Our History
Marilyn Johnson launched Setsale in 1993 following a kick in the motivational pants from a friend who one day at lunch announced "Well, I registered my own business this morning". I was inspired yet stunned. She'd beat me to my own goal. But not for long.
As Founder, Marilyn's passion continues to be to equip technically trained people to lead, sell and communicate with skill, confidence and ease.
Her career path is similar to that of many technical experts and specialists - from chemist working in research to industrial chemical sales in Australia in 1976. No training. Just a car, expense account and encouragement "Hey, a Sheila (young lady) will get you in the door...what happens after that is up to you". That launch into sales was painful, but the lessons on what does not work were first hand and fast.
Back to Canada in 1980 and various high tech sales roles came with lots of training. Wow, the difference between paddling around with a broken oar to sailing. In 1984, I entered the oil and gas sector and eventually management and executive responsibilities. Going from sales into operations was an eye opener into how overdone sales promises and price cutting kills operations, service, quality, and profits.
Nothing in the education or early work experience of most engineers, accountants, scientists, geologists and IT professionals teaches relationship building or how to influence, create trust, rapport or write effectively. I struggled with the same challenges most technical people face as they transition into selling and leadership roles. Delegate- don't do. Influence - don't direct. Control process - not people. Get results through others. Collaborate, negotiate, mentor and guide. Lose Lone Rangering.
I started SetSale with a foundation of practical business experience in both sales and service operations as well as formal training in sales and management. A bit of a learning junkie, consuming thought leaders' books and courses is my idea of fun.
As a consultant, I soon saw that when leaders fail to communicate clearly the values, purpose, direction and sound strategies for their company or department, the results are drift, false starts, conflict, frustration and high turn over. That led me to take formal training in group facilitationto be able to integrate processes and techniques for planning and leading strategic planning retreats and team meetings.
In 1998, business coaching was just emerging in Canada. Since then I completed the rigor of certification in two coaching programs and achieved International Coach Federation Accreditation.
SetSale clients benefit from practical industry, business and technology knowledge relevant to software development and sales, measurement, SCADA, instrumentation and controls, engineering consulting services, and well optimization technologies.
In 2012 a key associate Laurieanne Lynne joined SetSale with 20+ years of Public Relations and Communications experience.
If you are an entrepreneur, consultant, manager or in a business to business sales role, and you find yourself in rough waters, call today for a free consultation. 403-560-3108 or mjohnson@setsale.com or llynne@setsale.com