lead Account Manager

Born and Raised

Chicago, IL

A little bit about Dinah

Chicago native, Dinah Pineda, grew up watching theatre and enjoying the musical/visual arts that this city has to offer. She feels like one of her best qualities is her work ethic, something that she learned from her mother. Growing up with a single mother, Dinah looked up to her for everything and learned the importance of working hard in order to get ahead in life. 

What do people not know about you?

“I've had multiple season passes to the Goodman Theatre and have gotten to take tours of facilities, backstage areas, and prop rooms. Fun fact: the skull that they use as a prop is in actual human skull donated by a past director!"

Why SilverFern?

“I started with this business because of the opportunity to grow. I love that this business doesn't determine your growth based on anything other than performance and hard work."

What is your Favorite Part of the Business?

“My favorite part about this business is exploring all of Chicago, even though I've been here my whole life. It's a great feeling to know that there's always something new to find!"

Who is your idol?

“My idol would be my grandmother. She is very much like my mother in the sense that she is a strong woman who supported her family. It's been incredible to have such strong female role models throughout my life."

A little bit about Shannon Daidone

Shannon Daidone

Administrative Assistant

Shannon is a Chicago native who recently completed her Masters degree in Clinical Professional Counseling and is preparing to sit for the National Counselors Exam to obtain her license in the state of Illinois.  As a child, it was obvious she would end up in a helping field.  She would frequently bring home stray or injured animals, (despite her parent’s protests) determined to nurse them back to health until they could be set free or placed in good homes.  In Grammar school, Shannon even volunteered her time during recess to help out in the special education classrooms. Besides working as an administrative assistant with SilverFern, Shannon works as an Applied Behavioral Analyst Therapist, working specifically with children who have Autism. She loves to explore the city in her spare time feeling there is always something to discover and a new adventure to dive into.