And speaking about speaking (see yesterday's post), how's this for a cool, high-powered gig?
I've just been added to the bill of The Art Of Sales, a full-day event to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's elegant John Bassett Theatre, on May 12.
The line-up is packed with some of my biz book idols, including:
- The world's Chief Executive Salesman, Jeffrey Gitomer (of Little Red Book of Selling fame)
- David Allen, who teaches the world how to Get Things Done and
- Herb Cohen, the long-time maestro of negotiation
- not to mention Sharon Drew Morgen and Dr. J.P. Pawliw-Fry (that's all of us below).
I've spoken at many such a large-scale, full-day session, but what makes The Art Of's take on them so unique is that the company highlights a specific theme, and niche-markets to those most interested in, and who will take home more from, the subject at hand.
For example, other events set to go include The Art of Golf (featuring coaches of the top PGA money-winners), The Art of Cooking and The Art of Management, with more to come (hey guys, how about "The Art of Surprise"? I know a good closing speaker. Uh, just asking...)
This is the spirit of Web 2.0 and the Long Tail brought to the brick-and-mortar (or shall I say "wood-paneling and soft-seat") conference game; a well-focused, no-fat approach.
One of the driving forces within The Art Of is a bright, well-experienced entrepreneur named Scott Kavanagh, who promises not just to entertain his audience, but educate them. Which brings me to a conversation I had over dinner in Chicago two weeks ago with my buddy Jim Fannin, one of the greats of the speaking world. Despite his success at empowering thousands all over the globe (including championship athletes like Alex Rodriguez and Grant Hill), Jim insists he is NOT a motivator, but an educator. Or, as he put it:
"It's the difference between telling someone
'you can do it!',
and actually teaching someone
'HOW you can do it'."
So go get 'em, Scott and company. Teach 'em how you guys do it. And thanks for the honor of allowing me to share the stage with such a prestigious group.
(By the way, if you wanna go, call The Art of Sales at 1-866-992-7863. Mention my name and get a discounted rate. Mention Herb Cohen's name and negotiate an even BETTER one!)