The En Factor Podcast features conversations with entrepreneurs who have started, stumbled and succeeded.
This week’s episode of the En Factor is a special one that was recorded live at the Global Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) Conference in Tampa, Florida with one of the most successful pitchmen that there is. Today’s guest is Bob Circosta, who is well known for being the original Home Shopping Network host and playing a huge role in the foundation and rise of the multi-billion dollar home shopping industry. Bob’s illustrious career includes over 25,000 hours selling on live television presenting over 75,000 products leading to selling over $6 billion worth of product and merchandise. He also has spent much of his time mentoring entrepreneurs and businesses to optimize their pitch to best communicate their ideas and business to their audiences and ultimately increase their sales. Adding to his impact in the entrepreneurial community, Bob has authored a book, “Life’s A Pitch”, while also speaking and being featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal for the work he has accomplished.
Joining host Dr. Rebecca White along with a live audience of students, educators, and entrepreneurs, Bob provides impactful and game-changing advice throughout this episode. You won’t want to miss a second of this inspiring conversation with topics including how to build and present your pitch, lessons on building confidence with your communication, Tom’s firsthand experience of the evolution of home shopping, and a live Q&A session at the end with questions coming from the audience!
Check out Bob’s book, “Life’s A Pitch”, and more from his website, here:
Connect with Bob on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/circostabob/
Join En Factor Plus, the #1 Source of Entrepreneurial Intelligence, here:
https://drrebeccawhite.com/our-community/
Check out Dr. White’s book, “See, Do, Repeat”, and more from her website, here:
https://drrebeccawhite.com/see-do-repeat/
Key Words – Sales, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Chapters
00:00 • Introduction: Welcome to the En Factor!
01:40 • Introducing Today’s Guest: Bob Circosta
05:55 • Welcome to the En Factor Bob!
07:12 • Bob’s Beginnings Working as a Radio Host
10:15 • How Bob Got Into Pitching and Selling on the Radio and TV
13:35 • The Importance of Leveraging Technology as an Entrepreneur in Today’s World
16:40 • Bob’s Keys to Creating a Pitch: Point of Difference and WSGAT
23:35 • Pitching to Connect With Your Audience on an Emotional Level
27:00 • About Bob’s Book: “Life’s A Pitch”
29:30 • Challenges Bob Faced with Selling and Lessons on Building Self Confidence
36:00 • Thoughts on Influencer Partnerships and Artificial Intelligence
38:40 • How Bob Keeps Himself Focused and Motivated
42:10 • Bob’s Final Piece of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
44:25 • Live Q&A Session with Today’s Live Audience
46:30 • What Bob Looks For in a Product
48:45 • Bob on the Future of Shopping and Social Selling
52:30 • Speaking Skills Aren’t Innate, Anyone Can Develop Their Communication Skills
53:55 • Wrapping Up with Dr. White: Thank You for Listening to the En Factor!
Episode takeaways
- Bob’s journey in the home shopping industry began in Clearwater, Florida, as a radio station host.
- Creating a comfort level with your audience is crucial for grabbing their attention and building your credibility.
- Features tell, but benefits sell; focus on the latter.
- Emotion plays a key role in the buying decision, specifically the buyers’ potential future purchasing behavior rather than past purchasing behavior.
- Entrepreneurship is about asking the right questions, not having all the answers.
- Consistency, focus, and taking action are three essentials Bob urges are necessary for finding success.
- You can learn to be a great speaker; it’s a skill and not something you’re born with.
- Passion cannot be taught; it must come from within.
- Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back; take action instead to get a reaction and adjust from there.
- The future of shopping is leaning towards social selling and away from live TV and radio.
The En Factor® Podcast
Conversations with Entrepreneurs
Hosted by Dr. Rebecca White
Our audience of aspiring and established entrepreneurs are inspired to persevere throughout their entrepreneurial journey. You will hear first-hand stories of success, resilience through failure, and how to become a master in your field.