Xocial Gong, LLC

At Xocial Gong, we help small business owners, startups, and freelancers build visibility, trust, and traction using LinkedIn — without relying on paid ads or complicated funnels. 

Our strategy is built around a simple truth: most people don't get business on LinkedIn because they’re using the wrong approach or none at all. We fix that by helping you optimize your profile, doing targeted outreach, and filling your calendar with meetings from prospects who are already interested in what you offer.

Our philosophy is rooted in the concept of the Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER — also the title of my upcoming book. It’s about making genuine connections, doing the work that drives results, and using smart, human-first systems to grow your business.

What We Do:

Profile audits and optimization for visibility and credibility

Strategic outreach campaigns to connect you with decision-makers

Messaging frameworks that start real conversations

Calendar booking with qualified leads (no cold pitching, no fluff)

Ongoing support to keep your pipeline full and your presence sharp

Who We Serve:

Small business owners, solopreneurs, consultants, founders, and sales professionals who are ready to scale — and tired of being invisible online.

I don’t call myself a marketing expert or a sales guru. I’m just someone who cares, who’s done the work, still doing the work, learned what actually moves the needle, and now helps others do the same. That’s why I call myself the Chief Helpfulness Officer.

📲 Curious how we can help? Text me directly: +1 323-690-1659

Founder, Chief Helpfulness Officer

Iron Dog Fitness

I am the owner and founder of Iron Dog Fitness Personal Training.  I am a personal trainer with over 23 years of experience in the health and fitness industry.  My primary objective is to help you achieve your personal health and fitness goals. I don't put together a cookie-cutter workout and nutrition plan. I walk you through an initial assessment that is designed to target not just your goals but what you need to work on to assure a successful outcome specific to the plan we create together just for you.

USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation Certified Kettlebell Trainer
USATF Level 1 Coach
CIF Certified Coach

*Specialties: 
- Certified Kettlebell Trainer 
- Heavy Rope Training
- Optimum Performance Bodywork 
- Active Isolated Stretching Techniques 

For more information go to www.irondogfitness.com

Founder, Entrepreneur, Personal Trainer

Commerce Business Council

I proudly serve as a Ambassador as well being an active member of the Commerce Industrial Council Chamber assisting the chamber in the city of Commerce promote local business and build strong relationships with the community.  My services include assisting in promoting chamber events and informing members of the many benefits of chamber membership. My goal is to help every chamber member maximize the benefits of chamber functions as well as services provided and informing them of the many benefits available to them through the city.

Ambassador

I proudly serve as a Ambassador as well being an active member of the Commerce Industrial Council Chamber assisting the chamber in the city of Commerce promote local business and build strong relationships with the community. My services include assisting in promoting chamber events and informing members of the many benefits of chamber membership. My goal is to help chamber members maximize the benefits of chamber functions as well as services provided and informing them of the many benefits available to them throughout the city.

Ambassador Chair

AME -  Alliance of Multicultural Entrepreneurs 

Promote the vision of AME (Alliance of Multicultural Entrepreneurs), membership drive, social media marketing campaigns, seek sponsorship and facilitate networking events. Establishing and maintaining a strong business relationship between the business community and AME.

Board Of Directors

Board of Advisors

Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce

Volunteer in the promotion of the chamber, membership outreach, membership retention, event planning and organization and facilitation of networking events, grand openings and ribbon cuttings.

Project NEO

Outreach to the community to introduce them to the mission of Project NEO and it's free tutoring program for students of the Alhambra Unified School District. Fundraising, MC at events; help organize, coordinate and facilitate fundraiser events. 
Help with providing direction and making relevant decisions to grow and expand the mission of Project NEO to other community schools by providing a school-based learning program for at-risk youth.

President

Board of Director

Vice President

Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce

As an Ambassador my responsibilities are to help facilitate chamber events, welcome and greet people as they arrive to chamber events as well as introduce prospective members including new members to current members.  My other responsibilites is to coach members on the benefits of chamber membership as well as introduce them to the various opportunities they have to get involved in activities of the chamber to help residents of the City of Santa Fe Springs.

MONTEREY PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Help with strategic planning for the advancement of the Chamber and member benefits. Establishing and maintaining a strong business relationship between the business community and the city of Monterey Park. Advise prospective members of the benefits of chamber membership and maximizing the results of participation. Membership retention and expansion. Establishing a healthy relationship amongst businesses and the community.

Executive Board Member

SOUTH GATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A CORP

Primary function is to help the Executive Director in promoting the South Gate Chamber of Commerce, helping members understand the benefits of Chamber membership and introducing prospective members to the chamber. Assisting with chamber functions such as grand openings, open house, ribbon cutting and networking events. Help local businesses thrive in the community by building strong relationships within the community.

Board of Directors

LAPD Centurions Football

As part of the LAPD Centurions Football program my responsibilities primarily are to design and implememt a pre-season and in-season strength and conditioning program to help improve athletic skills, prevent injury and improve strength.

Head Strength & Conditioning Coach

Chief Helpfulness Officer at Xocial Gong LLC | LinkedIn Strategist | Community-Driven Brand Builder

What is a Personal Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER?

Let’s break it down:
Link(Ed) = education, connection, access
Net(Work)ER = doing the work, increasing your net, becoming the responder who moves relationships forward

It’s a philosophy, a strategy, and the title of my upcoming book. (A free course is in the works too — stay tuned 📚👀.)

I started as a personal trainer with no marketing budget and no visibility. Before I even named my company Iron Dog Fitness, I had a tough realization: no one knew who I was. That sparked a journey of self-education and strategic experimentation.

I learned that Facebook creates awareness, LinkedIn builds trust, and newsletters keep you top of mind. I built my brand around these pillars, eventually growing from unknown to in-demand — and along the way, I helped others do the same.

As I volunteered with chambers of commerce and nonprofits, I used my newsletter and outreach to revive participation and drive real engagement. One councilmember even asked for my help on his mayoral campaign based on the transformation I sparked in his local chamber. That’s when I knew I wasn’t just promoting myself — I was building a repeatable system.

Today, I run Xocial Gong LLC, a LinkedIn-focused marketing agency for small business owners, startups, and freelancers — people like me, who wear too many hats and have too little time or budget.

Most of my clients don’t need to advertise on LinkedIn. They just need to optimize their profile, apply the right etiquette, and use proven outreach methods to get in the door with decision-makers.

That’s where we come in.

Xocial Gong is the “Link” and “Ed” educator that helps you get “In” with your ideal customers. We increase your “Net” profits by doing the “Work” for you on LinkedIn — using “ER” (Effective, Responsive) strategies to fill your calendar with quality leads who are already interested in what you offer.

Let’s connect if you’re ready to turn LinkedIn into your #1 relationship-building tool.
📲 Text me directly: 323-690-1659

Damien Orozco

The "I’m waiting on marketing to fix this PDF" excuse just died. 🪦

If you’ve been tab-switching between ChatGPT, Canva, and Adobe all day, your workflow just got a massive upgrade, and the "App Wars" just officially heated up.

Here’s the news:

Adobe just announced they are integrating Photoshop, Express, and Acrobat directly into ChatGPT.

Whtat this means for you:

You can now use a simple text prompt to trigger high-level edits, create designs, or merge PDFs without ever leaving the chat interface.

Why this actually matters for Lead Gen (The Meat):

Most people are looking at this as a "cool tech feature." They are missing the bigger picture.

