Ever take over a company after working for the owner? That's exactly what today's guest, Bernie DeSantis III, did... and it came with its own unique learning curve.  Tune in as Bernie shares his entrepreneurial journey from corporate trainer to business owner. We rant about a little of everything, from the fine art of networking to improving sales. Listen now!

Can't-miss moments:

• Bernie shares a neat trick for getting in front of the right people, even if you realize belatedly you're in front of the wrong people (this one is so simple, I'm angry I never thought of it!)
  
  
• Hard truth: being good at a thing doesn't automatically make you good at business. Here's how Bernie made that transition...
  
  
• Don't send Valentine's Day cards to people you didn't enjoy working with, and other cautionary outreach tales...
  
  
• Stop "pitch slapping" people! You know, that thing where you pitch someone your services before even getting to know them? Do THIS instead...
  
  
• "No" hasn't killed me yet... check out this approach for feeling the discomfort and making the ask anyway...

Bernie's bio:

Bernie DeSantis III owns Insignia Training Partners, a premier learning and development company specializing in providing outsourced training services for businesses. He has over 2 decades of experience in training facilitation, marketing, and operations.

With a passion for fostering genuine relationships and communication, Bernie places a high value on the human element in business. He understands that success is not merely about money and numbers but about building meaningful relationships and consistently delivering exceptional service.

Insignia collaborates with businesses of all sizes, regardless of industry, to streamline and enhance their corporate training initiatives. Whether it's training new hires to sell widgets, software implementations, virtual workshops and webinars, strategy, coaching, or designing bespoke leadership development programs, we deliver efficient and cost-effective solutions, Bernie's commitment to excellence is unwavering.

In addition to his role as a business leader, Bernie is the President of Growth Mode Engaged, a National B2B Success Champion networking group. Bernie is father to a stepson and daughter, Benjamin and Gwendolyn. Bernie is also an ordained “Dude,” and legally authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in most states.

If you see Bernie on the streets, you will know him by his EPIC mustache. Seriously, he is probably twisting and training his 'stache like a cartoon villain right now.

Links and Resources:

• Insignia Training Partners
• Growth Mode Engaged
• Badass Business Summit
• Bernie on Linke

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