Bold Business Minds

If you are looking for a way to spice up your presentations, you might want to try Pecha Kucha. Pecha Kucha is a Japanese term that means "chit-chat" and it refers to a presentation format that consists of 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds, while the speaker talks along. The slides change automatically, so the speaker has to keep up with the pace and deliver a concise and engaging message. Pecha Kucha was invented in 2003 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, two architects based in Tokyo, who wanted to create a platform for young designers to showcase their work and network with each other. They also wanted to avoid long and boring presentations that often put the audience to sleep. They came up with the idea of limiting the presentation time to 6 minutes and 40 seconds, which is the duration of 20 slides at 20 seconds each. They called it Pecha Kucha Night and hosted it at their experimental event space called SuperDeluxe.

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell. The 1980 comedy "Used Cars," directed by Robert Zemeckis, is more than just a source of laughter; it's a treasure trove of sales lessons that are still relevant today. The film follows the story of a down-and-out car salesman who is trying to save his lot from being taken over by his unscrupulous brother. 

In the intricate realm of B2B sales, the role of a presales engineer is crucial, often serving as the critical link that turns potential leads into successful sales. These technical maestros are essential in convincing discerning clients by transforming complex solutions into clear, tangible benefits, addressing the pivotal "how" that can determine the success or failure of a deal. So, how does one identify or develop such a unique combination of technical expertise and sales acumen?  Let's dive in!

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.

Would you lie to a customer to hit target?  In a recent poll, out of the 8,432 votes, 8% said Yes, 85% said No and 7% said Maybe.  There were comments like: "Please expose the Yes answers and get them out of the industry. Its hard enough to battle negative stigmas in sales. Integrity is a key to long lasting multiple sale relationships. Liars need to get exposed." "The 8% that said yes need to be fired" "NEVER. The truth shall set you free!" This raises an essential question for all sales professionals: Where's the ethical line between effective salesmanship and outright dishonesty? In the survey I mention, there where 7,000 salespeople vehemently deny lying yet blame others, highlights the hypocrisy inherent in this debate.

The Importance of a Collaborative Work Ethic In the modern workplace, the phrase "That's not my job" can indeed come across as both arrogant and lazy. It suggests a lack of willingness to go beyond one's defined role and contribute to the team's success. This attitude can be detrimental not only to the individual's growth but also to the overall morale and productivity of the team. A collaborative work ethic is rooted in the understanding that success is a collective effort. It involves recognizing that every task, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, contributes to the larger goal. When an employee steps up to assist with tasks outside their job description, it demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to the company's objectives. Moreover, helping colleagues with their tasks or finding solutions to unexpected problems can foster a strong team dynamic and a supportive work environment. It encourages others to reciprocate, creating ...

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.

In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer behavior, businesses are constantly challenged to stay ahead of the curve. The future consumer is not a static entity but a dynamic one, shaped by the interplay of past experiences, present trends, and future possibilities. To cater to this consumer, businesses must adopt a mindset that is at once curious, creative, and experimental. Learning from the past is crucial. It provides valuable insights into what has worked and what hasn't, allowing businesses to avoid repeating mistakes. Observing the present is equally important, as it offers a snapshot of current consumer behavior and market trends. However, the most distinguishing trait of a business geared towards the future consumer is the ability to imagine what the future could hold. This involves envisioning new products, services, and experiences that could meet the evolving needs and desires of consumers. Flexibility and agility are key attributes for any business aspiring to succeed ...

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.

In the contemporary business landscape, a striking paradox exists: the most successful companies are those that own the least. This trend, which defies traditional business models, is exemplified by giants such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber in communications; Zopa in banking; Apple, Google, and Facebook in software; Uber in transportation; Alibaba in retail; Facebook in media; Netflix in entertainment; and Airbnb in accommodation. These companies have revolutionized their respective industries without the burden of owning the physical assets typically associated with their sectors. This phenomenon raises a critical question for sales, a domain notoriously challenging due to its direct impact on revenue generation and growth. With the rise of these asset-light business models, is outsourcing sales the key to success? Outsourcing sales functions can provide several advantages. It allows companies to leverage specialized expertise, scale quickly with less risk, and focus on core competenc...