For sales pros and thought leaders, friction is the enemy of execution.

Every time you have to open a new app to resize an image, fix a typo in a sales deck, or tweak a whitepaper, you lose momentum. This integration removes that friction. It brings the creation to the conversation.

Canva and Figma beat them to the punch back in October, but Adobe entering the Chat gladiator arena brings "pro-level" tools to the massive ChatGPT user base.

Here is my take:

I’ve seen too many brilliant lead magnets and sales assets sit in "draft mode" because the creator got stuck on formatting.

This integration isn't about making you a graphic designer; it's about making you a faster communicator.

Need to personalize a PDF case study for a prospect? Do it in the chat.
Need a quick visual for a LinkedIn post about your new offer? Prompt it in the chat.

Speed to market = Speed to lead. 

Most of us have heard this before: Success loves Speed.

Your Turn:
Are you sticking with the user-friendly vibes of Canva, or are you ready to embrace the power of Adobe now that it's text-based?
Let’s argue in the comments. 👇
#LinkedInTips #SalesEnablement #AI #Adobe #LeadGen #StanSocialSprint

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Chief Helpfulness Officer at Xocial Gong. Your personal Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER. We hook'm, book'm and all you do is close'm. Let's grow your business. Find out how! 👉🏾📞🗣️💬 +1 323.690.1659

This is so humbling and awesome. I was recently featured by the LinkedIn team in their “Community Member Spotlight” in Club Navigator Community.

Here is how this all got started: 

📧 Hi Damien,

I hope you’re having a good week!

I just reached out via LinkedIn. I’m Francesca, the new Community Manager in the Sales Navigator Community. I’ll be helping Eva to continue to grow and support the Community by providing opportunities for members to gain and share valuable insights. 

Over the past few months, we have been noticing your contributions and engagement in the Community, and we’d love to feature you in the next “Community Member Spotlight” that will be shared next week.

This totally caught me off guard, and quite honestly, my eyes got a little teary with happiness.

It's nice to be recognized for just being yourself. I do my best to share useful information and comment with valuable insights, and admittedly sometimes challenge a post.
#AttitudeofGratitude #Humbled #EntrepreneurLife #IAmI #BeYourSelf #StanSocialSprint

Looking for a way to fill your sales calendar without cold calls or awkward DMs? 👀

The old-school referral is still the most powerful growth engine for any small business.

But most people aren’t using it right on LinkedIn.

Here’s how to make referrals work for you (and for others):

1. Make it easy for people to refer you 
Don’t wait for someone to “remember” what you do. Share a simple one-liner about who you help and how. Post it on your profile and in your content. Example: “I help local gyms attract new members through social media.”

2. Ask directly – but make it specific 
A vague “Let me know if you hear of anyone” never works. Instead, try: 
“Do you know any gym owners who want more signups this month?” 
The more specific, the better the results.

3. Give referrals often 
Spot a need in someone’s network? Connect the dots. Comment on someone’s post with a tag and quick note. “@JaneSmith – thought of your bakery after reading this!” 
People remember those who help them win.

4. Use LinkedIn’s recommendation feature 
Take 5 minutes to write a LinkedIn recommendation for a client or partner. This is more public than a DM and gets noticed by their network, too.

5. Follow up with gratitude 
When someone sends a referral, thank them publicly (when appropriate) and privately. People are way more likely to refer again if they feel valued.

The best part? Referrals work both ways. The more you help others grow, the more growth comes back to you.

Want to keep your sales calendar full? 
Start by asking for one referral today—and give one to someone else in your network.

Who will you help next?

#StanSocialSprint #SmallBusinessTips #LeadGeneration #ReferralNetwork #LinkedInGrowth

Why LinkedIn doesn't work for me.

I hear this one all the time.

Here’s the funny part: It’s usually not LinkedIn. It’s how we’re using it.

Let’s break down the most common excuses (or reasons) and how to fix them.

1. "No one sees my posts."

Try mixing things up. Post content that actually solves a problem for your network. Use questions or share a quick story. Stories and solution-based content always get more attention. 💡

2. "I get connections, but no messages."

Don’t just collect contacts; start real conversations! Send a friendly note. Ask what they’re working on. Be curious, not salesy! 🫱🏾🫲🏾

3. "I post, but no one engages."

Do you engage with others first? Comment on their stuff. Give before you ask. LinkedIn rewards people who act like humans, not robots. 😄

4. "LinkedIn is full of spam."

True, sometimes. But you control your feed. Unfollow, block, or mute the noise. Connect with people who actually care about their work and reputation. 🧹

5. "It takes too much time."

You don’t have to spend hours here. Fifteen minutes a day gives you enough time to comment, post, and connect. Small actions add up over time. ⏰

Bottom line: LinkedIn actually works👉🏾 if you do. If you want to win a game, you have to show up. Swap the excuses for small habits that build trust and real relationships.

Sounds simple, but it’s proven to work time and time again.

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #SmallBusinessGrowth #BrandBuilding #RelationshipMarketing #StanSocialSprint

Ever get a random cold call and cringe a little (actually probably a lot)?

Let’s be real: cold calling feels like knocking on doors people want to keep shut. 😮

But here’s what makes LinkedIn different. 🤔

On LinkedIn, you can actually build a relationship before pitching anything. 
It’s like showing up to someone’s party with something to add, not just a sales script.

Here’s the difference:

Cold Calling 

Pros:

🤔 Sometimes it’s the only way to reach prospects who aren’t on LinkedIn.
😃 If you’re quick and clear, you can get immediate answers.
😃 Builds phone confidence and grit.

Cons:

👉🏾 You interrupt someone’s day
👉🏾 They don’t know you or trust you.
👉🏾 You have seconds to make it work, or you’re out.


Relationship Building on LinkedIn 

Pros:

😃 You start with value, not a pitch.
👀 People see your name and face before you ever start a conversation
🗣️You can comment, share, and connect long before you ever “sell”.
🤗 Turns a cold call into a warm call if your prospect connects with you here.

Cons:

☹️ Not every ideal prospect is active on LinkedIn or even has an account. ⏰ Building genuine relationships takes time and consistency.

Bottom line:
 
There’s still a place for cold calling, especially for prospects who live off LinkedIn. 
But when you connect on LinkedIn first, your “cold” calls can suddenly feel a lot warmer.

Stop being a stranger. Start being a connection people actually want.

Have any tips you'd like to share 🤔 Drop them below 👇🏾
#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #RelationshipMarketing #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #StanSocialSprint

Ever stared at your LinkedIn post, counting Likes and wondering what you’re missing? 👀

It’s easy to get stuck in the “Like trap”. A post takes off, and you start thinking you’ve cracked the code. Or... you get ten Likes and start doubting every word.

But here’s what most people get wrong about Likes 🤯 Likes are not a trophy, and they’re definitely not a sign you’ll win new business. ☹️

A Like can mean a lot of things:

👉🏾 Someone agrees with you (or barely reads it, hits Like, moves on)
👉🏾 They want you to notice them (they might be trying to win your business)
👉🏾 They're supporting the person you tagged or the event you shared
👉🏾 They're trying to get the attention of your network
👉🏾 They're your fans, and they love your content (could be prospects, power partners, or customers cheering you on)
👉🏾 Or, sometimes, accidentally hit the "Like" button.

None of these means they’re about to become your next client.

