Denise Griffitts - Your Partner In Success™ Radio!

Unlocking Productivity: Meet Kory Kogon, FranklinCovey's Expert VP and Bestselling Author Kory Kogon serves as FranklinCovey's Vice President of Content and Senior Consultant. She co-authored The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity, a Wall Street Journal bestseller. Kogon is a recognized expert, having appeared on TODAY, MSNBC's Your Business, Forbes.com, Inc.com, and FastCompany.com. She has contributed to FranklinCovey's acclaimed work sessions, including The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity®, Project Management Essentials for the Unofficial Project Manager™, and Presentation Advantage®. With over 25 years of diverse business experience, Kogon has held roles ranging from frontline positions to executive leadership. In this podcast, we'll explore key insights from Kory Kogon on project management essentials. She will delve into the common pitfalls leading to project failure, the fundamental principles of effective project management, and the five critical project phases for success. She'll discuss the importance of blending Agile and Waterfall methodologies, inspiring colleague engagement, and mastering essential people management behaviors for successful performance conversations. Plus, she'll share firsthand accounts of the impact seen from individuals who've implemented these practices. Connect with Kory Kogon online: LinkedIn | Franklin Covey

Unlocking Sales Success: Bridging Skill, Effort, and Talent Gaps with Ben Gay III and Denise Griffitts Today on The Inner Circle Podcast, we're diving into a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the world of sales: gaps. You know, people love to discuss wage gaps, income gaps, and wealth gaps, but what about the gaps that truly shape our success in sales? We're talking about skill gaps, effort gaps, and talent gaps. It's high time we shine a spotlight on these critical factors that often determine who rises to the top in sales and who gets left behind. Mastering sales isn't just about luck or being in the right place at the right time. It's about honing your skills, putting in the effort, and leveraging your unique talents to reach new heights. Throughout today's episode, we'll be exploring how these gaps impact sales professionals at every level. Whether you're just starting out in your sales career or you're a seasoned veteran looking to stay ahead of the game, there's something here for everyone. Find us on the web: Denise Griffitts LinkedIn | Ben Gay III LinkedIn | The Closers Books

Good Decisions Equal Success: Stop Decision Anxiety and Start Taking Action  My guest Kandis Porter, MBA, MSPM, and PMP, leads Effective Flow Connections, focusing on project and change management consulting. With over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, she emphasizes leadership development and strategic decision-making, as co-author of "Good Decisions Equal Success." Kandis Porter underscores that leaders often face tough, high-impact choices and points out that decision-making is a skill that can be enhanced. She stresses the importance of defining decision-making roles clearly and following a structured process for success. Highlighting the need for intentionality and clarity about desired outcomes before beginning the decision-making process, she also notes the significance of making data-driven choices, while considering stakeholders and organizational culture. After a decision is made, implementation and the willingness to adjust plans as necessary are crucial. Porter, who holds advanced degrees in Project Management and Business Administration, is certified in methodologies including Prosci and Six Sigma, reflecting her comprehensive approach to effective leadership and management. Find Kandis Porter on the web: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Amazon

Turning Sales Rejections into Success: Strategies to Overcome and Learn from Sales Setbacks In our latest episode, we explored a pivotal chapter from The Closers, Pt 2 titled "When You're Hit With a 'Two by Four". This discussion is more than just about sales techniques; it's about the resilience needed in the high-stakes world of sales. Ben's methodology, rooted in preparation, training, practice, and the essential 'set-up' phase, serves as a blueprint for navigating the unexpected challenges sales professionals often face. Today we are opening up page 123 from The Closers, Pt 2 'Handling Sales Rejection'. Rejections can be disheartening, but with the right mindset and strategies, they can be transformed into opportunities for growth and learning. It's important to remember that success in sales often comes from perseverance, adaptability, and continuous improvement. We also have some terrific audience questions we will answer today so stay tuned! Find us on the web: Denise Griffitts LinkedIn | Ben Gay III LinkedIn | The Closers Books

Today I am excited to welcome Brad Szollose (pronounced ZOL-us) to the show. Brad is not just any guest; he's a friend, colleague, fellow podcaster, and a multi-faceted serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience as a C-level executive and an acclaimed business author. His entrepreneurial journey includes turning one of his startups, K2 Design, into a NASDAQ-listed public company through a successful IPO, which thrust him into the limelight as a celebrated dot-com executive. Brad's insights and expertise have been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Advertising Age, and he has appeared on international TV shows, podcasts, and other media outlets. Beyond his remarkable business career, Brad is the award-winning author of "Liquid Leadership" and the creative mind behind the Awakened Nation® podcast, where he interviews today's most innovative outliers and entrepreneurs. In this conversation, we dive into our shared journey in podcasting, reflecting on the key insights and transformative experiences we've encountered. We'll spotlight some of the remarkable guests who've left a lasting impact on us with their wisdom. Also, we'll debunk a common podcasting myth, as well as shedding light on why this period is pivotal for the podcasting community. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that reveals the depth and diversity of the podcasting world from our collective perspective. Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Amazon

