Alison Mullins: Why Face-to-Face Marketing Still Wins (and How to Build Proactive Sales in the Trades)

Jan 19, 2026

30:31

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In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell sits down with Alison Mullins — an award-winning sales leader, two-time best-selling author, and founder of Rep Methods — to talk about what actually drives growth in trade-based businesses.

Alison shares why public speaking, trade shows, and real conversations consistently outperform social media in her industry — and how too many sales professionals stay stuck being reactive instead of proactive.

You’ll also hear Alison’s candid take on:

Why most sales and marketing efforts fail before they start
How referral and “co-op” relationships create faster momentum than cold outreach
What it really cost to publish her first book — and why it was worth every dollar
The challenge of collecting authentic testimonials in a paid-review world
Using AI as a second brain, not a shortcut
Her new workforce development summit helping high-school students build real communication skills and land internships

This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and trade-based business owners who want sustainable growth without relying on constant social media posting.