Avsnitt

  • There's no denying how AI has changed the way we do business in the sales industry. In some areas, it’s better and in others, we’re still working out the kinks. But, has it improved the way we do cold calling?

    In this episode, I have an engaging conversation with Rabi Gupta, the CEO of Evabot, on how AI can bridge the gap between sellers and buyers. Learn how to use AI tools to improve your cold calling techniques.

    Meet the CEO of Evabot

    Rabi Gupta is a co-founder and CEO of a startup company. His day-to-day responsibilities involve managing various aspects of the business. He is passionate about identifying and solving problems that salespeople face by using innovative technology and artificial intelligence. Rabi's leadership and expertise drives his company's mission to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sales teams.

    Cold Calling 2.0 Defined

    Buyers are tired of hearing the same old tired pitches, making it harder for sellers to meet their quotas. Cold Calling 2.0 uses AI technology to help sellers become more efficient in researching buyer’s potential pains and challenges. For example, a seller can use an AI tool to find a specific issue highlighted within a company’s quarterly report. The unique approach keeps sellers from using generic sales outreach techniques and makes cold calls more valuable to prospects.

    AI’s Role in Sales Enhancements

    AI enables sales teams to automate routine tasks such as lead qualification, customer segmentation, and follow-ups. This allows sales reps to focus more on building genuine connections with prospects and close deals faster. With advanced data analytics, sellers can analyze vast amounts of customer data to identify patterns and predict future behavior. Sales teams can tailor their approaches to individual customer needs more accurately. Also, AI enhances cold outreach by providing relevant, precise, and timely information about prospects. This creates sales messages that are more personalized and impactful.

    "What we have seen is if you start with the research part first versus any other greetings, it works really well because today everyone is like, hey, I'm this. I'm calling from this." - Rabi Gupta.

    Resources

    Evabot

    https://thesalesevangelist.com/opener

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a powerful tool for growing your business and gaining clients. However, using the marketing tool can be a bit complicated.

    If you’re unsure how to use Sales Navigator, tune into this episode. I chat with Josh Shirley, a seasoned sales professional from Sandler, on the most effective ways to use the tool to help grow a sales pipeline.

    Josh Shirley’s Background

    Josh Shirley is a representative of Sandler, a renowned sales training organization. He highlights that his relevance arises when sales leaders seek an institutionalized system offering predictable outcomes based on set inputs. Sandler’s methodical approach provides sales professionals with the structured support similar to those in other professions with established educational backgrounds, enabling them to perform effectively right from the start.

    Referrals: The Gold Standard of Leads

    Referrals are the golden component of receiving sales leads. Josh shares personal experiences about how structured approaches to request referrals can significantly enhance lead generation.

    The LinkedIn Rule of Seven

    Josh shares explains that for every seven LinkedIn connections, there's typically one person willing and able to refer you. He outlines three practical applications of this rule to improve your referral tactics. One to Many Referrals: This is suitable for territory managers who need leads from various potential clients. Many-to-One Referrals: Useful for targeting named accounts where multiple mutual connections might lead you to a high-value prospect. One-to-One Referrals: This involves asking one referrer about one specific prospect and repeating the process.

    Practical Execution with LinkedIn Sales Navigator

    Josh explains how LinkedIn Sales Navigator simplifies the process of finding mutual connections who can act as referrers. He provides detailed steps on how to filter through profiles using Sales Navigator's advanced search functionalities to make this task more efficient.

    Overcoming Psychological Barriers

    One of the barriers salespeople face when asking for referrals is the fear of appearing needy or intrusive. Josh advises on shifting this mindset and adopting the belief that people generally want to help you succeed.

    "It's not that you don't know how to ask for referrals. It's that there's something in you stopping you from asking because You’re afraid you’re going to come across as needy." - Josh Shirley.

    Resources

    Josh Shirley on LinkedIn

    Sales Tales Podcast

    https://thesalesevangelist.com/opener

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • You call a potential client, and when they answer the phone, what do you say to reel them into your offer? “Hello, how are you doing? My name is Kevin?”

    No, this is going to get you hung up on. Listen to this episode to find out what you’re supposed to say instead. I share five effective cold call openers to help you start conversations with prospects. Also, don’t forget to download the call opener document for the other five tactics.

    1. Curiosity Opener

    Curiosity makes a prospect more interested in your call and open to conversing with you.

    Try verifying the prospect’s name and referencing something you saw about them on LinkedIn. Make sure it's relevant to a business problem they're currently having.

    This initial spark can pave the way to a longer dialogue where you can provide value.

    2. Referral Opener

    You can consider this one as the golden opener.

    Use this call opener when you know someone within the prospect's professional network to boost your credibility.

