Kent Vanho, MBA

ALPHA COAST

At AlphaCoast.com, we help career executive coaches, recruiters, and franchisors guide professionals at all levels in career transition. 

Just to name a few, current clients hitting records revenue growth within three short months:
Larnell Vickers - 3,530% ROI
Johnny Walker - 1,810% ROI
Maryse Williams - 2,560% ROI
Ron Nash - 1,250% ROI
Briar Dougherty - 2,120% ROI
Jewel Bracy DeMaio - 2380% ROI
many, many more...

How do we do that? 

Introducing our Client Accelerator™ Program, an implementation, not training, but a one-on-one partnership to help you grow and scale your coaching business through our 4-step proven process:

Build:  We'll audit your entire customer journey to ensure that you have a strong and congruent positioning, messaging that resonates & an offer with a USP (Unique Selling Point) that separates you from your competition while validating that you have product-market-fit before we launch or activate your lead flow (Done-With-You)

Launch:  We'll build out the entire infrastructure, automations, and implement all tech stacks for you, and then infuse ready-to-buy inbound leads flow DAILY inside your business with dedicated resources to handle messaging, follow-ups, even book meetings straight to your calendar (Done-For-You)

Operate:  All you'll do is take the calls, close, fulfill, and simply repeat.  Need help with sales training? No problem. We'll work with you 1-on-1 to get you to your desired close rate (Done-With-You)

Scale:  We'll work with you 1-on-1 to solve your growing pains & remedy any bottlenecks before doubling the lead flow to double your revenue (Done-With-You)

To learn more, meet me at AlphaCoast.com

Chief Executive Officer

Cisco

➡️	Led worldwide effort to architect $3B Partner Plus global incentives channel program, which has roughly 4500 partners with a $45M budget to drive incremental growth for the Cisco commercial business from a $65B addressable market size 
➡️	Responsible for program management - strategy, implementation, IT, evolution, planning, marketing, communication and daily operations with strong focus on program evolution, governance, and strategy alignment with company's vision.
➡️	Drove cross functional engagement to develop and build the global Partner Plus incentives program “DNA” such as global incentives structure, program terms and conditions, program enrollment, marketing and business plans, and virtual engineering support
➡️	Managed partner measurement and payment process of $45M Partner Plus Program.  Worked closely with global and regional program and finance teams to ensure accurate contra funds distribution
➡️	Developed best practices to ensure optimal partner experiences at the time of program enrollment to receiving their rebate incentives are as pleasant as possible
➡️	Drove alignment and engagement with several cross functional teams to implement global consistency and simplification within the program strategy and processes and allow flexibility at the regional level when possible
➡️	Supported and managed relationships with external vendors to manage business and operational aspects of program rewards funds management and payment processing
➡️	Developed analytics using large datasets to justify program’s performance - KPI’s, its effectiveness, ROI, and future growth projections
➡️	Leveraged SFDC platform to track and assist in resolving partner escalation issues 
➡️	Managed and supported Solution Technology Integrator (STI) program where Cisco rewards Enterprise and Service Providers partners on a joint integrated technology solutions via MOU contracts to drive broader solutions appeal and greater revenue for both Cisco and its partners

Global Channels Operations Program Manager

➡️	Successfully launched five global channel incentives end-to-end on the Partner Program platform
➡️	Led cross-functional impact assessments to gather requirements for global channel incentive rebate programs, e.g. Partner Plus, Cloud MDF, Value Incentive, Big Bets and Quick Bets MOUs, for enterprise, service provider and commercial partners
➡️	Authored a series of test scripts, use cases, BRDs and user stories
➡️	Worked in conjunction with IT Development to deliver system capabilities, documented and socialized in the BRD
➡️	Conducted business requirements reviews to ensure all user stories, use cases and business requirements were correctly captured
➡️	Oversaw end-to-end Business Acceptance (BAT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for quarterly and monthly system releases
➡️	Led multi-release, parallel-running deliverables from business requirement to the go-live and into production support phases
➡️	Headed cross-functional deep dives on as-is MOU program requirements; delivered findings to management to drive program decision-making processes
➡️	Noted and tended to communications and training needs to support IT releases; noted possible risks and anticipated risks in order to develop holistic plans to mitigate or address each
➡️	Offered production support for rebate programs using FIN-BI, PPI-BO and data analysis tools to note causes and offer solutions 
➡️	Integrated and systematically supported partner program registrations in SFDC from Cisco Partner Program Platforms

Senior Project Manager

➡️	Successfully launched Cisco Commerce Workspace (CCW), an enterprise ordering tool with built-in financial business requirements that took the place of a previously-used legacy model 
➡️	Defined project scope with senior management and stakeholders, including deliverables to support business goals 
➡️	Sustained executive relationships to achieve project deadlines; also held regular status meetings with project teams to keep everyone motivated and informed of organizational developments and corporate news developments
➡️	Tracked lessons learned and shared expertise with colleagues to ensure new processes were integrated into future efforts 
➡️	Created and executed project work plans; revised to adhere to evolving needs and requirements
➡️	Completed project documents; stored suitably in order to deliver projects on time to achieve functionality, quality and performance

Project Manager

➡️	Handled resource scheduling, definition and documentation; also held meetings and delivered presentations as a liaison between the Project Manager, Business, IT and Managed Services teams
➡️	Delivered functional metrics for Cisco Systems’ Business Support Center to drive compliance with corporate reporting structures 
➡️	Suggested process improvements to ensure operational excellence and enhance service sales experiences across the board
➡️	Offered third-level and normalization support for opportunity management tools: CSCC, IQT, SCC; proactively and interactively managed incidents using the Remedy and RightNow case management systems to track concerns
➡️	Communicated daily with each theater to understand their pain-points and achieve resolution by rolling out scalable, optimized solutions e.g. mapping out global support process for GSSO and the Proactive Business Monitoring process flows for theaters
➡️	Acted as the sole intermediary between the GSSO to Customer Service (CS); led daily functions and strategic efforts to identify and resolve communication breakdowns, process concerns and quote conversion failures in need of intervention
➡️	Directed the Quote Conversion Failed (QCF) Process; cooperated with Theater Leads and process/tool Owners to develop and map a process for each theater to resolve QCF issues efficiently without compromising established service-level agreements (SLAs)
➡️	Tackled noted issues and led data analyses to validate Technical Defects (TD) proposals for process teams to resolve
➡️	Offered daily service support, case analyses, and resolutions at the highest L3 level for global service support operations
➡️	Led the delivery of daily CSCC global support by identifying major tool defects and process breakdowns
➡️	Heightened the visibility of issues to the director level; working with solutions and process teams to drive global CSCC adoption as partners/customers transitioned from SCC/IQT service tools

Sr. Business Analyst

Also worked as a Business/Data/Market Analyst (2003-2005) and Business Analyst Intern (2002-2003) with Cisco Systems

Business Intelligence Analyst

Toastmasters International

➡️ Retained existing membership and drove membership growth
➡️ Collaborated with VP of Public Relations to expand club presence
➡️ Conducted induction ceremonies for new members
➡️ Ensured public speaking growth needs are met and supported and encouraged "everyone has an equal speaking opportunity" policy.