So, what do you really need to track if you want to see growth and land real leads? 📈👀🤔💭

Watch for the things that happen behind the scenes:

👉🏾 Are more people checking your profile after a post?
👉🏾 Did views on your 'Featured' section or 'Services' page jump?
👉🏾 Did you get more connection requests, or even better, more DMs with real questions?
👉🏾 Are people actually commenting, therefore starting conversations?

The best signals are off the main stage. The DM that says “I liked your post, can we chat?” is worth 100 Likes. 💬

So next time you post, don’t sweat a low Like count. Obsess over the right metrics: Profile views. DMs. The way people talk to you after they see your content.

If you want to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building real business through LinkedIn, send me a DM, or drop a comment below, and let’s talk strategy.

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #BrandBuilding #BusinessGrowth

Ever look up in December and wonder where the year went? 🎯⏳

I think every small business owner does.

Eleven months fly by before you even realize it. Some things go exactly as planned. Others... not so much. 🤷‍♂️

Maybe you finally nailed that new outreach strategy. 💡 Or grew your LinkedIn presence and brought in new leads. 📈 Maybe you tried something bold that just didn’t hit like you hoped. 😅

The wins and the misses both count. Looking back, those “off-script” moments usually teach us way more than any plan ever could.

What worked for you this year? ✔️  
What surprised you? 🤔  
What totally flopped? ❌

Now’s the time to take stock so you can use every single lesson in December. There’s still a whole month left to finish strong. 💪🎉

December doesn’t have to be about slowing down. It can be your best month, if you want it to be. 🌟

So here’s what I’m doing: looking at the results, tweaking what didn’t work, doubling down on what did, and using every lesson to push harder this last month. 🔄

What about you?  
What’s one lesson you learned in the past 11 months, or what are you planning to do differently in December? 📝

Let’s hear it. Your reflection might help someone else wrap up the year on a high note. 🚀✨

#SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #LinkedInTips #YearEndReflection #StanSocialSprint

First impressions on LinkedIn aren't just important, they are everything. 👀

Think about the last person you met online. Did you trust them more if they had a clear, friendly photo? Or did you hesitate if the image felt outdated or low quality? 🤔

Your LinkedIn profile picture is your digital handshake. 🤝📸 It's the first thing people see, along with your LinkedIn banner, whether they're recruiters, clients, or potential partners. 

People make snap decisions fast. ⏱️

Here’s the cold truth: 👇🏾

A blurry selfie or a cropped party photo sends the wrong message. People may wonder whether you take your business seriously, and theirs, if they were to do business with you. 🚫 It sounds harsh, but we all do it, even if it's unconscious.

Your photo doesn't have to be professionally shot, but it should be clear, recent, well-lit, and show you at your best. Smile. Look approachable. Wear what you’d wear to an important meeting. 😊👔👗

I’ve seen clients make this one change and suddenly experience more profile views, higher engagement, and more incoming connection requests. It’s a small adjustment that can spark bigger results. 🚀📈

Here’s a quick checklist:

👉🏾 Is your photo current (taken within the last 2 years)? 📅
👉🏾 Does it show your face clearly? 🧑💼
👉🏾 Would you trust someone with this picture? 👓
👉🏾 Does it reflect the professional image you want to project?👀
👉🏾 If they ran into you randomly at a street corner, would they recognize you from your profile photo? 🤯

If you’re unsure, ask a trusted friend for honest feedback. Sometimes, a fresh eye spots what we miss. 👂🧐

Remember, on LinkedIn, you rarely get a second chance at a first impression. Your photo is your first step to building trust before a message is ever sent. 💡🛤️

When did you last update your profile picture? If it's been a while, maybe today’s the day to take that small but powerful step. 📲

Want a professional headshot? 🤔💭 Comment 'headshot' below and I will connect you with a professional photographer in my network.
If you're a photographer, give yourself a shout-out below so people can reach out to you. 📸👀😃

#LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #ProfilePhoto #FirstImpression #LeadGeneration #StanSocialSprint

Anyone else here tired of people trying to sell you AI prompt collections, the next AI software, or both 🤔💭 Do you already have an encyclopedia of AI prompts?

🛑 Stop Copy-Pasting Your Prompts! Meet Your New AI Entourage.

Did you know you can stop treating your AI like a stranger every time you open a new chat?

If you’ve been keeping a "cheat sheet" of prompts that you copy-paste every time you need specific help (like "Act as a Senior Python Dev" or "Be my strict Grammar Editor"), you can officially delete that file.

Meet "Gems" in Gemini. 💎

Think of Gems as custom versions of Gemini that remember your instructions forever. You build them once, and they stay in your sidebar, ready to work.

Imagine having: 

👨💻 A Coding Partner that already knows your tech stack. 
✍️ A Social Media Manager that knows your brand voice perfectly. 
🥗 A Sous Chef that remembers your allergies and what's in your fridge.

It’s not just a time-saver; it’s like building your own team of specialized experts.

Have you tried building a custom Gem yet? What’s the first one you’re making? 👇

#AI #ProductivityHacks #Gemini #FutureOfWork #TechTips #StanSocialSprint

Watch out, TikTok & YouTube (Google)! The Instagram+Amazon Power Move is Here! 📺📱

Big news for the creator economy and streaming giants! Instagram Reels are officially making the jump from your phone screen to your Amazon Fire TV with a brand-new, dedicated app: "Instagram for TV."

This power move by Instagram (Meta) is a massive strategic play:

1. Lean Back Viewing: Reels are organized into channels (think Sports, Travel, Music) for a true "lean back" television experience. Hello, shared viewing parties!

2. Strategic Partnership: By prioritizing Amazon Fire TV for this rollout in the U.S., Instagram (Meta) is positioning itself directly against rivals like YouTube and TikTok on the biggest screen in the house.

3. Multi-Account Magic: The app supports up to five accounts, making it a true household entertainment hub.

This move solidifies Reels as a core entertainment format, not just a mobile time-killer. It’s a huge opportunity for creators to reach viewers in a new context and for advertisers to access premium TV inventory.

What do you think? Will you be using the Instagram for TV app? Let me know in the comments!👇🏾

#Instagram #Reels #AmazonFireTV #Meta #CreatorEconomy #DigitalMarketing #StreamingTV #StanSocialSprint

Hey Small Business Owner, Entrepreneurs, & Freelancers. Let's shine together.

Let's try something new and unique today. Post your Black Friday Deal below. 
Here are all the rules:
(1) No business opportunity posts
(2) Share the regular price and what the Black Friday price is
(3) Tell us a little bit about the product or service.
(4) Help people understand how your product or service helps them.
Happy Posting
#SupportSmallBusiness #ShopSmall

You got some likes, comments, & shares on your last post. Amazing. 😃

Did it pay the electric bill? Probably not. 🤯

The most frustrating feeling for a small business owner is seeing high social media engagement but zero movement in the bank account. ☹️

The problem is usually that you are optimizing for Vanity Metrics instead of Buying Signals.📈📊🚦

If you want to know whether your content is actually generating sales leads, stop looking at the heart icon and start looking for these specific clues. 🕵🏽‍♂️

Here is the hierarchy of social media signals, from "noise" to "next customer":

🚫 THE NOISE (Low Intent)

👉🏾 A "Like" 👍🏾 or "Heart." 💖
👉🏾 Generic comments like "Great post! 🔥" or "So true!"
(These help the algorithm, but they don’t pay the bills.)

🤔 THE SILENT CONSIDERATION (Medium Intent)

These are hidden signals that show someone is evaluating your expertise for later.

