How to introduce humor in public speaking, part 1

President Barack Obama exacted his revenge last weekend after weeks of attacks from his would-be Republican challenger Donald Trump, joking that the billionaire businessman could bring change to the White House, transforming it from a stately mansion into a tacky casino with a whirlpool in the garden. Read more

How to find the right sales coach

The Sales Playbook is one of my favorite topics. So, when the Corporate Executive Board and their Sales Executive Council (SEC) announced their most recent research was entitled Rewriting the Playbook, How High Performers Win the Consensus-Based Sale, I was one of the first to register for the event highlighting their findings. Read more

Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #052: Planning to Execution

Each week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week we bring you a fun diagram for a work plan. Read more

What leadership has to do with love

Last time, I wrote about hearing Howard Schultz speak during his book tour for launching Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul. It was an eye-opening interview. He spoke about the word “love” and what it means for someone to love what they do, to love the company they work for and to love a brand and what it stands for. Read more

Don’t serve the founder of Starbucks Peet’s Coffee

I had a chance to attend the Los Angeles leg of Howard Schultz’s national book tour launching Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul. I’m a big admirer of Schultz’s leadership style and corporate vision. Read more

Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #051: Considerations

Each week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week we bring you a slide organized around four different considerations or factors. Read more

New Sales Enablement Ideas – SAVO’s AMPs, Part 6 – Subject Matter Expertise Promotion

Who are the critical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) inside your organization? If you’re like most companies, there are far more than you think. Leveraging this army of expert insights can make the difference between success and failure. Identifying and promoting their knowledge isn’t easy – but it is critical to your sales team’s success. Read more

How to prepare for “cultural fit” questions, Part 2

Last time, I raised the question of how to prepare to interview in a way that illustrates the all-important cultural fit with a company. What makes this a complex issue is that having a strong set of values that guide your actions and explaining those values are two different things.

Read more

Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #050: Comments

Each week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week we bring you a format for presenting quotes on a topic. Read more

Before the interview, think about your values

The big interview is approaching… How did you land it? Someone may have referred you. You could have submitted a resume to an online job site. Or, you may have been tapped on the shoulder and asked to go for the big promotion in another division. No matter how it began, you are there because — on paper — you are qualified. Read more