Sales pitches guised as conference sessions

November 18th, 2009

I hate it when people just give sales pitches at conferences.

At least respect my intelligence and try to hide it in something that is of value to the audience.

People come along to conferences to learn, meet people and catch up on industry changes.  Not to hear the latest pitch of how to buy your product.

It’s a very ME mindset. I’d rather focus on helping the audience – IF they want to know more they can have a chat afterwards.

And some do.  Most dont but this is a quality game not a quantity one.  Those that do are usually highly motivated to work with me.

That’s a win for everyone, audience gets info they can act on themselves, I don’t waste time on tyre kickers and those that are motivated can still have a chat.

Tags: , ,



4 Responses to “Sales pitches guised as conference sessions”

  1. Jason Says:

    Totally agree! There is nothing worst than a conference that ‘pitches’ products and services at you the whole time. You feel violated and worn out. Proving ideas and useful information is a much better way of using conferences to help people.

  2. Joel Says:

    give first, receive later, works for personal relationship, same for business

  3. Bill Bennett Says:

    I couldn’t agree more.

    Years ago I organised a stack of seminars for a big event and made it clear to all speakers the presentations were not for sales pitches.

    About 30 percent just flatly ignored the request.

    When we got the audience feedback forms, it was clear the hard sales merchants had actually harmed their reputations.

    Fools.

  4. Ben Young Says:

    @Bill Fools – fools indeed.



What are you doing all the way down here? You could:
- View my about page
- Or for first timers the New Here? page
- Or maybe email this to a friend
- Or subscribe to get blog updates