Interview with Don Talbert – Networking Coach United States

How did you find Coaching?

I started out as a Financial Advisor. The primary method of getting new clients was cold calling on the telephone. As it became more difficult to reach people over the phone, I began to explore alternative prospecting methods.

Networking was a term I’d heard, and found it interesting. I joined a BNI group in 2002. BNI promotes networking and relationships among the members of its groups. Each group is limited to one individual per profession.
I began to explore other networking opportunities, joining a number of business associations, service organizations and non profits.

Membership alone is not enough. One must be involved in order to gain visibility and respect.  Being a giver by nature, I quickly embraced the spirit.  Along the way, I received numerous requests to facilitate discussions and speak on the subjects of networking and consultative selling.

In 2007, I presented for a local sales and marketing group. After the presentation, I was approached by an attendee. He said,”that was fantastic, how much do you charge to speak?”  The idea of the potential revenue was not what struck me at the time. It was more about the power of my presentation and how it positively impacted the audience. There were a number of others at the presentation who also provided great feedback.  That feedback inspired me to investigate how to deliver this material and really make a difference in the business lives of those I touched.

Coaching was one option. I read all I could about the profession before taking the next step. I liked what I saw. Then, I began to look for organizations which provided coach training. While investigating the coaching profession, I read about ICF accredidation. It seemed important to align with an ICF accredited coach training program. I emailed info to ICA and was contacted shortly after by Ellie, my Enrollment Counselor. We really hit it off. I chose ICA because of the rapport Ellie and I developed during our 2-3 conversations.

I have coached several ICA and external clients since enrolling in the program. I am excited to say that EVERY ONE of these clients has experienced amazing results from our coaching. It really excites me to see my clients do more business as a direct result of their hard work and my advanced expertise in the niche.

How are you using coaching to make a difference?

I have developed an extensive library of materials, including tools assessments and classroom curriculum, designed to help others get more business. Some examples:

I have presented for numerous business groups on the subjects of networking and sales. Each time, I draw the audience into the presentation with amazing results. They walk away with tangible, business building concepts. Not only that, the attendees take ownership of these valuable ideas, concepts and strategies, a direct result of the powerful method of delivery. One of my wishes is to assist other coaches in business building techniques they can use. One common theme among coaches is the lack of confidence in finding prospects and converting them into clients. That’s where I am a world class PRO. I already knew how to network, sell and get clients.

What was the most valuable thing you learned at ICA?

What I’ve learned from ICA is how to help others achieve their greatness by applying their talents and dedication, conbined with my coach training and vast experience in the field of networking/sales. ICA is a close knit community. There’s a real spirit of giving and everyone is genuine. They all want one another to succeed and step up when needed.