Conversation with Linda Pelletier

As a youth, Linda Pelletier didn’t set out for a career in sales and marketing.

After graduating college with a degree in therapeutic recreation, her first job was as a recreational therapist in a maximum security prison. 

But with an outgoing personality and a desire to help people, her transition to the sales world came naturally. That path led her to open Green Cooling Solutions, an air-conditioning business, with a business partner almost five years ago.

In June, Pelletier was named the director of the Lakewood Ranch chapter of Successful Women Aligning Together, better known as SWAT. 

We sat down to talk to her about what’s on her agenda as she assumes the helm of the organization. 

When we started our business, we had no customers except friends, and you only have so many friends. I heard about BNI, Business Network International, and it’s based on building relationship amongst your BNI group. It’s limited to one person per profession ... Somebody from BNI told me about another group; it was all working moms. From Biz Moms, someone told me about SWAT. You learn about networking groups from other networkers. That was four years ago. At that point, SWAT was about 40 members. Now, I think they are up to 290.

I started my own business because I learned that it’s a very scandalous field. A lot of sales technicians are on commission, so they sell people services they don’t need. I thought it was a great avenue to get in business. Referrals go a long way. Our fifth anniversary is coming up in July. We have six technicians and two people in the office. We’ve grown it from just us.

Networking is all about building relationships. People do business with people they like and they trust. In building trusted relationships, people get to know you.

I think the key to success is most importantly honesty. Honesty in the work you do. Honesty in the price you quote. Honesty in the mistakes you make and owning up to them. That goes for life, too.

The best tip I can give those who are uncomfortable meeting new people is to find a “CPI” (Common Point of Interest). Instead of talking about the weather, ask questions that start with “What’s your favorite...?” or “When was the last time...?” With questions like that you are likely to come across a CPI, and it will put you at ease. 

My parents are my role models. I was (raised) on good morals, to treat people fairly. I wish everybody had the same (morals) I have.

The biggest complaint I hear from people in my field is, “We never heard back from them” or “They never showed up or called.” If you are busy just let your customer know. Many times they appreciate that and are willing to reschedule.

The best advice I’ve received is to go above and beyond what people expect, to always exceed expectations. I always try to do it. When you are going to act and perform a task, having a clear understanding of the task and each goal (is important for trying) to exceed the goal.

Networking seems to come naturally to me because I’m a social person. Outside work, you aren’t going to have friends unless you get to know people. Truly, getting to know people is my foundation. Friendship is happiness to me.

We’re always sold out, so we can’t grow it. My goal would be to help new members make the most out of their networking with networking tips