Vice President at Starseach Toastmasters

At Alpha Coast, we help career, executive coaches, recruiters and franchisors guide professionals at all levels in career transition. To date, we have generated $88M+ ARR in the last 5 Years for 400+ Coaches & counting:

Just to name a few, current clients hitting record growth within 3 short months:

🚀 Larnell Vickers - 3,530% ROI
🚀 Melissa Beaudet - 1,140% ROI
🚀 Briar Dougherty - 2,120% ROI
🚀 Kris Plemmons - 1,810% ROI
🚀 Maryse Williams - 1560% ROI
🚀 Johnny Walker - 1108% ROI
🚀 Ron Nash - 1095% ROI
and many more...

How do we do that?  Through our Client Accelerator™ Program, where we
✔️ Ensure that you have a strong positioning, messaging that resonates & an offer with a USP while validating that you have product-market-fit before we launch (DWY)
✔️ Build & infuse ready-to-buy inbound lead flow DAILY inside your business (DFY)
✔️ Train you on our proven, scalable sales process to book sales calls and convert inbounds into customers (DWY)
✔️ Work with you to solve your growing pains & remedy any bottlenecks before doubling the lead flow to double your revenue (DWY)

Additionally, you get step-by-step strategies to accelerate your growth, 1-on-1 support from a dedicated success account manager, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Together we can make your dreams a reality because we believe that everyone deserves a chance at success!

The success of our members is at the heart of what we do. That's why we're committed to giving you the best advice possible and the most comprehensive support to help you reach your goals faster.

With AC, you'll have everything you need to craft your own success story.

We don't just want to see you succeed - we want to be part of it! 

Sincerely,
Kent Vanho 
Founder

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

"I was humming along ignorantly at 4-8 sales calls per week for about 5 years. With Alpha Coast, now I am leading 35-40 calls per WEEK...hitting $40k per month." Neil Schultz, Founder at CareerUpgrader

“Kent’s approach captures the speed of the market... His system works within days of beginning and has been a total game-changer for us.”
-Briar Dougherty, CEO & Founder of Career Organic

"The decision to partner with AlphaCoast was not one I took lightly. For months, I was skeptical about the value of such an investment.... my only regret is not having engaged with Kent and his team sooner, especially given that the initial investment was recouped within the first month." -Jessica Simko, Founder at Conscious Career Intelligence

You've made it this far; feel free to FOLLOW ME & visit AlphaCoast.com to learn more.

At AlphaCoast.com, we help coaches, consultants, and business owners add $1M ARR through inbound leads in 12 months or less. 

Just to name a few, current clients hitting records revenue growth within three short months:
Larnell Vickers - 3,530% ROI
Bob Britz - 1,810% ROI
Angie Bruhn - 2,560% ROI
Jamison Jacobs - 1,250% ROI
Briar Dougherty - 2,120% ROI
Dr. Jeffrey Maggee - 2,750% ROI
many, many more...

How do we do that?  Through our Client Profinder™ program:  It is an implementation program, not training, where we primarily focus on installing and refining the following core components of your business in order to scale to $1M ARR:
✔️ A solid online presence that commands credibility
✔️ A full pipeline of constant inbound leads who submit proposal inquiries daily
✔️ A refined proven process to book sales calls and convert them into customers
✔️ A scalable fulfillment process that can handle volume without limiting the quality of service

Additionally, you get step-by-step strategies to accelerate your growth, one-on-one support from a dedicated growth expert, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. 

Together we can make your dreams a reality because we believe that everyone deserves a chance at success!

The success of our members is at the heart of what we do. That's why we're committed to giving you the best advice possible and the most comprehensive support to help you reach your goals faster. 

With AlphaCoast.com, you'll have everything you need to craft your own success story. 

To learn more, meet me at AlphaCoast.com

Kent V.

Some people saw the winner in you.

Before you ever had proof.
Before you had results.
Before you had the confidence to say it out loud yourself.

Think about that for a moment.

Someone believed in you first.

Not because of your resume.
Not because of your track record.
Just because they saw something real in you.

Great leaders do that.

They hype you when you have nothing to show yet.
They see your potential before you recognize it.
They speak to your future, not your fears.

And that changes everything.

Here are 5 ways to show real gratitude to the people who supported you early:

1️⃣ Say thank you in real words
2️⃣ Lift someone else the way they lifted you
3️⃣ Keep doing the work they believed you could do
4️⃣ Be the kind of person people feel safe betting on
5️⃣ Tell them the exact moment that shifted things for you

Your story has their fingerprints all over it.

Do not forget the people who believed in you before the world did.

And if you want to pay it forward,
go believe in someone who is still learning to believe in themselves.

Who believed in your before you were ready?
Tag them in the comments 👇

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✅ Follow me Kent Vanho, MBA  for more on careers, coaching, and business.

CEO at Alpha Coast | We scale career coaches from $5k to $50k/mo, with our Done-For-You Lead Gen service | On avg, clients achieve $20k per month in 3 months | 400+ Clients & counting | See case-studies in link below ⬇️

Harsh Truth:

Most people stay stuck, thinking about what they don’t have.

They think about rest when at work.

They think about work when at rest.

And this split drains people more than the workload itself.

Here’s what actually helps:

→ Work in clear blocks so you know when to stop
→ Move your body so stress has somewhere to go
→ Take real rest days so your mind can actually reset
→ End your day with a short review so tomorrow is lighter
→ Create a simple plan for the day so you are not guessing
→ Focus on one task at a time so your brain stops juggling
→ Turn off notifications during deep work so you get real progress

One focused hour beats five distracted hours.
One true day off beats a whole week of sloppy half rest.

You do not need perfect balance.
You need presence.

Work when it is time to work.
Rest when it is time to rest.

Life gets a lot clearer when you stop living it in your head.

What’s one thing you do that helps you stay present?
Drop it below 👇

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These days leaders obsess over KPIs.
But they forget the most important ones are not numbers:

They are people.

Everyone wants better results.
Higher performance.
Clear progress.

But leaders often look at the scoreboard
before looking at the people who make the work move.

Here is the truth many avoid:

When leaders take care of their people,
People take care of the numbers.

A supported team tries harder.
A trusted team solves problems sooner.
A valued team stays focused when work gets heavy.

Here are the KPIs that matter long before any metric shows up:

1️⃣ Do people feel safe sharing their ideas
2️⃣ Do they understand what you expect from them
3️⃣ Do they feel appreciated in a way that is real
4️⃣ Do they get feedback they can use right away
5️⃣ Do they have the tools to do their best work
6️⃣ Do they believe you want them to grow
7️⃣ Do they feel steady, not tense, when you walk into the room

If these are strong, performance rises.
If these are weak, no dashboard can hide it.

The numbers reflect the environment you create.
The environment reflects how you lead.

Care for the people,
and the results will follow.

Which KPI are you focused on most right now?
Share it in the comments 👇

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This will transform your growth 👇

Most people think learning is about reading a book…

Or listening to someone talk about a cool idea.

But real learning doesn’t work like that.

The stuff that sticks?
The stuff that actually changes you?

