The Sales Evangelist

Do you struggle with multithreading as a seller? Would you like a secret technique to help you develop relationships with decision-makers? In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly speaks with Spencer Muhonen on the concept of multithreading in sales and shares strategies and tactics for effectively implementing it. They provide insights based on their experience in the industry, offering valuable tips for BDRs and sellers looking to improve their pipeline and build relationships with multiple stakeholders. Who Is Spencer Muhonen? Spencer is a senior tenured SDR for Awardco, a SaaS company based in Provo, Utah, that focuses on employee recognition and incentives.  He shares his role and highlights the importance of targeting traditional personas in prospecting, along with key internal champions in other departments to strengthen the case for sales. Collaborating With the Sales Department Donald and Spencer emphasize the significance of multithreading in modern sales, as sellers must engage with multiple stakeholders throughout the buying journey.  They caution against ineffective approaches, such as cheesy sales tactics or simply blasting outreach to a list of focus accounts without a thoughtful strategy. Spencer defines multithreading as expanding outreach beyond traditional personas and titles, reaching out to key decision-makers in various departments to build credibility and enhance the pipeline. He explains that sales departments can be excellent sources of internal champions, as people in sales are often looking to grow their own pipelines.  Spencer highlights his willingness to have meetings with other sales professionals who approach him on LinkedIn, even knowing that he is not a decision-maker. This reciprocal approach can lead to strengthened relationships and mutual support. Engaging With the Finance Department Donald and Spencer further discuss other effective multithreading strategies, such as contacting the finance department.  Spencer emphasizes the importance of vendor managers and their oversight of profitability and contracts.  By connecting with finance teams during the RFIs or RFPs process, sellers can build intrigue and gain intros to C-suite members. This approach is often overlooked but can yield significant benefits. Personalizing Your Messages Both speakers address the issue of using the same message for multithreading prospects. Donald refers to it as "lazy selling" and asks Spencer for his approach. Spencer suggests personalizing the messaging, taking into account the specific context and pain points of each stakeholder.  Sellers can build trust and make a stronger impact by tailoring outreach to individual needs. Building Internal Brand Champions Throughout the conversation, Donald and Spencer provide actionable advice and share their experiences to guide sellers in implementing effective multithreading strategies. They underline the importance of building relationships beyond traditional personas, leveraging networks in sales departments and finance teams, and personalizing outreach to engage stakeholders more effectively. This episode of "The TSE Podcast" offers valuable insights to BDRs and sellers on the art of multithreading in sales. By expanding their reach and building relationships with various stakeholders, sellers can enhance their pipeline and increase the chances of closing deals. Through personalization, collaboration, and a strategic approach, sellers can navigate the complex sales landscape successfully. "Expanding your outreach away from your traditional personas, titles that you would target when prospecting, and normal decision makers. There is a larger scheme of decision makers, but also key internal champions you can build from other departments that can strengthen your case and strengthen your pipeline long term to build credibility when it comes time for an account executive to have, hopefully, a closed deal." -Spencer Muhoner Resources Spencer Muhonen 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. Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

In the dynamic world of sales, the game has evolved. Gone are the days of relying on a single decision-maker to push a deal forward. Today, successful sales professionals understand the importance of engaging with multiple organizational stakeholders to secure the coveted win. In this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald speaks with sales expert Nick Reed Smith. They discuss the increasingly complex world of sales and how to manage multiple stakeholders in the buying process effectively.  Nick shares his experience and strategies for multithreading deals, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with various decision-makers and influencers within an organization to increase the chances of closing a deal successfully. Join Donald and Nick as they dive into the art of multithreading and uncover helpful tips for sales professionals seeking to improve their techniques. The Changing Dynamics of Sales Processes Nick highlights the evolving nature of the sales landscape, where deals are becoming more complex and multiple stakeholders are involved.  He emphasizes the need for sales reps to adapt and find new ways to interact with buyers effectively. Becoming a Trusted Consultant One of the key shifts in buyer expectations is the desire for sales professionals to act as consultants rather than mere order-takers.  Buyers want a partner who understands their needs, manages multiple stakeholders, and provides valuable insights throughout the sales process. Understanding Multithreading Nick introduces the concept of multithreading, which involves building relationships with multiple individuals within the buying organization.  