Shepard ’s Post

One way to close more deals during a "recession" Two words: Executive sponsorships. Leaders, it's time to get back in front of customers with your sellers. Use your authority and expertise to help move the needle. One of my favorite deals was when my VP at the time picked up the phone and called my prospect out of the blue for a quick hello It turned into a consultative conversation where we were able to build rapport. It felt like the human thing to do. More of this☝ Less of 🧏🏻♂️ #sales

Since the second half of 2023 we've seen an increase in live events and the need for support. We have event experts ready to support you with longer term and shorter term (project-based) solutions. Need help? Let's talk. 😊 #eventmarketing #eventsupport

How do I get my customers and prospects all to myself? Special events provide the best way to connect with customers, prospects, colleagues and even your own employees and partners. https://loom.ly/HDeUxfc #specialevents #specialevent #customerprospects #getcustomer #events #event #eventprofs #eventindustry #exhibitprofs #meetingprofs #meetings

Over the last few weeks here on LinkedIn I have seen a lot of posts about companies having their annual Sales Kick-Off #SKO events. I am curious to hear what you think is the best part of these SKO events?? 👀 I'l go first 🙋♂️ ... hearing #BestPractices / #SuccessStories from my colleagues.

Imagine an industry event without the usual crap: Sponsorships Sales pitches Hidden agendas and conflicts of interest Boring, long presentations High level lectures from “thought leaders” Monogrammed water bottles and other junk Showing off, posturing, and the usual virtue signaling crap There's one spot left. Sign up link is in the comments field.

I got a little nervous today when a pilot sat down next to me on my flight. I was thinking maybe they were doing the self-checkout thing too and I was being enlisted as co-pilot. Luckily, I was wrong but I had a great conversation with a Pilot making his way back to his home city. We talked about life, careers, and family...and he asked me about the sales process for the event industry. He was asking if it was akin to car sales where you had to "close" your prospect. I was proud to say, that the event industry is not a business for "closing" sales but instead nurturing sales. It's a relationship-based industry and trust is paramount. Trust in the company I represent. Trust in my skill set. Trust in my integrity. We don't close in the events...we build trust. Anyway, I am in DC through Thursday, Attending BizBash Connect DC and the Fairfax Loudon Event Execs meeting on Thursday. I have a few spots open to connect if you are in the area. 𝙋.𝙎. 𝘼𝙞 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧.  𝙄𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚 Update...ran into Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, DES, WMEP and I may have one less spot available.

What do IRL events and Alice Myerhoff's famous red bag have in common? You'll just have to listen to this week's Sales Glow Up video to find out. Link to sign up for future newsletters in the comments. #salesenablement #liveevents #saleseffectiveness

Knowing your audience is half the battle when reigniting dormant clients in sales. Here is one strategy that we used to reengage some folks. Our client knew their client's hobbies like the back of their hands—especially the golfers. Our part? Helping them play the right course: → We sent out Masters-themed koozies. → With a Masters-themed card. It wasn't just about golf. It was about recognition... And spotting their passion and driving engagement home. The result? Calls returned, emails replied to, meetings set.  Golfing clients were back on the fairway of conversation....Bad pun, I know :) Not a golfer - here are some ideas coming up where you can implement this strategy: → March Madness for your hoops fans. → Customized gear for baseball fans gearing up for Opening Day. → Green giveaways for those who find luck on St. Patrick's Day. By tapping into the events your prospects/clients care about, you are not just reopening lines of communication; you are celebrating what unites them. Remember, every touchpoint is an opportunity to show clients that their interests are yours— the key to reviving and maintaining any valuable relationship. PS - What event gets your clients/prospects excited? 

Looks like there are new rules for Association Sales Teams in relation to #exhibitsales and #sponsorshipsales. Great article Brittany Shoul https://lnkd.in/ePD8qmDD #meetingsmeanbusiness #tradeshows #conferences

Reminiscing on this sweet centerpiece for a Galentine’s client appreciation event… And it had me reflecting on my over a decade in event sales and planning experience. I can't help but notice a shift. As I’m meeting with venues and collaborating with vendors in Central FL, it feels like the tenacity and creativity that once defined our industry are fading. In sales, it used to be about fighting for every opportunity, collaborating with teams to craft unique solutions, and going above and beyond to win business. Nowadays, it seems like there's a lack of drive and imagination. Where did the passion for innovation and collaboration go? Let's reignite that spark and bring back the energy that makes events truly memorable. #EventPlanning #Sales #Collaboration #Creativity