👉 You learn by doing.

Here’s what actually happens when you learn:

📚 10% from reading
🎧 20% from hearing
📺 50% from watching
💬 70% from talking it through
🎤 80% from teaching or presenting it
✍️ 90% from trying it yourself

Wild, right?

You don’t remember the podcast you half-listened to.
You remember the thing you applied the same day.

So if you want to grow faster…

Stop only reading it.
Stop only hearing it.

Start talking about it.
Start practicing it all the time.

That’s how you turn info into skill.

That’s how you grow faster… month after month.

What have you learned recently?
Drop it below 👇

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How to learn:

11 Truths That Upgrade Your Career
(learn them before it’s too late)

Most people learn these years later than they should.
And that delay slows their confidence, choices, and income.

Learn them early and your whole path speeds up.

Here’s what actually moves your career forward:

1. Hard work is not the strategy
→ People notice outcomes, not late nights
→ High effort without direction burns you out

2. Quiet work keeps you invisible
→ Value only counts when people can see it
→ Hidden impact limits your options fast

3. Skills expire faster than you expect
→ Every industry changes quicker each year
→ Fresh skills keep you flexible and ready

4. Busyness is not a winning brand
→ A packed schedule can hide poor priorities
→ Results build trust more than hours spent

5. Loyalty does not protect your role
→ Companies adjust quicker than people think
→ Staying stuck costs you growth long-term

6. Your network multiplies your options
→ Relationships open doors resumes cannot
→ Advocates help you get seen in bigger rooms

7. Raises rarely appear without action
→ Leaders need proof, not assumptions
→ Tie your work to visible improvements

8. Comfort slows your future down
→ Easy seasons make you stall quietly
→ Growth starts in places that feel new

9. Dream roles can drain you too
→ Perks do not fix being undervalued
→ A shiny job means nothing if you feel stuck

10. Your boss is not your career plan
→ Their goals shape your tasks, not your pathway
→ You decide what direction you grow toward

11. You will outgrow teams and old versions of you
→ It is normal to shift as you develop
→ Letting go creates room for real progress

Learning these early saves you years of sidesteps and confusion.
Your confidence rises.
Your decisions get sharper.
Your career finally moves forward instead of looping back.

Which truth hits you right now?
Drop it below. 👇

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11 Truths that Upgrade your Career Instantly

Bad culture feels like a knot in your stomach every sunday night.

Great culture gives you peace of mind.

And no matter what a company claims, 
culture is really just how a place makes you feel every single day.

If people feel stressed, ignored, or worried all the time,
then the culture is broken, even if the branding looks perfect.

Here are 10 reasons your team dreads Monday morning:

1/ No one feels heard
→ ask for input, write it down, circle back with updates

2/ Leaders only show up when something is wrong
→ schedule regular check ins focused on progress, not problems

3/ Too many “urgent” messages
→ set response windows so people can actually unplug after work

4/ Unclear expectations
→ define goals in plain language so the team knows what “good work” looks like

5/ Tension that never gets addressed
→ call a 15 minute reset meeting to clear the air before it becomes toxic

6/ People feel replaceable
→ acknowledge effort directly, not through mass messages

7/ Feedback only arrives during mistakes
→ give small, frequent coaching moments during normal days

8/ Workloads are not managed
→ review capacity weekly so burnout is caught early, not late

9/ Trust is low inside the team
→ let people own tasks fully instead of redoing their work

10/ Everyone pretends everything is fine
→ start meetings with “what’s one thing we can improve this week” to get honest voices

Culture is a daily feeling, not a slogan.
And people stay where they feel supported, not drained.

Which point matters most in your workplace right now?
Share it below. 👇

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Your phone is hijacking your brain.

(and poisoning your mental health)

Most people think they are stressed because life is busy.

But the real issue?
Their brain is overloaded from constant dopamine hits.
Every scroll gives a quick spike.
Every spike creates a crash.

And those crashes stack up fast.

This is why you feel drained, foggy, or unfocused.
Your brain is trying to recover from chaos it never asked for.

Here are 7 habits that keep frying your dopamine:

1️⃣ Checking your phone before you even get out of bed
↳ Your nervous system goes straight into overload
↳ You start the day with stress instead of calm

2️⃣ Scrolling whenever you feel bored
↳ Boredom is where creativity grows
↳ Overstimulation turns everything into noise

3️⃣ Reacting to every notification
↳ Each ping pulls your brain out of focus
↳ You lose more energy than you think

4️⃣ Using your phone to escape real life
↳ Avoiding problems makes them heavier
↳ The crash after feels worse than the stress before

5️⃣ Searching for quick pleasure when you feel low
↳ The boost is temporary
↳ The drop after hits harder than the high

6️⃣ Jumping between apps all day
↳ Your brain is not built for constant switching
↳ Mental fatigue builds quietly

7️⃣ Letting your phone guide your habits
↳ Without intention, it runs your entire day
↳ The more control it has, the less control you feel

Dopamine is not the enemy.
Your phone is not the enemy either.
Losing control of your attention is the real problem.

If you want to feel better mentally,
Use your phone less.
Use real life more.

Small changes make your brain stronger than you realize.

Which one hit you hardest?
Let’s discuss in the comments 👇

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Your phone is hijacking your brain

These 16 skills pay you back forever.

Not because they’re popular, 
but because they’re timeless.

1/ Learn to sell with real conviction.
↳ If you can’t sell, you can’t scale, not your ideas, not your vision.

2/ Communicate clearly in every conversation.
↳ Clarity builds confidence. Confusion kills opportunity.

3/ Focus deeply on what actually matters.
↳ Depth compounds faster than distraction ever will.

4/ Manage your energy like your business depends on it.
↳ Because it does. Consistency beats intensity every time.

5/ Build systems that scale beyond your effort.
↳ Winners rely on habits. Leaders design repeatable growth.

6/ Listen fully before making any assumptions.
↳ You learn more by staying curious, not loud.

7/ Make decisions fast and refine as you go.
↳ Action creates clarity. Waiting creates doubt.

8/ Take feedback even when it stings.
↳ Growth rarely feels good in real time.

9/ Adapt quickly when conditions start changing.
↳ Flexibility keeps you in the game longer.

10/ Market yourself without feeling like you’re bragging.
↳ Visibility is a skill, not vanity.

11/ Manage money with discipline and foresight.
↳ If you don’t track it, you lose it.

12/ Think for yourself instead of following crowds.
↳ Original thinking separates players from leaders.

13/ Teach what you know to others.
↳ Impact multiplies when you pass it on.

14/ Lead yourself before trying to lead others.
↳ You can’t demand what you don’t demonstrate.

15/ Say no to protect your priorities.
↳ Every yes has an invisible cost.

16/ Stay curious long after you’ve “made it”.
↳ The minute you stop learning, you start fading.

The best skills don’t expire.
They compound, year after year, result after result.

Which one are you doubling down on right now? 
Drop it below 👇

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OKRs are your ambitious goals.

KPIs are how you track execution.

Ignore either... and your growth stalls.

Most coaches try to scale on feel.
But feel isn’t data.
And opinions don’t build predictable income.

