"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
How to Stand Out From the Crowd
How to Stand Out From the Crowd
And Why That’s More Important Than EVER By Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta I always tell my audiences, "If there was ever a time to differentiate yourself and Stand Out From The Crowd--it is NOW! Business as usual is over!" Bottom line: To rise to the top and stay there as an organization you must be able to answer this #1 question: "What do you bring to the table that is so unique, outstanding, so UNEXPECTEDLY awesome--that people would CHOOSE to do business with you, partner with you, buy from you, and trust you - rather than someone else?” Because the truth is Read More
6 Secrets to Creating a Powerful, Personalized Presentation with LASTING Impact
6 Secrets to Creating a Powerful, Personalized Presentation with LASTING Impact
Why Cookie Cutter Content Doesn’t Work By Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta After more than twenty five years of delivering keynotes, facilitating events, and acting as the master of ceremonies for organizations all over the globe, one thing is for sure – there’s not much I haven’t seen, or heard from the stage. Here’s what I know doesn’t work – DOESN’T create lasting impact or positive change: tired, canned speeches that don't relate to YOUR specific audience. You know the ones. Where the person behind the microphone is referencing age-old technology or telling the same Read More
It’s the WHY That Makes All the Difference
It’s the WHY That Makes All the Difference
Taking Your Message Beyond Just the What and How By Leadership and Sales Speaker Connie Podesta After more than 25 years in the speaking industry this is clearer to me than ever: audiences truly WANT to learn -- IF what they are learning is relevant to them NOW and can be used immediately to improve their life. Fortunately my experience and psychology background has also given me a clear understanding of just what has to happen between a speaker and their audience to create that sense of relevancy and willingness to change. Attitudes. Perceptions. Beliefs. Behaviors. It's a three-step Read More
How You Approach Work Makes All the Difference in the World!
How You Approach Work Makes All the Difference in the World!
The Difference Between a Calling, a Career, and "Just a Job" By Business Motivational Keynote Speaker and Human Behavior expert Connie Podesta After speaking to and interviewing thousands of people throughout my career, it became very apparent to me that individuals basically approach their life’s work in one of three ways. Take a peek at each three descriptions and see which one DESCRIBES YOU the best. A Calling. Do you have an absolute innate gift for what you do? You know – where you have that feeling that you were born to do whatever it is you do. Selling. Teaching. Planning. Read More
Like It or Not: You ARE a Leader
Like It or Not: You ARE a Leader
Leadership Perceptions De-Bunked By Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta Bottom line? YOU ARE A LEADER. All the time. Whether you’re at work or at home. Employed or stay at home parent. Paid job or volunteer. Willing or unwilling. Honestly? It doesn’t make any difference what you do or choose not do. Even if you THINK you are a follower and always avoid center stage, you can’t escape the fact that you are ALWAYS in the position to influence other people’s thoughts, actions and attitudes. That’s quite a responsibility. We influence others all the time. By what we say and Read More
How to Turn Limitations Into Strengths
How to Turn Limitations Into Strengths
And See Yourself in a Whole New Light by Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta So it’s a no brainer that we need to leverage our strengths. If…we even know what they are. Unfortunately most people are so focused on what they can’t do or wish they could do, that they don’t even take time to realize what they can bring to the table. So step one. Figure out exactly what it is you do really well. And be proud of it. Let people know about it. Find ways to bring those talents into your job. Your relationships. Your quest for success. Even your health. Here’s a tip: Don‘t Read More
HAPPINESS Doesn’t PROCRASTINATE
HAPPINESS Doesn’t PROCRASTINATE
Keeping Pace with Joy, Balance, and Success By Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta Procrastination is the silent killer of ambition, productivity, achievement, even peace and balance. And most importantly, it undermines your own HAPPINESS. Trust me, putting things off causes more stress, worry, and insecurity about the future than just taking a deep breath and taking the first step. Where to start? ANYWHERE. When I find myself trying to avoid something, I look for the easiest place to start. The cheapest. The least frightening. The most accessible. The most comfortable. The Read More