How Improv Can Transform Your Sales and Entrepreneurial Success with Mary Lemmer
In this episode of Girls Make Bank, we’re diving into a transformative conversation with Mary Lemmer, entrepreneur, improv expert, and the founder of Choose Improve. Mary’s journey from starting a gelato business as a teenager to becoming a leading advocate for using improvisation in entrepreneurship is inspiring and insightful. In this episode, we explore how improv can shape the way you approach business, sales, and even your personal growth.
The Power of Improv in Business
You might be wondering, “What does improv have to do with business?” Well, as Mary explains, improv isn’t just about comedy—it’s a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and sales professionals alike. Improv teaches us skills like active listening, adaptability, and building confidence, all of which are key to success in any business venture.
One of the foundational principles of improv is the “Yes, and” technique. In improv, you build on what others say, rather than blocking or dismissing their ideas. Mary shares how adopting this mindset can positively impact your sales approach and overall business strategy. By saying “Yes, and” in business, you open the door to new opportunities, allow creativity to flow, and establish a positive and collaborative mindset.
Building Empathy Through Active Listening
As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves in situations where effective communication is critical—whether it’s pitching an idea, negotiating with clients, or leading a team. Improv can improve your active listening skills by training you to truly hear what others are saying and respond thoughtfully.
Mary emphasizes that listening with empathy and being present in conversations can help you build stronger relationships with clients, partners, and even potential investors. When you’re able to respond in a way that acknowledges others’ ideas and builds on them, you’re fostering a more collaborative and respectful environment.
Using Improv to Manage Rejection and Cultivate Resilience
Let’s face it—rejection is a part of the entrepreneurial journey. Whether it’s a pitch that didn’t land, a product that didn’t sell, or a partnership that fell through, rejection can be tough. But improv teaches you how to handle these moments with grace and resilience.
Mary shares some of her personal strategies for managing rejection, including using improv techniques to detach emotionally from setbacks. Improv encourages you to be in the moment and move forward, rather than dwelling on failure. By embracing the unpredictable nature of both improv and business, entrepreneurs can become more resilient and adaptable when things don’t go as planned.
Practical Applications of Improv: The Half Pitch Exercise
One of the standout techniques that Mary shares in this episode is the “Half Pitch” exercise. This practice allows you to get comfortable pitching your ideas in a condensed format, helping you focus on the core of what you want to communicate. The exercise challenges you to think quickly and communicate clearly, all while honing your ability to read the room and adapt to feedback in real-time.
Whether you’re preparing for a pitch to investors or simply trying to improve your communication skills, the Half Pitch exercise is a great way to build confidence and improve your delivery.
The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Improv
In addition to the business advantages, improv offers a range of mental and physical health benefits. Mary discusses how incorporating improv into your daily life can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. The mental agility that improv fosters can make you a sharper problem-solver, while the physicality of improv can help release tension and keep you energized throughout the day.
By embracing the principles of improv, entrepreneurs can not only improve their business practices but also enhance their personal health and resilience in the face of challenges.
