Empowering Women
in Manufacturing And Business

Successful women sharing their experiences and life stories that contribute to the greater good of all, improving products, making things better and safer, and fulfilling lives.

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#71 Riveting Exchanges: The Art Of Internal Selling

business, vision and people concept - businessman holding glasses at presentation in office

On this week’s edition of the “Riveting Exchanges” segment on The WAM Podcast, hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace, discuss the concept of internally selling and what to do to get buy-in from your boss or colleagues for your next big idea. They discuss examples from their own extensive work experience and how they managed to get buy-in on their ideas. The ladies highlight the importance of involving as many people as possible so that people who may be resistant can clearly see their role in a potentially-changing system, and they do not feel as though they will get left behind.

This is important because people who do not buy in can act as roadblocks in executing the idea. Collaborating and engaging with the multiple stakeholders will mean that rather than just accepting the idea, people will truly buy in and work towards a collective vision because they feel heard and valued. This is not easy, especially when dealing with lots of personalities who have different interests, but following some simple steps will make internal selling more manageable.

“Internal selling is much more listening than anything else.” —Andrea Olson @pragmadik

“If you have got an idea, you don’t execute without selling the idea first, particularly if it involves other departments or other areas.” — Desiree Grace

MEET YOUR HOST

Andrea Olson

Andrea Olson, the author of No Disruptions: The New Future For Mid-Market Manufacturing and The Customer Missionis inspiring and educating industrial business leaders on how to transform their approach to marketing, technology, and communications to operate more efficiently and increase profitability. 

Andrea’s 19-year, field-tested background provides unique, applicable approaches to creating leaner, more effective, technology-driven, customer-facing operations. A 4-time ADDY® award-winner, she began her career at a tech startup and led the strategic marketing efforts at two global industrial manufacturers.

Andrea is the CEO of Pragmadik, an Operational Strategy Consultancy, and also a board member of the Midwest Manufacturing Business Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of mid-market manufacturing in the US.

Andrea’s most recent book, No Disruptions, provides manufacturing leaders an easy, educational read on how to increase revenue generation through marketing, branding, and effective technology implementation. 

In addition to writing, consulting and coaching, Andrea speaks to leaders and industry organizations around the world on operational strategies to discover new sources of revenues and savings. Contact Andrea to access information on her book, workshops, keynote speeches or consulting. 

For more information on Olson’s book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com and www.nodisruptions.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik

Desiree Grace

Desiree Grace is Director of Channel Accounts & Programs for Panduit Corporation in Tinley Park, Illinois.  Desiree and her team develop and deploy channel partner strategy and programs in North America.

She previously managed the Utility channel for Eaton North America, as their Vice President, Channel Development and Operations. Prior to this role, she served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Anamet Electrical, District Manager, at Panduit Corporation, and Branch Manager at WESCO.

Grace has over 27 years of experience in electrical manufacturing and distribution and has been an active member of NAED for over 10 years. She was the 2017 Trailblazer for NAED’s Women in Industry organization. Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Political Science from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, and an MBA with concentrations in Marketing and Operations from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.

Grace serves on the Church Council for First Congregational Church and is a volunteer with Dress for Success and Habitat for Humanity.

Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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