🗝️ High "Save" Counts: A Save means, "I need this, but I can't implement it right now." They are flagging themselves as a future customer.
🤐 Private Shares: You see zero public reposts, but your analytics show 20 "Shares" (a.k.a. Dark Social). This means your content is being DM'd privately between decision-makers or partners.

💰 THE BUYING SIGNALS (High Intent)
The best leads often show up as "barriers to entry" in the comments. They have a specific hurdle they need you to remove so they can proceed with the purchase.

👉🏾 The Logistics Check: "Do you serve clients in [Location]?" or "Is this available for Mac users?"

👉🏾 The Availability Check: "Are you taking on new projects for Q4?"
👉🏾 The Implementation Question: "How would this strategy apply if my business is in [Specific Niche]?"

But the obvious 'Buying Signal' is when someone privately sends you a message inside your LinkedIn Inbox (or InMail), Emails you directly, calls you directly, or uses some other direct form of communication, such as your other social media accounts. 🗣️📞😃 That's a BIG WIN 🥳

The Takeaway:

If you are only getting hearts, your content is entertaining.
If you are getting specific questions, your content is selling.

Go check the comments on your last three posts. Are they noise, or are they signals?

👇🏾 Which of these "buying signals" do you see most often on your profile? Let me know below.
#SocialSelling #LinkedInStrategy #SmallBusinessTips #LeadGeneration #StanSocialSprint

Let’s talk about the one thing killing your LinkedIn profile faster than a bad headshot. 🚫📸

Writing your About section like it’s a press release.

Seriously, stop talking about yourself in the third person. 🤷‍♂️
It’s not building trust.
It’s just weird.

“John is a visionary leader...” 🙄
Who actually talks like that?

Here’s the real secret: your About section isn’t a résumé.
It’s a handshake. 🤝

Your "About" section is your shot to actually connect with another person. 👋

If your About sounds like a Wikipedia page, you’re missing the point.

Your prospects don’t care about buzzwords or how many industry awards you “seamlessly leveraged.” 🏆

Your prospects care if you understand their headaches. 😓
If you can relate.

Try this:

👉🏾 Share a real story about a problem you solved (or solve). 💡
👉🏾 Talk about why you love what you do. ❤️
👉🏾 Make it obvious you’re an actual human, not a corporate robot in a suit. 🤖

Easy test: read your "About" section out loud. 🗣️
If you wouldn’t say those words to a potential client over coffee, it's time to rewrite it.

Personal wins trust. 🏆
Trust brings business. 💼
Stop hiding behind stiff text.

Go review your profile. 🔍
Be brave.
Make it real.

And if you’re brave enough, drop a before and after in the comments. 📝

Let’s see who sounds more like a person than a press release. Feel free to criticize mine as well. I occasionally update it because I'm never happy with what I wrote a month ago. 😂

#LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #StanSocialSprint #LeadGeneration #SmallBusinessGrowth

Some days, I look at my LinkedIn inbox and wonder if anyone actually reads what they send. 🤔

You know the ones. 👇🏾

👉🏾 The cold pitches that feel like they were written by a robot who never had to make rent. 🤖

👉🏾 Or the connection requests that start with "I see we have mutual interests" but never say what those are. 💬

Here's my favorite one: I've been following you and really enjoy your content. Hint: I ask them which piece of content they were referring to, and guess what kind of response I get? A band of crickets. 🦗

I used to get annoyed. Now, honestly, I feel a little sad for them. 😅

Why? Because behind every awkward message is a real person, probably just trying to hit a number, a quota, or prove something to their boss. 📊

But here’s the thing I keep coming back to: the best connections I’ve made here didn’t start with a pitch. They started with a question. Or a story. Or just a moment of actual curiosity. 👀

It’s weird how rare that is.

I’ve been guilty of rushing, too. Sending something out just to check it off the list. ✅ But the times I slowed down, asked a real question, or shared something I was actually struggling with... those are the conversations that stuck. 💡

Maybe that’s the real trick. Not optimizing for volume, but for honesty. ❤️

I don’t have a perfect system. Some days I still fall into old habits. But I’m trying to remember that there’s a person on the other side, not just a profile. 👤

And when I do, the whole thing feels a lot less like work. 🙌

If you’re tired of the copy-paste messages and want to build genuine relationships here, drop a comment or connect with me. 

Tell me one thing you wish people would do differently on LinkedIn. Let’s start a real conversation.🤔💭

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #RelationshipMarketing #HumanFirst #StanSocialSprint

There’s a weird myth floating around that you need to be on every social media platform, all the time, to build your brand. 🤯

Post daily. Comment on every trending topic. Jump on every new feature the second it drops.

Gary Vaynerchuk says you should post everywhere, several times a day. 
Meanwhile, other experts insist you should focus hard on just one platform and get really good at it.

No wonder business owners and solopreneurs feel pulled in every direction. 

One minute it’s all about "be everywhere" hustle, the next it’s "go deep in one channel."

Honestly, it’s exhausting just thinking about it.

Here’s what I’ve learned watching people try both:

Consistency beats intensity every single time. 🏁

You don’t have to be the loudest. You don’t have to follow every trend or copy the latest expert playbook.

You just have to show up, regularly, with something real to say.

Some weeks, your posts will flop. 
Other weeks, a simple tip will spark a dozen private messages, new connections, and even a meeting with the decision maker you’ve been wanting to meet. ✉️

But the magic isn’t found in chasing viral moments or burning out trying to keep up with every new trend.

The magic in the steady drumbeat of showing up, even on the days you wonder if anyone’s listening. 🥁

That’s how trust is built. That’s how relationships grow.

So if you’re feeling burned out by all the contradictions and noise, here’s my take:

Pick your lane. 
Show up however you can. 
Repeat. 🔁

That’s enough.

Actually, that’s the foundation most people skip over while chasing the next quick win.

If you’re overwhelmed by what the experts say, remember the following. Your job isn’t to do everything. It’s to do what you can keep doing, well.

How do you handle all the conflicting advice? Have you found a rhythm that works for you? Share the love by letting others know what's working for you. No sales pitches, please (I will delete them). Share your genuine experience below. 

#LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #Solopreneur #ConsistencyMatters #SocialMediaStrategy #StanSocialSprint

🛍️ 10 Reasons to Shop SMALL This Black Friday, Cyber Monday & Small Business Saturday! 🎁

Skip the big box crowds and the endless scroll of massive retailers! This year, make your holiday shopping matter by choosing a small business. Here are 10 great reasons why your support is a huge deal:

Why Shopping Small is a BIG Win!

😃 Unique Finds, Not Cookie-Cutter Gifts: You'll discover one-of-a-kind treasures that truly show you put thought into the present, instead of mass-produced items everyone else has.

😃 Every Dollar Stays Local: Small businesses typically reinvest 3x more of their revenue back into the local economy than chain stores. That means better schools, roads, and services for your community!

😃 Customer Service That Cares: Say goodbye to automated phone menus! You get personalized attention and direct access to people who are passionate about their products.

😃 Creates & Sustains Local Jobs: Your purchase directly supports the jobs of your neighbors, friends, and family. You're not just buying a product; you're funding a livelihood.

 😃 A Boost to Creativity & Innovation: Small businesses are often run by entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of their craft. You're supporting innovation and artistic vision!

 😃 Less Environmental Impact: Many small businesses source locally, leading to less transportation, less waste, and a smaller carbon footprint.

😃 More Meaningful Discounts: Unlike big stores that mark up just to mark down, small business sales are often a genuine thank you to their customers and a chance to clear inventory with thoughtful deals.

😃 Helps Build Community Character: Small shops are the soul of your town! They sponsor local teams, donate to charities, and make your Main Street a vibrant, unique place to visit.

😃 Higher Quality, Curated Goods: Owners are often experts in their niche, hand-selecting or crafting items for superior quality and durability.

😃 The "Happy Dance" Factor: Seriously, when you make a purchase from a small business, you are making a real person (often the owner!) do a little happy dance. Try getting that feeling from a giant corporation! 😉
Mark Your Calendars!

 👉🏾 Black Friday: Nov 28 🖤
 👉🏾 Small Business Saturday: Nov 29 🛍️ (The official day to #ShopSmall!)
 👉🏾 Cyber Monday: Nov 30 💻 (Many small businesses have online deals too!)
#ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSaturday #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #SupportLocal #HolidayShopping #BuyLocal #Gifts #StanSocialSprint

I’ve become an #InboxZeroHero with @SaneBox. Try it out for free for 2 weeks! https://lnkd.in/gyPJ8hYe #StanSocialSprint

sanebox.com

SaneBox | Clean up your inbox in minutes & keep it that way forever

It's easy to feel grateful when everything is going your way. 🤔💭

But real gratitude shows up when things don’t go as planned, but you keep showing up anyway. 🙏

I want to give a genuine thank you to every client who’s trusted me along the way. 💙

Every partnership started with a simple connection. Maybe it was a message on LinkedIn 💬 or a quick chat in person 🤝. From there, it grew into real conversations. We talked about your business 🏢, dug into your challenges, and explored what wasn’t working. Those honest discussions about pain points 🩹 are what set the groundwork.

That’s how it happens, every time. Trust is built 🛠️, and they decide to let you and your business help tackle those challenges. That trust? It means everything to me.

Being an entrepreneur means taking risks every day. There will be times you will make decisions and will regret them (I know, I've made these mistakes).

Sometimes things fall into place 🥰. Other times, it feels like nothing is going as planned. ☹️ But I’ve learned that every tough day, every failure, and every small win is all part of building something bigger. 📈

You won’t succeed without risk. 🚦 You won’t grow if you never fall down along the way. But every small step forward, every time you get back up, it gets you closer to where you want to go and where you deserve to be. 🏃‍♂️

So thank you to everyone who started with a simple connection, commented on one of my social media posts, shared real business pains, and then trusted me to help. 🥰

Whether your journey is smooth or bumpy right now, don’t forget: the little steps matter more than you think. 🌱

Here’s to the risks, the lessons, and the wins ahead. 🚀

Share your gratitude story below. 👇🏾😃

#Gratitude #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClientSuccess #LinkedInFamily #TrustBuilding #TakeRisks #KeepGoing #BusinessGrowth #StanSocialSprint

Ever get this advice? 👀🤔💭
"Just engage with your prospects' content, and you'll build relationships that turn into sales." 🤔

Here's the problem:

Most of my ideal clients on LinkedIn barely post. 
Some never post at all. 👀

So what do you do when there’s nothing to comment on? 
And your DMs are met with silence? 🦗

This is where most advice falls flat.

If you're selling to business owners, founders, or even busy execs, you’ll run into this all the time.

Here’s what actually works for me (and my clients):

1. Optimize your profile so it does the talking 

If your profile is clear, inviting, and focused on your buyer’s pain points, you become discoverable. 
Think of it as your 24/7 sales page. 🛠️ 
A good profile pulls people in, even without any outreach.

2. Post content that answers their silent questions
 
Most people don't post, but they do scroll. 
Share tips, quick wins, or stories that speak to the problems your ideal clients are facing. 
You might not see them like or comment, but they're paying attention. 👓

3. Use your network to get warm intros

If you have mutual connections, ask for a quick intro. 
People ignore cold DMs, but a warm intro from someone they trust cuts through.

4. Be visible in their circles

Join the same groups or events they attend. 
Show up to webinars, comment on company pages, or share their company’s updates. 
It’s about being seen, not just being in their inbox.

5. Give value before you ask for anything

Share a resource or insight that solves something for them, with zero pressure. 
No pitch, just help. 
That’s how you break the ice on LinkedIn—especially with people who don’t post or reply. 🧊

Bottom line:

Don’t wait for your prospects to make the first move, because most won’t.

Lead with value in your profile, your posts, and your approach. You’ll attract the right folks, even if they're silent.

This has opened more doors for me (and my clients) than any "just comment on their post" tactic ever has.

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #RelationshipBuilding #SmallBusinessGrowth #StanSocialSprint

Sales objection alert! 🚨 You hear those dreaded words: "I can't afford it." Don't panic! Instead of seeing it as a dead end, see it as an opportunity to dig deeper.

Here’s how to handle the "I don't have the money" objection without breaking a sweat:

1. Agree & Empathize 🤗 

Never argue. Start by acknowledging their concern.  

Try this: "I completely understand that budget is a top priority. It's smart to be careful with your investments."

2. Get Curious & Isolate the Objection 🕵️‍♀️ 

Is it really about money, or is it about value? Time to find out.  

Try this: "Just so I'm clear, if budget wasn't an issue, would our service be the right solution for you?"

This helps you understand if you're facing a genuine budget constraint or if you haven't demonstrated enough value yet.

3. Reframe from Cost to Investment 💰➡️📈 

Shift the conversation from what they'll spend to what they'll gain.  

Try this: "I see this less as a cost and more as an investment. Our clients typically see [mention a specific ROI, like 'a 25% increase in productivity' or 'save 10 hours per month']. What would that kind of return mean for you?"

4. Offer Flexible Solutions 🤸 

If it's a true cash flow issue, show you're willing to work with them.  

Try this: "We have a few different packages and flexible payment options. Would you be open to exploring a plan that fits more comfortably within your current budget?"

Turning a price objection around is all about proving your value and showing you're a partner, not just a vendor.

If you want more practical ways to handle tough objections and start closing more deals, let's talk. 😃

I'm booking a few strategy sessions this week for business owners ready to level up their sales game.
  
Interested? Reach out, and let's see how I can help.

#SalesTips #ObjectionHandling #ClosingDeals #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #StanSocialSprint

Helping technical experts & product specialists improve their win rate on pitches. 829 clients helped to-date with training that had an immediate, positive impact on their results. Will you be next?

👩 Hello!  My name is Mary Beth and I help technical experts & product specialists improve their win rate on sales pitches by leveraging a 34-year-old template ➡ www.PitchWinMultiplier.com ⬅

Imagine tripling your sales pitch win rate. Sound good? Then, you're in exactly the right spot.

Who Am I?

I've spent over 25 years in corporate sales, navigating through senior roles at juggernauts like JPMorgan Chase, PwC, and Commerzbank. My journey has been more than a career; it's been a deep dive into the art of persuasive communication and sales strategy.

What I Do

🌎 Global Seminars: I've globe-trotted, teaching over 9,000 delegates the art of 'Pitching to Win' with a proven, 34-year-old template.

👥 Executive Coaching: Personal coach to 157 C-Suite executives, transforming their presentation skills into undeniable assets.

💡 Psychological Insights: Leveraging my background as an NLP Master Practitioner, Psychologist, and Hypnotherapist to unlock the secrets of persuasive communication.

How Can I Help You?

🔑 Unlocking Pitch Potential: Transform your pitches from good to unforgettable, making every word count and every moment resonate.

🎯 Tailored Strategies: Customized coaching that addresses your unique challenges and goals, ensuring you stand out in the crowded marketplace.

💡 Psychological Edge: Dive deep into the psychology of persuasion, learning how to connect, convince, and convert with ease.

Why Choose Me?

✅ Proven Experience: 25+ years in high-stakes sales environments.

✅ Global Recognition: 450+ glowing recommendations and a worldwide teaching footprint.

✅ Psychological Mastery: Unique insights into the human mind, enhancing how your messages are received and acted upon.

Let's Talk Results

⭐ Increased Win Rates: Aim to triple your success in closing deals through impactful pitches.

⭐ Engagement Boost: Captivate your audience, keeping them engaged and eager to act.

⭐ Long-Term Partnerships: Turn one-time pitches into ongoing relationships, driving sustained business growth.

Ready to Transform Your Pitches?

If you're looking to elevate your sales game, to not just participate in the market but dominate it, let's connect. Together, we'll unlock the full potential of your sales pitches, ensuring you lead the pack.

Your journey to sales pitch mastery starts here. Let's make those pitches not just heard, but unforgettable. 

✅ Are you in?  If so, check this out: ➡ www.PitchWinMultiplier.com ⬅

Mary Beth Hazeldine

Templates won't save your presentations.

I know. I sell templates.

But here's the truth:

A template gives you structure. It doesn't teach you why that structure works.

- It doesn't show you how to adapt when your CEO throws a curveball. 
- It doesn't help you read the room and pivot mid-slide. 
- It doesn't build the muscle memory that makes you confident under pressure.

Templates are training wheels. At some point, you need to learn to ride the bike.

After 24 years in financial services at JPMorgan, PwC, RBS, and Commerzbank—plus 15 years teaching presentation skills—I've seen the difference:

→ Template users plateau → Trained presenters compound

That's why I built my course: AI-Enhanced Presentation Mastery.

It's not about downloading files. It's about developing skills—with Copilot as your co-pilot.

When you bring coaching and training together with templates, you create the space to actually excel.

Link in comments 👇

I help executives present with confidence | 10,000+ trained | Ex-JPMorgan, PwC, RBS, Commerzbank

I watched a private equity associate waste his entire Sunday rebuilding a pitch deck.

The deal? £85 million acquisition. The deadline? Monday 8am partner review.

He had Copilot. He had all the data. He had 36 hours.

He still ended up at 2am manually fixing fonts, chasing rogue bullet points, and copy-pasting the same disclaimer onto 47 slides.

I know this pain intimately. 24 years in financial servies — JPMorgan, PwC, RBS, Commerzbank — I've been that person staring at a screen at midnight wondering why the technology that was supposed to save me time is somehow making everything worse.

Here's what nobody tells you about Microsoft Copilot for PowerPoint:

It's not broken. You're just prompting it like it's a search engine.

"Make this slide better" → rubbish output
"Fix the formatting" → chaos

But when you understand how AI actually thinks?

Same tool. 75% time savings. Decks that don't need 45 minutes of brand cleanup.

I've spent 8 months testing every Copilot update on real client work — investment banking pitches, M&A books, board presentations with those terrifying compliance requirements.

The November 2025 update finally fixed the brand consistency nightmare. I tested it on a corporate banking deck with notoriously strict guidelines. Before: 42 minutes of cleanup. After: 8 minutes.

I've documented everything — the prompts that actually work, the workflows, the mistakes that waste your time — in a tutorial I keep updated monthly.

If you're in financial services and Copilot isn't saving you hours yet, this will change that.

Link in comments 👇

Curious — what's your biggest Copilot frustration right now? Mine was the fonts. Always the fonts.

#MicrosoftCopilot #PowerPoint #FinancialServices #InvestmentBanking #Productivity

Executive Presentation Coach | PowerPoint Copilot Expert | 24 yrs JPMorgan, PwC, RBS, Commerzbank | Presentations that get results

Your slide has 3 seconds.

That's how long an executive spends deciding whether to keep reading or check their email.

Most slides fail this test instantly.

Here's the 60-second check I run before every executive presentation:

1. Can I explain this slide in ONE sentence? If not, split it or simplify it.

2. Is the "so what" obvious? Your audience should never wonder why they're seeing this.

3. Would my CEO understand this without me talking? Slides get forwarded. They need to stand alone.

4. Is there ONE clear takeaway? Multiple messages = no message.

5. Does the title tell the story? Not "Q3 Results" but "Q3 Revenue Up 12% Despite Market Headwinds"

6. Have I removed everything non-essential? Every element should earn its place.

After 24 years at JPMorgan, PwC, RBS, and Commerzbank, I've watched executives tune out of thousands of presentations.

The ones that got results? Passed all 6 questions.

Print this checklist. Use it before every presentation. It takes 60 seconds and catches 90% of problems.

Full breakdown + examples in comments 👇

3 books that transformed how I present.

Not presentation books. Not "public speaking" guides.

These shaped how I think about influence, structure, and connecting with an audience.

𝟭. "𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸" by Chip & Dan Heath

This book taught me why some ideas survive and others die.

The answer: Simple. Unexpected. Concrete. Credible. Emotional. Stories.

Every presentation I build now passes the "sticky" test. If I can't explain the core message in one sentence, I'm not ready to present.

𝟮. "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘆𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲" by Barbara Minto

This is the book McKinsey consultants learn from.

The key insight: Start with the answer. Group supporting ideas. Lead with what matters.

Most presenters build to a conclusion. Minto taught me to lead with it. Executives don't want a journey — they want the destination first.

𝟯. "𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲" by Robert Cialdini

This changed how I think about persuasion.

Reciprocity. Commitment. Social proof. Authority. Liking. Scarcity.

Every decision-maker is influenced by these principles — whether they know it or not. Understanding them made me a better presenter and a better reader of rooms.

—

Here's what connects all three:

Great presenting isn't about slides or delivery tricks.

It's about understanding how humans process information, make decisions, and take action.

The frameworks in these books work whether you're presenting to a board, pitching investors, or convincing your team.

AI can help you build slides faster.
But it can't replace understanding *why* certain messages land.

That's the human work.

♻️ Share if someone on your team needs a weekend reading list.

---

💬 What book changed how you communicate? Drop it below. I'm always looking for recommendations.

financial-charisma-ltd

linkedin.com/posts

Talks about #confidence, #leadershipskills, #presentationskills, #communicationskills, and #emotionalintelligence

I watched a £2M deal die last month.

Not because of the product. 
Not because of the price. 
Because of a 15-slide AI-generated deck.

The founder had used Copilot to create "the perfect pitch."

It was comprehensive. Professional. Beautifully formatted.

And utterly forgettable.

The PE firm's feedback: "We couldn't figure out what you actually wanted us to do."

Here's what AI gets wrong about presentations:

𝟭. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 ≠ 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 AI includes everything. Great presentations focus ruthlessly on 2-3 messages.

𝟮. 𝗔𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 A CFO wants ROI. A CTO wants integration. AI gives everyone the same generic deck.

𝟯. "𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹" ≠ "𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗲" Polished slides create false confidence. You trust the tool instead of testing the thinking.

The fix isn't avoiding AI.

It's using frameworks FIRST:

→ AVP (Action-Value-Proof) before prompting 
→ 132 Rule: 1 message, 3 points, 2 min per section 
→ S.E.E. Formula for memorable proof

AI is an execution tool, not a thinking tool.

The people pulling ahead use both.

P.S. I wrote the complete breakdown: why AI presentations fail and the 4-step fix.

Free checklist included.

Link in comments 👇

♻️ Repost if someone in your network relies too heavily on AI for important presentations.

A director at a FTSE 250 company blocked his entire Saturday for a board presentation.

12 slides. 8 hours planned.

By 3pm, he was 6 hours in and only on slide 9.

The formatting kept breaking. The charts looked amateur. His wife wasn't happy.

Two weeks later, he built a similar deck in 41 minutes.

Same quality. Same professionalism. Different approach.

The difference wasn't a magic tool. It was learning to use AI properly.

Most executives treat Copilot like a fancy autocomplete:
→ "Create a presentation about Q4"
→ Get generic slides
→ Spend 3 hours fixing them manually

That's backwards.

The executives saving 70%+ of their time do three things differently:

1. They brief AI like a junior analyst (context, audience, constraints)
2. They know what AI should handle vs. what humans do best
3. They iterate WITH AI, not after AI

One prompt. Refine. Another prompt. Refine. Done.

The 6-hour deck becomes a 45-minute deck.

Not because AI is magic.

Because you learned how to use it.

I've trained 200+ executives on this approach. The pattern is always the same: they're working too hard because no one taught them the right method.

What's your current process for building presentations? Still doing it the old way, or have you cracked the AI code?

Budget season is here. And most requests will get the same response:

"Great idea. Let's revisit next quarter."

I watched a marketing director lose a £400K request this way. Her slides were thorough. Every chart was perfect. Two weeks of prep.

The CFO said it was "interesting." Meeting over. No decision.

Three months later, same request, same CFO.

She got £500K. More than she asked for.

The difference wasn't better data. It was a completely different structure:

Old approach (22 slides):
→ Background
→ Market research
→ Vendor comparison
→ Implementation plan
→ Finally... the ask

New approach (6 slides):
→ The Ask (yes, first)
→ The Problem (cost of inaction)
→ The Solution
→ The ROI (with assumptions shown)
→ The Timeline
→ The Risk Mitigation

CFOs don't reject good ideas. They reject presentations that don't speak their language.

Their language is ROI. Their question is "why this instead of everything else competing for budget?"

If you can't answer that on slide 1, you've already lost.

The £500K request? Her first slide said:

"Requesting £400K. Expected return: £1.2M in 12 months. 3x ROI. Decision needed by January 15."

32 words. The CFO knew exactly what was at stake before she even started presenting.

What's your budget request process look like?

Most executive presentations fail in the first 5 slides.

Not because the content is wrong.

Because they're built backwards.

After 24 years at JPMorgan, PwC, RBS, and Commerzbank, I've reviewed thousands of board decks and investor pitches.

The difference between funded and forgotten?

Usually comes down to structure, not substance.

Here are the 3 mistakes that kill executive presentations:

1.  Burying the lead - If your recommendation is on slide 15, you've already lost. Executives check out by slide 5.

2.  Label titles instead of message titles -  "Q3 Financial Results" tells me nothing. "Q3 Revenue Up 12% Despite Market Headwinds" tells me everything.

3.  Missing the decision - Every slide should answer: what do you need from me?

I've just published a complete guide covering:
→ The 10 executive presentation types you'll use throughout your career
→ Exact structures for each (QBR, budget request, board meeting, strategic recommendation)
→ A 60-second slide check used by investment bankers
→ AI prompts that turn 2-hour presentations into 30-minute tasks

Link in comments 👇

An £84 million deal.

Lost.

Not because of the financials. Not because of the strategy.

Because the banking team spent 18 hours rebuilding their pitch deck instead of rehearsing their delivery.

The competing bank closed the deal with a tighter deck, stronger delivery, and half the preparation time.

I watched this happen at a major UK clearing bank. And it changed how I think about presentation workflows in investment banking.

Here's what most PowerPoint Copilot guides get wrong:

They tell bankers to "create engaging presentations with compelling visuals."

That advice will get you fired in investment banking.

Banking presentations aren't about engagement. They're about precision, defensibility, and regulatory compliance.

Using the wrong shade of blue at my old bank could delay board approval for weeks. A junior banker nearly tanked a £120M acquisition because Copilot rounded a debt-to-equity ratio to 3.2 when the actual figure was 3.247.

Generic AI prompts don't understand:

→ 47-page brand guidelines that treat PMS 280 vs PMS 281 as a compliance violation
→ Financial figures that need auditable precision, not approximate charts
→ Regulatory language that can't be "simplified" without legal consequences
→ Credit committees who expect information in a specific sequence

I spent 24 years in corporate banking at JPMorgan Chase, PwC, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Commerzbank.

Now I help banking teams save 60-70% on pitch deck creation while maintaining the precision deals require.

I've put everything into a complete playbook: tested prompts, brand compliance workflows, Excel integration techniques, and real case studies from live deals.

If you're creating 2-5 pitch decks weekly and want those hours back for actual deal work, this is for you.

Link in the first comment.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 £𝟒𝟕,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬

A COO sat across from me, furious.

"We spent £47,000 on Copilot licenses. Adoption after 6 months? 11%."

Her CFO wanted to cancel everything.

I asked one question: "Did you calculate ROI before or after rollout?"

Silence.

Here's what I've learned from 23 Copilot implementations:

The companies that fail never measured.

The companies that succeed document everything.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐎𝐈 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:
→ Investment bank M&A team: 6,760% ROI
→ Biotech exec team: 6,150% ROI
→ Management consultancy: 5,852% ROI

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐅𝐎𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞:
(Hours Saved × Hourly Rate × Annual Decks × Team Size) - License Cost = Net Value

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟒 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:
1️⃣ No baseline measurement (78% of companies)
2️⃣ Generic training instead of industry-specific prompts
3️⃣ Expecting magic instead of building systems
4️⃣ No accountability for tracking results

That same COO?

Her team now has 89% adoption.

First-year savings exceeded £340,000.

The CFO became Copilot's biggest champion.

The difference wasn't the tool.

It was a 30-minute ROI calculation.

Bottom line: The question isn't "Is Copilot worth £360/person?"
It's "Can you afford NOT to know?"

P.S. I've written the complete guide to calculating and proving your Copilot PowerPoint ROI—including the exact CFO presentation template that's worked 17 times.

Link in comments 👇

♻️ Repost if this could help someone justify their tech investment.
💡 Follow Mary Beth Hazeldine for AI presentation insights that actually work.

PowerPoint Copilot is the most overhyped tool in Microsoft 365.

It's also massively underutilised.

Here's the thing: I've tested Copilot on 100+ real client presentations. Not demos with perfect data. Board decks. Investor pitches. QBRs with messy content and 48-hour deadlines.

Most people try it once, get generic garbage, and quit.

That's because they're using it wrong.

What Copilot actually does brilliantly: 
→ Turns a 30-page Word doc into a presentation draft in 60 seconds 
→ Organises your chaotic bullet points into logical slides 
→ Polishes wordy text faster than any human editor 
→ Generates speaker notes you'd actually use

What it does terribly: 
→ Creating presentations from nothing (you get corporate nonsense) 
→ Design and visual layout (mediocre at best) 
→ Data visualisation choices (default everything) 
→ Industry-specific content without guidance

The problem isn't the tool. It's expecting magic from vague prompts.

"Create a presentation about Q3 results" gives you trash.

"Create a 5-slide presentation for our CMO about Q3 marketing results. She needs to decide whether to increase Q4 budget. Include: headline results, channel performance, ROI analysis, recommendation. Tone: confident, data-driven, concise."  That gives you something usable.

The secret? Copilot is an accelerator, not a strategist.

You bring the thinking. It brings the speed.

Full breakdown (what works, what doesn't, and the exact prompts I use with banking and biotech clients)... link in the comments.

The worst way to end a presentation?

"So... any questions?"

I've watched executives nail 45 minutes of content, then throw it all away with those three words.

Here's what happens:

→ You hand control to the room
→ You signal you're done (not confident)
→ The audience checks out before anyone raises a hand

After coaching 1000+ executive presentations , I've noticed the best closers do something different.

They use what I call "The Silence Close."

It works like this:

Make your ask. Then stop talking.

"I'm recommending we proceed with Vendor A. The cost is £340,000, and I need your approval today."

[Silence]

No qualifiers. No "if that makes sense." No backpedaling.

Just silence.

What happens next?

The other person HAS to respond. They can't let your words hang there.

If they object → you've surfaced the real issue
If they agree → you've closed
If they ask a question → you know what's blocking them

Most presenters panic in the silence and start undermining themselves: "Of course, we could look at other options..."

You just killed your own recommendation.

The silence close takes nerve. But it's a skill, not a personality trait.

It's one of 7 closing techniques I teach in my AI-Enhanced Presentation Mastery course starting January.

Early bird (£249) closes Dec 31st.

Link in comments 👇

—

♻️ Repost if your presentations deserve a stronger ending

6 hours → 90 minutes.

Same deck. Same quality. Completely different approach to AI.

Six months ago, I spent 6 hours on a pitch deck for a biotech client. Professional slides. Solid data. They lost the funding round.

Last month, similar client, similar deck. I used my AI presentation workflow. 90 minutes. They raised £4.2 million.

The difference wasn't the AI. It was HOW I used it.

Most people prompt Copilot like this:
"Create a presentation about Q3 results"

Then spend 2 hours fixing generic slides that sound like every other AI deck.

That's not a workflow. That's hoping AI will think for you.

Here's what actually works:

1. AVP Framework (5 mins) — Define Action, Value, Proof BEFORE opening PowerPoint
2. 132 Rule (2 mins) — 1 message, 3 arguments, 2 evidence types each
3. S.E.E. Formula (20 mins) — Statement, Evidence, Emotion for each slide
4. AI Execution (43 mins) — Let Copilot handle the grunt work

Strategic thinking = you.
Execution = AI.

That's the split that saves 4+ hours per presentation.

I wrote the complete workflow with exact prompts you can steal.

Link in comments 👇

The biggest mistake I see in board presentations:

Burying the ask on slide 15.

After 24 years in banking and 15 years with Winning Presentations, I've watched executives with brilliant ideas fail because they built suspense like a Netflix drama.

Boards don't want suspense. They want answers.

Here's what I learned sitting in boardrooms where £50 million decisions were made:

Board members are scanning for 3 things:
→ What do you want?
→ What will it cost?
→ What's the return?

If they can't find these in 10 seconds, you've already lost them.

The fix is counterintuitive:

Put your recommendation on slide 1. Not your agenda. Not your introduction. Not "context setting."

Your ask.

Everything after that is supporting evidence.

I once saw a proposal get deferred twice. Same content. Same board.

The third time? The presenter moved the ask to slide 1.

Approved unanimously.

The content didn't change. The structure did.

---

What's the most frustrating presentation feedback you've ever received?

I'll share my worst one in the comments 👇

I just tested Agent Mode in PowerPoint Copilot.
Here's what it can (and can't) do for your presentations:

What Agent Mode does well:
→ Builds entire decks from a single prompt → Applies consistent formatting across all slides → Iterates on feedback without losing context → Handles multi-step instructions in one go
I gave it: "Create a 6-slide budget presentation requesting £400K for marketing automation. Include ROI projections and risk mitigation."
90 seconds later: A structured deck with an executive summary, investment table, timeline, and risk slide.
Two months ago, that same task would have taken 3-4 separate prompts and manual cleanup.

What Agent Mode still can't do:
✗ Know your audience's politics ✗ Anticipate the questions your CFO will ask ✗ Read the room when you're presenting ✗ Build the trust that gets proposals approved
The slides were solid. But they were still generic solid.
They didn't know that our CFO hates pie charts. Or that the VP of Sales will challenge any number over £200K. Or that the last automation project failed and everyone's still burned.

The real insight:
Agent Mode doesn't change what wins presentations.
It just handles the mechanical work faster — which means the human work matters more than ever.
The executives getting ahead aren't the ones with the best AI prompts.
They're the ones using AI to save 5 hours on slides... and investing that time in preparation, stakeholder relationships, and presence.

What's been your experience with Agent Mode so far?
Genuine question — I'm curious whether others are seeing the same pattern.

P.S. I'm teaching a course in January on combining AI efficiency with human persuasion. If that sounds useful, link in comments.

The presentation that almost ended my banking career:

I was 26. First time presenting to the Executive Committee.

45 slides. Three weeks of prep. Every number memorised.

Seven minutes in, the Global Head of Operations held up his hand:

"What's the ask?"

My ask was on slide 38.

I froze. Fumbled forward. Lost the room completely.

The meeting ended with "send us a one-pager" — which in banking means no.

That moment taught me something I carried for 24 years:

Executives don't want information. They want decisions.

They don't want your journey. They want your conclusion.

They don't want 45 slides. They want to know what you need from them — in the first 2 minutes.

The best presenters I worked with at JPMorgan, PwC, RBS, and Commerzbank all did the same thing:

→ Led with the recommendation
→ Spent more time before the meeting than during it
→ Prepared for the conversation, not the presentation

Your slides are a prop. They're not the show.

The show is what happens in the room.

What's the worst presentation lesson you learned the hard way?

---

📋 I put together a free checklist of what to do before every executive presentation — the prep I wish I'd had at 26.

Link in comments.

I've watched 500+ executive presentations.

90% make the same opening mistake.

They walk up and say:

"Good morning, my name is Sarah and today I'm going to talk about our Q3 results..."

And just like that — before a single piece of content is delivered — the room is gone.

Phones come out.
Eyes glaze over.
The CFO starts checking emails.

Here's what's actually happening:

Your audience isn't neutral. They're not thinking "I can't wait to hear this."

They're thinking: "Is this worth my time?"

And they decide in 10 seconds. Not 10 minutes. Ten seconds.

The presenters who get promoted, close deals, and get budgets approved?

They never open this way.

Instead, they use one of these:

→ A surprising statistic that challenges assumptions
→ A bold statement that demands attention
→ A story that creates emotional connection
→ A question that forces engagement

Example that works:

"75% of presentations fail to get action. But the executives who master their opening are 3x more likely to get yes. Today I'll show you exactly how they do it."

Example that fails:

"Thanks for having me. I'll try to be quick because I know you're busy."

(You just told them your content isn't worth their time.)

The first 30 seconds determine everything.

Nail them, and the room leans in.
Waste them, and you're fighting uphill for 20 minutes.

—

I've put together 50 opening lines you can steal for your next presentation.

From TED stages to boardrooms — examples for every situation.

Drop "OPEN" in the comments or DM me and I'll send you the link.

♻️ Repost if this helped someone you know

#presentations #publicspeaking #executivepresence #leadership #communication

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