Mastering Sales Resilience - Lessons from When You're Hit With a 'Two by Four" by Ben Gay III In our latest episode, we explore a pivotal chapter from The Closers, Pt 2 titled "When You're Hit With a 'Two by Four". This discussion is more than just about sales techniques; it's about the resilience needed in the high-stakes world of sales. Ben's methodology, rooted in preparation, training, practice, and the essential 'set-up' phase, serves as a blueprint for navigating the unexpected challenges sales professionals often face. The metaphor of being hit by a "two by four" represents those unforeseen obstacles and rejections that can derail even the most seasoned salesperson. Ben's insights teach us the value of being meticulously prepared and constantly honed in our skills, so we can absorb the impact and keep moving forward. This episode is a deep dive into the essence of sales resilience, highlighting how Ben's approach not only prepares salespeople for the challenges of the profession but also for turning setbacks into setups for greater success. Tune in as we unpack the critical lessons from "The Closers, Pt 2" and how they shape a salesperson's ability to thrive amidst adversity. Find us on the web: Denise Griffitts LinkedIn | Ben Gay III LinkedIn | The Closers Books

Chase Harmer: Inspiring Transparency and Innovation in Philanthropy with Wishes Inc. Chase Harmer was inspired to create Wishes Inc. by his passion for leveraging technology for positive social impact and his belief in the power of transparency and innovation in philanthropy. His vision was to transform charitable giving by making it more transparent, efficient, and impactful, ensuring that donors could witness the real-time impact of their contributions and have control over how their donations are used. By creating a platform that fosters trust between donors and beneficiaries, Chase aimed to bridge the gap between those who wish to make a difference and those in need, envisioning a future where generosity knows no bounds. Through Wishes Inc., he has established a dynamic community dedicated to making a tangible difference in pressing global issues while upholding the values of transparency and accountability in charitable giving. Chase joins us to discuss building trust: establishing trust among donors, beneficiaries, and the public is crucial for the success of a charitable organization. Ensuring transparency in operations and finances is essential to gain and maintain trust. Find Chase Harmer online: Website | LinkedIn

Business Plan Answer Man David Brown: Exploring the Realm of Hobby and Business Podcasting My guest today is my friend and colleague David Brown – The Business Plan Answer Man and our topic today is Navigating the World of Hobby and Business Podcasts. Creating a podcast can be a fulfilling venture whether you're exploring a passion project or aiming to grow your business. When discussing the key differences between a hobby podcast and a business podcast, there are several talking points to consider. When exploring the distinct characteristics that separate hobby podcasts from business podcasts, several important aspects come to the forefront. Understanding these differences not only clarifies the intentions behind creating a podcast but also highlights the necessity of a tailored business plan, especially for podcasts with commercial ambitions. Incorporating a business plan, tailored to the specific needs and goals of the type of podcast, not only provides a roadmap for success but also ensures that every effort made contributes meaningfully to the overarching objectives, whether for personal passion or business growth. Be sure to look for us on Facebook as we will be hosting regular Facebook Live sessions on this topic. Follow us to stay updated and join the conversation. David L. Brown Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Mastering Sales Success: Navigating the 3 Types of Sales Professionals Welcome to 'The Closers Inner Circle Podcast,' where hosts Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III guide you through the nuanced world of sales, leveraging insights from the renowned Sales Bible 'The Closers Part 2.' This episode zeroes in on page 93 where Ben teaches us that in sales, professionals often fall into one of three categories: the amateur, the fearful, and the grateful. 'The Amateur' is enthusiastic yet lacks deep sales knowledge and experience. They're in a learning phase, with potential growth hinging on training and mentorship. 'The Fearful' salesperson is hindered by a fear of rejection or failure, leading to hesitation in engaging with clients or closing deals. Overcoming this fear involves building confidence through positive experiences and supportive coaching. Find us on the web: Denise Griffitts LinkedIn | Ben Gay III LinkedIn | The Closers Books

Eric Oliver explores the universal impact of persuasive communication, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping perceptions and decisions in everyday interactions and legal contexts alike. Our ability to focus is now fleeting, fragile, and fragmented—characteristics that have been part of our collective attention span well before the advent of cell phones. This impairment in our attention makes it crucial to employ nonverbal and visual strategies to capture and maintain focus. For trial lawyers, this means crafting and presenting their cases more as engaging stories than mere collections of facts, ensuring these narratives resonate with the implicit biases and assumptions held by roughly half of today's jurors. This approach, along with sharing effective methods to combat attention deficits in the courtroom—or any setting—aims to improve focus and comprehension for everyone involved. Eric Oliver boasts an extensive career spanning 40 years in national trial consulting, where he has been instrumental in coaching and assisting trial attorneys. His profound knowledge and expertise have played critical roles in numerous cases, leading to unprecedented successes and advantages for clients from prestigious law firms to innovative individual practices. Specializing in the influence of persuasive communication on the interpretation of case facts and their effect on legal judgments, Eric underscores the necessity for attorneys to invest considerable effort into presenting a well-crafted case narrative through verbal, visual, and non-verbal means. Find Eric Oliver on LinkedIn

