Posts by David Shriner-Cahn
Lisa Cron’s 3 Top Resource Recommendations for Story Aficionados
Yesterday we brought you Lisa Cron, a story expert and author of Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers From the Very First Sentence. (If you missed Lisa, go back and listen here.) Lisa talked about how story translates fact into emotion, so we can understand how a product…
Read Full PostSTP034: Getting Wired for Story with Lisa Cron
These days it has become commonplace to talk about storytelling in business, but far less common to why it matters so much. Turns out there’s a biological basis to why persuasion works best in story form. In this episode, Wired for Story author Lisa Cron talks about the profound influence you can gain among your customers, employees, and colleagues by mastering the ancient art of story.
We discuss why…
- Story is the only effective way to communicate
- Every decision is an emotional decision
- Brain chemistry determines whether people buy
- Showing people you’re a mess is a fantastic leadership tactic
Lisa Cron is the author of Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers From the Very First Sentence. She’s worked at W.W. Norton, serves as a producer on shows for Showtime and CourtTV and is a consultant for Warner Brothers and the William Morris Agency. Since 2006, Lisa has also been an instructor in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.
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Lisa Gibson’s 5 Top Inspiration Magazines And Media Moguls
Yesterday we brought you Lisa Gibson, an expert conflict mediator. In Lisa’s episode of “Smashing the Plateau,” she goes into great detail about businesspeople finding their story. She also preaches the importance of personal harmony. (If you missed Lisa, go back and listen here.) Lisa knows help is vital to leaders’ overall success. Here are…
Read Full PostSTP033: Mediating in Search of Middle Grounds with Lisa Gibson
Award-winning author, attorney, and conflict resolution expert, Lisa Gibson has a full tool belt for dealing with conflict. She discusses crossing cultural boundaries and using your story to anchor your business (and much more) on this episode of “Smashing the Plateau.”
Topics include…
- Why business conflicts don’t end
- The importance of having a strong story
- The isolating effects of business
- How to deal with cultural conflicts
- Accepting yourself as an expert
Lisa Gibson is a best-selling and award-winning author, attorney, mediator, and global conflict mitigator. She is also a Certified Trainer in managing workplace conflict.
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S. Anthony Iannarino and Scott Messer’s Favorite Resources For Being Better Leaders
Yesterday we brought you the first Face Off on “Smashing the Plateau,” between Scott Messer and S. Anthony Iannarino. The two sales experts discussed the logistics of being the top salespeople and how to approach the craft. (If you missed Scott and Anthony, go back and listen here.) Both Scott and Anthony outlined their favorite…
Read Full PostSTP032: Where Do Sales Come From? with S. Anthony Iannarino and Scott Messer

We’re excited to bring you our first “Smashing the Plateau” Face Off, featuring S. Anthony Iannarino and Scott Messer, two titans in the sales field. Listen to Anthony and Scott weigh the many sides of closing a deal on this episode.
Topics include…
- How to approach sales prospects
- Why the personal relationship is secondary
- How sales is a form of leadership
- Why closing isn’t so bad after all
- How one deal is actually many smaller sales
S. Anthony Iannarino is the President and Chief Sales officer for SOLUTIONS Staffing. Scott Messer is the Principal at Sales Evolution.
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Eric Keiles 5 Top Inspirational Figures For Guidance
Yesterday we brought you Eric Keiles, Chief Marketing Officer at Square 2 Marketing. Eric has a passion for helping companies put themselves in the right position for their industry. (If you missed Eric, go back and listen here.) Eric, like just about any other business professional, has gotten a great deal of help along the…
Read Full PostSTP031: Finding Your Sales Story with Eric Keiles
Sales and marketing expert Eric Keiles sees the opportunity in today’s shifting business environment. On this episode of “Smashing the Plateau,” Eric talks about strategy following tactics, telling your story, and finding a partner to balance you out.
Topics include…
- How to handle inbound leads
- Why you shouldn’t talk about yourself
- When you don’t need marketing
- Why curiosity could be your best asset
- The real role of today’s salesperson
Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Square 2 Marketing, Eric Keiles is a leading sales and marketing strategist focused on pioneering a new marketing methodology.
