YourSalesManagementGuru by Ken Thoreson, Acumen Management Group

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Investing in Yourself: Insights from the National Speakers Association Confab

I recently attended the annual National Speakers Association conference, an association meeting that I really work to attend. In my four years as a member, I have learned so much and have found everyone to be open and willing to discuss any aspect of improving your life, your business and your professional stage skills.

As someone who has presented often in many venues and formats, the experience was invaluable. I met people from all over the world who provided levels of expertise in many, many areas. Everyone was positive, energetic and helpful. 

I also had the opportunity to see some of the best people on the platform or "main stage" in front of 1,500 people. They held the audience with every word, provided humor at key points and controlled the attendees with their body language, voice and material. The breakout sessions provided detailed insights on what you need to do to be more professional and successful in your life and business.

But like every conference, sometimes the real learning takes place in the hallways or in casual conversations. At the spur of the moment, I got pulled into a MasterMind group of five people for 90 minutes, and I came away with a best idea from the entire conference. Another friend and I shared a meeting over lunch simply to discuss what the other other was doing and what was -- and was not -- working. On the way to the airport, I shared a cab with a guy who had been involved with the National Security Agency for 30 years and only consults with Fortune 500 CEOs; he gladly shared his thoughts, process and business model with me.

So, What Does This Have To Do with You?
What are your plans for the balance of the year to improve your professionalism? What commitments have you made moving forward? Are you involved in an outside group? Are you active in "reading" LinkedIn? What books have you picked up (and read)?

A quote I picked up: "People don't buy what you do -- they buy who you are." Are you better today than last quarter?

Posted by Ken Thoreson on July 31, 2013


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