The complex sale provides unique challenges for salespeople in all stages of the process, and the presentation or demonstration is no exception. Products like technology, infrastructure, design and construction projects often involve a series of presentations and/or demonstrations. They are a major investment of time, effort and commitment on both

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Imagine being on trial – you’re not guilty of course − and after the final witness’ testimony your lawyer simply rests her case and leaves it up to the jury to make sense of all of the evidence and deliver whatever verdict they feel appropriate. Would you be happy? I

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During my presentation workshops we try to replicate a real presentation environment as much as possible, in part, to practice how to recover when presentation disaster strikes. In a recent workshop,  Michael, an experienced sales engineer hooked up his laptop and nothing happened. Michael checked the connections and still…nothing. Michael

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Ever found yourself texting, checking email or freshening your coffee during a web presentation or webinar? Temptations abound in a virtual world and that’s exactly what your prospects are doing if you’ve failed to keep them engaged and focused on your message. Maintaining your prospect’s attention is a challenge online.

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When the competition is stiff, preparation — and discovery in particular — plays a critical role in the ultimate success of your presentation. While much information about a company can be found on-line, the best source of information and greatest payoff potential comes from having a conversation with key people

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  Today’s sales presentations aren’t the one-way monologues of old. Audience’s not only expect to be engaged, but your message will have greater impact and recall if they are actively participating in the presentation. Posing a question is a quick and easy way to engage your audience. People are naturally

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You’ve finally got that hard-fought presentation time with your prospect. You’ve managed to get all the decision-makers together in one room at the same time. Quick reality check: Do you have their attention? I wouldn’t bet on it. Like you, prospects have other things on their minds. Perhaps they just

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Sales Managers:  Are you the Apple Genius Bar, or an Answer Bar? Like most people, I don’t go to the Apple store because I enjoy being steered around from one headset wearing hipster to another, but because I need help from…must I say it? The Genius Bar. One approaches the Genius

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I watch the Oscars with a seller’s eye: Who is really connecting with the audience? Who is surprising us? Who seems like they just got the invitation that morning? True to form, this year’s Oscars provided many gems, some brilliant (three words: Neil Patrick Harris) some typical (really Patricia Arquette,

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If you think presenting comes naturally, all you need to do is watch the Academy Awards where some of our best actors struggle to deliver a live speech or accept an award.  As a salesperson there are many key takeaways from the Oscars and I’ll be taking note of them

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