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Wendy Lipton-Dibner’s 3 Books On Business And Self-Reflection
Yesterday we brought you Wendy Lipton-Dibner, a seasoned executive and organizational coach. Wendy likes to talk about finding what actually scares you and harnessing that power to use it as fuel. (If you missed Wendy, go back and listen here.) In her business travels, Wendy has looked inside herself to discover how to do her…
Read Full PostSTP030: Creating a Moment of Impact with Wendy Lipton-Dibner
Personal and organizational development expert Wendy Lipton-Dibner dishes some tips on how to delegate effectively, how to deal with fear, and how to overcome personal hurdles on this episode of “Smashing the Plateau.”
Topics include…
- How to recognize your hidden fears
- Why there is freedom in structure
- Finding out what’s really important
- How to use information you already have
- Using your investments to their max
Wendy Lipton-Dibner is the Founder of The Action Movement
, and President of Professional Impact, Inc. Wendy is a 3-times best-selling author known for her unique strategies for content marketing and delivery.
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Rick Frishman’s 4 Top Sources of Inspiration Along the Way
Yesterday we brought you Rick Frishman, experienced publisher, author, and speaker. Rick has some radical ideas about optimizing your online presence and developing a fan base. (If you missed Rick, go back and listen here.) Rick admits he can’t do it himself, and he doesn’t necessarily want to. Getting help lets your network grow, even…
Read Full PostSTP029: Staying Relevant in the Social Era with Rick Frishman
Veteran author and speaker Rick Frishman has made a living in the publishing industry by hacking into the psychology of customers and employees. On this episode of “Smashing the Plateau,” he discusses how to optimize day-to-day tasks and reach the goals you care about most.
Topics include…
- The importance of being accessible
- How to get fans raving about you
- Why selling is the last thing you should do
- How to forgive yourself for falling short
- The formula for a perfect online presence
Rick Frishman is a best-selling author, publisher, speaker, and the founder of Media Connect. He works with many of the top book editors, literary agents, and publishers in America.
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Debbie Allen’s 3 Top Inspirational Figures
Yesterday we brought you Debbie Allen, business brand strategist and author. She discussed the virtues of carving out a niche for yourself and getting ready for a future that’s going virtual. (If you missed Debbie, go back and listen here.) But not even the expert on expertise can do everything herself. Debbie has had some…
Read Full PostSTP028: Learning From the Woman the Experts Go To For Advice with Debbie Allen
Expert strategist in the fields of business growth, marketing, and branding, Debbie Allen discusses the importance of being specific and staying interesting on this episode of “Smashing the Plateau.”
Topics include…
- Why self-promotion takes practice
- How to get out of your head to succeed
- Getting ready for a virtual future
- How to handle being a commodity
- How to take your expertise public
Debbie Allen is an international business and brand strategist. She teaches small business owners and entrepreneurs how to turn their passion, skills, and talents into branded expertise.
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Marty Monaco’s 3 Top Personal Sources of Inspiration
Yesterday we brought you Marty Monaco, Founder and COO at Hopskoch. Marty’s conversation with us covered a lot of ground, including the secrets of finding the perfect partner and facing rejection head-on. (If you missed Marty, go back and listen here.) No one can get through personal or professional challenges alone. Here are Marty’s go-to…
Read Full PostSTP027: Staying Current in the Social Landscape with Marty Monaco
Working in the social media space, Marty Monaco is constantly forced to adapt his strategies. So you can bet he’s learned how to stay current. On this episode of “Smashing the Plateau,” Marty talks about recovering from rejection and how he decides where to go next.
Topics include…
- How to choose a path among many options
- The secrets to finding the perfect partner
- Why rejections aren’t all that bad
- How to deal with the frustrations of waiting
- When not to put all your eggs in one basket
Hopskoch Founder and COO Marty Monaco is an experienced entrepreneur and business development professional with more than 20 years in management consulting and enterprise software delivery.
