Strengthen The Right
Business Skills
Running a business requires some know-how
Online and in-person training courses for entrepreneurs
"Laurent provided our teams with training on sales techniques, business strategy, and management. We were always very satisfied with the courses’ quality. Laurent knows how to adapt to different audiences. He is very clear, accurate and dynamic, our local and international colleagues have enjoyed being supported and mentored by him. I strongly recommend Laurent."
- Solène Favre, Global Insurance Director, VisionFund International
I talk a lot about mindset; the reality is entrepreneurship also requires fundamental business skills that many entrepreneurs lack.
Let me give you an example:
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I needed an official document to be translated from French to Finnish. 2 translators sent me the following quotes:
Translator 1:
Thank you for your message. I work full-time as a translator and am used to doing translation work as you requested.
My fee would be as follows: translation 70€ + VAT 24%
If you need me to mail you the document, I’ll add the fee for express mailing (6€).
I will send you the translated document one day after you accept my offer.
Translator 2:
Thank you for your message.
The fee will be 40€.
What’s your deadline?
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So, if you were me, which translator would you have selected?
I went for the first offer.
Of course, I was tempted by the cheaper quote, but it didn’t sound as professional as the first one.
I assumed that both translators were good. But I felt that Translator 1 would provide a better service. I trusted my gut feelings.
I was right. Translator 1 delivered on her promise. And I was very happy with the money I paid.
What’s the lesson here?
I made a purchase purely based on my emotions.
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We all do. Every time we buy something, we follow the emotional connections that we create with a product (e.g. being part of the same tribe) or a person (e.g. trust) and rationalize our choice later on.
If you don’t believe me, ask yourself how you selected your mobile phone or your bank, then ask yourself why.
So, what’s my point?
I hear many entrepreneurs saying they’re bad salespeople or they’re afraid of being too pushy.
That’s because they’re not looking at sales the way they should.
Let me tell you: Nobody cares how great your brand is, especially when your products or services look very similar to many others.
This is why most entrepreneurs drop the price to try and make the sale easier (just like what Translator 2 did). Are you one of them?
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The problem with such an approach is that it’s a race to the bottom because there will always be someone who’s cheaper than you.
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Ultimately, you’re not born a salesperson, you become one.
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It means you can acquire the sales skills you need to succeed through training!
"I always appreciate people who can motivate and empower others. The ability to share not only the knowledge but the energy is truly remarkable."
- Arina Lykova, Co-founder and Managing Director, EntreCom Enterprise Community
A little theory, a lot of practice
My training courses are made for entrepreneurs and their leadership teams who recognize they lack the skills (or need a refresh) to take their businesses to the next level.
They are based on my 23 years of experience working with and for entrepreneurs. I don’t share anything that I haven’t tried myself.
They follow one key principle: a little theory, a lot of practice.
Theory fundamentals because there’s no need to re-invent the wheel when others before you have laid down foundations that have proven to be successful.
Practice because nothing replaces it. This is how I do it:
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I integrate my own experience applying such theory at work
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I illustrate the courses with multiple practical examples and case studies
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I create exercises and role plays based on real-case scenarios
Studies have shown learning becomes more efficient when you immerse yourself into concrete situations you can refer to, while evolving in the safe environment that the class provides (where making mistakes is not only fine but is also recommended).
My goal is to make your training experience as practical as possible so you can immediately put what you learn to use.
"Laurent will be an excellent support for entrepreneurs and business owners, with a very clear sense not only of their perspectives and aspirations but also of what they need to do in order to succeed in the market."
- Christophe Horvath, Founder, InSpirAll Ltd
The 5 business skills every entrepreneur should possess
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The things you need to know about my training courses
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1. I deliver my training courses live in person, or via Zoom.
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2. They are condensed over a short period of time, which doesn’t overload your and your team’s already busy schedules:
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In-person: from 1 to 3 full days or 2 to 6 half-days. I recommend using a neutral location, outside the office (but not too far for convenience reasons).
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Zoom: maximum 2 hours per session to avoid participants’ fatigue. The total duration of the course and the frequency of the sessions are agreed upon prior to commencement.
3. All my training courses are highly interactive, so you and your people will enjoy a high-energy experience that lasts throughout the duration of the courses. Such interactivity also provides an excellent opportunity for you and your team to bond, and brainstorm together.
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4. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 12 if in-person, and 7 if online. A small group of people facilitates learning because everyone has the chance to interact and get some sort of individualized attention.
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5. Prior to the course every participant will get a self-assessment questionnaire. I’ll also have a private 1-1 chat with the main decision-maker. I’ll use everything I discover to tailor the content and adapt the roleplays so they’re perfect for your real business needs.