Power to Sell

Season three of the Power to Sell Podcast finds our NDSU Sales students partnering with the NDSU Women in Business organization to interview six exceptional female leaders, executives, sales leaders, entrepreneurs, or community leaders. In our third episode of Fall Semester 2023, students had the opportunity to visit with the Fargo Site Leader for Microsoft, Jenny Olson. Jenny discussed the importance of influence, risk-taking, open-mindedness, and storytelling. She gave great examples of how she has utilized these skills at Microsoft and her time at the State of North Dakota.   

Season three of the Power to Sell Podcast finds our NDSU Sales students partnering with the NDSU Women in Business organization to interview six exceptional female leaders, executives, sales leaders, entrepreneurs, or community leaders. In our second episode of Fall Semester 2023, students had the opportunity to visit with a well-known business and community leader when they sat down with Kristi Huber, current SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Kristi talked about connecting with people, being intentional, building trust, and her career journey including past experiences as President of the United Way of Cass Clay.  

Season three of the Power to Sell Podcast finds our NDSU Sales students partnering with the NDSU Women in Business organization to interview six amazing female leaders, executives, sales leaders, entrepreneurs, or community leaders. In our first episode of Fall Semester 2023, students continued our theme of 'everybody sells' by sitting down Monni Nyaribo, who was recently crowned Miss North Dakota 2023. Monni might not be in sales, but she knows something about the art of connecting with people and persuasion! Monni talked about the importance of authenticity in what you do and how you present yourself. She also stressed the importance of trust and gave excellent advice on improving yourself one step at a time. 

In our final episode of the Spring Semester, students continued our theme of 'everybody sells' by sitting down with US Congressman Kelly Armstrong. Congressman Armstrong may not see himself as a sales professional, but he knows a thing or two about the art of persuasion! The congressman discussed his journey to the US House of Representatives and many current topics. He stressed the importance of trust, honesty, integrity, and transparency and how those skills are essential to finding common ground, even with people whose politics may not align with his.  

In episode 11, students continued our theme of 'everybody sells' by sitting down with the President of North Dakota State University, Dr. David Cook. President Cook may not see himself as a sales professional, but his position requires the ability to 'sell' a vision to students, alumni, legislators, and the local community. In addition to talking about his journey and the changes happening on campus, President Cook highlighted the importance of trust, transparency, and building relationships and how those skills have been essential to his success during his first year at NDSU. 

In episode 10, we continue our theme of 'everybody sells' by exploring another career requiring sales skills! Real estate development might be something few college students know about, but this guest sure does. Listen as students interview Todd Berning, President and owner of EPIC Companies and Spicy Pie Pizza. Although Todd may not see himself as a sales professional, it's clear that he is excellent at selling a vision to his team, investors, and the communities they work within.   Todd talked about how having heart and passion are the keys that have helped him be successful. Todd shared great advice and stories.  

In episode nine, we continue our theme of 'everybody sells' by exploring another career requiring sales skills! Have your sales skills prepared you for the life of James Bond or Jack Ryan? Listen as students interview William Cromarty, a former United States Federal Government Intelligence Officer. William drew several correlations between his previous career and the sales profession. He discussed how developing an asset is a sales process, requiring many of the same underlying sales skills, such as listening and empathy. William shared great advice and opened our eyes to the similarities between sales and intelligence gathering.  

In season two, we dive into the theme 'everybody sells!' Our guests are NOT sales professionals but must be persuasive, build trust, and understand people. In our second episode of season two, students interview Jory Collins, the Head Women's Basketball Coach at North Dakota State University. Jory talked about the importance of transparency and building trust with his team. Jory shared a lot of great advice and demonstrated how even a basketball coach needs sales skills!

In season two, we dive into the theme 'everybody sells!' Our guests are NOT sales professionals but need to be persuasive, build trust, and understand people. In our first episode of season two, students interview Luke Heck, a criminal defense attorney with the Vogel Law firm. Luke shared some great thoughts and experiences from an industry that most don't know outside of television. Luke had a lot of great advice, including the importance of storytelling in persuasion.  

In our sixth and final episode of season one, students interviewed Shannon Full, the President of the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.  Shannon shared some great stories and experiences, including simply sharing what the Chamber is and does in a community.  Shannon had a lot of great advice, including how collaboration, having a great mentor, and being a little fearless has helped her succeed.