Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Interactivity is key to an exciting meeting. Don't bore them with a Powerpoint - make your audience a part of the presentation by directing questions at people, use polling, demonstrate with a volunteer. Engage them with a activity.

Ask them what they need help with (i.e., get them involved in the presentation's content) -- and help them. What problems are they having? What skills do they need? What's worked (and hasn't)? Share the knowledge.

I don't expect points for this, but a couple bottles of Champagne or wine never hurt to make things fun and interactive. Especially at the actual sales parties.

Schulte stole the words right off my fingertips! I have found that for almost any meeting, and especially for salespeople, a little alcohol tends to loosen things up and get people more involved.

My marketing team actually schedules brainstorming sessions at local bars during business hours to get the creative juices flowing. It is amazing how many more great ideas come out when the group is relaxed and away from the office. (ie. thanking your competition for attacking you in print advertising!)

Zack Pike

Ideas ideas ideas. I have a kitchen full of PC stuff and we love it.

But they are in it to make money. Bring in YOUR upline. Always seems the closer to the top brass people get, the more excited they get.

Do something fun...with them and their spouses. My wife is a Homemade Gourmet rep and we often get left out...which equates to less support from home and lower sales.

Michael