Meet Dr. Alan Zimmerman, CSP, CPAE
Internationally recognized motivational speaker Dr. Alan R. Zimmerman gives people the tools they need to maximize their payoffs …personally, professionally, and organizationally.
When you want a dynamic speaker, great content, and lasting impact (yes, in ONE speaker!), Dr. Zimmerman might be the professional speaker you’ve been looking for!
He’s given more than 2000 programs … ranging from groups as small as six to audiences of several thousand … while maintaining an enviable 92% ratio of repeat and referral business.
Of course, that sounds great on paper, but you’ve come to this page to learn more about Dr. Zimmerman and how he can help your organization. And you should know his track record, philosophy, and character BEFORE you hire him — or anyone else. You deserve to know whether or not your next speaker fits with your group’s culture and can produce the results you want.
What our clients have to say:
“Your reputation preceded you as a professional to work with. And you were the consummate professional. Our Vice President told us not to worry because no matter what the topic … you would mesmerize our audience. You did. “
– Peter Atwood, Regional Manager, 3M
“Congratulations for an outstanding presentation. Truly, your talk was powerful, motivational, and to some extent spellbinding. We would be pleased to recommend you to any group who wants a guaranteed success.”
– M. Lauren Basham, Director, Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business
If you would like to preview Dr. Zimmerman’s speaking, click here for some video clips.
But for those of you who want to know a bit more about what I bring to your program, read the additional material below.
Click here to read the questions most frequently asked by our customers.
His client list includes the biggest and best organizations such as 3M, Boeing, Target, Merck, the U.S. Air Force, and the Mayo Clinic.
As a STUDENT…
Personal note from Dr. Alan Zimmerman:
As you’ll notice below, I’ve got a lot of formal education. I know what the research says in my areas of expertise.
But quite honestly, that schooling was simply the beginning of my education. I continue to be a student, because I’m always upgrading my knowledge and my skills. I attend several seminars, conferences, and master-mind group meetings throughout the year. And I’ve learned as much … if not more … from real life.
I’ve learned about business from starting, growing, and managing a business that has grown by double digits … 23 out of 25 years. I’ve learned about people from leading them, working with them, and selling to them. And I’ve been at the top of success … getting all the national awards and recognition … and I’ve been at the bottom of the pit … growing up in a family that was visited by bankruptcy, alcoholism, suicide, divorce, and imprisonment.
So when clients talk about the quality of my programs, they often say, “Solid research … practical applications … proven to work … the real deal.”
- Bachelor’s degree from U of WI in Speech Communication and Political Science
- Master’s degree from U of MN in Communication and Sociology
- Doctoral degree from U of MN in Interpersonal Communication and Psychology
- Graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors each time
…SO your audience gets advanced insights and proven strategies, NOT just “filler and fluff.”
What our clients have to say:
“The success of last year’s program meant an invite back this year to a larger audience, and this was successful beyond my expectations. In fact, 100% of the delegates said they would like to attend another one of your programs, which says more about its success and high quality than I ever could in this brief note. So consider this note as my invitation to speak to our organization next year … for the third year in a row.”
Dean Nicholson, Director of Roadside Operations, RAC, United Kingdom
“Your presentation is always the highlight of our Management Academy Program. I have reviewed the course evaluations, and this is what they said: ‘Outstanding speaker … Outstanding content … Best motivational speaker I have seen … Excellent … Received a tremendous amount of relevant information … Unbelievable presentation on how to remove negative energy and treat people with respect … I will use this at work and at home.’”
Don DiGirolamo, Manager, U.S. Steel
As an EDUCATOR…
Personal note from Dr. Alan Zimmerman:
As an educator, I’ve always been somewhat of a maverick. I’ve never cared much about a fancy theory, some pop psychology, or the latest fad in some business magazine.
I’ve always maintained a very simple approach to learning and business development. I figure that everything I teach has to make you happier or your organization more successful … or it’s not worth teaching. And I won’t waste your time teaching you anything less.
Apparently, that approach has served my customers very well. That’s why the vast majority of my business comes from repeat and referred customers. And that’s why my weekly newsletter, “Dr. Zimmerman’s Tuesday Tip,” with 100,000 subscribers, is one of the most quoted newsletters today.
- 15 years of experience as a university professor
- Taught at the University of Minnesota, Emporia State University, Mankato State University, and the University of St. Thomas
- Selected by the students as the “Most Outstanding Faculty Member” at 2 different universities
- Given the “Distinguished Faculty Award” by the Institute of Management Studies, an award that has been given to fewer than 10 of its 2000 speakers in its 30+ years of delivering business seminars across the world
…SO your audience gets immediately engaged, energized, and empowered, NOT put to sleep by abstract theories or dry-as-sand lectures.
What our clients have to say:
“You left a very positive impression on our team members. Your program touched on issues that we have dealt with on a continuous basis, but as one team member said, ‘He made it real!’ Your style of wit and stories made the learning fun and upbeat. And I was pleased that our people said your program was better than any other programs they have attended in the past.”
Betsy Kennedy Lindgren, Director, Express Employment Professionals
“We’ve had some time to reflect on your wonderful presentation, and it’s clear that your thoughts and ideas have made a profound and lasting impression! I have received numerous remarks, both written and verbal, that you were enlightening, informative, helpful, and entertaining! Many of the conference participants said your presentation was the best they’ve ever heard. And some of these folks have attended meetings like this for 35 years! As the organizer of the event, I want to personally thank you for making me look so good.”
Jack Maddio, Manager, American Family Insurance
As a SPEAKER…
Personal note from Dr. Alan Zimmerman:
I’m amazed at the number of management trainers who have never managed a business. I’m shocked by the number of sales trainers who can’t sell. And I’m saddened by the number of leadership speakers who have never led.
