How to Give a STANDOUT Presentation by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Believe it or not, after more than 30 years in this business, speaking to more than 60,000 people a year, I still get nervous. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. (How many of you feel the same?) I always want to have that little fear-factor edge that keeps me on my toes and never lets me take my job or my audiences for granted. But, I have learned to conquer the major fears and keep cool, calm and collected. Stage fright is just part of it though – right? You may be worried about your message. Will it hit Read More
Quit Being a Victim
Quit Being a Victim
By Connie Podesta, Hall of Fame Speaker Straight talk? If you’re 25, 65+ years old or anywhere in between and you’re still blaming your parents for a few (or many) things you believe are responsible for the condition of your life right now – then you’re totally on the wrong path. Now I’m not saying to discount any negative childhood messages or experiences. I’m definitely 100% an advocate for children who’ve been through trauma and I know what that means moving into adulthood. What I am saying is that when you reach the age of adulthood, it’s time to use your awareness of what you’ve been Read More
Quit Underestimating the Importance of Childhood Messages
Quit Underestimating the Importance of Childhood Messages
By Human Behavior Expert & Hall of Fame Speaker Connie Podesta Straight talk? If you’re 25, 65+ years old or anywhere in between and you’re still blaming your parents for a few (or many) things you believe are responsible for the condition of your life right now – then you’re totally on the wrong path. Now I’m not saying to discount any negative childhood messages or experiences. I’m definitely 100% an advocate for children who’ve been through trauma and I know what that means moving into adulthood. What I am saying is that when you reach the age of adulthood, it’s time to use your Read More
Quit Leading Everyone the Same Way
Quit Leading Everyone the Same Way
By Hall of Fame Speaker, Award Winning Author. Connie Podesta, CSP, CPAE As an expert in the psychology of human behavior, I know that personalities are at the absolute deepest root of everything we do or say or think. Our personalities drive how we deal with other people, interact with them, motivate them, communicate with them, and negotiate with them. And yet, leaders often don’t factor in personalities on the journey toward career advancement. For one thing, many leaders subscribe to the “golden rule” that says we should treat others the way we want to be treated. That sounds kind Read More
Quit Underestimating Word of Mouth Marketing
Quit Underestimating Word of Mouth Marketing
By Sales Keynote Speaker and Human Behavior Expert Connie Podesta Word of mouth marketing is EVERYTHING. Why? Because it’s personal. It’s another human being putting their stamp of approval and trustworthiness on what you do – and then sharing why you’re the person to call with someone else! That’s powerful, especially in today’s world. It is true for almost every industry – doctors, lawyers, restaurants, salons, spas, real estate agents – you name it. It’s exceptionally important for salespeople. Many get into the mindset that they are in the business of whatever their product Read More
Quit Accepting Yourself as You Are
Quit Accepting Yourself as You Are
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta I know, I know. As a motivational keynote speaker, I can’t tell you how many times I hear the battle cry, “Just be YOU! Don’t change! You’re enough!” And yet, here’s my question: How's that REALLY working for you? Be honest now. Got the house you want? Car you want? Partner you want? Wealth you want? Body you want? Job you want? Happiness you want? Health you want? Peace you want? Confidence you want? Success you want? Then maybe – when it comes to getting what you want – just being YOU isn’t enough after all. Listen, I’m all about being your own Read More
Don’t Hire Another Outside Speaker … Until You Read This
Don’t Hire Another Outside Speaker … Until You Read This
A Just Ask Connie Blog "Why waste money on outside speakers …" the email began. "What our team really needs is to hear from our own internal leadership team. An outside speaker doesn’t even understand our unique business." Not the first time I’ve heard those words. My response? Is usually, "Really? Let’s dig a little deeper and break those theories down a bit." First, "Why waste money?" You know, that’s a legitimate question and money can be misspent if… A: You hire the WRONG speaker. You know the drill. It’s time to choose a speaker but it’s "decision by committee" – and there’s Read More
Just Ask Connie: Why Your Audience Needs More Than Rah-Rah Motivation
Just Ask Connie: Why Your Audience Needs More Than Rah-Rah Motivation
"I'm planning an event for my company and I've been directed to find a ‘motivational speaker’ to open our conference. What does that mean exactly?" I get these kind of emails all the time. It's a great question. I get it. There’s a lot of confusion because the word "motivation" gets thrown around when it comes to speaking. No surprise, it’s one of the top words Googled when searching for a speaker. Let me make it a little easier. With more than 25 years in this business, I can tell you that there are three main types of speakers who fit under the category of Motivation. Content Read More
No SALES tips in Your Speech?
No SALES tips in Your Speech?
You’re Shortchanging Your Audience By Sales Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta There’s one outstanding reason why I weave a bit of sales strategy into every single talk I give: because everyone is in sales--they just don't know it. No matter what their job title, description, industry or organization--their ability to sell ( or not) is a game changer. First I teach them how to sell themselves! We dig deep into their personality-pros and cons. Strengths and weaknesses. Then we identify their style of communication. Then move into levels of confidence. And finally discuss their ability to Read More
Eight Reasons Wearing a Watch is Really Cool!
Eight Reasons Wearing a Watch is Really Cool!
By Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta So what's the deal with not wearing watches these days? Look around. Half the population have left their watches in a drawer at home just waiting to be used again. In fact, to some people, wearing a watch has become a sign of old age. An antiquated accessory (or so goes the myth) no longer necessary since the iPhone came into play. Well think again. When asked the time I can, with a flick of my wrist and a quick eye glance, answer before someone with a phone can even begin to find it, turn it on, get lost in Facebook distractions, and deliver Read More