Robert Blair’s secret to success is that there is no secret to success. Doesn’t make for a great book or motivational video, per se, but it has definitely worked for Blair, who has ascended through the ranks at Diversified Consultants Inc. during his decade at the company. Blair’s secret? Hard work wins the day. Especially if it’s done while most people are still sleeping. Read on to learn more about Robert and why you might find him behind the counter of his own coffee shop one day.
Name: Robert Blair
Company: Diversified Consultants, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 10 years
Length of time in industry: 10 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Like most here at DCI, I started as a collector and worked my way up the ranks by being a sponge when it comes to obtaining knowledge along with above and beyond dedication to the organization.
What is your career highlight so far?
Receiving the Iron Man Award which is an award given for the hardest worker each year at DCI.
When or how are you most productive?
I am absolutely my most productive in the early morning, while the world is still asleep. I discovered that my most creative and efficient state of mind is in the earlier morning hours where I set aside time, not just to get a head start on the day, but to think critically about some of the problems I may be trying to solve at the time.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Phil Korn
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I think one of my best qualities is that I am willing to put in more work than just about anyone else. I have been asked, “What do you think is the biggest contributor to your success?” The answer is always simple, hard work. Sometimes, folks think there is a secret to doing great things, but the biggest contributor to success, in my opinion, is just putting in the time and not being afraid to get your hands dirty.
What do you like most about this industry?
The people. I love everyone that I work with.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The negative stigma that comes with collections. The industry is evolving and I have noticed a change in the perception towards the collection industry in the 10 years I have been in the business, and I have confidence that this trend will continue.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would love to run a small coffee shop.
Describe a typical work day.
My day begins at 5 a.m. with a huge cup of dark roast black coffee. I then review my calendar, and plan my day. I check the previous day’s dial campaign KPI’s to ensure we are meeting all the marks. I communicate with my team as to our action plan for the day and let them know of any changes to our strategy. I set aside a block of time dedicated to white space which allows me to reflect upon any pertinent items or any long-term projects that I may have. This is all before we make our first dial of the day.
By the time mid-morning arrives, I am typically breaking down any recent scorecards and/or updates from our clients to determine what path our strategy needs to follow and communicate changes to my team and operational colleagues. I take conference calls, attend departmental meetings, follow up on emails and provide my insight on any unresolved matters that may benefit from my expertise and knowledge. If my morning responsibilities don’t overlap into lunch, I will typically break away as I find these short periods of time rejuvenating to my mind, and allows me to finish out the day as strong as it began.
After lunch, I check our completion levels for our call strategy campaigns and make any ad hoc changes as needed. Furthermore, I work on any long-term projects that I may have which will typically take me to the finish line for the day.
Before I leave the office, I communicate with my west coast team and make sure we are on the same page when it comes to the strategy for the evening’s contact schedule.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I do not have many, but I do enjoy going to the shooting range, and I have probably spent more money on ammo than I would like to admit!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Most people are good.
What are you currently reading?
“The Book of Joy“, by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I obtained a pilot’s license before a driver’s license.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Debi Hobbs, Matt Wolk, Joshua Robertson
