Rescued as a stray, Smokey is making the most of these new opportunities, eager to be friends with everyone! He is one easy going, super cool guy! He just wants to lounge and be showered with affection all day long. But he’s got a playful side too! He loves batting his toys around and will surely make a great playmate for anyone willing to join in his antics. Smokey is a very handsome, loving boy who has plenty of affection to offer in exchange.
If you are interested in learning more about Smokey, please contact the Adoption Center at 518.409.8105 ext 101 or adoptadk@animalleague.org. You can also complete the adoption application using the link: www.animalleague.org/adkpreapproval
As new, younger kittens come in, four-month-old Cheney continues to get looked over. We aren’t sure why as he is the purrfect kitten! There is no space he will leave unexplored and is among the first to socialize with any visitors to his room. He is outgoing, loves to play and has an excellent purr. If you are looking for a lovable fur friend, who will keep you on your toes- consider adopting him!
If you are interested in learning more about Cheney, please contact the Adoption Center at 518.409.8105 ext 101 or adoptadk@animalleague.org. You can also complete the adoption application using the link: www.animalleague.org/adkpreapproval
FAZ Forensics is celebrating several employees that received new certifications, showcasing their commitment to learning and growing within their respective fields. Sophia Hourihan, Christian Leva, Samuel Tesfamariam, and Ryan Creavin all earned their Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Certificate and Emma Patterson became Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV). These are tremendous achievements and FAZ Forensics is thrilled to congratulate their hard working team.
Sophia is a Senior Analyst and has attained both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Christian, an Analyst, received his bachelor’s degree from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. Samuel, also an Analyst, has a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College and a master’s degree from the University at Albany (SUNY). Ryan, a Senior Analyst, has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. All four team members received their CFE designation through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Emma, a Senior Analyst, attained both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Merrimack College. She received her ABV through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). FAZ Forensics is happy to support such a motivated group of professionals as they advance in their careers.
FAZ Forensics is headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York and recently opened a new office in Newton, MA. The firm serves locations in Albany, Boston, New York City, White Plains and beyond. With decades of experience specialized in Forensic Accounting, Business Valuation and Litigation Support, their team helps to resolve even the most high-stakes financial situations from the corporate office to the courtroom. Their team’s newest designations highlight the company’s overall commitment to being a leader in the Forensic Accounting Business Valuation space.
The Hudson River Piecemakers Quilt Guild warmly invites you to “Quilting in the Adirondacks,” a quilt show that will inspire with close to 100 quilts on display. Featuring an impressive array of Bonnie Hunter mystery quilts, Barbara Nichols Challenge Quilts, Kids Quilts, and a celebration of the Adirondacks quilters of all ages and skill levels.
Explore a stunning exhibition with both professional and people’s choice judging. Browse our boutique for unique handmade gifts and items. Enhance your skills with our quilting technique demonstrations and discover the heartwarming community service projects spearheaded by the Guild. Quilt appraisals also available. Special quilt raffle, exciting gifts, and much more!
Dates: August 3 & 4, 2024
Location: Hadley-Luzerne High School, 273 Lake Ave, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Pictured left to right: Ashley Perez Flanagan, Jessica Frances Dukes, Parris Lewis, & Nicholas Baroudi
Adirondack Theatre Festival (ATF) announced casting for its 30th Anniversary season. Multiple Broadway and television veterans will join local talent for a starry showcase of new work.
The season kicks off with the world premiere musical comedy Todd vs the Titanic by the creators of the Off-Broadway hit Murder for Two, which ATF originated in 2010. Joe Kinosian, who composed the music of Murder for Two and played all twelve suspects in the world premiere production, will star in Todd vs the Titanic.
The madcap musical follows an apocalyptic event outside a theater in Schenectady, which wipes out every member of the cast of a musical about the Titanic… Every member, that is, except for Todd, who has the show’s smallest part. Alone and terrified, Todd soldiers on and plays all of the roles himself in the hope that someone out there is listening. Todd vs the Titanic is a hilarious one-man tour de force and a moving tribute to the power of art to sustain us. ATF’s production will transfer to the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca following the run in Glens Falls from June 27 – July 3.
