I couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to one of our incredible keynote speakers this year—Colin O’Brady! Colin’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just talk about big goals; he lives them. As a peak performance expert, New York Times bestselling author, and the holder of 11 world records, he knows a thing or two about pushing limits. Imagine hearing firsthand from the guy who raised over $3 million for his expeditions, trekked solo across Antarctica (yep, dragging a 370-pound sled), and climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents. At D2DCon, Colin’s going to break down exactly how he sold his vision and secured big support to make those wild dreams happen. His insights are pure gold for anyone in sales, fundraising, or direct sales entrepreneurs looking to build belief in a mission. I mean, resilience isn’t just a trait in sales—it’s a necessity, and Colin lives it.
Resilience isn’t just a trait—it’s a necessity in sales, and few people embody this quality better than Colin O’Brady.
Colin’s take on fundraising? It’s not just about the dollars; it’s about creating a vision so powerful people can’t help but get on board. His approach of aligning his goals with his audience’s interests aligns perfectly with what we’re all about at D2DCon—building a direct sales community that thrives on integrity.
We even recently brought Colin to the D2D Podcast. He shared a sneak peek of his winning strategies for selling a vision, building trust, and mastering resilience. I’m telling you, these insights can seriously amp up your sales game and take your entrepreneurial journey to a whole new level.
Key Takeaways
1- Building a Vision That Attracts Funders
In the podcast, Colin shares how he raised funds for major expeditions with budgets reaching multi-million dollars. When he set out to achieve his world records, Colin only had $10,000 in the bank—far from the half a million he needed. How did he bridge that gap? Through strategic fundraising, storytelling, and relentless belief in his mission.
Colin explains, “It takes just as much energy to raise $50,000 as it does to raise $500,000 or even $50 million. The trick is matching the size of your vision with the funds you’re seeking.” He says that aligning your idea with your audience’s goals is essential, whether it’s a sales pitch or a funding request.
Fundraising Insight: Don’t just pitch a product or service. Present your idea as a meaningful vision that funders can get behind. The larger and clearer your vision, the easier it becomes to attract the right investors or supporters.
2- Strategic Storytelling: The Key to Raising Funds
Colin’s experience in extreme sports and business has taught him the power of storytelling. He had to sell the idea and the journey behind it to raise over $3 million for one of his expeditions. He would tell potential investors about his goal of walking solo across Antarctica or climbing the highest peaks on every continent, making his story impossible to ignore.
According to Colin, it’s all about the story,-8 whether you’re knocking on doors or pitching to investors. He says, “You must put yourself out there and tell a story that connects.” For sales reps and business leaders, this means crafting a narrative that captures attention and moves people to invest.
Sales & Fundraising Insight: Your story is your greatest asset. Don’t focus solely on the product or service; let people in on the journey. Whether it’s building effective and resillient sales strategies or an innovative business model, give potential funders a reason to feel personally invested in your vision.
3- Gaining Buy-In: How to Create Fundraising Success in Any Industry
Fundraising, much like sales, requires a deep understanding of your audience. Colin shares that for every venture, from his $500,000 Seven Summits expedition to his multimillion-dollar Drake Passage row, he made it clear how his project could bring value to sponsors and investors. He emphasizes that it’s not about the dollar amount but about aligning your pitch with your investors’ interests.
This lesson applies directly to anyone in the sales business. When reaching out for funds or trying to close a sale, think of it as creating a partnership. Colin reflects, “I learned how to connect the dots and bring the right people on board for my projects.” This approach made it easier for him to secure large sums because his sponsors saw his projects as opportunities to gain visibility and make an impact.
Business Insight: Treat each pitch as a partnership opportunity. When you can demonstrate how your vision aligns with a potential investor’s goals, you create mutual value, making it easier for them to say yes.
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4- The Art of the Big Ask: Confidence in Fundraising
Colin’s journey into high-stakes fundraising offers valuable insights for sales and business professionals. He believes you must “plant your flag” on a vision and commit fully, even if the path isn’t clear. For Colin, this meant confidently asking for the funds to break records and reach new heights—even when the odds were against him.
He shared with Sam, “When I was trying to raise half a million dollars, I had no way to guarantee success, but I had a vision. I walked into those rooms believing fully in what I would accomplish.” This belief made it easier for potential investors to trust and get behind his vision.
Sales & Fundraising Tip: Confidence sells. When you approach potential funders with unwavering belief, they are more likely to respond positively. Show that you’re committed to your vision, and your confidence will inspire others to believe in it too.
“Winners Lose the Most”: Embracing Rejection in Fundraising
One of Colin’s favorite phrases is, “Winners lose the most.” This couldn’t be truer for anyone in sales or fundraising. Rejection is part of the journey. Colin faced it constantly, both in his expeditions and in his fundraising efforts. But he didn’t let that stop him.
Instead, Colin learned from each “no,” using every rejection to refine his pitch and clarify his vision. He shares, “Each failure taught me something. When I look back, every ‘no’ was a step closer to a ‘yes.’” In business and sales, this approach is invaluable. Every setback is an opportunity to refine, learn, and grow stronger.
Motivational Takeaway: Rejection is part of the process. Embrace each “no” as a learning opportunity. Every failed attempt brings you one step closer to your goal.
Closing Thoughts: Why Fundraising is About Vision and Tenacity
Colin’s message to the D2D community is clear: Fundraising is about more than money. It’s about building a vision so strong that people can’t help but want to support it. At D2DCon 8, Colin will share his lessons from raising millions and achieving the seemingly impossible.
For sales professionals, his insights offer a roadmap for mastering the art of the pitch, whether you’re asking for funds or closing a deal. So, if you’re ready to take your fundraising and sales skills to the next level, make sure you’re there to hear Colin’s story.
Sam’s role as the CEO of The D2D Experts and founder of the annual D2DCon cements his position as a leading authority in sales and business consulting.
With a journey that began at the tender age of 11, Sam quickly emerged as a prodigy in sales, dedicating over 17 years to refining and innovating the craft. His profound experience culminated in the founding of The D2D Association, a testament to his leadership and influence in the industry.
As the author of the influential book “ABC’$ of Closing,” Sam has contributed significantly to the literature of sales, offering deep insights and effective strategies. His exceptional knowledge is further evidenced by his success in building a 7-figure consulting business in under three years.
Sam also hosts the D2D podcast, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience. His commitment to upleveling and bringing honour and integrity to the D2D industry is evident in every aspect of his work.