How to Create Presentations That Are On Brand with James Ontra

“Presentations are valuable content.” And yet, they often go underutilized. More challenging still, these prominent content delivery systems aren't branded consistently. Enter James Ontra. Author of the book Presentation Management and Co-Founder and CEO of Shufflrr, James joined me this week on the On Brand podcast for a discussion of all things related to branded presentations.

About James Ontra

James Ontra is the Co-Founder and CEO of Shufflrr, where he leads the Company’s vision, strategy and technical development. James has more than thirty years of entrepreneurial experience, helping large businesses optimize all stages of the workflow associated with presentations, from creation to distribution, through presenting and repurposing. James’s experience consulting with clients, directing sales and developing presentation management technology inspired him, along with his sister and Shufflrr’s Co-Founder AlexAnndra, to write Presentation Management: The New Strategy for Enterprise Content. This book helps large organizations take a holistic approach to presentations so they improve productivity and convert more leads.

James first discovered his entrepreneurial passion while working his way through undergrad at the University of Houston and the US Small Business Administration in Houston named him “Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”

Episode Highlights

Don't lock up good content. James talked about presentations as valuable content that often ends up “locked up” inside organizations.

The battle between sales and marketing continues. Sales presentations are often front-line communication tools for brands. This can create a power struggle between sales and marketing. As I said during the show, “Presentations are the battlefield sales and marketing meet on. And it shouldn't be. It should be a picnic ground.”

The first step in slide management.“First, you have to visualize the content.” From there, James talked about sequences of slides as scenes that presenters can insert in to their slide decks.

What brand has made James smile recently? “Apple. Always. But another one is Stripe.” James shared why this payment tool built into technology consistently brings a smile to his face.

To learn more, go to shufflrr.com. (As James said, “Two Fs, two Rs. Vowel challenged.”)

As We Wrap …

Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.

On Brand is sponsored by my new book Brand Now. Discover the seven dynamics to help your brand stand out in our crowded, distracted world. Order now and get special digital extras. Learn more.

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Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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