Who We Are
Lorraine Ferguson is the Founder & President of Direct Impact Associates, LLC, an authorized licensee of Sandler Training in Albany, NY.
Successful in accelerating growth through strategic leadership, Lorraine knows firsthand the value of a sales training approach that follows a learning philosophy of ongoing reinforcement. She is experienced in driving the behaviors, attitudes and techniques required of an effective sales team.
Lorraine has an enterprising management style with a record for building businesses and retaining highly engaged employees in fast-paced competitive environments. And she is passionate about helping local companies grow their business and enabling a successful Tech Valley region through effective sales and sales management practices.
Her key business strengths include:
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Recruiting, motivating and retaining effective teams
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Sales training and management
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Customer relations and business development
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Client communications
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Team leadership
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Organizational strategic planning
Lorraine has over 20 years experience in the Capital Region/Tech Valley and nationally as an executive managing sales, marketing, operations and technical personnel at the corporate, regional and branch level for start-up, franchise, Fortune 500 and private equity companies in the technology industry. Prior to bringing the globally recognized Sandler Sales programs to this region, she was the CEO of a regional technology education company and Vice President of Education Services for IKON Office Solutions, a $65 million division. Previously Lorraine was a member of a management team for a start-up technology company, where she launched the Eastern New York market that contributed $5 million in annual revenues prior to acquisition.
As a business owner it is very important that I apply my time wisely. The balance between prospecting for clients, winning business and fulfilling and exceeding my client's expectations is very important. Lorraine at Sandler Training has helped me find the balance I was looking for to help increase my success. Her intense and interactive training environment as well as the monthly one on one counseling sessions has taken me through six months of redesigning how I think and act about my sales process. The Sandler "cookbook" process has given me an effective and efficient method to win business. Not only am I getting a higher close rate I am saving a ton of time by not chasing unqualified prospects.
In addition to the value I obtained from the Sandler Selling System the networking opportunities and comfortable environment that the class affords is fantastic. As a matter of fact, the business I got from the class exceeded what it cost me to go to the class. I have also made friendships and alliances that I know will stay with me for many years to come.
Awesome training, awesome environment, awesome teacher, what more can I say but "Thanks Lorraine!!
Richard Sussman President of Pelorus International, LLC