OKRs set your direction.
KPIs prove you’re moving towards it.

Together?
They turn chaos into clarity.

OKRs (Objectives + Key Results)
Your blueprint for bold growth.

What They Do:

✔️ Turn big goals into clear outcomes.
✔️ Align your team behind one focus.
✔️ Make long-term strategy actionable now.

When To Use:

👉🏽 You’re scaling fast and need focus.
👉🏽 You’re setting quarterly priorities.
👉🏽 You want your team rowing in sync.

Ask Yourself:

→ What single result moves the needle most?
→ Are our goals stretching or playing safe?
→ Does everyone know what winning looks like?

End Goal:

Everyone’s clear on where you’re headed and how you’ll get there.

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

Your scoreboard for performance.

What They Do:

✔️ Show what’s working (and what’s not).
✔️ Keep growth consistent.
✔️ Flag problems before they blow up.

When To Use:

👉🏽 You want to measure stability.
👉🏽 You’re tracking ongoing systems.
👉🏽 You need visibility across the team.

Ask Yourself:

→ Which numbers prove we’re on track?
→ What early signs warn something’s off?
→ Are we tracking progress or just activity?

End Goal:

No guessing. Just clarity, consistency, and control.

TLDR:

OKRs = Where you’re headed.
KPIs = How you’ll get there.

Miss one... and you’re running in circles.

Are you using both to scale your coaching business right now? 👇🏽

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You’re probably wasting 15 to 20 hours every week.

These 8 frameworks reveal why:

1️⃣ Eisenhower Matrix
 ↳ A simple way to sort urgent and important work
 ↳ Stops you from treating every task like a fire
 ↳ Helps you spend more time on work that grows your value

2️⃣ RICE Scoring Model
 ↳ Based on reach, impact, confidence, and effort
 ↳ Removes bias and emotion from decisions
 ↳ Helps you pick projects that boost visibility and results

3️⃣ ICE Scoring Model
 ↳ A faster version of RICE using just three factors
 ↳ Allows you to rank ideas in minutes
 ↳ Reduces overthinking so you move quicker

4️⃣ WSJF Method
 ↳ Prioritises ideas with the biggest return for the least effort
 ↳ Exposes tasks that waste hours but add little value
 ↳ Positions you as someone who finds smart wins fast

5️⃣ OODA Loop
 ↳ Helps make sharp decisions in fast-moving situations
 ↳ Prevents overthinking or freezing
 ↳ Keeps you agile and ahead of change

6️⃣ RAPID Framework
 ↳ Clarifies who recommends, agrees, performs, gives input, and decides
 ↳ Removes confusion and friction around decision making
 ↳ Helps you lead cleaner meetings and build trust faster

7️⃣ Cynefin Framework
 ↳ Helps you assess whether a problem is simple or complex
 ↳ Avoids using one leadership style for every situation

8️⃣ Strategic Governance Rhythms
 ↳ Weekly, monthly, and quarterly check-ins to realign priorities
 ↳ Keeps your focus sharp instead of drifting
 ↳ Enables consistent growth—not just progress during a crisis

Your success is shaped less by effort and more by what you give effort to.

Use these frameworks so your time finally matches your goals.

Which one do you want a deeper breakdown on?
Drop it below 👇

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Most people think work-life balance means working less.

(they are so wrong)

It just means building a life that actually fits you.

Here is what helps:

1. Track your natural high-energy hours
→ Schedule your important work here and protect this time.

2. Notice when your focus drops
→ Shift to lighter tasks or take a short break instead of forcing it.

3. Build recovery into your day
→ Walks, quiet moments, or simple resets prevent burnout.

4. Create a weekly rhythm that supports your life
→ Work, family, health, and personal goals should all have space.

When you understand your energy, your days feel lighter and your output improves.

What part of your day drains you the fastest?
Share it in the comments 👇

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The biggest mistake I made years ago,
is the same mistake I see people making every day..

They let self-doubt make decisions for them.

They say no before anyone else gets the chance to say yes.

You’d be surprised how many people self-reject before the world even does.

They don’t speak up in meetings.
They don’t apply for the job.
They don’t pitch the idea.
They don’t ask for help.

Not because they can’t...
But because they think they can’t.

That’s what self-doubt does,
It kills opportunity quietly.

If that’s you right now, here’s what helped me break the loop:

1️⃣ Do it scared.
↳ Waiting to feel ready means you’ll never start.

2️⃣ Borrow belief.
↳ If you can’t believe in yourself yet, borrow it from someone who does.

3️⃣ Act first, think later.
↳ Confidence doesn’t come before action... it comes from action.

Self-doubt might never disappear completely...
But courage gets louder every time you move anyway.

Your next win is one brave step away.

What’s one thing you’ll do today even if you’re unsure?
Drop it below 👇

♻ Repost this if it resonated with you.
✅ Follow me Kent Vanho, MBA for more on careers, coaching, and business.

9 Harsh Business Truths

(That accelerate your growth curve)

Everyone wants the rewards.
Few are ready for the reality.

Here are 9 truths every founder learns the hard way:

1️⃣ No one’s coming to save you
↳ Waiting kills more businesses than failure ever did.
↳ Momentum starts the moment you stop blaming and start building.
↳ Progress compounds once ownership becomes instinct, not effort.

2️⃣ Your idea means nothing without proof
↳ Passion doesn’t replace validation, data does.
↳ The market only rewards problems solved, not stories told.
↳ Get it live, get feedback, then iterate faster than anyone else.

3️⃣ You will lose people along the way
↳ Growth changes your pace, not everyone keeps up.
↳ Some leave because your success mirrors what they won’t chase.
↳ Protect your peace by surrounding yourself with builders, not bystanders.

4️⃣ Momentum hides weak foundations
↳ Growth exposes every shortcut you made early.
↳ What you ignore at $10K becomes chaos at $100K.
↳ Fix structure now or you’ll rebuild it under pressure later.

5️⃣ Your emotions can ruin your business
↳ Reacting fast feels powerful, until it costs you clarity.
↳ The calmest person in the room usually wins.
↳ When in doubt, slow the decision, not the discipline.

6️⃣ You can’t hire your way out of poor leadership
↳ Great hires fail under bad direction.
↳ If they don’t know where you’re going, they can’t move fast.
↳ Lead with clarity first, competence follows.

7️⃣ Not every opportunity is a good one
 ↳ Distraction is dressed up as opportunity 90% of the time.
 ↳ Saying no sharpens focus; saying yes to everything dulls it.
 ↳ Depth beats expansion when you’re building for endurance.

8️⃣ Most people won’t understand your drive
 ↳ Your ambition will look like obsession to average minds.
 ↳ Don’t explain vision to people who’ve never built one.
 ↳ Keep your energy for execution, not convincing.

9️⃣ Your business will only grow as fast as you do
 ↳ Stagnant founders create stagnant cultures.
 ↳ New levels need new habits, not new logos.
 ↳ Upgrade your mindset before upgrading your metrics.

Business doesn’t reward comfort.
It rewards those who stay honest, adapt fast, and keep showing up.

Which truth hit hardest for you?
Drop it below 👇

♻ Repost this if it resonated with you.
✅ Follow me @Kent Vanho for more on careers, coaching, and business.

9 Harsh Business Truths

Good managers manage.

Great leaders change people.

A good coach is not here to keep you comfortable.

They pull you into discomfort,
into honesty,
Into reality.

Most people think growth feels smooth.
It does not.
Real growth sounds like:

“I do not know if I am ready.”
“This feels uncomfortable.”
“This scares me.”

And that is exactly where things start to shift.

A strong coach does not give you every answer.

They help you find them.
They challenge your patterns.
They invite you into bigger responsibilities.
They believe in the version of you that you have not stepped into yet.

I have seen it again and again at Alpha Coast.

The people who grow the fastest are not always the most experienced.
They are the ones who:

✓ Learn quickly
✓ Take feedback without shutting down
✓ Adjust their approach when needed
✓ Step forward even when they feel unsure

Pressure does not grow people.
Belief does.
Accountability does.
Honest coaching does.

A coach changes you by helping you see what you avoid,
by asking the questions that make you pause,
and by refusing to let you shrink.

If you want real growth, find someone who does not let you hide.
Comfort keeps you the same.
Coaching moves you forward.

Which part of this lands most for you today?
Share it below 👇

♻ Repost this to support someone who wants to grow.
✅ Follow me Kent Vanho, MBA for more on careers, coaching, and business.

Nothing hits harder than achieving your goals and realizing they weren’t your own.

You did everything right.

Climbed the ladder.
Got the title.
Made the money.
Still... something feels off.

Because this is what we’re taught success looks like:

🏆 Impressive job title
💰 Big annual salary
🏠 Expensive house

But here’s what success actually looks like:

✅ Desire to progress
✅ Control of your time
✅ Work you’re proud of
✅ The challenge to grow
✅ Making your own choices
✅ Working with great people

Success isn’t about reaching the top.
It’s about rising on your own terms.

The goal isn’t to live someone else’s dream.
It’s to build a life that feels like yours.

If you’ve ever hit a milestone and felt... nothing,
that's your sign to redefine what winning really means.

What does success look like to you right now?
Drop it below 👇

♻ Repost this if it resonated with you.
✅ Follow me Kent Vanho, MBA for more on careers, coaching, and business.

The most successful people have this in common:

Someone who believed in them before they made it.

Because belief builds people.

You can have all the skill in the world...
but sometimes it takes one person to say “I see you”, before you see it yourself.

That’s how confidence starts.
Not from certainty... but from borrowed belief.

For me, it was someone who reminded me,
“You’re not stuck... you’re just scared.”

That one sentence changed everything.

Because when someone believes in you,
they don’t just lift your confidence...
they change your direction.

If you’ve ever had that kind of person, you know the power of it.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1/ Borrow belief until you build your own.
↳ That’s not weakness, it’s how growth begins.

2/ Be that person for someone else.
↳ One “you’ve got this” can rewrite someone’s future.

3/ Never forget who believed first.
↳ Loyalty starts with gratitude.

The truth is...
Success isn’t built alone.
It starts with one believer.

Who believed in you before success showed up?
Tag them below 👇

♻ Repost to remind someone they matter.
✅ Follow me Kent Vanho, MBA for more on careers, coaching, and business.

Experience looks great on paper.

Attitude wins in real life.

You can train almost any skill...
But you can’t teach hunger, humility, or heart.

I’ve seen people join Alpha Coast with zero background in lead gen...
And within months, they’re running projects like seasoned pros.

Why?
Because they show a desire to:

✅ Learn fast
✅ Take feedback without taking it personal
✅ Flex their approach when plans change
✅ Step up when more responsibility shows up

Those traits turn good employees into future leaders.

When you hire, don’t just look for what’s on paper.
Look for curiosity, consistency, and coachability.

Because skills fade...
Attitude compounds.

That’s how we build winning teams at Alpha Coast.
Hungry people who grow with us, not just work for us.

♻ Repost this to help a leader hire smarter.
✅ Follow me Kent Vanho, MBA for more on careers, coaching, and business.

40+ Linkedin Money-Making-Influence Resources I Toxic Boss Immunity I Frequency of INFLUENCE: ETHICAL PERSUASION I $20k Brain-Based Sales System | HarvardX Neuroscience Research I Keynote 🎤 I X-Microsoft I Captain ⛵

$20k Monthly Brain Based Sales System Without Chasing the "Yes"

You know the feeling:
😳 Your brain lights up with “What if they think I’m pushy?” the second you open a DM.
😬 You’d rather post and pray the right people find you than risk being ghosted.
😅 You tell yourself that if you were really good, clients would just show up.

You don’t want to fake connection just to pitch.
You want sales that feels human. Real conversations, not pressure tactics.

You’re not bad at sales.
Your brain is just protecting you.

The amygdala flags rejection as danger.
Your prefrontal cortex freezes.
And boom hesitation, overthinking, silence.

That’s where my work comes in.
I teach the Neuroscience of No-Pressure Sales so you can sell with calm confidence instead of fear.

No scripts. No manipulation.
Just science, psychology, and simple tools to retrain your nervous system so selling feels natural again.

When your brain is relaxed, your authenticity returns.
You stop pitching and start connecting.
Outreach stops feeling like an intrusion and starts feeling like service.

This is sales made easy for coaches who hate selling.

✨ Ways to get started with me:

✅ If you're a coach DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a business owner DM me "Butter"
✅ If you're a sales leader DM me "Butter"
✅ Attend my next workshop for FREE BRAIN BASED SALES SECRETS. https://forms.gle/HvTRDEZEuu7bgQEF8
✅ Subscribe to the Be Like Butter Bugle: Weekly brain hacks for resilience and influence. https://synaptic-solutions.kit.com/newsletter

Personal interests: 
- Captain ⛵️ 
- Recovering Sugar Addict 🍭 
- Trash TV consumer 🗑️

Sales Coach | Toxic Boss Coach | Neuroscience Coach | Executive Coach | Master Behavioral Strategist | Speaker | Advisor | Expert | 7 figures | Virtual Speaking | Sales Performance Brain Hacker | Mindset Coach I Corporate Trainer I Influence I Key Note Speaker

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

Leaders don't do things for you. 

They inspire you to grow into someone who can do them 

Your brain's mirror neurons are fascinating...

When we observe great leadership, 
Our neural networks literally reshape themselves 🧠

Here's what happened in my team's brains 
When I shifted from problem-solver to growth catalyst:

1️⃣ Neural Leadership Networks
↳ Prefrontal cortex activation in decision-making up 
↳ Stress response pathways decreased
↳ Reward circuits fired during problem-solving

2️⃣ Learning Circuit Activation
↳ Neuroplasticity peaked during challenges
↳ Dopamine loops strengthened team bonds
↳ Cognitive flexibility increased 

3️⃣ Performance Neuroscience
↳ Cortisol levels dropped 
↳ Oxytocin boosted trust signals
↳ Group synchronization improved

Science shows: When leaders step back,
The team's collective neural networks step up.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

PS: What neural pathway did your best leader help you strengthen? 🧠

Video credit: Unlnown

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to build stronger leadership brains
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based growth insights

The hard things you avoid 

Are the exact things that free you

Most people avoid the hard stuff.
Not because they are lazy.
Because their brain is trying to protect them.

