As the summer heat slowly fades into the crisp air of autumn, one thing becomes clear: it’s time to head back to Mohawk College. Fall 2024 is upon us, and with it comes the excitement, the anticipation, and yes, the return to the classroom. For me, this means stepping back into my role as a professor of sales in the Radio & Creative Content program, ready to guide a new cohort of students through the thrilling world of sales.

Every year brings with it a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and this year is no different. In fact, the stakes have never been higher. We’re living in an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the landscape of almost every industry, and sales is no exception. But here’s the thing: no matter how advanced AI gets, there’s one thing it can’t replicate – the human touch. And that’s exactly what I’m here to teach.

The Human Touch in a Digital World

In a world where chatbots and algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s easy to think that the role of a salesperson might become obsolete. But I’m here to tell you that’s not the case. While AI can crunch numbers and analyze data, it can’t read the subtle cues of human emotion or build genuine relationships. That’s where we, the humans, come in.

My mission this year is to equip my students with the skills they need to not just survive but thrive in this new digital landscape. I want them to understand that while technology is a powerful tool, it’s just that – a tool. The real power lies in their ability to connect with people, to understand their needs and desires, and to offer solutions that truly resonate.

A New Generation of Sales Superstars

So what can students expect from my class this year? Well, for starters, they’re going to be put through a training regimen that will make Navy SEAL boot camp look like a relaxing spa day. I’m not just teaching them how to sell; I’m teaching them how to become sales superheroes.

They’ll learn how to handle objections like a pro, craft elevator pitches that are impossible to resist, and close deals with the kind of finesse that would make Don Draper jealous. By the time they leave my class, they’ll be able to sell anything to anyone – and make it look effortless.

But it’s not just about learning the tricks of the trade. It’s about building confidence, developing a mindset of resilience, and understanding that rejection is just part of the process. They’ll eat objections for breakfast, breathe elevator pitches, and dream in commission percentages. And when they emerge from this program, they’ll be the Avengers of the sales world – Earth’s Mightiest Sellers.

The Bigger Picture

Of course, this isn’t just about teaching students how to sell products or services. It’s about giving them a foundation for a successful career, no matter what path they choose to follow. Whether they go on to become top radio broadcasters, start their own businesses, or pursue careers in any other field, the skills they learn in this course will serve them well.

Sales is about so much more than just making a profit. It’s about understanding people, solving problems, and creating value. It’s about learning the ancient art of separating people from their money – with a smile. And it’s about showing those AI job-stealers that when it comes to sales, humans still reign supreme.

Looking Forward to an Exciting Year

I can’t wait to get back into the classroom this fall. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a group of students grow and evolve over the course of a semester. Seeing them gain confidence, develop their skills, and start to realize their potential is what keeps me coming back year after year.

So here’s to Fall 2024 – a new year, a new class, and a new opportunity to shape the future of sales. To all the students who will be joining me this semester, get ready. It’s going to be intense, it’s going to be challenging, and it’s going to be a whole lot of fun. Let’s make this the best year yet!