    Mentioning a mutual contact can make the prospect more inclined to listen to what you have to say.

    3. Problem Solver Opener

    Take time to research a common challenge in the prospect’s industry.

    Start by stating that you've spoken to others in the same field who have faced similar problems. Then, ask how they are currently handling this challenge.

    This approach not only shows your understanding of their industry but also positions you as a potential problem-solver.

    4. Industry Insight Opener

    A part of being a seller is being an expert in industry trends, and you can use this as an advantage when cold calling.

    After you verify the prospect’s name, share an interesting trend within their industry.

    This will show the potential buyer that you’re well-informed and that your solution is timely and beneficial to their needs.

    5. Value Proposition Opener

    If nothing else works, then try to deliver a compelling value proposition.

    Be specific on how you’ve helped similar companies to achieve measurable results.

    This can immediately capture the prospect's interest and make them more willing to continue the conversation.

    "You want to spark curiosity. It makes it more intriguing for the prospect." - Donald Kelly.

    Resources

    https://thesalesevangelist.com/opener

    TSE Sales Mastermind Class

    TSE studios

    Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    1. This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • You may be working at a company that doesn't have a good CRM, which can easily make your job stressful. How can you overcome this challenge to boost your sales?

    Listen to this episode and hear my conversation with a ten year veteran sales professional. I chatted with Moustafa Moursy on how to develop your own personal sales system to help close more deals fast.

    Moustafa Moursy’s Background

    Moustafa Moursy runs Push Analytics, a full-service digital agency. His team specializes in various areas, including CRM implementation and consulting, helping businesses elevate their operations to the next level. With experience across numerous industries, Push Analytics is a top-tier HubSpot partner and offers tailored solutions for complex business needs

    Why Do Sellers Need a Workflow?

    If you don’t have a personal system of management, you’re only going to get so far. You may be good at the day-to-day workflow or a specific skill, but without a personal system, you’re only going to get so far. The personal system allows you to recognize your strengths and weaknesses.

    What Should Be In Your System?

    It depends on what type of service or product you’re selling. The more complex your workflow is, the more planning you will have to do to build your system. Moustatafa shares that you should start by organizing your day-to-day workflow: Build healthy habits to help you be productive List out the tasks you plan to do for the day Have a positive mindset If your company doesn’t have a good CRM, Moustafa shares how you build a spreadsheet to create a system. Have checkpoints, and at the end of the week, review them. This will help you stay on track with your system, and if something falls through the cracks, you’ll be able to catch it.

    Building Your Personal System

    Moustafa shares several steps to help you build a personal sales system: Organizing your CRM or spreadsheet Writing out what you want your system to be Building habits to create your system

    “Maybe I would have been able to close a deal, if I had follow-up. That’s the point of having a personal system.” - Moustafa Moursy.

    Resources

    Reach out to Moustafa: [email protected] and use TSE” in the subject line for a consultation.

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • You’re using every sales tactic, method, and technique to get a potential buyer to close a deal. When you think they are going to say yes, they end up telling you I have to think about it some more.

    Within your mind, you think you did everything right. So why are they telling you no?

    In this episode, you’re going to find out the error you made. I chat with a special guest with a surprising background, Yano Anaya, who shares the number one mistake sellers make when closing a deal.

    Yano Anaya’s Background

    Do you remember the two sidekicks of the bully who got his tongue stuck on the pole? Well, one of them was Yano Anaya. After spending years as an actor, he decided to make a switch to entrepreneurship. His unique background helped him become a sales marketing expert. Currently, he runs The Christmas Story Family, selling merchandise from the movie. Also, he is the host of a new podcast, “Talking a Christmas Story,” where you can hear behind-the-scenes stories and personal memories from the cast.

    Psychology Trick To Close More Deals

    As a seller, you kind of have to ask your potential customers for money. That’s the business of sales. Yano noticed how sellers often struggle with this challenge and are unable to close deals effectively. He shares that if you have a problem with asking then you may have a personality trait that makes you feel uncomfortable in the sales industry. To overcome this, you have to switch your way of thinking. Yano says that instead of feeling as though you’re asking, view it as if you’re giving them something that will better them.

    Breaking Through Your bias Thinking

    Digging deep within and asking yourself why you have a problem with asking for large amounts will help you shift through your objections. Once you can create value within your biased thoughts, you’ll realize that you’re not hurting anybody by asking. It also depends on the type of service and product you’re offering. If you buy into what you’re providing and how it helps others, your negative feelings about asking for money may go away. Remember building confidence takes time, if you struggle with this practice meditation, mindful techniques, or reach out to a sales coach.

    Authenticity Brings More Sales

    Yano shares how being a trustworthy person helps you close more deals. People want to feel a connection and know you’re a genuine person. Even though some sellers may have a specific personality trait to help them display their real personality, a process may help you.

    “If you use your negative trait positively, then asking for 50K is the ripple effect of you helping an individual scale." - Yano Anaya.

    Resources

    A Christmas Story Family

    Facebook Group

    Talking A Christmas Story Podcast

  • Where does the state of sales stand today, and what should you prioritize to strengthen your pipeline?

    In this episode, I explore the Salesforce 2024 State of Sales Report to provide answers. Join me as I uncover the top three insights from the report.

    Partnerships

    In the Salesforce report, I came across a compelling statistic: 89% of teams currently leverage partnerships, and 50% expect to do so within the next year. As reaching prospects becomes increasingly challenging, partnerships offer a powerful solution by providing direct introductions within organizations. I share an example of why partner deals are so effective and why this approach is set to become a major trend in the sales industry.

    Recurring Sales Revenue

    More companies are shifting towards recurring revenue models instead of relying solely on one-off sales. Recurring revenue provides a more stable and predictable income stream, which is crucial in today’s fluctuating market. This approach is important because it enhances financial stability and drives long-term business growth.

    Importance of Personalization

    According to the Sales report, 86% of buyers are more inclined to make a purchase when their goals are understood. Yet 59% of buyers feel that sales reps fail to take the time to understand them. Personalization involves taking the time to understand their problems and offering tailored solutions.

    “If you’re going to be more effective at personalization, look for ways you can personalize around the challenges people are facing.” - Donald Kelly.

    Resources

    Salesforce 2024 Report

    TSE Sales Mastermind Class

    TSE studios

    Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • In the world of sales, the relationship between sales teams and their CRM tools can often be strained. But what if I told you that the problem doesn't lie with the CRM itself, but in how it's being used?

    Imagine having a toolkit that can drive your business to the next level when configured and utilized correctly. This is where the expertise of Moustafa Moursy, the insightful founder of Push Analytics, comes into play. Listen to our conversation to discover how to make your CRM work for you and not against you.

    Guest Introduction

    Moustafa Moursy runs Push Analytics, a full-service digital agency. His team specializes in various areas, including CRM implementation and consulting, helping businesses elevate their operations to the next level. With experience across numerous industries, Push Analytics is a top-tier HubSpot partner and offers tailored solutions for complex business needs.

    Common Misconceptions About CRMs

    We dive into the common pitfalls organizations face regarding CRM expectations. A prevalent issue is the assumption that simply having a CRM will automatically boost sales. Moustafa clarifies that a CRM is merely a tool. To make the CRM effective you have to properly set it up and strategically plan on how to use it for your business.

    Choosing the Right CRM

    Moustafa explains the importance of selecting a CRM that aligns with your business needs. He points out that while HubSpot is versatile and user-friendly, other CRMs like Salesforce might be suitable for highly customized or niche requirements.

    Setting Up for Success

    Moustafa suggests an initial assessment of current workflows before configuring a CRM. Understanding the specific needs of your sales and marketing processes ensures that the CRM enhances productivity rather than becoming a cumbersome add-on.

    "Really understanding the business needs and the resources available allows you to overlay what you can puzzle together to make things work." - Moustafa Moursy.

    Resources

    Reach out to Moustafa: [email protected] and use TSE" in the subject line for a consultation.

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • How many times do you follow-up with a potential customer? Is it just one time?

    This may be the reason why you’re not meeting your sales quotas. In this episode, I chat with Guitze Messina, the Director of Latin America for HARDI, on the importance of following up. Listen and learn essential follow-up techniques to help you close more deals.

    Guest Introduction

    Guitze Messina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as the Director of Latin America for HARDI. The organization groups together distributors and manufacturers of HVAC equipment across North and South America. Guitze has a strong background in sales and recurrent sales strategies, which he shares in this episode.

    Importance of Follow-Up

    Starting off, I share how follow-up is a known driver of sales success and most reps fail to execute it effectively. Guitze supports this by sharing startling statistics: 44% of salespeople follow up only once, and a whopping 56% don't follow up at all. Moreover, 88% of business is closed after five follow-ups, underscoring the necessity of persistent follow-up.

    Strategies for Effective Follow-Up

    Guitze shares practical strategies for making follow-up less daunting and more effective: Get Permission: Always ask for a follow-up time when sending a quote. This ensures that the customer expects your call and doesn't view it as an intrusion. Set Reminders: If you don't reach the customer at the agreed-upon time, leave a message indicating when you'll follow up next. This shows professionalism and persistence. Reduce Unproductive Quoting: Sales managers should guide their teams to focus on productive activities and better target customers likely to convert.

