TECHdotMN: News about Minnesota Startups

July 28, 2010 | by Jeff Pesek Comments

Sam Richter is SVP / CMO of Actifi, a Plymouth-based software company that helps large financial institutions create and develop business execution software.  Sam has been involved with the Minnesota Cup (High Tech division judge) since inception and he’s the author of Take the Cold out of Cold Calling (sixth printing) — a book  focused on web search strategies, research and sales intelligence.

“Take the Cold is a fascinating journey into the world of information, how to easily find it, and how to apply it to make sure you offer relevant solutions and make a great first impression. Information is key to almost any sale. The more information you have on your client and their needs, the better chance you have to ensure your solutions are relevant and the better chance you have to close a deal.”

Sam’s career began in television journalism, segued through advertising/ PR/reputation management into E-Business Marketing with Digital River and more recently,  past president of the James J. Hill Reference Library.  He’s a 2007 Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and international speaker on the subjects of sales, marketing, and leadership.

Join us for an enlightening 30 minute conversation about the balance between logic and persuasion from the tech entrepreneur’s perspective.   Topics include:  tips and tricks  that can be used to identify, reach, and influence key stakeholders; comprehensive business plan and market research; sales and business development techniques.

“…genuinely figure out what’s going on in the other persons world and how you can provide them value….regardless of whether your an introvert or you’ve never “sold” anything before,  identify objectives and problems that you can help solve for. The bottom line is that if you can justify your idea, if it can truly solve a problem, do your research and go in telling a great story.  I don’t care what the economic environment is, if you can figure out how to effectively solve other people’s problems, you’re going to be successful.” – Sam Richter

Tags: Actifi, GTK, Minnesota Cup, Sam Richter, SBR Worldwide