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Doreen Gebbia’s 4 Top Sources of Inspiration, From Business To Poetry
Yesterday we brought you Doreen Gebbia, President of eRichards Consulting, LLC. Doreen has started and scaled her business, and has weathered storms along the way. (If you missed Doreen, go back and listen here.) Navigating the ups and downs of growing a business takes teamwork. Doreen talked a lot about the importance of a network.…
Read Full PostSTP026: What Doing the Right Thing Really Means with Doreen Gebbia
Doreen Gebbia recalls her experience with starting a business and the challenges that come with scaling on this episode of “Smashing the Plateau.” She tells us about the struggle to recover from a national disaster and how a strong circle of associates helped pull her business out.
Topics include…
- How to make opportunities happen
- Using your network to get through tough times
- How to turn disappointment into a learning experience
- When to draw boundaries and say “no”
- Why integrity may matter more than prosperity
Doreen Gebbia is the President of eRichards Consulting, LLC. For 15 years, she honed her skills in sales and marketing, while overseeing projects with leading advertising agencies, retailers and publishing houses.
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Kevin Charlton’s 3 Top Inspirational Business Books
Sales and financial services expert Kevin Charlton was our guest yesterday, and he talked about getting into the customer’s head in order to make key sales. (If you missed Kevin, go back and listen here.) Even experts need help sometimes. Some of the best freely admit to seeking help from others, even if they’re outside…
Read Full PostSTP025: How to Think Like a Buyer with Kevin Charlton
UK telephone sales coach veteran Kevin Charlton knows the Internet age is flipping the old ways of selling on their head. Customers do their homework. On this episode of “Smashing the Plateau,” Kevin offers salespeople some tips to slow down, stop selling, and just listen.
Topics include…
- Putting yourself inside the head of a customer
- When to listen and when to sell
- The homework all salespeople must do
- Why you should keep your grandmother in mind
- Keeping customers’ emotional pain in mind
With nearly 20 years in telephone sales training in the United Kingdom, Kevin Charlton is the Managing Director at Steer Development.
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Tracy Dennis’ 5 Top Personal Sources Of Motivation And Clarity
Yesterday we brought you Tracy Dennis, a psychologist at Hunter College. Tracy spoke in-depth about anxiety and how everyone, from business professionals to the general public, can help themselves relax. (If you missed Tracy, go back and listen here.) Even highly educated psychologists need a helping hand, though. Tracy turns to her colleagues (and someone…
Read Full PostSTP024: Making the Most of Your Emotions with Tracy Dennis
Professor, expert in emotional psychology, and developer of the app Personal Zen, Tracy Dennis gives tips for making even the most stressful days a positive experience, for entrepreneurs and the general public.
Topics include…
- How to stop thinking negatively
- The real reason anxiety is keeping you down
- How to ensure your day ends right
- Why the DIY approach boosts mental health
- The secret to finding your inner Zen
Tracy Dennis is a professor at Hunter College’s Department of Psychology. She is also the developer behind the app Personal Zen, which helps users reduce their anxiety through interactive games.
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Rajib Chowdhury’s 5 Top Mentors And Inspirational Figures
Yesterday we brought you Rajib Chowdhury, Managing Director of Paathshala Learning Solutions. An expert in employee development, Rajib has a lot to say on building businesses from the inside out. (If you missed him, go back and listen here.) Part of being a leader, of course, is knowing when other people can offer more than…
Read Full PostSTP023: Why Do People Do The Work They Do? with Rajib Chowdhury
Building businesses from the inside out is Rajib Chowdhury’s main focus. Without the right values to back up employee behavior, sales will never break through plateaus. On this episode, Rajib discusses the ultimate ways to build strengths in a staff and much more.
Topics include…
- Why belief should come before skill
- How to avoid traffic-driven goals
- The secret to getting employees to really learn
- How to best use people’s strengths
- Why the size of the organization doesn’t matter
Rajib Chowdhury is the Founder and Managing Director of Paathshala Learning Solutions, a start-up organization that focuses on employee development at the grass roots level.
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Pia Silva’s 4 Top Business Books For Finding Guidance
Yesterday we brought you Pia Silva, Co-Founder and Brand Strategist at Worstofall Design, who told us all about the precious relationship between sellers, buyers, and brands. (If you missed Pia, go back and listen here.) Branding is all about knowing how to connect with an audience on different levels. Pia admits she doesn’t have all…
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