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SagePresence partners with the City of Seattle, Mayor's Office of Film + Music to help Puget Sound filmmakers Be Connected

SagePresence, in partnership with The City of Seattle, Mayor’s Office of Film + Music, is offering three scholarships to its upcoming Be Connected to Effective Networking event, being held on January 15 at the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle, WA.

The scholarships allow Washington state residents with a demonstrated interest in filmmaking to attend the Be Connected event at no charge.

“We’re excited to partner with the city of Seattle to help bring our networking training to emerging film professionals,” says SagePresence screenwiter-in-residence Bill True.  “Most of our networking training curriculum was borne from our hard-won experience networking in the movie industry, so not only does it feel good to give back, but the training is completely applicable for filmmakers who are out there looking for their first break.”

To apply for the scholarships, applicants should email a statement of interest to Lorraine Montez (lmontezseattle@comcast.net).  In the statement, applicants should express how attending the Be Connected event will benefit their professional careers and describe a specific plan for a future project.  The statement should not exceed 250 words.

Applicants do not need to have prior filmmaking experience.

Click here for more information about SagePresenece and the Seattle Be Connected event.

The SagePresence Institute: SagePresence launches next-generation presentation training in the Twin Cities

…And makes it affordable for everyone!

SagePresence, which is fast becoming Twin Cities’ professionals’ favorite presentation trainer, is debuting a new program that makes their groundbreaking method available to everyone—on any budget, on any time schedule—and provides ongoing support to help it stick.

“Peoples’ response to our training has been amazing,” says SagePresence director-in-residence Dean Hyers.  “As 2008 progressed, we started hearing some themes with respect to their preferences and how we might optimize our presentation training for them.”

As a result, in 2009, SagePresence is introducing the SagePresence Institute.

At the heart of the SagePresence Institute is the Confident Presenter Series.  The series covers the entire SagePresence method for becoming a confident, authentic, and influential presenter in three new and comprehensive modules that leverage Hollywood techniques to teach participants:

• Inspiring Connections
• Compelling Messages
• Inspiring Delivery

“The big win for participants is that, with the Confident Presenter Series, we can spend the time to explain the concepts and pay more individualized attention to participants to really cement the learning,” explains SagePresence curriculum expert Pete Machalek, M.A.

What Machalek means is that the Confident Presenter series module will be offered on a monthly basis, in four-hour blocks.  This allows for smaller class sizes and an easier learning pace in order to ensure participants clearly grasp the method and can apply it outside the classroom setting.

“But even that wasn’t enough for us,” adds SagePresence screenwriter-in-residence Bill True.  “Considering these extraordinary times, we wanted to make certain people got support along the way—after the training was done—so that it brought them real and tangible results out ‘in the wild.’”

In response, the SagePresence Institute is offering a Total Support Package to participants who sign up for the complete Confident Presenter Series.  In addition to receiving the complete presentation training, participants who sign up for the Package will also be able to take advantage of SagePresence’s new monthly Sage Advice Teleseminars and Roundtable meetings, which are designed to address questions about applying SagePresence principles in practice and gain insight through sharing experiences with other graduates in a collaborative environment.

“’How do we make the training stick?’ is a critical question for us,” Hyers points out.  “The Total Support Package makes that happen.  And with our new Pay-As-You-Go Plan, it does so in a way that anyone’s budget can handle.”

The Pay-As-You-Go Plan allows participants to spread the cost of the Total Support Package over twelve monthly payments of only $47.50.

“It’s basically the cost of a business lunch,” asserts True.  “For the cost of a business lunch a month, you can have all the training and support you need to be a confident, compelling, and dynamic presenter.”

For more information about the SagePresence Institute’s Confident Presenter Series, Total Support Package, and Pay-As-You-Go Plan or to register, visit the Progams Page of the SagePresence website.

SagePresence's "Be Connected to Effective Networking" event debuts in Seattle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 10, 2009

For more information contact:
Lorraine Montez
206.200.3364
lorraine@comcast.net

Award-Winning Filmmakers Provide a New Take on
the Old Networking Game
SagePresence Debuts in Seattle

Seattle – Two Minnesota-Based filmmakers who have re-written the book on effective networking, becoming one of the Twin Cities’ most sought after trainers, are bringing their groundbreaking method to Seattle. Director Dean Hyers and screenwriter Bill True, collectively operating under the SagePresence banner, are offering Be Connected to Effective Networking from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Mayflower Park Hotel, 405 Olive Way. Cost is $45 for advance registration.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY.

Be Connected is an instructional and entertaining event that teaches people how to network effectively and provides participants with immediate hands-on practice for their newfound skills. “The way they approached the topic and interaction with us as participants was quite masterful," says Kathie Kosharek, career counselor at the Minneapolis Workforce Center. Kosharek participated in a recent Be Connected event in the Twin Cities.  “It was really great to get a chance to practice right after the training.  That’s what makes their approach so unique and effective.”

“We were beginning to get numerous requests to present our method to companies and organizations all over the Twin Cities,” explains True.  “At the same time, we were getting as many invitations to networking events.  In the end, it was simple math for us.  Why make people pay twice—once for training and once for an opportunity to network—when we could accomplish both in a single event?”

