The SAM Podcast

Welcome to SAM’s 10 Minute Tuesdays

A weekly Message to Inspire & Educate the concepts of Activity Management by Mickey Straub and Joe Templin

In this inaugural podcast of SAM’s 10 Minute Tuesdays with Mickey Straub and Joe Templin they answer why this podcast was created, like:

  • Why is it important to receive tips and ideas in 10-minute chunks?
  • Why are they passionate about the insurance and financial services industry?
  • Why does this noble profession give unconditionally to each other?
  • Why it is paramount to constantly practice your trade?
  • Why you want to make “good use” of downtime?
  • Why is it important to be on a lifelong self-improvement course?

Their goal is to inspire and educate you with tips and ideas around the concept of Sales Activity Management. Mickey pioneered this company and industry to help agents/advisors succeed, promote American ideals and make this world a better place. Joe, who is a sought-after industry speaker and multi-year MDRT Qualifier, leaves you with two words to remember: Push Hard. Follow Sales Activity Management on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @SalesActivityManagement Follow Joe Templin on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @JoeTemplin

Advisor Today

NAIFA's Chris Gandy Interviews Mickey Straub about the value of Activity Management

With 23 years of experience inspiring organizational success, Mickey provides the necessary resources to implement a goal-oriented, activity-based, and metric-driven performance management system. This system helps individuals and sales teams identify, manage, and measure high-payoff activities, enabling them to achieve their goals and steer their businesses in the right direction.

Episode #19

The Secret of “How”

In this week’s episode, Mickey and Joe discuss the secret of “how” and how it is the secret of success. Because, if you don’t have a how you won’t finish, and if you don’t finish you don’t get paid. Having a plan that you can stick to, like the SAMBook® planner for Joe, are the things that differentiate between dreamers and successful entrepreneurs because they force you to do those daily things that are needed. Remember, only you have control of your activity, so take accountability and become the greatest champion.

Episode #18

Know Your “Why”

In this week’s episode Mickey and Joe discuss “If you don’t have a why, you won’t start. If you don’t have a how, you won’t finish.” They explain how you need both to achieve greatness in this Part 1 of 2 Part Series. Starting and finishing is necessary to achieve greatness and help people out. With so many distractions nowadays, they can easily get you off track but your why drives you on those bad days. Stay tuned for next week’s episode on The Secret of “How.”

Episode #17

The 4 Truisms of SAM Part 4 of 4

Mickey and Joe discuss how Time Management is a Misnomer. This truism is the foundation that Sales Activity Management started on. You cannot manage Time, only ACTIVITY, or how you SPEND it. That is why, when it comes to Sales . . . Time is Money! There are 86,400 seconds in a day. What are you doing with that time? Organize your time and focus on the most important activity.

Episode #16

The 4 Truisms of SAM Part 3 of 4

Mickey and Joe discuss how What Gets Measured Tends to Get Done. There is something about measurement and accountability that helps us all get more done…and get better. We live in a world where almost everything is measurable. The key thing is that you must measure and keep score to know what to change and ultimately improve. The SAMBook® Planner and SAM Suite can help you find those areas and improve.

Episode #15

The 4 Truisms of SAM Part 2 of 4

Mickey and Joe discuss how Quality Activities Produce Quality Results. This truism is about cause and effect and reinforces the reality that we reap what we sow, eventually. If you are putting garbage in then expect garbage out. Remember, you are only hurting yourself by performing this way so focus on the metrics by setting goals and keeping score.

Episode #14

The 4 Truisms of SAM Part 1 of 4

Mickey and Joe discuss how Sales is a Numbers Game. This concept was once limited to sales and sports but today it applies to just about every aspect of life. Not only should you make a certain number of sales or service calls per day but they should be an efficient and quality number of calls. These metrics (closing interviews, closing ratio and average case size) matter no matter where you are practicing activity management and remember, repetition is critical to be able to succeed. Go back to the basics of setting goals and keeping score and your business will prosper.

Episode #13

Eustress vs. Distress

Eustress is defined as a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance and emotional well-being. Opposed to distress, which is defined as extreme anxiety, sorrow or pain. Which form of stress is prominent in your life while you are working towards your goal? Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and feel the eustress.

Episode #12

Benefits of Accountability

In this episode Mickey and Joe discuss the benefits of having an accountability partner to hold you accountable in your personal or work life. Whether it be a friend, family member, colleague or even your garbage man. Try and remember what you’ve used in the past that helped you hold yourself accountable, maybe you did something without even knowing it, and use this as your motivator. If you can’t think of any, Mickey and Joe share some recommendations on how to hold each other accountable and stay motivated. Find a support system, set a goal and set a consequence and do it every single day.

Episode #11

Habits

In this quick, 10-minute episode Mickey and Joe discuss the power of habits, rituals and routines. Habits will force you to have that minimum threshold of activity and success. Ultimately, It is your choice to create those habits and persevere through those tough days. What is that one thing that can get you to create that habit and help build your career? Want to learn good habits from the most famous and quoted speech in the insurance industry? The Common Denominator of Success is available for purchase at samusa.com

Episode #10

Pandemic Proof

Mickey and Joe discuss a timely yet timeless issue… the struggles and accomplishments throughout the pandemic. WHY IS IT A GREAT TIME TO BE IN THIS BUSINESS? Because… during chaos there is also opportunity. Although 40 million people lost their jobs during the pandemic the population is growing at a rapid pace and professional advisors are needed now more than ever. They are here to help you through this troubling time because people want the certainty, knowledge and skills an agent or advisor can bring. Encourage your clients to think positive…and ask for help!