    The Role of Sales Managers

    Sales managers play a crucial role in instilling good practices. Guitze outlines three critical responsibilities for sales managers: Guidance Through Data: Use data to identify real customers and focus efforts. Activity Monitoring: Ensure salespeople are engaging in productive sales activities, not just quoting endlessly. Effective Coaching: Use questions, not directives, to coach salespeople. This approach has been proven to be more effective.

    “What is the number one sales activity that any salesman should be doing? Calling.” - Guitze Messina.

    Resources

    MONEYCALL: A Proactive Sales Method for Recurring Sales with Less Prospecting

    Guitze Messina on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • Lebron James is 39 years old and is still playing basketball as if he just got out of high school. Do you know why he’s still able to run up and down the court so smoothly while most of us can barely make it up a flight of stairs? It’s because he puts in the time and effort to keep his body in tip-top shape.

    This example provides you with what to expect from my conversation with my guest, Kristi Jones. She shares what the top ten percent of sellers are doing outside of work that’s helping them close deals. Tune in and hear what separates top performers from the rest of the pack.

    Met Kristi Jones

    Kristi Jones is a seasoned sales professional with a wealth of experience in helping organizations improve their sales processes and achieve remarkable results. She has worked extensively in the sales arena, collaborating with various companies to refine their strategies and elevate their performance. Kristi is also an accomplished author, having written books that delve into sales and personal development.

    Personal Sales Math

    Understanding your own sales metrics is crucial for success. Kristi emphasizes the need for sales professionals to know their average sales, sales cycles, and close rates. This allows individuals to tailor their pipelines and targets, making it easier to hit quotas consistently. Top performers are those who understand their personal sales math and apply it diligently.

    Beyond the Surface

    Kristi explains that the habits of top 10% performers often go unseen. She draws parallels between sales professionals and athletes, emphasizing that peak performance is achieved through rigorous discipline both in and out of the workplace. Activities like regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, having a spiritual practice, and ensuring enough sleep all contribute to sustaining high performance levels.

    The Power of Accountability

    Having an accountability partner can significantly boost your chances of achieving your goals. Kristi suggests partnering with someone who can hold you accountable for your actions, be it related to business or personal growth. This external accountability often makes it easier to stick to new habits and routines.

    "The work to get to the top doesn't actually happen at work. It happens after work." - Kristi Jones.

    Resources

    “Selling Your Way In,” by Kristi Jones

    Kristi Jones on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • Cold calling is becoming increasingly difficult for sellers. The old methods aren't working, and you have no clue what the new cold outreach techniques are.

    Don't worry, I got you covered. In this episode, I'm joined by Armand Farrokh and Nick Cegelski, co-authors of the book "Cold Calling Sucks, That's Why It Works." Together, we discuss the challenges of cold calling and share proven strategies to improve success rates based on their extensive experience and data analysis.

    Data-Driven Strategies for Success

    Nick shares data on the success rates of different call openers. He recommends using well-researched and context-based openers to increase success. My guests also discuss the effectiveness of describing a problem with dangerous specificity to establish credibility and capture the prospect's attention.

    The Power of Personalized Openers

    Armand and Nick emphasize the importance of using personalized, context-based openers to stand out from the typical cold caller approach. You can establish a friendly rapport and credibility with prospects by conducting moderate research and focusing on relevance.

    Handling Objections with Empathy and Humor

    My guests stress the need for cold callers to recognize objections as interruptions and respond with understanding and humor, rather than being defensive. They recommend isolating and practicing core talk tracks, such as openers and objections, to improve the overall sales conversation.

    Problem-Centric Approach and Storytelling

    Armand underscores the value of leading with a problem-centric approach. By pinpointing a specific problem that resonates with the prospect, you can create a visceral reaction and position yourself as a strategic partner in solving their issues.

    Armand and Nick’s Book: Cold Calling Sucks, That’s Why It Works

    Armand and Nick challenge the common perception that cold calling is an ineffective sales strategy in their book. Drawing from their extensive experience and data analysis of over 300 million cold calls, the authors present a compelling case for the power of cold calling when done correctly. The book offers practical strategies and insights for crafting personalized, context-based openers to set sellers apart from the typical cold caller approach.

    “We recommend finding the top five triggers that would make you believe someone could be a good customer. When you're looking for those five triggers in order and find one, that's your reason for calling them. You don't need to keep researching, so you can start operationalizing this stuff and become far more efficient.” - Nick Cegelski.

    “It should take 30 seconds to disqualify, 30 seconds to research. Find one thing. That's what you put in your opener.” - Armand Farrokh.

    Resources

    order.30 mpc.com/book

    30 Minutes to President’s Club

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • Are you addressing your customers' pain points? If not, you may not truly understand what they want from you.

    In this episode, I speak with Phillip Swan, a top expert in customer experience. Tune in to hear his insights on why customer-centricity is crucial in today's business world, especially in 2024.

    Phillip Swan's Background

    Phillip Swan is a seasoned customer experience expert with decades of experience. He prioritizes the customer and helps clients reimagine business models using responsible AI.

    His customer-centric approach emphasizes that while the customer isn't always right, but understanding their pain points is essential.

    Phillip's dedication is also reflected in his work with Lingo Aid, an organization focused on improving customer interactions and outcomes.

    The Evolution of the Customer Journey

    Did you know that 76% of B2B buyers avoid human interaction until absolutely necessary?

    Phillip shares why businesses must ensure their marketing efforts provide sufficient information to buyers in the early stages of their customer journey.

    Strategy Tip: listen instead of pitching in initial meetings with potential clients to build trust.

    The Essential Role of Trust

    To build customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases, you must first earn their trust.

    Inspired by a 1961 science fiction novel, Phillip explains the concept of "grokking the customer" and its relevance today in truly understanding and empathizing with customers' needs and pain points.

    Building Customer-Centric Organizations

    Phillip shares that all organizational teams should focus on the customer, not just the sales and marketing team.

    He clarifies that this approach must include finance, legal, product engineering, customer success, and even the board of directors.

    According to Phillip, customer centricity is about creating a seamless, frictionless experience for the customer.

    It's about consistently meeting their needs with little effort and ultimately enhancing their overall experience with the organization.

    Actionable Steps for Sales Leaders

    For sales leaders looking to inculcate a culture of customer-centricity, Phillip suggests actionable steps, including:

    Mapping out business processes to identify and eliminate friction points.

    Fostering a belief system within the organization that emphasizes delivering customer value.

    Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration to ensure a unified approach to customer service.

    “Salespeople need to do one thing in my book and one thing really, really well, which is in the first meeting, do not present your stuff.” - Phillip Swan.

    Resources

    Phillip Swan on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • You want to speak with a company's high stakeholders but have no idea how to reach them. Prospecting is always a challenge for sellers, but it’s easier when you use this powerful sales technique that’ll get through to anyone.

    In this episode, I chat with Stu Heinecke, a Wall Street Journal cartoonist, marketer, and author, about using contact marketing for prospecting. Listen to the secrets he used with his sales teams to reach prospective clients and close more deals.

    Stu Heinecke’s Background

    Stu Heinecke, a Wall Street Journal cartoonist, discovered the power of “Contact Marketing” early in his career, earning him two Hall of Fame nominations as a marketer. He now hosts and writes for the How To Get A Meeting with Anyone podcast and blog. Additionally, Heinecke is the founder and president of Contact, a company specializing in contact marketing.

    Importance of Business Cards

    When was the last time you saw someone pull out a business card? Thanks to the digital world we live in today, it's rare. However, Stu shares why it's essential to go back to the basics to help clients remember who you are.

    Upgrading Business Cards to Devices

    Say goodbye to business cards and hello to engagement devices. The regular business cards aren't impressing people anymore, especially those with long titles. So, instead of giving them a card, you provide them with an engagement device. An example of this is Kevin Mitnick's card. The card does not contain logos, words, or descriptions. It speaks for what the company does. The goal is to make business cards serve as visual metaphors for your best work. They still fit in their pocket, but they use them differently, and not only when they give you a call.

    How Does Contact Marketing Work

    These engagement devices are designed to align with the contact marketing model. Businesses should establish a baseline for responses. The goal is to achieve a 100% breakthrough with every deal the company makes. To accomplish this, provide prospects with a standout card that directs them to your landing page. A well-crafted card will pique their curiosity about what your landing page offers, potentially sparking the beginning of a conversion. Stu’s book offers a wealth of stories and insights on launching campaigns using contact marketing. It’s filled with actionable ideas that you can adapt to your own contact marketing efforts to achieve breakthroughs with your audience.

    “Reach people using relevant, timely, and high-value campaigns.” - Stu Heinecke.

    Resources

    How to Get a Meeting with Anyone

    Get The Meeting

    How to Grow Your Business Like a Weed

    Stu Heinecke on LinkedIn

    TSE Prospecting Course

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • How can you gracefully sauté around the nay-sayers when making cold calls? You might have to learn from a ballerina to find out.

    In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Weiss, the Queen of Cold Calling, to discuss the power of mastering the art of cold calling. Wendy shares her journey from ballerina to sales trainer and how the principles she learned in ballet class have transformed her approach to sales.

    Meet Wendy Weiss

    Initially, she aspired to be a ballerina and pursued a dance career. However, she worked at a telemarketing agency focused on business-to-business development to support herself financially between dance gigs. Years later, when her ballet career ended, Wendy realized that her expertise in cold calling was a marketable skill. This realization led her to write her first book, "Cold Calling for Women," and launch her own business. Now she helps business owners, sales professionals, and individuals build their sales pipelines and grow their businesses more effectively.

    The Ballet Class Model

    Wendy explains the three-step model she learned in ballet class and how it applies to sales: Warm-up: Define your target audience and create a script that resonates with them. Rehearsal: Practice your script and prepare for potential objections. Performance: Execute your cold calling strategy with confidence.

    Overcoming Fear and Rejection

    The fear of rejection keeps you from making the phone calls, but once you let go of it, everything else will fall into place. Wendy shares her own experience with rejection in the dance world and how it prepared her for sales. She emphasizes the importance of practice and muscle memory in overcoming fear and building confidence.

    Effective Role-Playing Techniques

    To help sales teams master the art of cold calling, Wendy suggests implementing role-playing exercises. She recommends having team members practice their scripts as if they were on real calls, standing up and using headsets to make the experience more realistic. She also suggests using a rapid role-play technique in which the leader raises various objections, and team members must quickly respond with appropriate answers.

    Success Story

    Wendy shares the inspiring story of her client, Tammy, who overcame her fear of being perceived as pushy or aggressive in her cold-calling efforts. After completing Wendy's six-month implementation program, Tammy is now on track to make $25,000 per month in her commercial real estate business, with the potential to earn $300,000 annually.

    “We keep doing the same thing over and over and over again until you get the muscle memory. You don't have to think about it. You can just do it. It's the same in sales. You need the muscle memory." - Wendy Weiss.

    Resources

    The Salesology Sales Prospecting Toolkit

    Gosalesology

    Salesology: Conversations with Sales Leaders

    Wendy Weiss on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • In the sales world, the mantra "do more with less" often feels more like a challenge than a guiding principle. In this episode, I chat with Anthony Nava, Senior SDR Manager at Crunchbase.

    With years of dedicated service and experience, Anthony reveals the innovative strategies that have helped his team thrive despite tight resources. Discover how Anthony's blend of empathy, tech-savviness, and strategic thinking can transform your sales team's performance.

    Meet Anthony Nava

    He leads the sales efforts for the team, contributing significantly to their success through various innovative and strategic approaches. Anthony has navigated the company's various transitions and challenges, leveraging tools like AI to maximize efficiency and performance. Before joining Crunchbase, Anthony amassed valuable skills and knowledge that have made him an effective leader and a critical asset to the organization.

    Embracing AI to Boost Sales Efficiency

    When faced with limited resources, Anthony leverages AI tools to drive efficiency and maintain high performance. Essential tools mentioned include: Attention AI: Helps in call listening, note-taking, and integrating insights into Salesforce, saving time for SDRs and allowing for focused coaching. Crunchbase Insights: Using AI to determine accounts in a buying position, providing a strategic advantage by identifying potential deals before competitors.

    Adjusting Your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)

    Anthony discusses the critical pivot toward refining the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) to enhance sales efficacy. His team, through data analysis and collaboration with marketing, identified key decision-makers who had a high impact on deal closures: Finance Involvement: Around 80% of closed deals involved finance personnel from the early stages. Strategic Adjustments: By aligning towards this new ICP, they ensured better engagement and quicker deal cycles.

    Coping Mechanisms for Leaders

    Anthony delves into how leaders can mentally and emotionally prepare themselves: Empathy: Understanding the team’s challenges and adjusting leadership styles accordingly. Positive Reinforcement: Continuously highlighting the exciting potentials and future achievements. Offsite Meetings: Facilitating team get-togethers to discuss concerns and strategies. It also helps maintain a cohesive unit.

    "Data and collaboration will be your best friend in some of the toughest times." - Anthony Nava.

    Resources

    Anthony Nava on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • Understanding human psychology will always move your sales pipeline faster than the speed of lightning. In this episode, I share a simple trick that helped my podcasting company secure valuable appointments and generate significant revenue. Discover why the "Close File" method still works and how you can use it.

    Understanding Human Behavior

    One of sales's most fundamental and overlooked aspects is understanding human behavior.

    Every title, email, and phone call in sales is not just a transaction, but an opportunity to connect with a real person who craves genuine interaction.

    By grasping the nuances of human psychology, salespeople can navigate conversations more effectively and close more deals.

    The "Close File" Strategy

    The "Close File" strategy is an email tactic that can effectively filter out non-responsive leads and revive interest from potential prospects.

    I share an example of a simple yet effective email that asks the recipient if they still want to proceed or if the file should be closed.

    This approach leverages psychological triggers like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to prompt responses.

    Why It Works

    The success of the "Close File" strategy lies in its psychological underpinnings.

    People fear missing out on valuable opportunities, and the confident, straightforward approach of closing the file catches their attention.

    This method cleans up your pipeline and accelerates the decision-making process for leads.

    “The idea of you closing something and taking it away makes them want it even more. It's kind of like when you were a teenager, and your parents told you not to do something. It made you want to do it even more.” - Donald Kelly.

    Resources

    LinkedIn Sales Navigator

    TSE Sales Mastermind Class

    TSE studios

    Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • Have you ever wondered how FBI agents can get suspects to tell them everything within seconds? Those tactics they’re using can be surprisingly practical in your sales game.

    In this episode, I invite two exceptional guests, Adele Gambardella, and Chip Massey, to share their unique hybrid of sales wisdom drawn from their expansive backgrounds. Listen to discover forensic listening and effective convincing techniques to boost your sales success.

    Guest Introductions

    Adele Gambardella With over 15 years of experience running her own agency, Adele shares the journey of transitioning from cold calls with limited success to securing significant clients through strategic media coverage offerings. Adele expertly discusses how her PR and journalism background seamlessly blended into her sales tactics, making her exceptionally skilled in selling concepts and narratives. Chip Massey Chip details his fascinating transition from FBI special agent and hostage negotiator to business consultancy, where he met Adele. The collaboration between Chip’s high-stakes negotiation skills and Adele’s PR expertise forms the foundation for their innovative sales training firm. His profound understanding of human behavior and negotiation lends invaluable insights into the sales process.

    Forensic Listening

    Definition: Forensic Listening is the art and science of analyzing conversations to understand clients' unspoken narratives and emotions. Four Key Components Emotion: Identifying and tracking the present emotions during the conversation. Theme Development: Recognizing recurring themes that indicate what the client values the most. Voice: Observing pitch, tone, and cadence to determine excitement or disinterest. Body Positioning: Differentiating between body language and positioning to gauge the client's engagement level.

    Methods to Improve Forensic Listening

    Recording and Reviewing Meetings: Utilize tools like Otter AI to capture the conversation, allowing for a thorough post-call analysis. Targeted Validation: Following up with insights gained during conversations to show genuine interest and appreciation for the client’s input.

    Essentials of Convincing

    Chip & Adele share the importance of convincing and how sellers can improve. Convincing Continuum Point of Agreement: Starting with a mutual agreement to lower initial defenses. Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD): Addressing these components comprehensively to alleviate client concerns. Cliffhangers: Leaving clients with intriguing, open-ended statements or questions that encourage further engagement and follow-up. Personal Convincing Styles: Identify whether you and your client are emotional or fact-based convincers and adjust your approach accordingly.

    "You're listening for a deeper understanding of who you're talking to. And you get that by understanding what their emotions are. What are they passionate about? Where do they have energy?" — Adele Gambardella.

    Forensic listening is the art and science of analyzing a conversation after it's happened. Because what we say is words leave clues." — Chip Massey

    Resources

    Book: “Convince Me"

    Training So Good, It's Criminal

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • What are three things you can do to become a top-performing seller? My guest, Eric Hamilton, will reveal the answer in this episode.

    He uncovers what sets top performers apart in the challenging world of sales. Also, you'll hear insights from his latest book, "The Sales Blueprint: What Winners Do Differently." Listen to gain actionable strategies to help you excel even in tough economic times.

    Eric Hamilton's Background

    Eric Hamilton is a seasoned sales leader and the author of "The Sales Blueprint: What Winners Do Differently." Throughout his successful career, Eric has emphasized the importance of disciplined, consistent sales processes. Eric's systematic approach aims to provide a structured, repeatable framework that new and seasoned sales professionals can leverage to achieve consistent success.

    Key Ingredients of Sales Success

    Eric breaks down sales success into three main components: Preparation Mindset Execution

    The Power of Preparation

    Eric explains that being prepared days, even weeks, in advance is crucial. Preparation involves everything from understanding the client's business to setting agendas and confirming meeting details. This approach ensures that sales professionals are not just winging it but are strategically ready for every interaction.

    The Right Mindset

    Eric discusses how being mentally prepared can instill confidence and command in a sales meeting. Techniques like the Wonder Woman pose are suggested to foster a powerful presence. He also shares his personal routine of mindfulness and meditation, which helps him start the day with a positive mental state.

    Execution: The Final Piece

    From beginning a meeting assertively to effectively managing the conversation flow and nailing the next steps, execution is where preparation and mindset culminate. Eric stresses the importance of setting agendas, controlling the meeting, and transitioning to the next steps well before time runs out.

