Ideas at Dawn AEC Marketing Consultants

Are you new to the AEC marketing industry and in need of some more training? Maybe you are a few years in and need to level up those skills! 
Or you can be a seasoned professional in need of a fresh perspective.
We've had all three different categories in this full-day comprehensive training for AEC proposal management.  

I will take you through : 
✅ Learn the secret for getting SMEs to respond so deadlines are not missed
✅ How to create compliant, concise, and owner-focused content so your proposal scores the most points 
✅ How to effortlessly streamline processes and procedures so the technical team doesn't dread being involved
✅ Learn the framework to onboard AEC professionals with industry-specific knowledge
✅ How to avoid the big missteps in thinking proposal development in the AEC industry is the same as in other industries
and much, MUCH more! 

and if that wasn't enough to convince you...
for the first time, I'll be walking you through how to leverage AI for proposal content. It won't do the proposal for you but it will make you more efficient. 

Save your spot now right here!   https://keap.app/checkout/ezz173/winning-aec-proposals

ATTEND: 6 Steps To A Successful Proposal

Have you ever felt like you're just not making enough time for your family? Or for your own self? 

I know I have.
Being part of the AEC marketing industry, it is an all too familiar scenario. 
We are dedicated professionals. We give it our all, literally. 

However, we also deserve time for (the other) things that matter. 

Watch this video as I discuss what I eventually came to call my "3 frogs" that have completely changed the game for me. 

Being home for dinner is now the norm.

WATCH: How YOU Can Achieve Your Main Goals for the Day! 

The more we know the more we grow. 

So why is it so hard to ask to have the opportunity to learn more in some corporate settings?
It shouldn't be but often anything of value comes with a price tag (no pun intended). 
Read how you can approach the situation more confidently.

READ: The Other Big Ask: Why Is It So Hard To Ask For More Knowledge?

Have you ever been so buried in pursuits that you thought to yourself, I wish we could hire some (temporary) help? Good news, such a thing exists. However, as busy marketers, we rarely plan for such an event. Listen as Angie discusses how to form a successful partnership with a proposal/marketing consultant. As a veteran in the architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) marketing industry, she has been on both sides of the fence and understands the partnership point-of-views intimately. Angie will discuss how being proactive could and should become an essential part of your business. Prepare now for the influx of work that never seems to stop but at times never foresee coming.

LISTEN: Scribble Talk 

Based in Denver, Angie Wolfe founded Ideas at Dawn Marketing Consultants in 2019. They bring large civil engineering and construction firms a competitive advantage with their proposals and training to win more work without adding on more payroll. 

TURNKEY PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT - Ideas at Dawn provides help in all aspects of proposal development, including overall management, volume leadership, writing, editing, graphics, desktop publishing, production support, and coaching your team. The team can collaborate with you and develop proposals using Microsoft Office, Google, and Adobe Creative Cloud. We apply proposal management techniques and tools to fit your team, the delivery method, and the time frame. We manage the proposal efficiently and cost-effectively from scheduling through submission. We leverage your team’s technical knowledge to create compelling and compliant proposals so you win more work.

PROPOSAL TRAINING AND MENTORING - Using the six-step framework developed by Angie, Ideas at Dawn provides a 1-day training and coaching and mentoring to the trainees for three months to level up their skills, so you win more work. They will learn how to produce a successful proposal and receive one-on-one mentoring to help implement the six steps within your organization to increase the team’s confidence, knowledge, and respect from SMEs, so you have more time while winning more work. All trainees have access to a full suite of tools and templates to manage the proposal easily and receive information with the first request.

Business Owner, Trainer, Speaker, and Proposal Manager

Kiewit

Manage a team including senior managers in the production of technical and creative content for business development, proposals, and reports.

Develop and execute the plan to respond to proposals and reports.

Manage, design, write, and review high-quality persuasive content in response to state, private, and federal client RFQs/RFPs in Microsoft Word or InDesign.

Research company statistics and data for new work opportunities.

Participate in message development, storyboarding, and analysis of client’s needs and wants.

Write, edit, and finalize formal communication pieces to clients.

Senior Proposal Manager and Writer

Kraemer North America

Responsible for writing technical and creative content for business development, proposals, and marketing.
Developed and executed the plan to respond to proposals.
Managed, designed, wrote, and reviewed high-quality persuasive content including presentations in response to state and private client RFQs/RFPs.
Managed social media marketing including writing, developing, and creating daily content for Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Managed, designed, wrote, and reviewed content for business development and communications materials including the company newsletter, website, advertising, and award submittals while collaborating with U.S. staff.
Participated in the message development, storyboarding and analysis of the client’s needs and wants.

Senior Proposal and Marketing Manager

Lead the development of the strategy, communication, implementation, adoption, training, and enhancements of four firm-wide business development tools/databases for 34 locations to win more work. 
o Business development/proposal process management solution 
o PleaseReview - Internal document review web-based software 
o Cosential - Resume, project information and standardized description database 
o Support role for CRM database and third-party reporting tool  

Managed three-person staff while collaborating with internal and external technical staff, vendors, and marketing and business development staff to create the strategy and manage the work and budgets for these solutions. 

Lead or participated in firm-wide monthly communications including a newsletter and knowledge transfer webinars. Created and communicated best practice processes and use case documents using a variety of communication tools including establishing use guidelines, measurements, and metrics.

Marketing Systems Product and Support Manager

Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, developing, and/or managing a team of 3 to 25 members including senior managers in the production of technical and creative content for business development and communications. 

Managed, designed, wrote, and reviewed content for business development and communications materials including press releases, internal and external announcements, feature stories, website content, webinars, video scriptwriting and storyboarding, event planning, advertising, and award submittals while collaborating with marketing and technical staff across the company.  

Lead the planning and development of internal and external collateral pieces, advertising campaigns, and photo and video shoots to support market growth and high-profile build work projects. Assisted with planning on internal business development conferences and meetings.

Business Development Specialist/Proposal Manager

Provided writing, editing, and production leadership on proposals, presentations, and marketing materials for strategic pursuits or those with a $10+ million fee. 

Collaborated with other marketing and technical leaders across the company during proposal and presentation strategy sessions. 

Participated in the message development, storyboarding and analysis of client’s needs and wants.

National Pursuit Coordinator

Marketing Coordinator

Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, developing, and/or managing a team of 3 to 15 members including senior managers in the production of technical and creative content for business development and communications. 

Managed, designed, wrote, and reviewed content for business development and communications materials including press releases, internal and external announcements, feature stories, website content, webinars, video scriptwriting and storyboarding, event planning, advertising, and award submittals while collaborating with marketing and technical staff across the company.  

Lead the planning and development of internal and external collateral pieces, and advertising campaigns to support market growth and high-profile build work projects. Assisted with planning on internal business development conferences and meetings.

Marketing and Business Development

DO YOU WORK IN AEC MARKETING AND...
Have multiple overlapping proposal deadlines?
Find your team overextended or burning out?
Wish you had buy-in from everyone on the pursuit team?
Struggle to find time to train new proposal staff the right way?
Think “If I just had one more set of hands…” at least once a week?

THEN STOP SCROLLING. THIS IS FOR YOU.

I’ve been in your shoes.
From chasing down SMEs to rewriting bios at midnight to onboarding new coordinators mid-pursuit—I get it.

I didn’t plan on a career in AEC marketing. Like many of you, I fell into it. But over 20+ years, I became a powerhouse proposal leader, managing and winning multi-billion-dollar pursuits with teams spread across the U.S.
I’ve trained new hires, supported teams through burnout, and built proposal strategies from the ground up.

When burnout hit me, I turned that experience into something new—and Ideas at Dawn was born.

SO, WHY KEEP READING?
Because I know what your team is facing, and I built this business to help you fix it—with solutions that actually work in the real world.

Here’s how we help you win more work without adding headcount:

🟡 Turnkey Proposal Management
Strategy, writing, editing, graphics, coaching—all tailored to help your team hit deadlines, tell better stories, and stop the fire drills.

🟡 Global Proposal Training Accelerator
A 6-month training and coaching program designed specifically for engineering and construction proposal, marketing, and business development teams.
We combine my 6-Step Proposal Process, 5 Leadership Practices, and live support to help your team reduce burnout, boost win rates, and grow capacity.
Built for teams navigating high-stakes public and private sector pursuits.

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re rebuilding the wheel for every pursuit, you’re not alone.

Let’s streamline your process, strengthen your team, and help you get your evenings back.

💬 Book a free 20-minute call and let’s talk about what’s going on:
https://letsmeet.io/ideasatdawnaecsolutions/get-to-know-each-other

And hey—if now’s not the right time to work together, that’s okay too. I also host free quarterly webinars packed with actionable tips and insight from industry experts.

Let’s win some proposals—and maybe even enjoy the process.

Angie Wolfe, CP APMP

“Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.” – Mark Twain

Regret doesn’t come from action.
It comes from hesitation.
From waiting.
From letting fear of what if outweigh the power of why not.

→ The proposal you didn’t submit
→ The conversation you didn’t start
→ The opportunity you didn’t chase

What do we remember instead?
→ The lessons learned
→ The growth gained
→ The doors opened

Perfect outcomes? Rare.
But bold moves? They shape our future.

Key takeaway?
Discomfort is temporary.
Regret lingers.

So—
What’s the one bold move you’re committing to today?

Transforming AEC Marketing | Proposal Management & Training Expert | Helping Companies Win More without Adding Payroll

No alternative text description for this image

Let’s be honest —
The best proposals don’t start in marketing.
They start with your BD and sales team.

When proposal and business development teams truly collaborate, everything changes:
Your insights get sharper.
Your strategy gets stronger.
And your proposals? They win more often.

In my latest webinar, I break down how to bridge that gap and turn collaboration into your competitive advantage.

→ Understand your buyer’s needs — what really drives their decision.
→ Tap into your team’s motivations — align your goals and communication styles.
→ Build a seamless partnership — where BD brings intel and marketing brings clarity.

What do you gain?
→ Stronger pursuit strategies
→ More client-centered messaging
→ A unified team that’s rowing in the same direction

Because the secret to winning proposals isn’t just better writing —
It’s better alignment.

Key takeaway?
When marketing and BD teams collaborate with intention,
you don’t just chase opportunities — you create them.

Watch the full session → https://lnkd.in/eHWn7R_W

How do you keep collaboration strong between BD and marketing in your firm?
Let’s swap ideas that actually move the needle.

I made it to Friday.
Not just surviving,
But steering the proposal ship.

→ Balanced last-minute RFP asks
→ Wrangled SMEs for inputs
→ Navigated color team feedback

What did I gain?

→ A cleaner draft in the pipeline
→ A team that feels aligned
→ Space to reset before the next pursuit

Deadlines managed.
Reviews completed.
Momentum carried forward.

But here’s the truth:
Fridays aren’t just about closing files,
They’re about fueling the next win.

Key takeaway?
Clarity comes when we pause,
Reflect, and regroup.

How do you spend your Fridays?
→ Wrapping up an RFP?
→ Prepping for the next kickoff?
→ Or taking a well-earned breather?

Happy Friday! 🎉
Are you ready for the weekend? 🤩

This week, I tackled proposal chaos.
Not as a setback,
But as a sign of progress.

→ Managed shifting deadlines
→ Balanced SME input
→ Kept strategy front and center

What did I gain?
→ Clearer direction
→ Small wins worth celebrating
→ Momentum heading into next week

Stress handled.
Progress made.
Confidence built.

But here’s the truth: proposal life isn’t about perfect weeks,
It’s about stacking small wins.

Key takeaway?
Every Friday is a chance to pause, reflect,
And recharge for the next pursuit.

So tell me—
What’s one win you’re celebrating as you head into the weekend?

Did you know most firms lose proposals before they even hit “submit”?

Why?

Because they’re busy complying—
when they should be persuading.

→ They answer every question
→ Follow every instruction
→ Check every box

But they forget the most important part:
Convincing the client to choose them.

Compliance gets you considered.
Strategy gets you selected.

That’s the difference between submitting and winning.

In From Chaos to Clarity, I share the exact framework to help you shift from reactive proposal writing to strategic storytelling.

What does that mean in practice?
→ Building clear, client-focused win themes
→ Aligning your message with what evaluators actually care about
→ Leading your team with focus, confidence, and clarity

No more guessing.
No more “hope this works.”
Just a repeatable process that helps you stand out—and win more.

Because here’s the truth:
Checking the boxes might keep you compliant,
But strategy?
That’s what makes you compelling.

Key takeaway?
You don’t win proposals by doing everything right.
You win by doing the right things with intention.

From Chaos to Clarity: Unlock the Proven Process to Boost Your Win Rates: fromchaostoclaritybook.com

How do you make your proposals more persuasive?
Let’s share strategies and help each other raise the bar.

There are so many opportunities for adventure out there.

But here’s the thing—adventures don’t always mean climbing mountains or booking flights. Sometimes they look like:
→ Taking a new route on your morning walk
→ Trying a recipe you’ve never made
→ Starting a conversation with someone new
→ Tackling a project you’ve been putting off

Big or small, adventures push us out of autopilot and into possibility.

Key takeaway? 
Adventure = growth. And every day gives us a chance to choose one.

💬 What adventure are you saying yes to today?

Whether your favorite hobby is…
🎨 Painting
🥾 Hiking
🧘 Yoga
💃 Dancing
📺 Watching Netflix

…make time for it today. 💛

In our busy, always-on world, it’s easy to forget that hobbies aren’t just “extras.”
They’re essential — to your creativity, your mental health, and your happiness.

Your hobbies are where you get to:
→ Step away from the noise
→ Reconnect with joy
→ Express yourself freely
→ Refuel your energy for the week ahead

The truth?
You don’t need to monetize your hobby.
You don’t need to be great at it.
You just need to enjoy it.

So go ahead — grab a paintbrush, roll out your yoga mat, lace up your hiking boots, or hit play on your favorite show.

Whatever fills your cup, make space for it without guilt.

Key takeaway?
Hobbies aren’t a distraction from life — they’re what make it more meaningful. 🌿

👉 What’s one hobby that always helps you recharge — and are you making time for it today?

Happy Sunday! ☀️

A fresh start. A slower pace. A perfect day to recharge before the week ahead. 💛

So tell me — how will you spend your day today?

Maybe it’s…
☕ A slow morning with coffee and no rush.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family time catching up and making memories.
🌿 A walk outside to clear your head and soak up some sunshine.
📚 A little self-care — reading, journaling, or a mid-day nap.
🧘‍♀️ Planning your week so Monday feels a little lighter.

The truth?
You don’t have to fill every minute to make the day meaningful.
Sometimes, rest and reflection are the most productive things you can do.

Key takeaway?
How you spend your Sunday sets the tone for how you start your week — calm, grounded, and ready.

👉 So, how are you spending your Sunday today — relaxing, recharging, or reconnecting?

No success comes without its failures. 

If you’re managing a team, you’ll have to get comfortable with failure.

That isn’t to say you shouldn’t strive for success; rather, embrace a fail-forward attitude. Know that sometimes, your team will fail, and have plans in place to turn each failure into a learning opportunity. 

In other words, make sure they don’t repeat the same mistake twice while also ensuring they know they’re allowed to make well-intentioned mistakes.​ 

#leadership #failforward #marketingconsultants #proposalwriters

Happy Weekend! 🎉

Weekends are for:
→ Slowing down
→ Recharging
→ Doing something that makes you smile

Whether that’s cheering on your kids at a game, diving into a good book, heading outdoors, or simply catching up on rest—it all counts.

Key takeaway? Rest isn’t wasted time. It’s the reset that makes us better on Monday.

💬 What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this weekend?

Leadership isn’t defined by titles.
Not by corner offices,
Not by nameplates,
Not by org charts.

It’s defined by impact.

→ The influence you create
→ The inspiration you spark
→ The change you catalyze

Robin Sharma said it best:
True leadership transcends formal titles.

Because here’s the truth:
Anyone can hold authority.
But not everyone leaves a legacy.

Key takeaway?
Leadership isn’t a role you’re given.
It’s a responsibility you choose.

So let’s debate it—
Do you agree or disagree?
Can leadership exist without the title?

Supercharge Your Team's Efficiency and Double Your Bids!

Want to learn more about what we offer and how we can train your team?

Send me a message, or set up a call here: https://lnkd.in/ewvZpaXC

Sundays are the perfect day to prep healthy meals for the week! 🥗✨

A little bit of time in the kitchen today can save you a lot of stress (and last-minute takeout) later in the week.

Meal prep isn’t just about food — it’s about setting yourself up for success.

→ It keeps your energy steady.
→ It helps you make better choices when your week gets busy.
→ It gives you one less thing to think about on those chaotic weekday mornings or late work nights.

Meal prep can look different for everyone:
🍴 Cooking a few complete meals in advance
🥦 Chopping veggies and portioning snacks
🥗 Prepping your lunches for work
🍝 Making a big batch of something easy to reheat midweek

The truth?
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being prepared.

Even spending 30 minutes today can help you start your week feeling lighter, healthier, and more in control. 💪

Key takeaway?
Healthy weeks don’t happen by accident — they’re built one Sunday at a time.

👉 Do you prep meals on Sundays? Or do you have another go-to ritual that helps your week run smoother?

✨ Sunday Reminder:
You can handle whatever this week throws at you. 💪

No matter what’s waiting on your calendar — deadlines, meetings, decisions, or surprises — remember this:
You’ve handled tough weeks before, and you came out stronger every time.

Take today to breathe, reset, and remind yourself of your strength.

You don’t have to have every detail figured out.
You just have to take it one step, one task, one moment at a time.

Here’s your quick mindset reset for the week ahead:
🌿 You are capable.
⚙️ You are resilient.
💛 You are ready.

And if things don’t go exactly to plan? That’s okay, too.
Progress isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, learning, and trying again tomorrow.

Key takeaway?
Confidence doesn’t come from knowing what’s ahead — it comes from trusting yourself to handle it.

So take a deep breath, shake off last week, and step into this one with calm and purpose.

👉 What’s one thing you’re focusing on to make this week a great one?

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”
— Jack Kornfield 💛

Powerful reminder, right?

We’re often so quick to offer kindness, patience, and understanding to everyone around us — our teams, our families, our friends — yet we rarely extend that same compassion to ourselves.

We forgive others for being human, but we expect ourselves to be superhuman.

Here’s the truth:
Compassion isn’t complete if it stops at everyone else’s doorstep.

Real compassion includes:
💬 Speaking to yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.
🧘 Allowing yourself to rest without guilt.
🌿 Acknowledging that growth takes time — and mistakes are part of the process.
💛 Giving yourself permission to be enough, right where you are.

The more we practice self-compassion, the more empathy, patience, and presence we can bring to others.

Key takeaway?
You can’t pour from a cup that’s empty — and you can’t lead with compassion if you don’t extend it inward first.

