Anytime an employee improves, it is beneficial for the company. And as a Dale Carnegie graduate myself, I feel that this program is truly beneficial; it really encourages people to use the principles in their daily lives.
Sharon Carrico, Partner, Imagery Marketing Consultants

Imagery graduates of Dale Carnegie.

On December 11, seven Imagery Marketing Consultants staff members graduated from a twelve-week Dale Carnegie training program designed to "improve the performance of business by developing the innate abilities of employees." Imagery is a leading marketing consulting firm for independent rent to own companies.

"Anytime an employee improves, it is beneficial for the company. And as a Dale Carnegie graduate myself, I feel that this program is truly beneficial; it really encourages people to use the principles in their daily lives," partner Sharon Carrico said.

Account Executive Cara Gerhardt said that she was eager to take the course even before it was offered. "I had heard about it previously, and people had deemed it a life changing experience," Gerhardt said.

In addition to Gerhardt, David Ballowe, Keith Carrico, Jeremy Cox, Felicia Fally, Rick Linton, and Peggy Tisone attended the course, dedicating three and a half hours of their time each week to the class.

"My perception of the course changed throughout the twelve weeks. I wasn't very excited about it at first, but it really teaches good principles and reinforces the importance of having good relationships," Cox said. "To anyone who has the opportunity to take this course, I say give it a shot."

Throughout the course, students are required to do a number of public speaking assignments, from prepared orations with props, to impromptu addresses. While all of Imagery's staff members were recognized for their performances, Creative Director David Ballowe was presented with the Highest Award for Achievement, an honor that has been given since the first Dale Carnegie course in 1912.

Ballowe was presented the award at the graduation ceremony, where his classmates, instructors and coaches, as well as guests of the graduates congratulated Ballowe with a standing ovation.

"Every week I was inspired by others in the class and, in turn, felt encouraged to try and inspire them," Ballowe said. "I was truly surprised when I received the award, it is an awesome feeling to be recognized by your peers with such an honor."

The class was about more than recognition, however, as the personal benefits that the students received were many. Gerhardt took the class with the intention of furthering her leadership, sales, and stress management skills, but ended up improving one of the most useful skills of all - communication.

"One of the biggest things that I took away was to listen to others and put yourself in others shoes instead of listening for your own purposes," Gerhardt said.

And for those who think that the class is not for them, Gerhardt challenges them to truly consider the advantages of developing the skills taught in the course.

"We all work with people all day, every day. The skills that you learn from Dale Carnegie will help you advance your career, no matter what profession you are in," Gerhardt said.

Many of the graduates asserted that the course not only has helped them to grow professionally, but personally, as well.

"Dale Carnegie is a great catalyst for beginning a new journey and participating in the human experience," Ballowe said.

Source: Imagery Marketing Consultants