The Be Connected seminar consists of two parts.  First, Hyers and True lead a workshop-style presentation that shows people how to generate more meaningful interpersonal connections, neutralize anxiety, and more confidently converse “on-the-fly.”  Next, participants put these techniques into action as they mingle with each other, while the filmmakers coach, answer questions and facilitate discussion.

“We’re thrilled at the excitement that the Be Connected concept and event has generated at home,” adds Hyers.  “Even more so at the buzz we’ve received in Seattle already.  We’re heartened by the number of people there who have already expressed interest in us and our method, and we’re honored to bring it to Seattle.”

The Be Connected event marks Hyers’ and True’s return to Seattle after receiving rave notices for their presentation and script-pitching workshop for the Northwest Screenwriters Guild this past May.  Bill and Dean “provided hands-down the best screenplay pitching training we've ever received,” commented NWSG President Aadip Desai.

NWSG board member Randy Webb agreed, hailing the SagePresence method as “one of the most useful and practical applications of how to bring one's self to the work of communicating with, and leading others, that I have ever experienced.”

Space for the Be Connected seminar is limited. Event registration and additional information can be found at www.sagepresence.com.

About SagePresence -- The filmmakers of SagePresence include:

Dean Hyers (co-founder/resident film director) is an award-winning feature film director and performance specialist skilled in emotional management and authentic improvisation. He was creative director and CEO of his own interactive marketing and promotions company, Digital Café, acquired by Campbell Mithun Esty advertising agency in 1998. Dean won Best Director and Best Feature Film in two prominent festivals with his debut feature film Bill's Gun Shop, which was released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in 2006. Dean holds degrees in Fine Arts and Psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College. (Dean's film site: www.deanhyers.com)

Bill True (partner/resident screenwriter) is an award-winning screenwriter with more than 12 years experience in crafting compelling corporate messages that inspire decisive action. A former Director of Communications for Fortune 200 Express Scripts, Bill has also worked as a freelance writer and business consultant for top companies including UnitedHealth Group, LifeTouch Studios, Deluxe Checks, and Land 'O Lakes. In 2005, Bill’s debut feature, Runaway, premiered to universal accolades at the Tribeca Film Festival, Toronto, Woodstock, Vail, and Avignon, and is slated for release in 2009. Also in 2005, Bill won the top prize at the prestigious Austin Film Festival. (Bill's film site: www.billtrue.net)

Collectively, Hyers and True are in development with four movie projects for both independent and Hollywood production companies.  In addition, they are collaborating on the upcoming romantic thriller, Incarnation, which is slated to shoot in June 2009.

SagePresence’s Hyers quoted in career advancement book

SagePresence Director-in-Residence Dean Hyers was quoted in the recently published book, “The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career” by Wendy Gelberg.

Published by California-based Happy About Books, “Successful Introvert” present strategies used by successful people–including numerous celebrities–in managing their introversion or shyness while becoming successful in professional endeavors.  The book, according to the publisher, is “intended to both enlighten and empower readers with specific strategies to use in everyday personal and professional activities so that they can achieve greater success in their lives. At the same time, it is intended to enable introverts to understand, appreciate, and celebrate their unique strengths.”

“It was an honor to be quoted in this book,” says Hyers.  “It genuinely honors the subject of introversion with explanation, inspiration, understanding, examples, and actionable tips and methodology to help you succeed as an introvert in today’s outgoing world. Wendy doesn't depict introversion as a syndrome or weakness, but as a way of processing that brings with it certain tendencies, but not limitations on the success you can have, nor the lifestyle or career options you can realistically pursue.”

Wendy Gelberg is is the owner of Gentle Job Search/Advantage Resumes. She is a certified career coach and resume writer whose expertise is in helping people who are uncomfortable “tooting their own horn.” Designated the "Job-Hunt Pro for Introverts" for www.job-hunt.org, Wendy coaches individuals, gives workshops and writes articles and blogs on all aspects of the job search process. Samples of her resumes and career advice appear in over 20 books.

“The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career” is available in paperback or ebook at www.happyabout.info.

SagePresence to speak at ASTD Regional Conference

SagePresence is proud to announce that it will be a featured speaker at the American Society of Trainers and Developers Twin Cities Chapter 2008 Conference on Wednesday, November 12, at RiverCenter in St. Paul.

SagePresence Director-in-Residence Dean Hyers and Communication Expert Pete Machalek will present “TeamScript: Using Cinematic Tools to Envision & Lead” from 2:45-4:00 PM as part of the Conference’s slate of afternoon break-out sessions.  The interactive talk will demonstrate a simple and universally effective leadership approach based on cinematic story structure and directorial vision.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for us,” says Machalek, who has also served on the ASTD-TCC board for the past two years.  “Our method has proven highly effective in helping take presenters and leaders to the next level.  We are honored to show the training and development professionals at this conference how this fun, unique, and engaging method can do the same for their organizations.”

The Conference, now in its third year, is expected to attract up to 600 training and development professionals from around the Midwest.  The theme is “Learning & Performance: Building Alliances, Achieving Results”.  In support of this theme, this year’s event will offer four distinct learning tracks for participants: leadership, organizational development, training and professional skills, and elearning.

The ASTD-TCC Conference will run November 11-12.  For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.astd-tcc.org.