TechBiz Connection Forum to Present Noteworthy Panel on Sales Challenges for the 21st Century

Feb. 13, 2013 - PRLog -- IRVINE, Calif. – TechBiz Connection will host a forum designed to help local businesses prepare for the sales challenges of the “new normal” of the 21st century on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the law offices of Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear in Irvine.

According to Jack Bicer, TechBiz Connection president, technology, globalization, and evolving concepts of brand loyalty are changing the way companies sell and develop business. Lowered market entry barriers are pervading global competitors in every technology sector.

“The internet is educating your customers and prospects to the differences in product features before they contact vendors,” Bicer noted, adding that “the economy, reduced head count, and the cost of travel are greatly restricting how we communicate and build relationships with our customers. Fortunately, we have organized an outstanding panel of seasoned sales professionals to discuss how you can prepare for the sales challenges of the new normal.”

Bob Johnson, the panel moderator, has over 35 years of information technology sales, operations and general management experience in the hardware, software and professional services industries. He has managed various small, medium and large technology organizations. His experience includes 28 years at Unisys with U.S. and global responsibility, including vice president and general manager, Unisys North America and vice president of worldwide sales operations. Mr. Johnson is also a member of the Tech Biz Connection Board of Directors.

Panelist Thumbnail Bios

·          Patrick McClure, CEO and founder of the Connexia Group, specializes in accelerating performance and efficiency by individuals and corporations. During his 25-year corporate career, he personally sold over $100 million in products and services for companies such as IBM, Digital Equipment, EDS and Hitachi Data Systems. The Connexia Group, founded in 2003, is a consulting and training organization that works with clients to drive accelerated sales results.

·         Sven Johnston is senior vice president, business development for GigaSavvy, an online marketing company with a core focus on SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social media marketing and web design and development. He has 15+ years’ experience in international business development and has a passion for building long-term strategic partnerships. He has worked for Fortune 500 companies all the way down to small entrepreneurial businesses. No stranger to complex challenges, he thrives on linking businesses to success. Mr. Johnston is a LinkedIn power user (4000+ connections) and has taught over 2000 people the power of using LinkedIn. He is also the founder of a LinkedIn group with over 7000 members called We Are Orange County!™

·         Rick Wyand is president of Jenall Marketing, LLC, a sales representation firm specializing in sales of products and solutions to wireless carriers. He has over 30 years of international sales experience in the US, Europe, Asia and Middle East. Prior to Jenall Marketing, Mr. Wyand was SVP of worldwide sales for Smith Micro Software where he closed deals with all the major wireless carriers and handset manufacturers; president/CEO of STF Technologies, an Apple software company where he closed a worldwide licensing deal with Apple and deals with many of the major modem manufacturers and Apple clones; and other sales and management positions with companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500. He is an outstanding relationship builder at all levels – customers, vendors and employees, with a strong track record of closing deals.

·         Will Crist is a sales force developer, trainer and coach. His company, Sandler Training, is a leader in innovative sales and sales management training. For over 40 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process. Mr. Crist has worked on sales projects with Fox Home Entertainment, Samsonite, Brooks-Rx, Sonnet Technologies, Nelson Engineering, Alphabio, Naviant (an Internet software company) to name a few. He specializes in helping companies build sales teams, improve sales management with real accountability and drive sales growth.

·         Glenn Hansen is regional managing principal of One Accord. Over the last 25 years, he has been a highly successful senior executive in retail, wholesale and B2B services. Achieving extraordinary results and leading profitable sales, he builds teams with synergy. Mr. Hansen has led teams to success in vastly different sales environments for both products and services. A great sales trainer and motivator, he has a talent for building effective strategies amidst complex challenges, then taking strategy to execution.

The TBC Forum’s discussion and subsequent question-and-answer session is sponsored by Daly-Swartz Public Relations (http://www.dsprel.com); Haynes and Boone LLP (http://www.haynesboone.com); Septium Corp.(http://www.septium.com); Smith Micro (http://www.smithmicro.com); and Knobbe Martens, Olson & Bear (http://www.kmob.com).

Admission to the TechBiz Connection event is $20 prepaid and $40 at the door. For further information and RSVP, visit http://www.techbizconnection.org or e-mail president@techbizconnection.org.

TechBiz Connection (http://www.techbizconnection.org) was created to support Southern California business and technology professionals, companies and entrepreneurs by providing timely education and networking opportunities. The organization focuses on where technology and business intersect; everything a successful high-tech company would want to do.

Contact:

Daly-Swartz PR for TechBiz Connection

Jeffrey Swartz, 949-470-0075

jeffreyswartz@dsprel.com