Tom Martin, Converse Digital, “Life’s A Pitch”

Thanks to GNOEA member George Messing, Owner Messina’s Catering, for hosting this week’s networking event for GNOEA members at the Rooftop on Basin St!

Tom Martin is a no-nonsense, straight-talking sales and marketing strategist with over 30 years of experience helping companies turn conversations into customers. As the author of The Invisible Sale and founder of Converse Digital, Tom has built a career on demystifying persuasion, showing professionals how to earn trust, capture attention, and drive action—without relying on outdated sales tactics. An internationally recognized keynote speaker, Tom blends marketing, psychology, and technology to teach audiences how to communicate with impact and influence. Whether you’re pitching an idea, selling a vision, or rallying support, Tom’s insights will change how you think about changing minds.

Tom spoke to the GNOEA members about how everyday “Life’s A Pitch”. Everyday we are trying to get people to listen to us, from the office, to our personal lives. There is a science to pitching. There are 3 key areas, perception of authority, architecture of persuasion, the language of influence.

The perception of authority is the most overlooked part of persuasion. Creating trust and credibility is crucial to the perception of authority. The architecture of persuasion needs organizational structure. You need to understand where the person is that you are presenting to, understand where you need them to be, and find out what the minimum information you need to tell them and then stop. Your presentation needs to be detailed, well organized, with relevant information. The three top mistakes in presentations are hedging, hesitation, always state data in the past and not the present.

Tom offers a 30-min webinar version about 3-5 times a quarter. Members can visit https://tinyurl.com/GNOEAtalk to see upcoming dates.

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Michael Nation, Harbor Towing and Fleet, thanked Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialist, for working on his car.

Q3 dues reminder.

Member referral program

Thank You’s

Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialists, thanked Kenny Knobloch, Help!! Air Conditioning & Heating

Stanton Murray requested members follow other members on social media and promote each others business’.

Bobby Ramsey, Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers, announced a new contest with Ramsey’s. Ramsey’s would like the public to submit their best impersonation of their tag line, Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers. Every participant will receive a sterling silver Louisiana necklace and the winner will be the next voice on the radio for Ramsey’s.

Guests- Adam Marsh, Goodwill Development Program, guest of Jesse Hoppes, Leaaf Environmental.

Faysal Tay, The Bookkepper, guest of Duaine Duffy, Benefit Analyst.

David Indest, Edward Jones, guest of Byron Hatrel, Edward Jones.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • August 26- No Meeting
  • September 9- WWII Museum at WWII Museum
  • September 16- Ray Gregson, River Region Chamber of Commerce- Board Meeting
  • September 23- No Meeting
  • September 30- Membership Social- Juan’s Flying Burrito

Check the website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Jason Hernandez at jason@crescenttitle.com