Winona State University College of Business

Hey LinkedIn Network – Here’s a great chance to pay it forward: Short Version: I just started as the Director of the Strauss Center for Sales Excellence at Winona State University.?We support a Sales Team of 25 students and plan to compete in 9 national competition this upcoming year.?To reach our $30k annual budget, I'm donating $1k annually and seeking your support to help match Bob Strauss's generous offer to match donations up to $15k in honor of Professor Marianne Collins, the founding director. You can donate here: https://lnkd.in/gWhrsA5a. Real Talk Version: I coached Sales Team last year while Mike Behan, Ph.D. was on sabbatical.?The experience was life changing for me. I saw students meet twice a week to improve at professional selling, form deep friendships, and push each other to get better.?I watched them walk into role plays at competitions only to be thrown a curveball and have to adapt on the spot.?I watched them fight through nerves to develop confidence they didn’t think was possible.?Most importantly, I saw them discover abilities in themselves they never knew they had. So, when Mike came back from sabbatical, I was selfish.?I asked him to stay in this role given how much fulfillment it gave me. Now that I’m here, it’s all about the kids.?I wish I didn’t need to fundraise, but, it is absolutely required. Sales Team runs an annual budget of around $30k.?Travel isn’t cheap and we ensure each student competes at least once (compared to some other schools who compete in fewer competitions and send only their select “best” to those competitions). Our corporate partners’ support is amazing, but, costs increase each year so additional support is needed to keep going at this pace. Our team this year will be around 25 students and three coaches (myself, Mike Behan, Mason McReaken).?We plan on competing in 9 national and international competitions this year across the country (Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and virtual).?That means 25 kids will get the coaching and support they need to improve their professional selling ability and opportunities to start their careers as the competitions are filled with recruiters. I committed to donating $1k annually to the fund and am reaching out to you to help get us the rest of the way. Whether you are a WSU alumnus or not, you’ve probably had your life changed by someone doing something “extra” – such as a teacher, a mentor, or a friend doing something they didn’t have to do. Well, here is something you don’t have to do, but, that can change a student’s life – click https://lnkd.in/gWhrsA5a to give what you can. Any amount is appreciated! I’d love it if you can donate, but, shares, likes, or anything else you can do to help us reach our goal is appreciated. Winona State University College of Business #createyourmore