Sales Divas founder speaks to Strathmore business women

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter 

 

Kim Duke, founder and creator of the Sales Divas brought some sass and savvy business knowledge to the Wheatland Business Women (WBW) meeting held on April 9. 

Duke is an international sales expert who has worked with the NBA in New York City, has spoken for the government of Barbados, and is headed to England in September. After being invited to speak in Strathmore, Duke couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Groups like the WBW helped her propel her business into what it is and so she will always take the opportunity to speak to fellow women entrepreneurs and try to guide them on their own path.     

“I love working with women entrepreneurs. Women entrepreneurs are outnumbering men three to one in North America, but they’re not making the same kind of money, so that’s my goal is to help them make money,” said Duke.    

Like any good presenter Duke always hopes the women who listen to her speak will walk away empowered, and inspired to move forward with their business. One of the biggest things she wants women to take away from her presentation is hope. 

“Women entrepreneurs are really afraid of selling, so they usually love their product or service, they love their customers but they’re terrified of the selling process. So I want to give them many tips and things that show them that you can do it, so they walk out of here with tangible ideas they can use right away,” said Duke. 

Duke talked about why cold calling is a ridiculous notion that doesn’t actually work, and how coffee meetings are a waste of time unless you are already sure the client is the right fit for you. She also spoke about the importance of follow through, and gave up eight diva secrets to following up with clients. 

“She was real, she was funny and I think that people who attended had a lot to take away with practical things that they could do to enhance their businesses,” said Marcy Field, founder of Mountain Lion Leadership. 

“I loved her presentation. It is amazing to have such a dynamic speaker and professional woman come and speak to the local business women in Strathmore,” said Alicia Flint, owner of Thrive! Health and Wellness

“In an hour, I learned eight specific ways to direct my target client to my business. I think it is important to thank her for coming given that she came to Strathmore for almost nothing. It brings big city business right into our community.”

Part two of the Wheatland Business Women’s Marketing Your Business series will be held on May 14. Troy White will be speaking on the simple craft of leveraging stories in business.