Next, audiences can catch a sneak peek of a new play commissioned by ATF and created and performed by Jessica Frances Dukes (Netflix’s Ozark and Broadway’s Trouble in Mind). Dukes, an Obie Award winner and Screen Actors Guild Award nominee, makes her playwriting debut with Worth: An Intimate Exhibition, an autobiographical investigation of the value of art and artist. ATF will present a developmental reading at the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) Lapham Gallery from July 12 – 14 in partnership with the Lake George Theater Lab.
More Broadway stars arrive at ATF for The King’s Wife, a concert presentation of the new pop musical with a score by Grammy-nominated Nashville songwriter Jamie Floyd.
The King’s Wife imagines the secret history of the first wives of Henry VIII. Parris Lewis (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – first national tour) plays Catherine of Aragon and Matthew Griffin (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – Broadway) plays Henry VIII. They are joined by Ashley Perez Flanagan (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 – Broadway), Jimmy Rae Bennett (the voice of Floyd in Grand Theft Auto V), Namisa Mdlalose Bizana, Austin Ku, Morgan Reilly, Briar Magee, and Richard Putorti Jr.
The season closes with Jeffrey Hatcher’s edgy new adaptation of Dial “M” for Murder. This stylish twist on the thriller made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock film features Nicholas Baroudi (Law and Order: Organized Crime and Fosse/Verdon) alongside Yesenia Iglesias, Dennis Schebetta, and Sigrid Sutter. Dial “M” for Murder runs August 1 – 7.
Single tickets for Todd vs the Titanic, The King’s Wife, and Dial “M” for Murder at the Charles R. Wood Theater range from $25 to $49. Tickets for the reading of Worth: an Intimate Exhibition at LARAC are $15. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.atfestival.org, or by calling the Wood Theater Box Office at 518-480-4878, or in-person at the Box Office at 207 Glen Street. The Box Office is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.
About Adirondack Theatre Festival
Martha Banta and David Turner, along with a 12-member founding committee, created the Adirondack Theatre Festival in 1993 and presented its first 18-day season of new and contemporary theater at the French Mountain Playhouse within the Lake George RV Park in 1995. Today ATF is the only professional theater festival in New York’s Capital region dedicated to new musicals and plays. Each summer ATF produces a nine-week season at the Wood Theater in Glens Falls. The organization operates under a Small Professional Theatre Agreement with Actors’ Equity Association. The actors seen on the ATF stage, as well as the designers and directors, have worked regularly on and off-Broadway, on television and in movies.
A Veteran’s Journey to Building a Million-Dollar Company
Howard’s A-10 Warthog Unit when they were deployed to Al Jaber Kuwait during Desert Shield; as well as Haiti and many other places. Dr. M. David Howard – Chairman & CEO of ERBESSD INSTRUMENTS.
Breaking the Mold
When he graduated high school, U.S. Air Force veteran Dr. M. David Howard noticed most people followed one of two paths: attend the local community college or start work at the paper mill. However, he knew that neither of those options was right for him.
“I grew up in a small town; I wanted to see the world and do something different,” David said. This unique drive, along with his incredible work ethic, allowed him to overcome several obstacles and become the chief executive officer (CEO) of a six-million-dollar company. Today, David is proof of the incredible results that can be achieved through hard work and determination.
A Legacy of Service
Born to young parents, David spent a lot of time with his grandfather, who had a huge influence on him. “My grandfather was also in the Air Force, and I kind of wanted to follow in that legacy because he’s the one that, for all intents and purposes, raised me,” explained David. His grandfather always spoke very fondly of his military experience and even met his wife while serving in the Air Force. These stories inspired David to enlist in the Air Force following his high school graduation. Additionally, he knew that by joining the military, he would have the opportunity to learn lifelong skills and see the world.
A Distinguished Career
He joined as a crew chief, a flightline maintenance engineer on fire and reconnaissance aircraft. After completing a year of classroom and laboratory training, David was assigned to the 560 Wild Weasels, the last F-4 squadron in the Air Force. For about two years, he worked on Vietnam-era planes and was deployed to several different places, including the Middle East and Haiti.