Rather than relying solely on one point of contact, sales reps should engage with decision-makers, economic champions, technical champions, and coaches to comprehensively understand the deal's dynamics. Mapping the Organizational Landscape To effectively multithread, sales professionals need to identify the key personas and individuals they should engage with within the buying organization.  Nick advises sales reps to map out the various stakeholders they must interact with, ensuring they cover all necessary roles, such as CRO, CFO, Rev Ops, head of alliances, and VP of sales. Taking Control and Providing Updates Nick emphasizes the need for sales reps to maintain control of the multithreading process.  Instead of asking permission to interact with other stakeholders, he suggests clearly communicating to the initial point of contact that multiple team members have been reaching out to their counterparts.  This approach keeps everyone informed and engaged while setting the foundation for a collaborative relationship. Balancing Pushiness and Transparency Some may perceive constant engagement with multiple stakeholders as pushy, but Nick argues that it is necessary in today's sales environment.  By framing the multithreading approach as a shared effort involving various team members, sales reps assert their expertise and demonstrate their commitment to understanding the organization as a whole. Managing multiple stakeholders in complex sales deals is a growing challenge for sales professionals. Through the art of multithreading, sales reps can build stronger relationships and easily navigate the buying process's complexities. The key takeaway from this discussion is that multithreading is not only a sales strategy but also a mindset shift toward becoming a trusted advisor and consultant to buyers. "Oftentimes, what I found the reason for me that it does slip is because, okay, I was spending too much time with the person I thought was the decision-maker. And maybe I didn't have enough knowledge of what was going on in other departments, or maybe there was someone else higher up that I needed more buy-in from them." -Nick Reed Smith Resources Nick Reed Smith 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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

Have you ever faced the challenge of trying to increase your outbound contact ratio? In today's highly competitive business landscape, reaching out to new clients can be challenging.  But what if we told you there's a way to double your contact with prospects and see significant improvements in your sales results? In this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald Kelly speaks with Richard from Durham Lane, an integrated sales and marketing outsourcing business based in the UK.  They discuss the challenges of net new client acquisition and how Durham Lane successfully increased their outbound contact ratio by adopting a qualitative approach to prospecting. Richard shares valuable insights on intelligent prospecting, omnichannel strategies, and the importance of meaningful conversations with potential clients. The Importance of Intelligent Prospecting Richard highlights the need to move away from solely focusing on effort and instead embrace intelligent prospecting and thoughtful business development activities.  Durham Lane believes in the power of engaging prospects in meaningful conversations to drive Net New client acquisition.  They have developed techniques based on selling at a high-level methodology, which they successfully implemented to improve their outbound contact ratios. Omnichannel Approach for Effective Engagement Durham Lane emphasizes the importance of an omnichannel approach to maximize their outreach efforts.  While technology plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, it's vital to understand the customer journey and use various channels to engage with potential clients.  Richard explains that providing sales teams with tools like telephone, email, and LinkedIn is not enough.  To ensure successful engagement, businesses need to support the entire customer journey and tailor messages to the buyer's specific state – whether they are in the problem education, solution research, or solution selection phase. The Power of Relevance and Call to Action Richard emphasizes the significance of relevance in messaging strategies.  Using the same message for prospects at different stages of the buyer's journey often results in a lack of engagement. Therefore, Durham Lane focuses on creating tailored messages that address each targeted persona's specific problems, solutions, and aspirations.  Alongside relevance, a clear and compelling call to action is essential to encourage prospects to take the desired next step.  By emphasizing business fit and value, businesses can demonstrate their understanding of the buyer's needs and establish a meaningful connection. Swift and Strategic Follow-up One of the critical success factors in increasing outbound contact ratios is the speed and effectiveness of follow-up.  Durham Lane prioritizes timely follow-up to keep prospects engaged and convert their interest into opportunities. They ensure that their sales team is equipped to have meaningful conversations, showcasing their understanding and expertise.  Richard emphasizes the importance of being part of a consistent and valuable conversation thread that progresses from digital interactions to human communication. Richard’s experience and approach to increasing outbound contact ratios provide valuable lessons for businesses looking to improve their prospecting and business development efforts. Implementing these strategies can lead to more successful engagement, ultimately contributing to business growth and success. “Work with your colleagues in your marketing team and bring the two functions together because you should really be driving towards the same goal, which is peeking the attention of the right people in the right types of company so that your sales team can convert them into revenue and your customer success team can look after them for life. If you can achieve that, you have a winning strategy.” - Richard Lane. Resources Durhamlane.com richardlane@durhamlane.com  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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

It's hard to keep up with the current methods of the sales industry? In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," you will discover the sales industry's current SDR/BDR challenges and innovative strategies to combat them. Our host, Donald Kelly, speaks with Howard Dover, a sales expert, researcher, and professor, on how staying adaptable and adjusting helps you become a better sales rep. From the psychological toll of constant rejection to the destruction of dreams and careers, it is evident that a change is needed.  Join us as we uncover the importance of innovation and adaptability in achieving success. The Changing Landscape of Sales Howard discusses research on the sales industry, sharing insights from tracking data on sales cities and the growth of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs). LinkedIn's 2018 report shows that the SDR function has experienced exponential growth, increasing by 580% over the past three years. Howard highlights the need for innovative approaches in sales outreach as the buyer's behavior evolves with each new tactic. The Power of Unique Prospecting The importance of pattern interrupting and capturing attention in sales outreach efforts is emphasized. Howard shares a personal example to illustrate the significance of having a captivating offer and using behavioral adjustment to act differently in certain situations. Buyers have become overwhelmed by traditional approaches, and Howard suggests that honest and unique methods can help sales professionals stand out. The Future of Sales and Strategies Reflecting on the future of the sales industry, Howard predicts a shift towards a full lifecycle approach, where salespeople will generate their own leads and build their own pipelines. The need to revisit older sales methodologies and find effective ways to adapt to the present market is discussed. He acknowledges the challenges of breaking away from conventional training and thinking but emphasizes the potential rewards of embracing a more agile and business-minded mindset. The Dust Bowl Analogy Drawing inspiration from the Dust Bowl disaster, Howard highlights the parallel between the flawed plowing technique and the challenges faced in the sales industry. The importance of adjusting and evolving approaches in response to changing customer behaviors is emphasized, drawing from interviews with successful students during the pandemic. Scott Leasey's belief in avoiding overprocessing and adopting creative, business-minded approaches is mentioned as a valuable perspective. Embracing Change and Human Behavior Howard encourages sales professionals to embrace change and understand human behavior, suggesting that success lies in creativity and adapting to the current market. The concept of standing out by grasping human behavior and exploring creativity is discussed. The risks of sticking to old methods are highlighted, with the speaker emphasizing the need to become adaptable and open to new approaches. The sales industry can be unforgiving, but there are strategies and approaches that can lead to success. By embracing change, staying agile, and thinking outside the box, sales reps in can navigate the ever-changing landscape and achieve their goals.  "Being honest and unique in our approach can capture the buyer's attention and set us apart from the years of attempts to hack the system." - Howard Dover Resources Howard Dover LinkedIn The Sales Innovation Paradox by Howard Dover 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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

If you don't understand why people buy, you may want to kiss your career as a sales rep goodbye. Also, if you're having difficulty connecting with your prospects, you may not be able to reach your monthly goals either. Luckily, your host, Donald Kelly, spoke with the perfect guest to help you understand your prospects better. In this episode, Donald interviews Eric, a business strategist and coach, about understanding the reasons behind customer buying decisions and how to improve sales conversion rates.  Eric introduces the BANK framework, an innovative tool that helps salespeople connect with customers more deeply by understanding their personality types and values. This episode explores the importance of understanding customer buying behavior and provides practical strategies for sales success. Understanding Customer Buying Behavior Eric highlights the need to go beyond traditional sales techniques and understand customers' underlying motivations. Salespeople often deliver the same pitch; some customers say yes, while others say no. Understanding why people buy is crucial to improving sales conversion rates. Eric emphasizes the significance of recognizing that individuals have different personality types, values, and decision-making processes. Introducing the BANK Framework Eric introduces the BANK framework, which stands for Blueprint, Action, Nurture, and Knowledge. The framework helps salespeople identify and adapt to each customer's personality type, enabling effective communication and building customer trust. The BANK framework goes beyond gender-specific differences and provides insights into the underlying values that drive customer decisions. Overcoming the Language Barrier Eric compares the struggle of ineffective communication in sales to speaking different languages. Salespeople often present their products or services in ways that resonate with them but may not connect with the customer. By understanding and adapting to the customer's preferred language, salespeople can bridge the communication gap and tailor their presentations to meet specific needs. The Four Elements of the BANK Framework Blueprint (B): Represents individuals who value stability, accuracy, and organization. They prefer logical and detailed information that helps them make informed decisions. Action (A): Represents individuals who value excitement, speed, and results. They seek quick solutions and appreciate presentations that offer immediate benefits. Nurture (N): Represents individuals who value relationships, collaboration, and trust. They respond to personal connections and appreciate salespeople who take the time to understand their needs. Knowledge (K): Represents individuals who value expertise, data, and evidence. They appreciate presentations that provide in-depth knowledge and demonstrate credibility. Implementing the BANK Framework Eric discusses how the BANK framework can be applied in sales scenarios. Salespeople are encouraged to assess the customer's dominant BANK code based on their preferences, communication style, and decision-making processes. Salespeople can tailor their presentations to meet each customer's needs and values by leveraging insights from the framework. Understanding customer buying behavior is crucial for sales success. The BANK framework emphasizes individual personality types and values, and provides salespeople with a powerful tool to connect with customers authentically.  You can increase the conversion rate and build stronger client relationships by adapting your presentations and communication styles to the customer's preferred language. Using the BANK framework will improve your sales performance and enhance customer satisfaction with ease. "Because for many of us, we must understand why people spend money with us. Like, why is someone going to buy from us? And I'm hoping today that you can help us to grasp that better and grow in that understanding." - Eric Goodman Resources To get your complimentary personality report ($99 value) that will provide valuable insights and communication tips that you can apply right away please take 90 seconds and visit https://crackmycode.com/communicate Eric Goodman 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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

In this episode of The Sales Evangelist Podcast, host Donald Kelly discusses the importance of utilizing LinkedIn effectively as a sales professional. Those working as business development representatives or trying to build a sales pipeline should tune in to this week’s episode. Donald shares three key focus areas for optimizing your LinkedIn profile to grab attention, generate more appointments, and ultimately drive sales. Utilize Your Banner ●     Donald emphasizes the often overlooked real estate of the banner on your LinkedIn profile. This space provides an opportunity to showcase your value proposition and target audience. ●     Potential prospects can quickly understand how you can help them if you clearly state who you serve and the industries you specialize in. ●     Additionally, if your company has noteworthy brand recognition, include it in the banner to further establish credibility. ●     Donald suggests using Canva to create a professional and eye-catching banner that aligns with your company's branding. You can begin selling to prospects even before you engage in a conversation by maximizing the potential of your banner. Take Advantage of the Name Pronunciation Feature ●     LinkedIn offers a feature that allows users to record a 10-second audio clip pronouncing their names. ●     While this feature is crucial for individuals with complex names, Donald recommends utilizing it regardless of the simplicity of your name. ●     The audio introduction serves as an additional engagement tool and helps prospects connect with you on a deeper level. Optimize Your Headline ●     The headline section is often filled with generic information such as job titles and company names automatically generated by LinkedIn. ●     Donald suggests utilizing this space strategically. ●     Consider using keywords your target audience is likely searching for, such as specific industry terms or pain points. ●     Craft a headline that attracts potential prospects to learn more about you and your expertise. ●     It's essential to align your headline with your specific goals and expertise, ensuring it accurately represents your value proposition. Be Proactive and Engage ●     Donald advises being proactive and engaging with your LinkedIn network regularly. ●     Interact with posts, share valuable content, and participate in industry discussions. ●     Building a strong presence on LinkedIn will strengthen your personal brand, enhance credibility, and attract potential leads. Maximizing your LinkedIn profile as a sales professional can significantly impact your ability to grab attention, generate appointments, and close deals. These four tips will help you make a lasting impression on potential prospects and increase your chances of success. "Your profile needs to sell before you even have a conversation with someone." -Donald Kelly. Resources Donald C. Kelly 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 Calendly. Calendly is the leading meeting scheduling software that automates your scheduling, speeds up your sales cycle, and closes more deals. Get started for free or learn more at calendly.com. 4.    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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

Are you holding yourself accountable? If not, then it’s keeping you from success within the sales industry. In this episode of The Sales Evangelist Podcast, host Donald Kelly speaks with Jessica Schultz about the importance of holding yourself accountable as a sales representative. Discover what accountability means and how it can improve your sales performance. The Power of Leading by Example Jessica highlights the significance of leaders displaying the behaviors they expect from their team members.  Leading by example sets the tone for the entire organization, as it helps build trust and respect among team members.  Clear expectations should be set, and any issues that arise should be addressed through reporting and conversations with the team members involved.  She also stresses that if team members consistently fail to meet expectations despite efforts to support and guide them, leaders should be willing to cut ties and send a clear message to others. Importance of Accountability and Feedback One-on-one meetings allow one to discuss concerns, ideas, and goals.  However, Jessica acknowledges that one-on-one meetings can often be neglected due to other priorities.  To ensure accountability, metrics should be defined, and transparent reporting should be implemented.  The CEO's voice is vital in addressing underperforming team members, as a clear directive from the top can greatly impact the team's performance. Educating Leaders on Effective Sales Management Jessica discusses the need for educating founders and sales leaders on what good sales management looks like.  Defining expectations with metrics and implementing transparent reporting are key to holding sales leaders accountable.  She encourages sales managers to stay on top of expectations to ensure reps hit their goals. The Role of Sales Leaders in Deal Management Jessica emphasizes the importance of being prepared for calls, promptly following up with reps and customers, and staying engaged and available to support the sales team. The use of technology tools like Gong can help identify challenges and keywords in conversations but should not be relied upon solely.  Managers must still actively listen to the entire conversation and analyze it further.  Breaking Down Sales Metrics for Success Many companies struggle to determine which metrics to manage their sales representatives to. Jessica highlights the importance of breaking down revenue goals into actionable tasks for reps.  Educating clients on critical sales metrics like average contract value (ACV) and conversion rates is also crucial. Founders may struggle to provide effective coaching, even if they listen to sales calls.  She shares their approach to determining the number of weekly meetings with qualified customers to close deals and setting goals accordingly. Setting clear expectations for sales leaders and team members is crucial for a thriving sales organization. Jessica shares her insights on accountability for sales leaders and founders in optimizing their sales processes.  "Clear expectations should be set, and any issues should be resolved through reporting and conversations." - Jessica Schultz Resources Jessica Schultz LinkedIn Amplify 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 Calendly. Calendly is the leading meeting scheduling software that automates your scheduling, speeds up your sales cycle, and closes more deals. Get started for free or learn more at calendly.com. 4.            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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

Everyone needs a good book to help them build essential skills for their career. If you’re in the sales industry, you must grab a copy of “Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders” to help you learn how to negotiate better. But how is this book going to help you become a better negotiator? In this episode of The Sales Evangelist Podcast, host Donald Kelly interviews the author and negotiation training expert, Mark Raffan. He shares his insights on why negotiation is often perceived as complex and how to navigate it effectively. Also, he discusses the key principles from his book, which aim to simplify negotiation and help readers achieve better outcomes in their deals. Mark Raffan Background Mark is a negotiation trainer at Negotiations Ninja, where he helps sales leaders develop and deliver content worldwide. His job is to help people make more money, close more deals, and become better negotiators. Recently, he wrote the book, “Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders.” Dissecting the Complexities of Negotiation Mark begins by addressing the misconception that negotiation is a mysterious and magical process.  He attributes this perception to media portrayals in movies like "Wolf of Wall Street," which depict negotiations as effortless and producing instant results.  However, real negotiation is far from glamorous and relies on strategic planning rather than magic or tricks. Unlocking Success Drivers The book emphasizes the importance of understanding what one wants to achieve in a negotiation.  Mark advises readers to define their contractual terms, target upsells and cross-sells, and identify strategic areas to drive value.  This strategic planning is crucial in avoiding reactive behavior during negotiations, allowing negotiators to maintain control and increase their chances of achieving favorable outcomes. The Pitfall of Customer-Centricity While being customer-focused is essential, Mark cautions against neglecting the objectives and interests of their own organization.  Many salespeople make significant concessions to meet the counterparty's demands, often at the expense of their own goals.  The book advises sales leaders and negotiators to balance understanding the counterparty's needs and prioritizing their aspirations. Leadership's Role in Developing Negotiation Skills The book addresses sales leaders, highlighting the importance of educating and empowering sellers in effective negotiation practices.  By encouraging a shift from solely focusing on revenue acquisition to considering deal quality, leaders can inspire their teams to think strategically.  The goal is to foster a mindset that cultivates better long-term results and profitability. Understanding Deal Quality In today's market, the focus on growth has often overshadowed the importance of deal quality.  Mark challenges this approach, emphasizing the need to evaluate the value and risks associated with each deal.  He provides insights on determining deal quality and outlines strategies to build value while minimizing risks consistently. Listeners are invited to dive deeper into the subject matter by reading Mark's book, "Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders." This enlightening resource is tailored to salespeople and sales leaders seeking to empower their teams and prioritize deal quality. So, if you're ready to unlock the secrets to uncomplicated negotiation and achieve better results in your deals, pick up a copy of the book today. "Real negotiation is significantly more boring. Real negotiation is about strategy. It's about planning." -Mark Raffan Resources Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders Negotiations Ninja 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 Calendly. Calendly is the leading meeting scheduling software that automates your scheduling, speeds up your sales cycle, and closes more deals. Get started for free or learn more at calendly.com. 4.            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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

In this episode, Donald speaks with Kevin, the Chief Technology Officer of the Americas at Ciena. They discuss the complexities and challenges of B2B enterprise selling.  Kevin shares insights into the evolving landscape of enterprise deals, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind a product or service offering. The conversation highlights the need for effective communication and providing memorable examples to decision-making committees, ultimately leading to successful outcomes. The Increasing Complexity of B2B Enterprise Selling As technology advances, B2B enterprise selling has become more complex and confusing. The integration of tools like AI adds layers of complexity to the selling process. It is crucial to adhere to the basics and understand the fundamentals of enterprise selling. The Role of Kevin as the Chief Technology Officer of the Americas Kevin leads a technical team of sales engineers and sales specialists at Ciena. The team's primary objective is to assist business customers in making the right purchasing decisions. Challenges in Enterprise-level and Complex Deals In the past, individual decision-makers played a key role in the purchasing process. However, in today's enterprise deals, decision-making power rests with a complex council of decision-makers. Sales professionals must equip their customers with the necessary skills and tools to present the value proposition to the entire decision-making council effectively. Shifting Focus from the "What" to the "Why" Previously, the sales pitch predominantly focused on describing the technical aspects of the product (the "what"). With the involvement of decision-making committees, it has become crucial to emphasize the "why" behind the product/service offering. Sales teams need to explain the importance of the proposed solution, and its impact on the customer's business, and provide real-life examples to support their claims. This shift towards the "why" ensures a comprehensive understanding of the value proposition and makes it more memorable. Enhancing Memorability and Communication It is insufficient to rely solely on PowerPoint presentations or technical demonstrations to convey the value proposition. The sales team should strive to provide the customer with simple, memorable, and repeatable examples. These examples enable the customer to share their enthusiasm and effectively communicate the value proposition to their peers within the decision-making committee. B2B enterprise selling has become increasingly complex, necessitating a shift in sales strategies. Understanding the "why" behind a product or service offering and effectively communicating this value proposition to decision-making committees is crucial for success.  Kevin emphasizes the importance of providing memorable examples and enabling customers to become effective ambassadors for the proposed solution. By focusing on the "why," sales teams can establish a deeper connection with customers and increase the chances of winning complex enterprise deals. "When you go to these decision-making committees, there's always others on the committee, but not necessarily in the room with you that are very interested in the why." - Kevin Sheehan Resources Ciena 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 Calendly. Calendly is the leading meeting scheduling software that automates your scheduling, speeds up your sales cycle, and closes more deals. Get started for free or learn more at calendly.com. 4.            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.Mentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

Jake Funk, experienced sales professional specializing in simplifying the sales process, shares strategies for closing deals in one call. Keeping it simple, he believes in providing all necessary information during the initial call. Jake emphasizes demonstrating value through personalized demos to engage prospects. He also emphasizes doing what's right for the customer and building trust. Learn about the benefits of utilizing visual demonstrations and handling objections in B2B sales.