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I don’t believe you get the right to speak about something UNTIL you’ve actually done it. And done it consistently well … year … after year … after year.
When I speak to your organization, I speak from experience. I’ve actually done the things that many speakers only talk about. At the age of 7, for example, I was selling greeting cards door-to-door. By age 14, I owned a small international import business. By age 21, I was teaching at the University of Minnesota, and during the next 15 years, I was selected as the “Outstanding Faculty Member” by two different universities.
At age 36, I retired from teaching and opened my own speaking and training company. That position has allowed me to deliver hundreds of programs around the world. In fact, few people have spoken to more groups, in more places — and been invited back more often.
- Awarded championship trophies for six consecutive years in state and national speaking contests
- Served as a keynote speaker and seminar leader for more than 25 years
- Delivered more than 2,000 programs in 48 states and 22 countries
- Spoken to large Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, professional associations, government, education, and health care organizations
- Ranked among the top 5% of all speakers worldwide, as noted in his earned CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation
- Inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, an honor that has been given to a mere handful of people in the last 30 years – including President Ronald Reagan, General Colin Powell, and best-selling author Dr. Ken Blanchard
- Maintains a rate of 92% repeat and referral business … making him one of the most sought-after speakers today
…SO you’ll never be accused of bringing in an amateur to do a professional’s job. Dr. Zimmerman makes YOU look great to the leaders above you as well as your audience.
What our clients have to say:
“Thank you for an outstanding presentation! You created an atmosphere of high energy and delivered a message that was thought provoking, intellectually stimulating, and interactive. The conference attendees were enthralled, saying things like, ‘Best session of the conference … Fantastic … Have him back … Outstanding theory … Needs to be longer.’ Alan, you far exceeded our expectations in both your content and delivery. You are a consummate professional.”
Kimberley Adams, Director, National Education Association
“Your presentation at our conference was very enlightening … so much so that I want to personally thank you. In fact, we had employees … who NEVER like any of the training we do … who are negative about everything … say, ‘Bring this guy back. Whatever you paid him, he’s worth every penny of it.’”
Tracy Belz, Warden, Minnesota Department of Corrections
As a LEADER…
Personal note from Dr. Alan Zimmerman:
There are a lot of speakers out there. No doubt about it. But the question you need to ask is this. “Are those speakers just plain speakers, or are they speakers AS WELL AS leaders in their industry?”
Judge for yourself. I’m one of only 9 people in the world to ever hold a Ph.D., earn the designation of Certified Speaking Professional, and be inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame. And my mentoring calendar is constantly filled … with emerging leaders and senior executives … looking for help that will accelerate their careers or enhance their effectiveness.
- Started selling door-to-door at age 7, owned a small international import business by age 14, and was teaching at the University of Minnesota by age 21
- Worked in retail sales, radio broadcasting, prison therapy, and recreation management
- Founded Zimmerman Communi-Care Network, Inc. in 1985, a speaking and training company with offices in the U.S. and U.K.
- Author of the “Tuesday Tips,” a weekly newsletter with a subscription list of 100,000+ people
- Author of several best-selling books, CDs, and DVDs
- Given the “President’s Award for Distinguished Leadership” from University of Wisconsin
…SO your audience gets the inside scoop from someone who knows the “real world” of business and what it takes to get things done, NOT a “book-report” speaker who merely looks good in an expensive suit.
What our clients have to say:
“We have heard numerous speakers through the years from the U.S. and Canada, and you are, by far, one of the best. Your customized presentation stirred emotions, invoked laughter, and energized the audience – a definite success in our opinion.”
Spencer Graham, Manager, Boeing
“I have heard nothing but rave reviews from the attendees. They were thrilled to leave the session with some very valuable ‘keepers’ and things they could put into play right away. And even though your presentation was several months ago, I still have people tell me how they are able to utilize your ideas. You created a high energy level, and there wasn’t a moment when you did not hold their attention. The standing ovations say it all – you were great!”
Sally McEntire, Manager, Verizon
As a PERSON…
Personal note from Dr. Alan Zimmerman:
I believe the soft stuff is the hard stuff. Most of my clients offer excellent products and services. They’re very good at what they do. But they’ll often say they need to make some improvements in the soft skills of attitude, motivation, communication, leadership, and the like.
They’re right. Somehow or other, they seem to know that people can achieve astonishing results … if they know how to communicate with themselves and others.
So I’ll give you rock-solid content and power-packed strategies that you can use immediately. I’ll show you how to get and keep the Purpose, Passion, and Process that leads to the Payoffs you want.
And to the best of my ability, I practice what I teach … because I know the things I teach really, really work.
- Guided by his personal priorities of faith, family, and fun
- Re-energizes his batteries by hiking, biking, and exploring exotic parts of the world … from the jungles of Asia to the cold chill of the Arctic Circle
- Shares lessons he’s learned from incredible successes and huge failures … that ground his programs in reality
…SO your audience gets an authentic experience with someone who “walks the talk” and can connect effectively and sincerely with any audience – from the board room to the factory floor.
What our clients have to say:
“Your speaking style, participant involvement, and content are exceptional. Your willingness and openness to share your own personal experiences and stories added so much value to the message and gave us the opportunity to really connect with you. Thanks for the inspiration you provided to our leadership at Digi-Key.”
Deborah Wittenberg, Manager of Learning and Development, Digi-Key
“Thanks for the GREAT job you did as our keynote speaker at our managers meeting. But let me share a quick story about one of the audience members. Without being prompted, he told me, ‘I have never met Dr. Zimmerman until today, but he really impressed me in the way that he handled the meeting. He’s the kind of person I’d like to work with.’ In his mind, you became one of his role models, and I am sure that you had the same effect with the other folks in the crowd.”
Joe Huffine, Manager, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative
