A note from our CEO: Information and inspiration for you at this time

Dear Sales Community,

Unprecedented. Unheard of. Unimaginable – just some of the words used to describe this global pandemic which is impacting everyone on the planet. 

I know that some of you will have businesses that are struggling, while others will have lost your jobs. People close to me have lost their lives. People I know personally have lost their businesses and livelihoods. We are all suffering, but we will survive this together.

I want you to know this about Sales Confidence, in the hope that you can take inspiration from how we’ve adapted or that you might find use for our evolved services as this strange time continues…

For us at Sales Confidence, since 2017, our core business was offline events and networking. As the news spread of a ‘shutdown’, we were in a state of shock as we realised that in-person events would be entirely off the table for four weeks at least. When we understood that, in reality, we wouldn’t be able to stage events until September 2020, or possibly not until 2021, it was even more upsetting.

As the founder and CEO of a business with responsibility for 30 people, I had to make the extremely tough decision to let go of 30% of the workforce (employees and contractors). The remaining team would take a 30% pay cut, some with less than 24-hours’ notice.

To say these are hard times is an understatement. This has been my most difficult period in business so far, with so many painful decisions to make. However, in her recent speech, the Queen highlighted that – ‘the attributes of self-discipline, quiet good-humoured resolve and fellow-feeling, still characterise this country.’ I believe this perfectly captures the United Kingdom’s resilience. But, it also personifies the culture we are building at Sales Confidence, and the drumbeat we move to.

We have had to shift our targets. Now, a gold medal outcome for us is survival because our mission, which is helping you achieve your outcomes, is far too important for us not to continue. We will learn, develop and thrive together.

Sales Confidence focuses on elevating the sales profession, helping salespeople and leaders at each stage of their careers, championing performance, mindset and wellbeing. Frankly, however, our work extends beyond sales. Our children and families are reliant on sales success. We owe it to ourselves to keep buying and selling, for the sake of sanity now and in the future.

Find out more about the steps Sales Confidence has taken to protect itself

So, what now?

If you and your company are still investing in growth, lead generation and brand awareness in the UK and Europe, we have a limited number of sponsorship opportunities open for events between now and August 2020. We will work on a first-come, first-served basis for this exclusive inventory. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

I would like to reiterate my gratitude for all the messages of support I have received. As a small business owner, it is much appreciated. I really really hope you and your families are safe at this time. During this difficult period, I’m not going to dwell publicly too often on the crisis; it’s not my raison d’etre. That said, if you spot something that makes you uncomfortable, please get in touch. 

This is personal but I would like you to know that due to my diagnosis of bipolar disorder and hospital admissions over the last 10 years, I truly understand the impact of self-isolation. I have developed some coping strategies that work for me, which you can read about here. Because of this, I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to reach me on WhatsApp 07411 973226 for a private non-business-related chat anytime.

From myself and the whole team at Sales Confidence, we hope you can find the inner confidence to inspire those around you during these trying times.

I send my thanks and warmest best wishes.

James Ski

CEO and Founder