The prefrontal cortex wants long term wins
But the amygdala wants immediate comfort
So every hard task feels like a threat
And your brain tells you to delay it
Even when it hurts you later.

Here is how to flip the switch
So your brain stops fighting you
And starts working for you.

1/ Reduce the threat signal
 Big tasks feel dangerous
 So your brain freezes
 Break the task into the smallest next move
 Science: Small steps lower amygdala activity
 And increase dopamine for starting

2/ Front load the friction
 Do the hardest task first
 Before your brain is overloaded
 Science: Your decision making power is highest early
 And cortisol rises as the day goes on

3/ Create a reward loop
 Your brain needs a reason to try
 Pair the hard task with a positive cue
 Tea, music, a small celebration
 Science: Dopamine releases faster
 When a reward is tied to effort, not outcomes

When you train your brain to face hard things
You stop leaking energy
You build momentum
And the tough stuff becomes automatic

P.S. Whats your best procrastination buster? 

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Video Credit: Unknown

-----------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon  to get more brainy tips
♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

I used to shrink parts of myself to fit into corporate.

It quietly drained the life out of my ideas (and me).

At the time, I thought success required self-erasure.
I hit every goal on the board.
But I felt empty.

 🧠 Promotions
 🧠 Pay raises
 🧠 Prestige

None of it mattered.
My spark was gone.
And so was my creativity.

Have you ever noticed how your brain invents ideas
When you’re not even trying?

Your imagination lights up your neural networks
Like a synchronized light show.

Brain imaging reveals that
Most of your regions activate during visualization.

Here’s what fuels your imagination 👇

1/ Your Brain’s Creative Engine
 ↳ Default Mode Network turns on as the PFC steps back
 ↳ Memory blends with emotion to create new associations
 ↳ Your brain recombines patterns without limits

2/ The Moment Insight Strikes
 ↳ Gamma bursts peak during big realizations
 ↳ Hippocampus sends raw material to the DMN
 ↳ New pathways strengthen the more you play with ideas

3/ Your Creativity Enhancement Tools
 ↳ Take short intentional pauses for DMN activation
 ↳ Change scenes to trigger fresh circuitry
 ↳ Welcome boredom because it sparks innovation

Creativity is not magic.
It is a neural process you can train.
All you need is the space and permission to
Reconnect with curiosity and let your mind roam.
Don’t lose your spark chasing goals that dim you.

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

PS: When does your imagination run wild?

Video Credit: Unknown

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to help others reclaim their creativity
➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based growth insights

Your brain won't save you.

Your heart will. 

For two weeks, I volunteered to help rescue animals.
Feeding, cleaning, comforting the scared and the broken.

They had nothing to give back
but showing up still felt right.

Because giving changes you.
It pulls you out of fear and back into purpose.

And right now, the world needs more of that.
 💔 People are hurting.
 💔 Jobs disappearing.
 💔 Markets spiraling.
 💔 Stress levels through the roof.

Everyone’s doing their best just to stay afloat.
But when everything feels unstable,
most people grip tighter.
They try to control.
They chase.
They push harder for the “yes.”

That’s exactly why it stops working.
The brain senses pressure and shuts down trust.
You can’t sell, serve, or lead from scarcity.
You can only do it from calm generosity.

That’s why I’m giving away what I’ve learned.
The exact framework that helped me break free from corporate,
build consistency on my own,
and stop chasing clients who weren’t ready.

It’s called Stop Chasing the Yes.
A workshop to help you
 – Build your own predictable client system
 – Shift from pressure to presence in every conversation
 – Lead with calm confidence instead of fear

If you’ve been giving everything and still feel stuck,
this is your next step.

Because giving works best
when you give to yourself too.

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

P.S. Do you volunteer, if so where?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more neuroscience tools for calm influence
♻️ Repost to help others give without burning out

The only true failure in life is quitting. 

Success is never a straight line. It certainly wasn't for me.

I've had many failures and setbacks along my path.
Layoffs.
Failed ventures.
Bad investments. 

Life is messy. 
Mess is a part of life.

Enjoy the messiness. 
And, your brain kinda likes it messy too.

Why your brain craves zigzag paths 🧠

(The science of why progress feels so messy) 👇

Your neural pathways aren't built in straight lines
And neither is your path to greatness
Here's what's really happening in your brain:

1️⃣ The Neural Reality
↳ Growth pathways form through trial and error
↳ Each "failure" strengthens neural connections
↳ Your brain requires contrast to learn

2️⃣ The Resilience Loop
↳ Setbacks activate problem-solving networks
↳ Stress actually enhances memory formation
↳ Recovery periods boost cognitive flexibility

3️⃣ The Growth Paradox
↳ Progress activates dopamine reward system
↳ Plateaus create new neural foundations
↳ Breakthroughs happen during apparent standstills

Your "messy" journey is how your brain is designed to learn and grow.

P.S. What was your latest messiness?

Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Video Credit: Unknown

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you're ready to embrace the zigzag
➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based insights

Most people’s LinkedIn strategy: grind harder and hope

Mine: close clients while living life on my own schedule

I’ve wandered through the Greek islands
- Boat rides to hidden beaches
- Mornings working with seaside views
- A weekend in Skopelos without realizing it was a movie set

I spent a month in Athens
- Day trips to Agistri, turquoise blue waters
- Afternoons coaching clients

Why am I sharing this?
 Because your brain says “that’s not for me”
 Because it tells you to stick with the familiar
 (It’s called comfort bias and it keeps you stuck)

But here’s what no one will tell you:
If you want it, this life is closer than you think

Here’s how your brain makes it happen:

1️⃣ The Belief Reset
 ↳ Your brain avoids what feels out of reach
 ↳ Turn “impossible” into doable with simple shifts
 ↳ Stack wins until change feels normal

2️⃣ The LinkedIn Advantage
 ↳ Know what your ideal client looks for before they decide
 ↳ Post and message in ways that feel safe and personal
 ↳ Use a system that works even while you’re away

3️⃣ The Lifestyle Flywheel
 ↳ Every yes starts before the offer is made
 ↳ Match your approach to their decision process
 ↳ That’s how I work from coastlines and mountain trails

The point?

It’s not about more work
It’s about the right work for the brain

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

P.S. Where would you take your laptop first?
P.P.S. Pic from Poseidon's Temple (10/10)
-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales strategies

One more trip around the sun.

It's been a doozy.

Every birthday, I pause and reflect on my last year.
This year was the year that stretched me in every direction.

I lost my favorite person (my Belley Bean)
That loss began an 8 month walkabout across the globe.

I found my spiritual side.
I found strength I didn't know I had.

I escaped 3 typhoons
I sailed the Mediterranean
I ate the most amazing food 
I chopped a bajillion bananas
I swam in the Blue Cave in Croatia
I cared for 140 elephants and 700 dogs
I got bit and headbutted by deer in Nara
I moved what felt like a million watermelons
I spoiled myself at a Japanese Onsen regularly
I calmly navigated a stalker sitch right up to my airplane 
I lost a toenail trying an advanced yoga post in Cabo San Lucas

I missed my family.
I missed my friends.

I grew.
I grew so much.
I think I grew more this year than any year before.

I admired the precision of Japanese trains.
I learned Thai people do not use chopsticks.
I went from a 3k to 50k community in 8 months.
I was stunned by the beauty of the Greek islands.
I made new friends in the most unexpected places.
I built a predictable, brain-based revenue machine.
I helped countless clients do the same for their businesses.

This year was not easy.
It was not predictable.
But it was deeply transformative.

Here is to another year of becoming.
Here is to letting go, leaning in, and staying open.

And if you are reading this…
Thank you for being part of my journey.

P.S. Today, I am Seattle celebrating!
Wanna celebrate with me?

I am offering a once in a lifetime DONE FOR YOU SYSTEM
For One Month, I will revamp your LI system
- ICP Subtext Discovery 
- LI Optimization
- DM Framework that gets sales calls
- 1 month of content that gets inbound leads
- Engagement that builds your reach

I will only take ONE client. 
If you want me to build your system,
the way I went from 3k to 50k followers, then DM me
"DFY Butter" and we'll chat.

-----------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if your goal is freedom without the hustle
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales strategies

You have more answers than you think. 

You just don't know it...yet.

Most people say they want to think outside the box.
But few ever leave it.

Because the box feels safe.
It’s made of habits, rules, and comfort.
It’s your brain’s way of protecting you from uncertainty.

But that same safety is what keeps you small.
Every great idea, every business, every leap
starts the moment you question the walls around you.

When you think differently, new neural pathways fire.
Your prefrontal cortex lights up.
Dopamine releases as you connect unfamiliar dots.
That’s not chaos. That’s creativity.

Thinking outside the box trains your brain to
🧠 see possibilities instead of patterns,
🧠 stay adaptable when the world shifts,
🧠 and turn fear into curiosity instead of paralysis.

Inside the box, life feels predictable.
Outside, it feels alive.

If you want freedom, income, and purpose,
you can’t just color outside the lines.
You have to stop believing they’re even there.

That’s the work we do inside my workshop
Because the world doesn’t reward safety.
It rewards those who think beyond it.

🧠 Learn how to build a $20k - No Chasing the Yes - Sales System
Apply here --> https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

Usually, the answer is already within you 
(channeling Yoda today).

P.S. When was the last time you already knew the answer...you just had to remember you did?

Video credit: Unlnown

---------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more neuroscience tools for clarity and creativity
♻️ Repost to help more people break out of their mental box

The real threat to your number isn't the market.

It's the things your reps never say.

Everyone talks about activity.
Everyone talks about coaching.
Everyone talks about pipeline discipline.

But nobody talks about the truth gap.

The space between what your reps say...
...and what is actually happening.

That gap is where bad quarters grow.

😱 The rep who says “all good” while confidence tanks.
😱 The pipeline that looks clean but is full of dead deals.
😱 The silent fear that turns into quiet quitting.

You see these problems too late.
You take the hit.
You carry the blame.

And you never get the early signal
that could have saved the quarter.

Your top threat is not performance.
It is blind spots.

Sales Sage closes them.
Ten minutes.
A simple pulse.

✅ Signals you will never see in a meeting.
✅ Patterns no CRM can surface.
✅ Emotional shifts that predict misses

BEFORE they show up in your number.

If you want to know what your team is really telling you
before it becomes a fire you have to put out

Take advantage of the 14 day free trial
https://salessage.co/
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud 
(before it blows up your number)

You will never manage your team the same way again.

P.S. The pic looks like a mix of me and Data from Star Trek, right?

----------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you are tired of surprise misses
 ➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain based sales insights

"Get out of my head."

That is what I hear a LOT. 

It's also what my clients hear.
If you want to win in business
Learn to enter your ICP’s mind.

Not their surface answers.
Their unspoken thoughts.
The quiet stuff they never say out loud.

Your ICP is thinking about risk, safety, and reputation.
Their nervous system scans the world for certainty.
Your job is to understand the subtext they hide.

Here are 5 ways to read your ICP’s real inner world:

1️⃣ Listen for the pause
 When they hesitate, note the silence.
 Write down what fear that pause might signal.
 Ask one gentle question to explore it.

2️⃣ Name the problem better than they can
 Say the thing they hint at but avoid.
 Use words they have not said yet.
 Their brain relaxes when it feels understood.

3️⃣ Track their emotional patterns
 Notice where their tone shifts.
 Spot excitement, tension, or doubt.
 These shifts reveal what they truly value.

4️⃣ Map their failed attempts
 Ask what they have already tried.
 Look for frustration in their answers.
 This reveals hidden pain they rarely voice.

5️⃣ Reflect their vision back to them
 Repeat their goals in simple language.
 Show them the future they want.
 The brain trusts what it can picture clearly.

When you understand the thoughts they never say,
your ICP feels seen at a deeper level.
They think you can read their mind.
And trust becomes the easiest part of the sale.

P.S. When is the last time you thought someone was in your head?

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
Minority Report for Sales Teams
https://salessage.co/ 

-------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share to help others build resilient minds
➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based growth insights

The number 1 reason you’re invisible on Linkedin...

You aren't breaking through the RAS filter

Your prospect never sees most of what you say.
Their brain deletes it before it gets inside.

The Reticular Activating System filters everything.
It looks for relevance, novelty, safety, and clarity.
If your message feels routine, it gets ignored.
If it feels vivid and personal, it gets through.
Here are ten ways to pass the filter fast.

1/ Pattern breaks win
Don’t start predictable
Do open with novelty
Science: RAS flags newness first

2/ Short lines keep attention
 Don’t write long blocks
 Do use simple spacing
 Science: Low load keeps thinking open

3/ Make it about them
Don’t lead with yourself
Do mirror their world
Science: RAS checks for self relevance

4/ Signal credibility fast
Don’t over explain
Do give one strong proof
Science: Fast heuristics shape trust

5/ Use micro commitments
Don’t push for yes
Do ask tiny questions
Science: Micro wins open dopamine

6/ Use visual outcomes
Don’t stay vague
Do paint clear images
Science: RAS tags vivid scenes

7/ Match their energy
Don’t push your pace
Do mirror tone
Science: Mirror neurons sync fast

8/ Validate their words
Don’t jump to fixes
Do echo their phrasing
Science: Neural validation needs match

9/ Create safety, not pressure
Don’t force urgency
Do slow the tempo
Science: Threat shuts attention down

10/ Give one next step
Don’t dump info
Do guide clearly
Science: Sequence reduces neural noise

When you speak to the brain instead of the ego
You stop sounding like everyone else
You bypass resistance
You increase trust
And your message finally lands

P.S. Which one has worked for you??

Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe
Dec 15 - 11am - 2pm PST

----------------------------------------------------------------
➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon  to get more brainy tips
♻️ Repost to help more people train their brain to thrive

Persuasion isn’t pressure.

Persuasion is helping someone feel safe.

Here are 8 ethical persuasion swaps that actually work 👇

Most people try to persuade with logic or force.
But the brain listens to safety signals first.
When you protect autonomy and reduce threat,
People open up, not shut down.

Here are the 8 upgrades:

1️⃣ Regulate before you relate
❌ Don’t say: 
“Let me just explain why this makes sense.”

✅ Say this:
“Before we dive in, take a breath. I want this to feel clear.”

🔬Science:
 A calm nervous system sends safety cues.
 Their mirror neurons match your steadiness, lowering resistance.

2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
❌ Don’t say:
 “Here’s what you need to do.”

✅ Say this:
 “What feels hardest about this right now?”

🔬 Science:
 Curiosity keeps the amygdala quiet.
 Questions activate the prefrontal cortex, the part that evaluates options calmly.

3️⃣ Validate before redirecting
❌ Don’t say:
 “I understand, but…”

✅ Say this:
 “It makes sense you’d feel that way.”

🔬 Science:
 Validation reduces cortisol.
 It signals “You’re safe to express hesitations,” which reopens trust pathways.

4️⃣ Protect autonomy
❌ Don’t say:
 “You should really move forward.”

✅ Say this:
 “Want to explore this together?”

🔬 Science:
Autonomy is a core human need.
When someone feels in control, dopamine rises and decision-making improves.

5️⃣ Reframe with clarity
❌ Don’t say:
 “You’re overthinking this.”

✅ Say this:
 “What might shift if this were already solved?”

🔬 Science:
Reframing widens cognitive perspective.
It moves the brain out of threat mode and into problem-solving mode.

6️⃣ Align intentions
❌ Don’t say:
 “I just want you to see my point.”

✅ Say this:
 “We both want a solution that actually works for you.”

🔬 Science:
Shared goals increase oxytocin.
Oxytocin boosts collaboration and reduces defensiveness.

7️⃣ Match energy before guiding
❌ Don’t say:
 “Relax, it’s not a big deal.”

✅ Say this:
 “I hear how this feels for you. Let’s slow it down together.”

🔬Science:
Attunement regulates the nervous system.
The brain trusts what feels familiar before it trusts new direction.

8️⃣ Close with clarity, not pressure
❌ Don’t say:
 “So… are you ready or not?”

✅ Say this:
 “Here’s what the next step looks like. Does this feel right to you?”

🔬 Science:
Clear choices reduce cognitive load.
When the brain knows the path, uncertainty drops—and commitment rises.

Ethical persuasion is simple:
 🧠 Lower threat
 🧠 Raise clarity
 🧠 Protect autonomy

That’s how influence becomes trust.

P.S. Ever notice how pressure makes you want to run?

My workshops are open again.
Learn how to build a $20k No Chasing the Yes Sales System
Apply here → https://lnkd.in/eZRF_jZe

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➕ Follow 🧠 Shannon for more brain-based sales tools
♻️ Repost to help more people influence with integrity

Your biggest risk is the rep who says they're "fine."

Your rep's "fine," is eerily similar to your spouse's "fine."

TL:DR It's definitely not "fine."

You don't lose a quarter in one moment.
You lose it in tiny blind spots.

A rep who says they're fine.
A pipeline that looks clean.
A deal that feels safe until it slips.

Then your forecast cracks.
Your VP starts asking questions.
And you wonder what you missed.

What every manager thinks but never says out loud:

You're managing stories, not data.
Your team tells you what feels safe to say.
Not what protects your number.

Sales Sage shows you the parts they leave out.
A simple 10 minute pulse surfaces early risk.

😶‍🌫️ Stress signals. 
😶‍🌫️ Confidence drops.
😶‍🌫️ Hidden struggles that turn into missed targets...
If you catch them too late.

We give you visibility your dashboards say they give you
But can't

The minority report for sales teams. 
14-day free beta: https://salessage.co for early adopters

4 reasons your deal stalls

(and what to do to get it moving again)

1️⃣ Cognitive overload
Buyers aren’t ignoring you.
Their brain’s overwhelmed.
Inbox stress. Competing priorities.
PFC taxed. No room for new info.

Solution: Simplicity + clarity.
Lower their cognitive load first.

2️⃣ FOMU: Fear of messing up
It’s not the budget.
It’s the risk of being wrong.
Wrong call. Future pain. Career damage.
ACC fires. Danger signals spike.

Solution: Normalize hesitation.
Show the low-risk path.
Make them feel safe, not pressured.

3️⃣ Neurological alignment
Deals close when nervous systems sync.
Matching pace, language, and rhythm.
That’s what creates trust.
Miss the alignment and buyers pull back.

Solution: Listen deeper.
Reflect priorities. Mirror their world.
Create the feeling of “you get me.”

4️⃣ Clear path forward
If buyers can’t see the path,
their amygdala fills the gaps with danger.
Ambiguity = risk.
Risk stalls deals every time.

Solution: Structure + structure.
Short runway. Clear phases.
Small wins that feel safe.

Why all four matter
 - Overwhelm fuels FOMU.
 - FOMU breaks alignment.
 - Misalignment makes the path feel risky.
 - A vague path increases overwhelm.

Fix all four and everything shifts.
✅ Buyers settle.
✅ Their nervous system calms.
✅ They feel seen.
✅ Trust forms.

And the path becomes obvious.
That’s when you stop “selling”…
…and start facilitating clarity.

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
https://salessage.co/

---------------------------------------------------------------------

♻️ Share if you’re done pushing and want to start aligning
 ➕ Follow Shannon for more brain-based sales insights

Confidence isn’t a personality trait. 

It’s a regulated nervous system.

You can't sell if your brain is in survival mode.
But you can train your mind to stay calm under pressure.

High pressure flips your nervous system fast.
 😱 Your heart speeds up.
 😱 Your thoughts race.
 😱 Your brain shifts into threat.
 😱 That’s when deals slip and confidence drops.

It’s not about skill.
It’s about regulation.
Your brain needs clear signals to stay steady.

Here are 3 ways to keep your brain calm when things get tense:
✔️ Slow your exhale
 A long exhale activates your calm system.
 It tells your brain you're safe.
 Clear thinking returns fast.

✔️ Name what you feel
 A quick "I'm feeling pressure" helps the amygdala settle.
 Your brain relaxes when you name the feeling.

✔️ Ground your senses
 Notice one thing you see, hear, or feel.
 This pulls your brain out of threat mode.
 Your thinking brain comes back online.

When your brain stays regulated, you stay in control.
✅ You listen better.
✅ You ask smarter questions.
✅ You hold your power in the conversation.

Prospects feel your steadiness and trust you more.
Your mind isn't the enemy under pressure.
It just needs direction.

P.S. What's the hardest moment for you to stay calm in a call?

BIG NEWS! SALES SAGE IS LIVE!
See the truth your reps won’t say out loud (before it blows up your number)
Taking 100 beta testers - 14 day free trial
https://salessage.co/ 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

➕ Follow Shannon for more brain based insights
♻️ Repost to help someone keep their calm today

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The Battle

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🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

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The Battle

Kent V.

🧠 Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. 🚀

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Kent V.'s LinkedIn Performance

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