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 negotiate and persuasively get buy-from others. It takes all of those traits together to create the kind of trusting connection that will help them get people on board and gain the consensus they will need to get the results they want.
Every one of us, from all industries, all walks of life, all income levels, all relationship types have to fine tune our ability to bring people together. To me, that’s salesmanship. When you can help connect the dots for a co-worker or team member – that’s sales. When you’re a parent helping your kid understand WHY you want them to do something a certain way – that’s sales. When you’re a spouse or a partner and you’re eager to get the other person to agree to your way of thinking – that’s sales. When you are convincing your boss or colleague to believe in your ideas, that’s sales. And of course, if you have a product or service that you’d like a customer to take advantage of – that’s sales as well.
I love helping people better understand people, and by infusing sales and psychology into every talk from keynote to workshop –even as an emcee–I’m able to raise their level of consciousness and expertise when it comes to getting ownership from others. By sharing tools, strategies and mindsets that help people first grasp the larger, bigger picture concept of SALES– then use it to create a better life, better relationships and more success – i can go beyond just the topic of the day or event and help my audiences build a stronger, more powerful foundation for success.
I’m asked by up and coming speakers all the time for some advice, and here’s one of the most important things I share with them: The audience is the star of any conference, any workshop, any event. Not those of us who stand on the stage. It’s those folks in the seats (and the people that helped make that possible) that are the real stars. So if you’re taking to the stage to share insights with a new audience, weave in a little “sales” strategy about how they can get their ideas and opinions heard. Share something that will make their lives easier, jobs better, or find a little more balance. Those are the things that my audiences tell me make the biggest impact on them, and the first changes they want to make when they leave the event hall.
Here’s a quick video I did on the topic:
I hope that helps! Go share the good stuff! Your audiences deserve it. I know mine sure do! I’d love to hear your thoughts – post them in comments below!