Episode #9

Superman vs. Batman

Mickey and Joe are partners in crime in this industry, so to speak. In this episode they discuss having great days and how to overcome the rough days, plus the differences between Superman vs. Batman. Superman was born with super-powers while Batman was born human and worked hard by showing up and doing his job every single day, just like a financial rep. He is successful because of his will to succeed, best practices and choosing to surround himself with the right team. SAM and The Intro Machine are here to help you build those components and ultimately become the batman for your clients. Mickey leaves you with this piece of advice: FOCUS ON ONE DAY AT A TIME. Stay tuned for the announcement of the five winners of a FREE 2022 SAMBook® planner at the end of the episode…

Episode #8

Big Pain…Little Pain

In this episode Mickey and Joe discuss how breaking down your goals (from yearly to daily) can help them become more obtainable. Just like the benefit of taking little bits of pain along the way instead of taking the pain all at once. They also discuss the two primary motivators of all human beings: to avoid pain and gain pleasure.

Episode #7

How to go F.A.R.

In this episode Mickey and Joe discuss how breaking down your goals (from yearly to daily) can help them become more obtainable. Just like the benefit of taking little bits of pain along the way instead of taking the pain all at once. They also discuss the two primary motivators of all human beings: to avoid pain and gain pleasure.

Episode #6

RESPONSIBILITY Part 3 of 3

Mickey and Joe cover part three of a three-part series of weekly inspiration to help you go F.A.R.! This week they discuss one of the key things to holding yourself responsible…is to “Accept Responsibility” for your actions and results. In it, Mickey teaches you one of his secrets and that is to not give yourself a “bye” (or a Mulligan in golf parlance) when it comes to daily goals. “If it doesn’t get done today”, he says, “then you should carry it forward”. In this episode, they teach you that if you hold yourself accountable by taking personal responsibility, you will ultimately increase productivity, control your business and have the FREEDOM TO DREAM. Go F.A.R.!!

Episode #5

RESPONSIBILITY Part 2 of 3

Mickey and Joe bring you part two of a three-part series of weekly inspiration to help you go F.A.R.! This week they discuss how Activity Management helps you set goals, keep score and hold yourself ACCOUNTABLE. In this episode, Joe talks about how he and his co-worker hold each other accountable and how this type of feedback mechanism is critical for success. They also discuss how SAM can help you create this balance for yourself and hold you accountable.

Episode #4

RESPONSIBILITY Part 1 of 3

Mickey and Joe bring you part one of a three-part series of weekly inspiration to help you go F.A.R.! This week they discuss how Activity Management gives you the FREEDOM to dream, pick up the phone and get introductions, as well as the freedom to avoid the things we do not like to do. In this quick podcast, they both give real life stories about how all activities have consequences, freedom comes at a price and that without discipline you will have regret. You will also hear about what we can all learn from a memorable Chinese proverb and even Christopher Columbus. Remember, we are here to help you hone your skills every Tuesday along your journey.

Episode #3

Are salespeople born or made?

In 1995 Mickey pioneered the company and industry, Sales Activity Management. In the same year Joe signed for his college internship and came to the industry. This is where he discovered the SAMBook® which made him into the salesperson he is today. When Mickey was starting out in the industry, he was told a phrase he would never forget, which is, salespeople are born not made. He wanted to prove this phrase wrong and that gave him the motivation to create his company. From there the name and concept, Sales Activity Management, was born. He took this empowering concept to the world to help everyone become successful. In this episode you will learn that some may have natural talent but the individuals who are putting forth the consistent effort to improve will be the one to succeed.

Bonus Episode

Win the Day … Win the Year

With the new year here, we believe it’s critical to get this message out to help you determine what your goals are for the new year. Ask yourself, “What do you want to accomplish?” Then break it down into monthly, weekly and daily goals. Next, make a deadline because if you don’t set a date you will procrastinate. Deadlines are the KEY to your success. Mickey and Joe are here every Tuesday to give you the motivation to manage your goals.

Episode #2

A high-payoff activity

Activity Management may be the latest way to improve performance, but it is one of the oldest activities you should be focusing on to get quality introductions and referrals. In this quick ten minute podcast your hosts, Mickey and Joe, give you some quick ideas on this high-payoff activity!

Episode #1

What’s in it for you?

In this inaugural podcast of SAM’s 10 Minute Tuesdays with Mickey Straub and Joe Templin they answer why this podcast was created, like: Why is it important to receive tips and ideas in 10-minute chunks? Why are they passionate about the insurance and financial services industry? Why does this noble profession give unconditionally to each other? Why it is paramount to constantly practice your trade? Why you want to make “good use” of downtime? Why is it important to be on a lifelong self-improvement course? 

Intro Episode

SAM’s 10 Minute Tuesdays

Introduction to the weekly SAM’s 10 Minute Tuesdays with Mickey Straub, president and founder of Sales Activity Management and Joe Templin CEO, The Intro Machine Inc.