    ‘It's important to have the mindset that you will succeed in anything you do.But that goes hand in hand with preparation. If you're not prepared, you won't be mentally ready to deal with whatever you have to deal with.’ - Eric Hamilton.

    Resources

    "The Sales Blueprint" by Eric Hamilton

    Eric Hamilton on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • There’s a sales enablement evaluation going on. Are you ready for its changes?

    In this episode, I chat with Shane Evans, the Chief Revenue Officer at Gong. Together, we explore the rapidly evolving world of sales enablement and its challenges. Discover actionable strategies to improve your sales performance and productivity.

    Guest Introduction: Shane Evans

    Shane Evans is the Chief Revenue Officer at Gong, a role that involves overseeing anything that touches customers or prospects interested in Gong. His team includes sales development reps, solution engineers, implementation consultants, and customer success representatives. With a focus on creating high-performing sales teams, Shane brings unparalleled insights into how data and technology can transform sales enablement.

    The Problems in Sales Enablement

    Shane reveals some alarming statistics that highlight problems in the current state of sales enablement: 77% of sellers' time is spent on mundane tasks like data entry. Sellers are hitting only 30% to 35% of attainment, affecting their motivation and overall company performance. Only 1% of data from sales interactions makes it into CRM systems.

    The Role of Revenue Intelligence

    Shane discusses how Gong’s focus on revenue intelligence addresses these challenges: Activity Capture: Gong automatically captures data from Zoom meetings, phone calls, emails, and Slack messages. This allows more comprehensive and accurate data to inform sales strategies. Targeted Coaching: AI analyzes interactions to offer pinpointed coaching on areas like competitive knowledge and effective questioning. This helps sales leaders provide real-time guidance to improve performance.

    Success Stories

    Shane shares compelling success stories from Gong's clients: Upwork: Using Gong, Upwork improved its forecast accuracy to over 95%, significantly impacting its stock performance. ADP: The payroll giant uses Gong to enhance their win rates, average contract values, and overall productivity.

    The Future of Sales Enablement

    Shane believes the future of sales enablement lies in utilizing data effectively to provide ultra-personalized coaching and support. He stresses the importance of capturing contextual data to improve sales performance, regardless of the organization's size.

    "Enablement is no longer about just creating generic documents and pumping them out for people to try and act on. It's identifying the skills and behaviors where people have gaps and then being very targeted in the moment to give them the coaching and the information they need to be more effective." - Shane Evans.

    Resources

    Shane Evans on LinkedIn

    Gong.io

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

  • Capturing your prospects' attention is more challenging than ever, thanks to our distracting world. So, how do you cut through the noise and effectively engage with potential clients?

    In this episode of The Sales Evangelist Podcast, I speak with Alan Versteeg, a seasoned sales leader and head of Growth Matters. Hear his insights and strategies for grabbing your prospects' attention and turning it into meaningful business opportunities.

    About Alan Versteeg

    Alan Versteeg is the mastermind behind Growth Matters, an organization dedicated to enhancing sales management development. His mission is to provide sales leaders with the tools they need to improve their game and, by extension, help their sales teams excel. In this episode, Alan emphasizes the critical role of sales managers in driving sustainable sales performance and the importance of mindset in successful selling.

    The Importance of Mindset

    How important is mindset in sales? According to Alan, you can’t sell anything unless you have this specific mindset to make it in the sales industry. He suggests that sales professionals should view their roles as noble and genuine efforts to help customers. This conviction translates into clarity, confidence, and, ultimately, competence. Alan points out that many top salespeople become mediocre sales managers because they lack this foundational mindset.

    Relevance: The Currency of Value

    Alan shares how to engineer relevance into your sales conversations by doing meticulous research and personalization. He argues that generic sales messages won’t cut it, especially with AI generating compelling scripts at scale. Instead, salespeople must tailor their outreach to demonstrate a profound understanding of the prospect's industry and challenges.

    Practical Strategies for Gaining Attention

    Alan offers a practical framework he calls the Initial Value Promise. It involves crafting a message that immediately signals relevance to the target prospect. This sales approach is based on the neuroscience behind the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which filters information based on its relevance to us.

    Navigating Rejections

    Always welcome rejections and see them as opportunities to reposition your efforts. Alan advises that if a prospect says no, it's best to thank them and move on rather than trying to convince them otherwise. Instead, focus your energy on those who find your value proposition relevant.

    “Relevance is the currency of value.” - Alan Versteeg.

    Resources

    Growth Matters International

    The Catastrophic State of Sales Coaching

    Alan Versteeg on LinkedIn

    Sponsorship Offers

    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.

    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.

    2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.

    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.

    3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.

    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.

    Credits

    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill