June Webinar Recap
Click here for the link to the webinar recording!
Sales in Professional and Personal Settings with Marcus Holm
In June, BYU Connect welcomed Marcus Holm, Chief Revenue Officer at LaunchDarkly, for an engaging conversation about the role of sales in both professional growth and personal development. With a background in tech leadership and scaling companies, Marcus helped students and alumni see sales not just as a business function but as a lifelong skill. He explored how selling ideas, building influence, and communicating value are essential whether you're launching a startup, advancing in your career, or strengthening personal relationships. His insights encouraged participants to think differently about what it means to "sell" and how to do it with confidence and integrity.
1) The Role of Sales in Professional Experience
Marcus began by emphasizing that sales is not just a part of launching a business; it is the foundation. Until someone is willing to pay for your product or service, you do not have a business, just an idea. He encouraged students to focus on creating something marketable and then testing it by seeking real commitment from potential customers. Whether that commitment comes through time, money, or reputation, it signals that the idea is gaining traction.
Understanding customer needs, Marcus explained, starts with listening. Rather than assuming what people want, great salespeople ask meaningful questions, look for patterns, and align their offerings with real challenges. This approach shifts the focus from pushing a product to solving a problem, which is essential for long-term success.
He also addressed common misconceptions about sales, particularly in the tech world. Sales is not about being pushy or using flashy tactics. Instead, it is a skill that can be learned and developed. The best sales professionals are not fast talkers but thoughtful listeners who understand their product and their audience. When done right, sales becomes a meaningful way to create value and build trust.
2) Communicating Personal Value Through Sales Skill
Marcus also spoke about how sales skills extend beyond the business world and into everyday life. He pointed out that influencing others, sharing ideas, and building meaningful relationships are all part of learning to "sell" yourself in a genuine and effective way. Whether in friendships, leadership roles, or personal conversations, the ability to communicate with clarity and purpose can make a lasting impact.
He encouraged students to think of themselves as leaders, not just in formal settings but in how they live and interact with others. That includes being open about what you believe, showing vulnerability when it matters, and confidently sharing your goals and values. By doing so, you invite others to understand and support your vision.
To continue developing these skills, Marcus recommended seeking out books, podcasts, and other tools that strengthen communication and leadership. But the most important step is to start now—by recognizing your worth, being intentional in how you express yourself, and showing up with authenticity in your everyday interactions.