The Communication Code: Unlock Every Relationship, One Conversation at a Time My guest Steve Cockram is an inspirational communicator, a seasoned entrepreneur, and a trusted confidante to distinguished leaders around the globe, also recognized as the co-creator of the world's premier "Leadership Toolkit." In collaboration with his business partner, Jeremie Kubicek, he has co-authored significant works such as "The 100X Leader," "5 Voices," and "5 Gears," with their latest work, "Cracking the Communication Code," being a valuable addition to my entrepreneurial library. As the co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, Steve Cockram leads the charge in advancing leadership development that centers on people. His expertise and commitment to fostering leadership excellence have positioned him as an influential figure, providing counsel to top executives and gaining acclaim for his empowering and inspirational speaking engagements and advisory roles. The Communication Code emphasizes the importance of clear two-way communication in fostering healthy relationships, both personally and professionally. It introduces five conversation code words: celebrate, care, clarify, collaborate, and critique, which are designed to enhance communication and understanding between individuals Find Steve Cockram online: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | GiANT WorldWide

Boosting Sales Performance: Mastering Reading and Writing for Effective Communication In today's episode of 'The Closers Inner Circle Podcast' with Ben Gay III and Denise Griffitts, we delve into the art of communication in sales, inspired by insights from 'The Closers Part 2', page 137. This session, part two of our discussion from the chapter titled 'Watch Your Mouth', is dedicated to the importance of communication. Reading and writing are crucial for effective sales communication. Reading sharpens the ability to understand customer needs and market dynamics, while writing is key to articulating proposals, crafting persuasive emails, and documenting interactions. For sales professionals, excellent writing skills translate to clear, convincing communications that resonate with clients and stand out in a digital-first world. Improving these skills involves engaging with industry-related content, practicing concise and compelling writing, and seeking constructive feedback. Mastery in reading and writing not only enhances client engagement but also significantly boosts sales performance by ensuring messages are both heard and persuasive. Find us on the web: Denise Griffitts LinkedIn | Ben Gay III LinkedIn | The Closers Books | Your Partner In Success Radio

Sigmar Berg: Multifaceted Entrepreneur and Designer Revolutionizing Mindfulness in Fashion Sigmar Berg, an Austrian-American born in 1975, is a versatile entrepreneur, artist, and designer with a background in architecture. Drawing inspiration from Bauhaus style and Southern California, his work spans various creative fields, featuring a unisex appeal. Berg founded Lovetuner, Inc., creating a mindfulness necklace that emphasizes fashion and well-being, reflecting his commitment to impactful design. His vision for the Lovetuner is rooted in its ability to heal, bring happiness, and connect people, as evidenced by the numerous stories of its impact shared worldwide. He aims to elevate individuals to their full potential and promote a sustainable, loving, happier, and healthier world through the Lovetuner. Berg's mission with the Lovetuner is to encourage emotional intelligence, self-empowerment, and heart-centered connections, ultimately leading to a more unified and peaceful global community. The Lovetuner® Book ONE JOURNEY is the exciting story of a man who left his successful career and social life behind to experience a true spiritual awakening that led him to finally remembering his divine mission: the mission of love. Find Sigmar Berg online: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Amazon

Business Growth Authority Amplifier Melanie Benson shares her vision of Bold Growth! Since 2010, Melanie has been a recurring and valued guest on our show, bringing with her a wealth of expertise as an authority amplifier and a catalyst for unlocking the potential in expert entrepreneurs. Melanie's commitment to helping businesses stand out in a saturated market, attract premium clients, and unlock new opportunities is unparalleled. With a proven track record of driving remarkable results since 2000, Melanie's strategies have consistently led to significant revenue growth for her clients, often experiencing a 3 to 5 times increase within just the first six months of collaboration. As the host of the top-rated podcast "Amplify Your Success" and co-host of "Next Level Influence," Melanie is a reservoir of knowledge, offering invaluable insights and guidance. In today's episode, we'll delve into the latest strategies and breakthroughs in business growth. We're focusing on Melanie's recent initiatives, including her innovative approaches to scaling businesses and her actionable advice for entrepreneurs eager to transform their ventures. We'll also discuss the groundbreaking Bold Growth Event Melanie hosted recently, a pivotal gathering designed to propel businesses forward. Find Melanie Benson online: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads 

In today's episode of 'The Closers Inner Circle Podcast with Ben Gay III and Denise Griffitts, we delve into the art of communication in sales, inspired by insights from 'The Closers Part 2' , page 137. We're focusing on the importance of eloquent speech and writing in the sales industry. It's about mastering a comprehensive and effective vocabulary and adopting the kind of polished demeanor that ideally, we would have learned from our upbringing. Our goal is to guide sales professionals on how to elevate their communication skills, not just in what they say, but how they say it. We'll explore strategies for refining your linguistic prowess, ensuring your message is not only heard but resonates with your audience, thereby transforming your sales approach into an art form of persuasion and influence. Find us on the web: Denise Griffitts LinkedIn | Ben Gay III LinkedIn | The Closers Books