Next, David was assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron out of Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. With this unit, he worked on the A-10 Warthog. This unit, in particular, was extremely influential on David, who shared that he “enjoyed that unit very much. A lot of great people, a lot of very influential people in my career came from the 75th.”
While in this unit, David was given an early (“below-the-zone”) promotion to senior airman. Additionally, he also went to the Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy and Airman Leadership School. David was then relocated to Osan, Korea, where he worked on U-2 spy planes for 18 months. During this time, he was promoted again to Staff Sergeant. In his new role, David was responsible for all night shift operations and had a group of junior airmen that reported to him. After being on active duty for six years, he decided it was time to begin his civilian career. While he no longer actively served, David remained in the National Guard for several years.
Transitioning to Civilian Life
He started working at General Electric (GE) and decided to pursue higher education at the same time. Because of all the classes he had taken while in the Air Force, David was already close to completing his associate’s degree. He only needed two more classes to obtain his degree, which he completed at Excelsior in Albany, New York. This was a huge accomplishment, not only for himself but for his family as well.
“I was the first person in my family to actually get any form of a college education,” he shared.
David continued pursuing his education and completed his bachelor’s degree in only two years. During this time, he was working full-time at GE and raising his daughter as a single dad. He learned at GE that if he ever wanted to be in a management position within his field, having a master’s degree would be a necessity.
Loving and Learning
While working on his master’s degree, he met Megh, who would become his future wife. They were both attending the South High Marathon Dance, an annual fundraiser event for local charities. David had gone back to the dance every year, but this was Megh’s first time returning as an alum. They immediately had a connection and became friends.
However, as their feelings grew, they started a relationship and today are happily married. With Megh’s support and lots of hard work, David was able to complete his master’s degree. Passionate about furthering his education, David decided to get a doctorate degree.
“For me, I just had a drive,” he shared, “I wanted to be the first to do it in my family, so I went for it, got my doctorate, and never looked back.”
To this day, David still continues to educate himself in any way he can. Currently, he is working on an online machine program certification through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
“You’re never going to know everything, and the way the world’s changing with digital media, digital information, big data, cloud data, and artificial intelligence and machine learning, if you don’t stay on top of these things and focus on that continuous learning, you’re just going to get left behind,” he explained.
Beginning Innovations
After years of working at GE, David decided to leave and he became the director of engineering for Commtest Instruments. He was very successful in this position; however, the company was acquired by GE, and he did not want to work for them again. He had signed a five-year non-compete agreement when he left GE, so during this time, he worked on continuing his education and teaching at various universities, including Savannah Technical College.
After the five years were over, David was ready and eager to get back into his field of work. He and Megh also decided to move back to New York, as they both missed the area. “I was always a proud Upstate New York kid, my wife was the same. We loved the area,” he shared.
When he moved back, David met Dr. Thierry Erbessed. Thierry had already been developing instrumentation used for various machines, and David approached him suggesting they do something together. From there, Thierry, his wife, and brother teamed up with David and Megh. David likes to consider themselves “doctors for machines.”
They design, manufacture, and sell sensors that are able to diagnose problems in machines. This allows companies to fix any issues unknown to the human eye before a catastrophic failure occurs. Their company differs from competitors because they are focused on creating the best experience for their customers instead of only making a profit.
David shared that “the success of the business is directly a result of the passion that our employees have for what we do for our customers.”
The Balancing Act
Since the start, the company has continued to grow into a six-million-dollar company, but Thierry and David have no plans on selling the business.
“We’re not interested because I don’t ever want to work for someone else again. I enjoy working for myself, I enjoy leading the team that has created the company we have today,” he explained.
Additionally, David enjoys that his business is bringing jobs back into the area. As someone who felt limited in his options when he graduated high school, he is proud that his company is offering more opportunities. David also gets to work closely with his wife, who is the chief marketing officer and director. The two even share an office, and they both understand and respect the other’s expertise and don’t try to overstep.