👉 How do you practice self-compassion in your daily life — especially on the hard days?

I watched Moana again.
Not just for the music.
But for the message. 🌊✨

→ Faced uncertainty head-on
→ Navigated uncharted waters
→ Found strength in the storms

Sound familiar?
That’s proposal management in a nutshell.

What did I learn?
→ Courage fuels progress
→ Adversity builds resilience
→ Every challenge leaves a mark—and a lesson

Because the truth is—
the proposal journey isn’t calm seas.
It’s long nights, shifting tides, and unknown horizons.

But just like Moana, we keep steering forward.
We lead with heart.
We find new paths when the map runs out.

Key takeaway?
Success isn’t about smooth sailing.
It’s about showing up with courage, curiosity, and conviction—
even when the waves rise.

How do you navigate your proposal storms?
Let’s share what keeps us steady. ⚓

👉

Open article: Unveiling the Secrets of Proposal Management Through Disney's Moana by ideasatdawn.com

Unveiling the Secrets of Proposal Management Through Disney's Moana

I used to think work-life balance was a myth.
That constant hustle was the price of success.

But here’s what I’ve learned—
Burnout doesn’t build progress. It blocks it.

Finding balance isn’t about doing less work.
It’s about working with more intention.

→ Protect your personal time — guilt-free.
→ Step away from screens — even for five minutes.
→ Invest in real relationships — at work and at home.

What did I gain?
→ Clearer focus
→ Better energy
→ A sense of calm I didn’t know I was missing

Because when you recharge you,
Everything else gets stronger — your proposals, your leadership, your life.

Key takeaway?
Balance isn’t a luxury.
It’s your best strategy against burnout.

Watch the full video → https://lnkd.in/e24nQYAU

How do you protect your energy and maintain balance in your day?
Let’s share what’s working — and keep each other accountable.

Open video: Avoid Burnout with These 3 Tips on youtube.com

I embraced gratitude this season.
Not as a cliché,
But as a mindset shift.

→ Paused to reflect on the wins (big and small)
→ Recognized the people who made them possible
→ Let go of the things I thought I lacked

What did I gain?
→ Clarity in what truly matters
→ A deeper sense of appreciation
→ Renewed motivation to keep showing up

Stress eased. Perspective gained. Energy restored.

But here’s the truth:
Gratitude doesn’t ignore the hard stuff,
It reframes it.

Key takeaway?
When you focus on what you have,
You create space for more of what you want.

As German Kent said,
“It’s a funny thing about life — once you begin to take note of the things you’re grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.”

What’s one thing you’re grateful for right now?
Drop it below and let’s spread a little perspective. 💛

I’m opening a few spots for a Proposal Readiness Audit for teams gearing up for 2026 pursuits.

Here’s what I do:
 • Review one recent proposal or draft
 • Identify your top three gaps holding your team back
 • Build a simple, practical action plan you can use right away

It’s a fast turnaround — 3 business days — and the investment is $2,500.

Want me to hold a spot for your team?

If you want your team ready for 2026, send me a message and I’ll lock in your spot.

I embraced gratitude this season.
Not as a passing thought,
But as a daily practice.

→ Looked back with appreciation, not regret
→ Found calm in the middle of chaos
→ Chose to see lessons instead of losses

What did I gain?
→ Clarity from confusion
→ Peace in the present
→ A grounded vision for what’s next

Stress softened. Perspective deepened. Focus sharpened.

But here’s the truth:
Gratitude doesn’t just make us feel good—
It transforms how we see everything.

As Melody Beattie said,
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough and more.
It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Key takeaway?
Gratitude is strategy.
It turns reflection into resilience,
And appreciation into action.

What’s something you’re grateful for that changed your perspective this year? 💛

40+ Linkedin Money-Making-Influence Resources I Toxic Boss Immunity I Frequency of INFLUENCE: ETHICAL PERSUASION I $20k Brain-Based Sales System | HarvardX Neuroscience Research I Keynote 🎤 I X-Microsoft I Captain ⛵

$20k Monthly Brain Based Sales System Without Chasing the "Yes"

You know the feeling:
😳 Your brain lights up with “What if they think I’m pushy?” the second you open a DM.
😬 You’d rather post and pray the right people find you than risk being ghosted.
😅 You tell yourself that if you were really good, clients would just show up.

You don’t want to fake connection just to pitch.
You want sales that feels human. Real conversations, not pressure tactics.

You’re not bad at sales.
Your brain is just protecting you.

The amygdala flags rejection as danger.
Your prefrontal cortex freezes.
And boom hesitation, overthinking, silence.

That’s where my work comes in.
I teach the Neuroscience of No-Pressure Sales so you can sell with calm confidence instead of fear.

No scripts. No manipulation.
Just science, psychology, and simple tools to retrain your nervous system so selling feels natural again.

When your brain is relaxed, your authenticity returns.
You stop pitching and start connecting.
Outreach stops feeling like an intrusion and starts feeling like service.

This is sales made easy for coaches who hate selling.

✨ Ways to get started with me:

✅ If you're a coach DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a business owner DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a sales leader DM me "Butter"
✅ Attend my next workshop for FREE BRAIN BASED SALES SECRETS. https://forms.gle/HvTRDEZEuu7bgQEF8
✅ Subscribe to the Be Like Butter Bugle: Weekly brain hacks for resilience and influence. https://synaptic-solutions.kit.com/newsletter

Personal interests: 
- Captain ⛵️ 
- Recovering Sugar Addict 🍭 
- Trash TV consumer 🗑️

Sales Coach | Toxic Boss Coach | Neuroscience Coach | Executive Coach | Master Behavioral Strategist | Speaker | Advisor | Expert | 7 figures | Virtual Speaking | Sales Performance Brain Hacker | Mindset Coach I Corporate Trainer I Influence I Key Note Speaker

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Leaders don't do things for you. 

They inspire you to grow into someone who can do them 

Your brain's mirror neurons are fascinating...

When we observe great leadership, 
Our neural networks literally reshape themselves 🧠

Here's what happened in my team's brains 
When I shifted from problem-solver to growth catalyst:

1️⃣ Neural Leadership Networks
↳ Prefrontal cortex activation in decision-making up 
↳ Stress response pathways decreased
↳ Reward circuits fired during problem-solving

2️⃣ Learning Circuit Activation
↳ Neuroplasticity peaked during challenges
↳ Dopamine loops strengthened team bonds
↳ Cognitive flexibility increased 

3️⃣ Performance Neuroscience
↳ Cortisol levels dropped 
↳ Oxytocin boosted trust signals
↳ Group synchronization improved

Science shows: When leaders step back,
The team's collective neural networks step up.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

PS: What neural pathway did your best leader help you strengthen? 🧠

Video credit: Unlnown

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to build stronger leadership brains
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based growth insights

The hard things you avoid 

Are the exact things that free you

Most people avoid the hard stuff.
Not because they are lazy.
Because their brain is trying to protect them.

The prefrontal cortex wants long term wins
But the amygdala wants immediate comfort
So every hard task feels like a threat
And your brain tells you to delay it
Even when it hurts you later.

Here is how to flip the switch
So your brain stops fighting you
And starts working for you.

1/ Reduce the threat signal
 Big tasks feel dangerous
 So your brain freezes
 Break the task into the smallest next move
 Science: Small steps lower amygdala activity
 And increase dopamine for starting

2/ Front load the friction
 Do the hardest task first
 Before your brain is overloaded
 Science: Your decision making power is highest early
 And cortisol rises as the day goes on

3/ Create a reward loop
 Your brain needs a reason to try
 Pair the hard task with a positive cue
 Tea, music, a small celebration
 Science: Dopamine releases faster
 When a reward is tied to effort, not outcomes

When you train your brain to face hard things
You stop leaking energy
You build momentum
And the tough stuff becomes automatic

P.S. Whats your best procrastination buster? 

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Video Credit: Unknown

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♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

I used to shrink parts of myself to fit into corporate.

It quietly drained the life out of my ideas (and me).

At the time, I thought success required self-erasure.
I hit every goal on the board.
But I felt empty.

 🧠 Promotions
 🧠 Pay raises
 🧠 Prestige

None of it mattered.
My spark was gone.
And so was my creativity.

Have you ever noticed how your brain invents ideas
When you’re not even trying?

Your imagination lights up your neural networks
Like a synchronized light show.

Brain imaging reveals that
Most of your regions activate during visualization.

Here’s what fuels your imagination 👇

1/ Your Brain’s Creative Engine
 ↳ Default Mode Network turns on as the PFC steps back
 ↳ Memory blends with emotion to create new associations
 ↳ Your brain recombines patterns without limits

2/ The Moment Insight Strikes
 ↳ Gamma bursts peak during big realizations
 ↳ Hippocampus sends raw material to the DMN
 ↳ New pathways strengthen the more you play with ideas

3/ Your Creativity Enhancement Tools
 ↳ Take short intentional pauses for DMN activation
 ↳ Change scenes to trigger fresh circuitry
 ↳ Welcome boredom because it sparks innovation

Creativity is not magic.
It is a neural process you can train.
All you need is the space and permission to
Reconnect with curiosity and let your mind roam.
Don’t lose your spark chasing goals that dim you.

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

PS: When does your imagination run wild?

Video Credit: Unknown

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♻️ Share to help others reclaim their creativity
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Your brain won't save you.

Your heart will. 

For two weeks, I volunteered to help rescue animals.
Feeding, cleaning, comforting the scared and the broken.

They had nothing to give back
but showing up still felt right.

Because giving changes you.
It pulls you out of fear and back into purpose.

And right now, the world needs more of that.
 💔 People are hurting.
 💔 Jobs disappearing.
 💔 Markets spiraling.
 💔 Stress levels through the roof.

Everyone’s doing their best just to stay afloat.
But when everything feels unstable,
most people grip tighter.
They try to control.
They chase.
They push harder for the “yes.”

That’s exactly why it stops working.
The brain senses pressure and shuts down trust.
You can’t sell, serve, or lead from scarcity.
You can only do it from calm generosity.

That’s why I’m giving away what I’ve learned.
The exact framework that helped me break free from corporate,
build consistency on my own,
and stop chasing clients who weren’t ready.

It’s called Stop Chasing the Yes.
A workshop to help you
 – Build your own predictable client system
 – Shift from pressure to presence in every conversation
 – Lead with calm confidence instead of fear

If you’ve been giving everything and still feel stuck,
this is your next step.

Because giving works best
when you give to yourself too.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

P.S. Do you volunteer, if so where?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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♻️ Repost to help others give without burning out

The only true failure in life is quitting. 

Success is never a straight line. It certainly wasn't for me.

I've had many failures and setbacks along my path.
Layoffs.
Failed ventures.
Bad investments. 

Life is messy. 
Mess is a part of life.

Enjoy the messiness. 
And, your brain kinda likes it messy too.

Why your brain craves zigzag paths 🧠

(The science of why progress feels so messy) 👇

Your neural pathways aren't built in straight lines
And neither is your path to greatness
Here's what's really happening in your brain:

1️⃣ The Neural Reality
↳ Growth pathways form through trial and error
↳ Each "failure" strengthens neural connections
↳ Your brain requires contrast to learn

2️⃣ The Resilience Loop
↳ Setbacks activate problem-solving networks
↳ Stress actually enhances memory formation
↳ Recovery periods boost cognitive flexibility

3️⃣ The Growth Paradox
↳ Progress activates dopamine reward system
↳ Plateaus create new neural foundations
↳ Breakthroughs happen during apparent standstills

Your "messy" journey is how your brain is designed to learn and grow.

P.S. What was your latest messiness?

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Video Credit: Unknown

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you're ready to embrace the zigzag
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Most people’s LinkedIn strategy: grind harder and hope

Mine: close clients while living life on my own schedule

I’ve wandered through the Greek islands
- Boat rides to hidden beaches
- Mornings working with seaside views
- A weekend in Skopelos without realizing it was a movie set

I spent a month in Athens
- Day trips to Agistri, turquoise blue waters
- Afternoons coaching clients

Why am I sharing this?
 Because your brain says “that’s not for me”
 Because it tells you to stick with the familiar
 (It’s called comfort bias and it keeps you stuck)

But here’s what no one will tell you:
If you want it, this life is closer than you think

Here’s how your brain makes it happen:

1️⃣ The Belief Reset
 ↳ Your brain avoids what feels out of reach
 ↳ Turn “impossible” into doable with simple shifts
 ↳ Stack wins until change feels normal

2️⃣ The LinkedIn Advantage
 ↳ Know what your ideal client looks for before they decide
 ↳ Post and message in ways that feel safe and personal
 ↳ Use a system that works even while you’re away

3️⃣ The Lifestyle Flywheel
 ↳ Every yes starts before the offer is made
 ↳ Match your approach to their decision process
 ↳ That’s how I work from coastlines and mountain trails

The point?

It’s not about more work
It’s about the right work for the brain

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

P.S. Where would you take your laptop first?
P.P.S. Pic from Poseidon's Temple (10/10)
-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
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Don't ignore that nagging feeling...

About your sales rep who says everything is "fine"

Everyone talks about stage movement.
Everyone reviews commits.
Everyone pushes for cleaner forecasts.

But nobody talks about the slow drift.
The space between how your reps act
and how they’re actually doing.

That’s where bad quarters start.
😱 The rep who gets polite instead of real.
😱 The “should be fine” deal that’s actually hanging by a thread.
😱 The sudden quiet after a call they didn’t want to say went wrong.

None of that shows up in Salesforce.
None of that makes it into a meeting.
But all of it hits your number when it’s too late.

You don’t lose quarters because your team isn’t trying.
You lose them because you can’t see the human stuff early enough.

Your real threat isn’t performance.
It’s the invisible signals behind it.

Sales Sage surfaces them.
Ten minutes.
One pulse.

✅ Mindset dips before they turn into misses
✅ Deal friction reps don’t know how to verbalize
✅ Early markers of burnout, hesitation, and risk

All before it blows up your forecast.
If you want to see what’s really happening
underneath the activity numbers
while there’s still time to change the outcome

Grab your 14 day free trial
https://salessage.co/

See the patterns your reps won’t say out loud
before they turn into losses you can’t recover.
you’ll never run your team the same way again.

P.S. How was your last quarter?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you’re done getting blindsided
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One more trip around the sun.

It's been a doozy.

Every birthday, I pause and reflect on my last year.
This year was the year that stretched me in every direction.

I lost my favorite person (my Belley Bean)
That loss began an 8 month walkabout across the globe.

I found my spiritual side.
I found strength I didn't know I had.

I escaped 3 typhoons
I sailed the Mediterranean
I ate the most amazing food 
I chopped a bajillion bananas
I swam in the Blue Cave in Croatia
I cared for 140 elephants and 700 dogs
I got bit and headbutted by deer in Nara
I moved what felt like a million watermelons
I spoiled myself at a Japanese Onsen regularly
I calmly navigated a stalker sitch right up to my airplane 
I lost a toenail trying an advanced yoga post in Cabo San Lucas

I missed my family.
I missed my friends.

I grew.
I grew so much.
I think I grew more this year than any year before.

I admired the precision of Japanese trains.
I learned Thai people do not use chopsticks.
I went from a 3k to 50k community in 8 months.
I was stunned by the beauty of the Greek islands.
I made new friends in the most unexpected places.
I built a predictable, brain-based revenue machine.
I helped countless clients do the same for their businesses.

This year was not easy.
It was not predictable.
But it was deeply transformative.

Here is to another year of becoming.
Here is to letting go, leaning in, and staying open.

And if you are reading this…
Thank you for being part of my journey.

P.S. Today, I am Seattle celebrating!
Wanna celebrate with me?

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales strategies

You have more answers than you think. 

You just don't know it...yet.

Most people say they want to think outside the box.
But few ever leave it.

Because the box feels safe.
It’s made of habits, rules, and comfort.
It’s your brain’s way of protecting you from uncertainty.

But that same safety is what keeps you small.
Every great idea, every business, every leap
starts the moment you question the walls around you.

When you think differently, new neural pathways fire.
Your prefrontal cortex lights up.
Dopamine releases as you connect unfamiliar dots.
That’s not chaos. That’s creativity.

Thinking outside the box trains your brain to
🧠 see possibilities instead of patterns,
🧠 stay adaptable when the world shifts,
🧠 and turn fear into curiosity instead of paralysis.

Inside the box, life feels predictable.
Outside, it feels alive.

If you want freedom, income, and purpose,
you can’t just color outside the lines.
You have to stop believing they’re even there.

That’s the work we do inside my workshop
Because the world doesn’t reward safety.
It rewards those who think beyond it.

🧠 Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Usually, the answer is already within you 
(channeling Yoda today).

P.S. When was the last time you already knew the answer...you just had to remember you did?

Video credit: Unlnown

---------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more neuroscience tools for clarity and creativity
♻️ Repost to help more people break out of their mental box

Persuasion isn't manipulation

Persuasion is making the prospect feel safe.

The top 8 secrets to ethically persuade 👇

Most people think persuasion means convincing or winning.
But real persuasion begins in calm awareness.
Your nervous system leads the conversation 
Long before your words do.
When your energy is steady, others feel safe to open.

Here's the 8 secret ways to ethically persuade

1️⃣ Regulate before you relate
 Take one slow breath before you speak.
 This quiets the body and steadies your focus.
 Your calm signals safety and builds connection.

2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
 Ask questions that invite reflection.
 “What feels most challenging right now?”
 Curiosity keeps the brain open and the energy light.

3️⃣ Validate before you redirect
 When people hesitate, meet them with empathy.
 “I understand why you’d feel that way.”
 Validation relaxes tension and rebuilds trust.

4️⃣ Keep autonomy intact
 People need to feel in control of their choices.
 Invite, don’t push.
 “Would you like to explore this together?”

5️⃣ Reframe with clarity
 Fear narrows focus, clarity opens it again.
 Ask, “What might shift if this were already solved?”
 It helps people see beyond the problem.

6️⃣ Align around shared intention
 Focus on what matters to both of you.
 “We both want this to create real results.”
 Shared purpose turns pressure into partnership.

7️⃣ Match energy before guiding change
 People follow what feels familiar.
 First, attune to their tone and pace.
 Then gently guide the conversation toward calm and clarity.

8️⃣ End with clarity, not pressure
 Unfinished conversations keep the mind spinning.
 Summarize, confirm, and close the loop.
 “Are you ready to get started?"

Ethical persuasion is calm, curious, and choice-based.
🧠 Regulate first. 
🧠 Match energy. 
🧠 Keep autonomy strong.

That’s how influence becomes trust.

P.S. Have you ever felt pressured to buy?

Starting up my workshops again!
Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based sales tools
 ♻️ Repost to help more people influence with integrity

Perspective is your superpower. 

But 99% of the time, you don't use it.

Perspective is the silent force that shapes your entire life.

It guides your reactions.
It guides your responses.
It guides the meaning you give to everything.

Your brain rewires itself daily.
Neuroplasticity is always active.
What you repeat becomes your pattern.
What fires together wires together.

Shift your perspective and you shift your brain.
Shift your brain and you shift your life.

Here are 3 brain flips you can use tomorrow:

1️⃣ Pause before you react
 Take one slow breath before you respond.
 This builds a new circuit for calm clarity.

2️⃣ Ask a better question
 Say, “What else could this mean right now?”
 Your brain opens new pathways instantly.

3️⃣ Reinforce the perspective you want
 Write one thought you want to strengthen.
 Repeat it three times a day to wire it in.

Small shifts create new neural patterns.
New patterns create a new life.

PS: What's a shift you've recently made?

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you already know your answers are within
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain based tips

The real threat to your number isn't the market.

It's the things your reps never say.

Everyone talks about activity.
Everyone talks about coaching.
Everyone talks about pipeline discipline.

But nobody talks about the truth gap.

The space between what your reps say...
...and what is actually happening.

That gap is where bad quarters grow.

😱 The rep who says “all good” while confidence tanks.
😱 The pipeline that looks clean but is full of dead deals.
😱 The silent fear that turns into quiet quitting.

You see these problems too late.
You take the hit.
You carry the blame.

And you never get the early signal
that could have saved the quarter.

Your top threat is not performance.
It is blind spots.

Sales Sage closes them.
Ten minutes.
A simple pulse.

✅ Signals you will never see in a meeting.
✅ Patterns no CRM can surface.
✅ Emotional shifts that predict misses

BEFORE they show up in your number.

If you want to know what your team is really telling you
before it becomes a fire you have to put out

Take advantage of the 14 day free trial
https://salessage.co/
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud 
(before it blows up your number)

You will never manage your team the same way again.

P.S. The pic looks like a mix of me and Data from Star Trek, right?

----------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you are tired of surprise misses
 ➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain based sales insights

"Get out of my head."

That is what I hear a LOT. 

It's also what my clients hear.
If you want to win in business
Learn to enter your ICP’s mind.

Not their surface answers.
Their unspoken thoughts.
The quiet stuff they never say out loud.

Your ICP is thinking about risk, safety, and reputation.
Their nervous system scans the world for certainty.
Your job is to understand the subtext they hide.

Here are 5 ways to read your ICP’s real inner world:

1️⃣ Listen for the pause
 When they hesitate, note the silence.
 Write down what fear that pause might signal.
 Ask one gentle question to explore it.

2️⃣ Name the problem better than they can
 Say the thing they hint at but avoid.
 Use words they have not said yet.
 Their brain relaxes when it feels understood.

3️⃣ Track their emotional patterns
 Notice where their tone shifts.
 Spot excitement, tension, or doubt.
 These shifts reveal what they truly value.

4️⃣ Map their failed attempts
 Ask what they have already tried.
 Look for frustration in their answers.
 This reveals hidden pain they rarely voice.

5️⃣ Reflect their vision back to them
 Repeat their goals in simple language.
 Show them the future they want.
 The brain trusts what it can picture clearly.

When you understand the thoughts they never say,
your ICP feels seen at a deeper level.
They think you can read their mind.
And trust becomes the easiest part of the sale.

P.S. When is the last time you thought someone was in your head?

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to help others build resilient minds
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The number 1 reason you’re invisible on Linkedin...

You aren't breaking through the RAS filter

Your prospect never sees most of what you say.
Their brain deletes it before it gets inside.

The Reticular Activating System filters everything.
It looks for relevance, novelty, safety, and clarity.
If your message feels routine, it gets ignored.
If it feels vivid and personal, it gets through.
Here are ten ways to pass the filter fast.

1/ Pattern breaks win
Don’t start predictable
Do open with novelty
Science: RAS flags newness first

2/ Short lines keep attention
 Don’t write long blocks
 Do use simple spacing
 Science: Low load keeps thinking open

3/ Make it about them
Don’t lead with yourself
Do mirror their world
Science: RAS checks for self relevance

4/ Signal credibility fast
Don’t over explain
Do give one strong proof
Science: Fast heuristics shape trust

5/ Use micro commitments
Don’t push for yes
Do ask tiny questions
Science: Micro wins open dopamine

6/ Use visual outcomes
Don’t stay vague
Do paint clear images
Science: RAS tags vivid scenes

7/ Match their energy
Don’t push your pace
Do mirror tone
Science: Mirror neurons sync fast

8/ Validate their words
Don’t jump to fixes
Do echo their phrasing
Science: Neural validation needs match

9/ Create safety, not pressure
Don’t force urgency
Do slow the tempo
Science: Threat shuts attention down

10/ Give one next step
Don’t dump info
Do guide clearly
Science: Sequence reduces neural noise

When you speak to the brain instead of the ego
You stop sounding like everyone else
You bypass resistance
You increase trust
And your message finally lands

P.S. Which one has worked for you??

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe
Dec 15 - 11am - 2pm PST

----------------------------------------------------------------
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon  to get more brainy tips
♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

Persuasion isn’t pressure.

Persuasion is helping someone feel safe.

Here are 8 ethical persuasion swaps that actually work 👇

Most people try to persuade with logic or force.
But the brain listens to safety signals first.
When you protect autonomy and reduce threat,
People open up, not shut down.

Here are the 8 upgrades:

1️⃣ Regulate before you relate
❌ Don’t say: 
“Let me just explain why this makes sense.”

✅ Say this:
“Before we dive in, take a breath. I want this to feel clear.”

🔬Science:
 A calm nervous system sends safety cues.
 Their mirror neurons match your steadiness, lowering resistance.

2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
❌ Don’t say:
 “Here’s what you need to do.”

✅ Say this:
 “What feels hardest about this right now?”

🔬 Science:
 Curiosity keeps the amygdala quiet.
 Questions activate the prefrontal cortex, the part that evaluates options calmly.

3️⃣ Validate before redirecting
❌ Don’t say:
 “I understand, but…”

✅ Say this:
 “It makes sense you’d feel that way.”

🔬 Science:
 Validation reduces cortisol.
 It signals “You’re safe to express hesitations,” which reopens trust pathways.

4️⃣ Protect autonomy
❌ Don’t say:
 “You should really move forward.”

✅ Say this:
 “Want to explore this together?”

🔬 Science:
Autonomy is a core human need.
When someone feels in control, dopamine rises and decision-making improves.

5️⃣ Reframe with clarity
❌ Don’t say:
 “You’re overthinking this.”

✅ Say this:
 “What might shift if this were already solved?”

🔬 Science:
Reframing widens cognitive perspective.
It moves the brain out of threat mode and into problem-solving mode.

6️⃣ Align intentions
❌ Don’t say:
 “I just want you to see my point.”

✅ Say this:
 “We both want a solution that actually works for you.”

🔬 Science:
Shared goals increase oxytocin.
Oxytocin boosts collaboration and reduces defensiveness.

7️⃣ Match energy before guiding
❌ Don’t say:
 “Relax, it’s not a big deal.”

✅ Say this:
 “I hear how this feels for you. Let’s slow it down together.”

🔬Science:
Attunement regulates the nervous system.
The brain trusts what feels familiar before it trusts new direction.

8️⃣ Close with clarity, not pressure
❌ Don’t say:
 “So… are you ready or not?”

✅ Say this:
 “Here’s what the next step looks like. Does this feel right to you?”

🔬 Science:
Clear choices reduce cognitive load.
When the brain knows the path, uncertainty drops—and commitment rises.

Ethical persuasion is simple:
 🧠 Lower threat
 🧠 Raise clarity
 🧠 Protect autonomy

That’s how influence becomes trust.

P.S. Ever notice how pressure makes you want to run?

My workshops are open again.
Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

----------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales tools
♻️ Repost to help more people influence with integrity

People who seem fearless aren’t certain.

They just learned to move while afraid.

Technology is moving fast than imagined.
New tools appear every week.
New systems shift every month.
New AI applications we never thought of.

If your brain isn't bendy, you fall behind quick.
Not because you lack talent.

But because your neural pathways favor comfort.
Most people resist change.
But your brain can be trained to welcome it.
Despite any fear you feel.

Neuroplasticity is the answer (for all of us). 
Here's how you can keep your brain bendy

1️⃣ Practice daily discomfort
✅ Try one thing that feels unfamiliar
 A new skill.
 A new feature.
 A new creative method.
 Novelty boosts dopamine and strengthens learning loops.

2️⃣ Reframe overwhelm into opportunity
✅ Ask what if this makes my work easier
 This simple shift reduces threat.
 A calm brain learns faster and adapts faster.

3️⃣ Use ten minute micro learning
✅ Study one small skill for ten minutes
 Explore a tool.
 Test a workflow.
 Short bursts build stronger neural pathways.

Thriving today isn't about knowing everything.
It's about staying flexible.
A bendy brain wins in a fast world.

P.S. What's the last thing you learned?

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

Video Credit: Unknown

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more brain based sales tools
 ♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to adapt

Your biggest risk is the rep who says they're "fine."

Your rep's "fine," is eerily similar to your spouse's "fine."

TL:DR It's definitely not "fine."

You don't lose a quarter in one moment.
You lose it in tiny blind spots.

A rep who says they're fine.
A pipeline that looks clean.
A deal that feels safe until it slips.

Then your forecast cracks.
Your VP starts asking questions.
And you wonder what you missed.

What every manager thinks but never says out loud:

You're managing stories, not data.
Your team tells you what feels safe to say.
Not what protects your number.

Sales Sage shows you the parts they leave out.
A simple 10 minute pulse surfaces early risk.

😶‍🌫️ Stress signals. 
😶‍🌫️ Confidence drops.
😶‍🌫️ Hidden struggles that turn into missed targets...
If you catch them too late.

We give you visibility your dashboards say they give you
But can't

The minority report for sales teams. 
14-day free beta: https://salessage.co for early adopters

A like is not a buying signal. 

99% of you get that wrong. 

Buying signals are precise.
Buyers drop clues long before they commit.
Most sellers chase the wrong ones.

A like isn’t intent.
A compliment isn’t commitment.
And “great post” doesn’t mean “I want to buy.”

Here are the 8 way to tell the difference:

1️⃣ Passive Likes vs Patterned Attention
❌ Random likes on your content.
✅ Repeated and thoughtful comments and DMs
🔬 Science:  Patterned consumption = dopamine-driven curiosity.
 That’s early-stage intent.

2️⃣ “Sounds Interesting” vs Ownership Language
❌ “That’s cool” or “I’ll think about it.”
✅ “How would this work for my team?”
🔬 Science: Ownership language activates planning circuits.
 The brain is rehearsing the decision.

3️⃣ Talking in Circles vs Clarity Moments
❌ Telling long stories about their company with no point.
✅ They articulate the problem clearly and connect it to outcomes.
🔬 Science: Clarity = PFC engagement.
 That’s when decisions begin.

4️⃣ Information Hoarding vs Micro-Commitments
❌ “Send me more info.”
✅ They attend your event, answer questions, or complete a short action.
🔬 Science: Micro-commitments create consistency bias.
 Once the brain starts saying yes, it prefers to continue.

5️⃣ Surface Engagement vs Depth Engagement
❌ A quick DM reply or emoji reaction.
✅ They ask specific questions that reveal internal problem-solving.
🔬 Science: Specificity = cognitive effort.
 The brain only invests when it cares.

6️⃣ Random Compliments vs Risk Reduction Questions
❌ “Love your work.”
✅ “How do you handle onboarding?”
🔬 Science: Risk questions mean their amygdala is evaluating safety.
 They’re preparing to commit.

7️⃣ Friendly Vibes vs Monitoring Behavior
❌ They seem nice, polite, or responsive.
✅ They quietly check your LinkedIn daily, revisit your DMs, or watch old content.
🔬 Science: Monitoring = pre-decision due diligence.
 The brain is gathering safety data.

8️⃣ “Just Exploring” vs Timeline Talk
❌ “I just wanted to learn more.”
✅ “We’re planning for Q1.”
🔬 Science: Timeline activation reduces uncertainty and accelerates commitment.

Buying signals are simple:
 🧠 Depth over noise
 🧠 Patterns over one-offs
 🧠 Specificity over compliments

Once you know the difference,
You stop chasing and start closing.

P.S. Ever notice how the real buyers talk very differently?
My workshops are open again.

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

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 ♻️ Repost to help more people read buyers clearly

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🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

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The Battle

Angie Wolfe, CP APMP

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Angie Wolfe, CP APMP's LinkedIn Performance

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