Annette Shimada

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Principal at Kickstart Consulting

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Overview

Annette Shimada is the Principal and Founder of Kickstart Consulting, where she architects strategic communications for B2B technology companies, leading to over 25 successful exits. She leverages a systematic approach developed over two decades to drive business value. Colleagues describe her as smart, efficient, and pleasant.

Annette lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and has two children. She is deeply involved in her local community, serving on the board for St. Vincents Santa Barbara and actively promoting their fundraising events. She and her husband are also philanthropic supporters of UC Santa Barbara.

She has guided the communications strategy for more than 25 B2B technology companies through to a successful acquisition or exit.

Personality Overview

Direct & Assertive

Risk Tolerant

Fast But Thoughtful

They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.  They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily. Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.

Topics They Care About

Strategic Tech Exits
Her consultancy specializes in building company narratives specifically to attract acquirers and achieve premium returns for investors, with over 25 successful exits.
B2B Tech Narrative
As a self-described "Strategic Narrative Builder, " she focuses on positioning tech firms by elevating their growth trajectory, customer successes, and visionary leadership.
Community Philanthropy
Actively serves on the board of St. Vincent's Santa Barbara, writes articles to promote their work, and is a financial supporter of local institutions like UC Santa Barbara.

Media Appearances

Annette has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-1998
Principal at Kickstart Consulting
3-1998
Principal at Kickstart Consulting
3-2024
Advisor at Energy Policy Design Institute
2-2019
Board Member: Mission Vision Insight & Strategy at St Vincent's Santa Barbara
9-1995 - 3-1998
Director, Corporate Communications at The Baan Company

Education

B.A. English/Business Emphasis from UCLA

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 30 Location : Santa Barbara, California, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Principal at Kickstart Consulting
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Insights For Selling To Annette

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, don't try to wing it
  • You can spend time on BANT (or other qualification methodology) but keep it to the point
  • Focus on the results that your product produces, expect some strategic questions in return

DONT's

  • Don't focus too much on mutual contacts or bother about other stakeholders, focus on them
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Annette is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Annette

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Annette move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Annette take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Annette

Personality Compatibility


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