As a workaholic, David sometimes struggles to balance all of his different roles in life. “It’s a very busy life trying to juggle being an entrepreneur, running a business, being a dad, being a good husband, and also trying to be a good example for the kids and being an active member of the community,” he explained.
David with his wife, Megh, and their children.
Despite the challenges, he always prioritizes his family. Currently, his oldest daughter, Angela, is taking after her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and owns the Oopsy Daisy Flower Farm. He also has an eleven-year-old, Masen, who plays both softball and soccer and loves arts and crafts. His youngest daughter, Lucy, is a gymnast who recently won second in the state for the beam. He has two grandsons, Tanner and Tatum, whom he loves to visit.
David also enjoys going to his campsite on the Hudson River, where he sees his close-knit friend group that he refers to as the “circle of trust.” Every year, David goes to Lake George for a military reunion to reconnect with those he served with in the Air Force. Overall, David keeps very busy, but this drive gave him the well-deserved success he experiences today.
Dave Randles has seen six active dairy farms disappear from the five-mile stretch of Argyle where his family’s farm has existed since 1862. Today, the animals are gone from their farm too, and the land that remains is used only for growing crops.
In 2020, Dave and his wife, Marge, owners of the Argyle Cheese Farmer, moved onto greener pastures in Hudson Falls – trading steep grassy slopes with great views for the sleek sophistication of a state-of-the-art dairy processing plant. Equipped with an observation window, visitors can see first-hand the future of this industry.
“The reality of farming is truer here than in the press,” said Marge.
Get Big or Get Out
New York’s dairy industry is critical to the state’s economy. New York is an agribusiness global leader with an innovative dairy community that produces more than 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making it the fifth largest dairy producer in the nation.
But producing more milk has not meant more profits for most of the state’s farmers – or cheaper prices for consumers.
“People want cheap food but if farmers were paid what they needed to have to make a living wage, shoppers couldn’t afford it,” said Marge.
“People need to eat,” explained Dave, “but economically, dairy farming doesn’t pay. You work, and work, and work – hard – and don’t get anywhere.”
The price of machinery and production costs have risen while volatile milk prices wedge dairy farmers into a position where they must expand their herd or consolidate. These larger dairies have improved margins because they can buy supplies in bulk, are less vulnerable to market fluctuations, and have more money to invest in more efficient equipment, better quality feed and forage, and the “Cadillac” of cow bedding materials – sand.
What Dreams are Made Of
Dave and Marge met at Cornell University in the 1970’s and Marge, a Certified Financial Planner, ran a successful accounting business for 20 years before the couple released a line of Argyle Cheese Farmer products in 2007.
In 2020, Argyle Cheese Farmer teamed up with Hudson Fall’s Ideal Dairy Farm to purchase the Lewis Super Grocery store on Burgoyne Avenue.
“We wouldn’t be here today without Ideal Farm,” said Marge. Not only does Ideal Farm’s size and scale make them efficient, they have invested in genetics to create “cookie-cutter cows” and provided creature comforts (like fans and automated back-scratchers) for them.
After renovating the building to give it a red and white exterior, reminiscent of the barns that used to commonly dot the landscape, when visitors walk inside this cheese shop they are greeted by the enticing aroma of bread baking in the commercial kitchen.
Argyle Cheese Farmer’s delightful baked goods are just one of the many ways they’ve incorporated Ideal’s milk into their product line. In addition to the amazing dry, crumbly cheese curds that have made them famous, the Argyle Cheese Farmer shop carries items you won’t commonly see at their 65 retail locations (which include Hannaford, Price Chopper/Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart’s Shops and area farmer’s markets, among others).
Argyle Cheese Farmer offers a selection of milk products including 11 flavors of hard cheese; creamy cheesecakes in a variety of sizes; quark (a simple, European-style cream cheese), and take-and-bake meals like pizza and macaroni and cheese. Ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt, are joined by their robust line of Greek yogurts, including the New York State Fair’s Best in State award-winner made with syrup from Argyle’s Highland Maple Farm.
Carrying European and other local artisanal cheeses, milk products, and goods, as well as souvenir items, this shop satisfies visitors with fancy cheese needs and those looking to pick up affordable, locally-made grocery staples.
Anything Argyle is A2
Although Ideal Dairy Farm, established in 1908, now raises 3,000 cows and cultivates 4,500 acres of farmland in Warren and Washington counties, Argyle Cheese Farmer products are made only from their herd of 250 cows producing A2 milk.
Making a splash in recent years because it is considered more digestible for people experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance, A2 milk has been a saving grace for many consumers who had previously sworn-off dairy.
Creating the recipes for their products comes naturally to Marge, she said, but adjusting to their current scale of production has had its challenges.Instead of making yogurt three times a week in 50-gallon vats, they now use a 1,200-gallon vat for yogurt and a 500-gallon vat for cheese production.
Through their observation window, visitors are educated about the process and see the safety measures in place while learning the history of the unique and talented dairy producers and processors that provide significant contributions to New York’s agriculture industry, the economy, and to the health of our communities.
The Argyle Cheese Farmer, 2358 Burgoyne Ave, Hudson Falls, is open Monday – Saturday 8am-7pm, and Sunday 9am-4pm. They will be participating with Ideal Dairy in tours throughout July & August, and are a designated stop on the 2024 County Bounty Tour on September 7th & 8th.
While many people love getting outside during the warmer months of summer, the idea of sleeping on the hard ground in a tent is not always appealing. Fortunately, glamping combines the best parts of camping with all the luxuries of a hotel.
Andrew Percetti runs Adirondack Safari, located along Schroon Lake, where guests can enjoy all the normal camping activities while spending the night in a lavish tent. For those who want the glamping experience to come to them, Andrew also created GlampADK, a mobile service perfect for several different special occasions. Each business offers different benefits, but both give guests an unforgettable experience.
In September 2018, the previous owner of Adirondack Safari was packing up for the season and selling some of the tents. “I just saw the deal, didn’t know what I was going to do with them, and I bought a few of them,” said Andrew.
One of his friends had a party rental business that set up tents for different events, like weddings, and Andrew realized there was no convenient place for everyone to stay on the property. Traveling from a hotel to an outdoor venue can be an inconvenience. This gave Andrew the idea to create GlampADK, a mobile service that brings luxury tents directly to the venue. In addition to weddings, GlampADK is perfect for birthday parties or just a fun backyard camping experience.
Shortly after starting GlampADK, Andrew was offered the opportunity to purchase Adirondack Safari. “I went from buying a couple of tents, not knowing what I was going to do, started GlampADK which is a delivery service, to then taking over Adirondack Safari all within a year and a half,” said Andrew.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 was just starting at the time Andrew took over ownership, so the camp wasn’t operational for a while. However, this gave Andrew time to expand GlampADK. Because it was an outdoor service, Andrew was able to get the business on the essential list. The tents could be set up while following required safety procedures and provided people with a fun activity they could do right from their backyard.
Even now, as things have returned to normal, GlampADK is still a popular and fun way for those wanting to elevate their backyard camping experience.
The tents for GlampADK can hold anywhere from one to five queen beds, each with a real mattress and bed frame. They are fully carpeted and can easily be connected to a power outlet. If an outlet is unavailable, Andrew offers power rentals. The tents all have a fan so everyone can be comfortable even during the hot summer nights.
Additionally, they are sturdy enough to protect from weather conditions like rain. As long as people keep the doors to the tent closed, they will stay dry and comfortable. On average, each tent takes only about an hour to set up. The tents at Adirondack Safari are the same high quality; the only difference is it is not mobile like GlampADK. “Adirondack Safari you come to us, GlampADK we come to you,” Andrew explained.
Upon arrival at Adirondack Safari, guests can expect to find a variety of fun activities for any age. People can enjoy free river tubing, bingo, karaoke, kayak rentals, outdoor movie showings, Native American performances, scavenger hunts for children, cornhole, and more. Additionally, guests have access to charcoal grills, campfires where wood gets delivered directly to the tents, and picnic tables.
Andrew shares that the overall goal is to be “providing a service that’s unique and different than someone just staying at a hotel.” Hotels can feel isolating at times, but Adirondack Safari allows for a sense of community.
Overall, the camp allows people to “get to do the most important thing, which is just spending time with the people that they love and care about; their friends and family. But then also having all the cool activities at the same time,” shared Andrew.
Adirondack Safari’s season begins mid-June and goes until early September. GlampADK runs a little longer from April to November if weather permits. If you’re interested in booking from either business, the sooner you call the better. For more information about GlampADK, visit: www.glampadk.com and for more information about Adirondack Safari, visit: www.adirondacksafari.com.
The fear of a loved one becoming hurt or ill is something that many people worry about, and unfortunately for some, this fear becomes a reality. When this occurs, many stressors arise in addition to the emotional toll of the situation. Financial struggles, traveling, and more can add to the already difficult situation for the family.
While no one can prevent illness or harm, many people work hard to ease some of the other burdens.
Amanda’s House is an excellent example of the good that can come from a tragic situation, and the impact a community can have on those in distress. At her four-month check-up, Amanda Cafaro was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. The town of Glens Falls came together to support Amanda and her family in any way that they could. They raised funds to help pay for her medical treatments, but unfortunately, Amanda passed away after a six-month battle on September 24, 1998.
Despite being only 10 months old, Amanda had an extremely big impact on the Glens Falls community. After her passing, her family wanted to use the funds that were raised to do something for the community in her name as a remembrance of both Amanda and her impact on the town. Amanda’s grandfather, Tony Cafaro, suggested they create a home for those traveling long distances to be with loved ones who are sick. He was inspired by his own stay at a Ronald McDonald house when Amanda was receiving her treatments.
In 2001, Finch Pruyn & Co. rented the house to the Amanda committee for $1. Located at 22 Henry Street, Glens Falls, the house is only about a seven-minute walk from the Glens Falls Hospital.
From there, volunteers began renovating the house, and furniture and appliances were purchased by different organizations. The house officially opened in 2002 and successfully housed hundreds of people.
However, the house had to cease operations in 2013 due to financial issues. Wanting to continue Amanda’s legacy, the Glens Falls Hospital worked closely with the house’s board of directors and the community rallied to keep the house open. Beginning in 2015, the Glens Falls Hospital took over operations of the house, and it is still operating to this day.
“The house really is a story born out of love and support through family and community,” shared Glens Falls Hospital Director of Volunteer Services, Tom Lyons.
The house itself comprises three private bedrooms, each with its own lock, and two bathrooms. There is a driveway that provides one spot to each family. The house is also equipped with a washer and dryer, linens like blankets and towels, a coffee maker, stove, microwave, and anything that someone needs to comfortably rest while their loved one is at the hospital. Security members monitor the property and volunteers keep up with the overall maintenance of the house. The goal is to keep guests safe and comfortable so they can focus on their loved one.
“Our guests that stay there have so many more things to be concerned with. It’s a stressful situation, they’re traveling a long distance, and we’re there to provide a soft landing,” Tom said.
The referrals for the house come directly from the Glens Falls Hospital staff. To stay at Amanda’s House, a person typically has to be coming from at least an hour away. Usually, people will stay for a period of five days, and then they can evaluate their situation to decide if they need longer. If the house is ever full, the Glens Falls Hospital has many partners that they work with to provide families other rooming options. For example, the Queensbury Hotel will provide discounts to patients at the hospital.
The impact that the house has had on the town is indescribable. From its origin, thousands of people have spent the night. “It’s profound. I’m very grateful to be involved with it, it’s a very special home. It truly is a home away from home,” shared Tom. Last year, the house had around 350-night stays, and this year they are on pace to match, if not exceed, that number.
While it is heartbreaking for any family to be in the situation where their loved one is ill, the home gives them the comfort they need during such a difficult time. Additionally, so many people have been inspired by Amanda’s story and all the house provides that they themselves volunteer to keep the house functioning.
“It’s a privilege to be part of it, to be in a position to help others and to work so closely with volunteers that are interested in helping others as well,” Tom said.
The sales landscape is constantly evolving. What was considered state-of-the-art yesterday might not generate leads or close deals today or tomorrow. To achieve ongoing and sustainable success, it is crucial to adopt modern trends and emerging technologies within your sales organization.
Here are four essential technologies that will help future-proof your sales operations:
1. CRM Systems
OA robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Its value has been proven over the years, empowering sales organizations to gain a competitive advantage.
Some of the benefits of a well-designed and executed CRM software system are:
Streamlined Data Management: Powered by a centralized hub for customer data, CRMs organize and analyze contact information, sales history, communication records, and more. This provides a complete picture of customer interactions and relationship potential.
Enhanced Sales Pipeline Management:CRMs visualize sales pipelines, track deals at every stage, and accurately forecast revenue potential. By automating tasks like lead nurturing and follow-up communications, sales reps can utilize their time more effectively.
Data-Driven Insights:CRMs visualize sales pipelines, track deals at every stage, and accurately forecast revenue potential. By automating tasks like lead nurturing and follow-up communications, sales reps can utilize their time more effectively.
Improved Collaboration: CRMs allow teams to share information, collaborate more effectively, and nurture a cohesive and efficient sales team operation.
2. Virtual Selling
Over the last decade, the way customers interact with businesses has fundamentally changed. Today, leveraging virtual selling tools and tactics is essential for engaging connected prospects and nurturing leads effectively. Key benefits of virtual selling are:
Omnichannel Engagement:Establish preferred-channel connections across multiple platforms, including social media, email, and video conferencing.
Targeted Content Marketing: Deliver personalized content that addresses customer needs and pain points.
Real-Time Interaction: Offer immediate engagement and support to prospects through chatbots or live chat features.
Data-Driven Prospecting: Utilize social media listening tools and sales intelligence platforms to identify potential customers and tailor personalized outreach efforts.
3. AI for Sales
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology transforming sales organizations rapidly. By integrating AI tools, businesses can gain a competitive edge and streamline communication with prospects and customers. AI in sales can significantly boost productivity, accelerate response times, automate lead generation, and reduce costs.
For example, sales can be optimized using AI for strategies and features such as these:
Intelligent Lead Scoring: AI algorithms analyze customer data to predict which leads are of the highest quality and most likely to convert. This helps prioritize sales team efforts to maximize results.
Virtual Assistants and Chatbots: Automate time-consuming and repetitive tasks like lead qualification and appointment scheduling. For instance, chatbots can offer 24/7 customer support, answer FAQs, and allow sales reps to focus on complex interactions that benefit from a personal touch.
Predictive Analytics: Analyze historical data to forecast future customer behavior. This enables sales teams to identify at-risk customers and take proactive steps to retain and motivate them.
Personalized Sales Coaching: Analyze sales calls and provide real-time feedback, empowering sales reps to improve their communication skills, strategic approaches, and negotiation tactics. AI empowers sales reps by freeing them to utilize their unique skill sets, ultimately optimizing sales results.
4. Sales Playbook
The Sales Playbook is a custom sales optimization plan developed for your team through an expert sales leader and client insights. By coupling this tailored information with the power of AI, you can create a strategy, methodology, and processes for sales success. A well-designed Sales Playbook includes:
Outreach Messaging: Craft compelling and consistent messages for all stages of the sales funnel.
Points of Differentiation: Clearly articulate what sets your product or service apart from competitors.
Ideal Customer Profiles: Identify and target the customers who are most likely to benefit from your offers.
Consistent Sales Process: Develop a repeatable process to drive revenue growth and ensure every team member is aligned.
By leveraging a comprehensive Sales Playbook, your sales team will be well-equipped to drive consistent and sustainable revenue growth.
The Bottom Line
The integration of these technologies into your sales operations is not just about keeping up with the latest trends; it’s about staying ahead of the curve and ensuring long-term success. By adopting CRM systems, AI and machine learning, virtual sales tools, and data analytics, you can future-proof your sales strategy, enhance efficiency, and drive sustainable growth.
Contact Alan at avantassel@salesxceleration.com or 518-232-8000 to get started.
