
The Sales Podcast With Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®
Since 2013, The Sales Podcast is the OG "sales podcast" for salespeople, sales managers, business owners, and entrepreneurs, which is why I own the URL, TheSalesPodcast.com. Listen in to get proven, profitable sales training and marketing advice via interviews with your peers who are closing big deals, growing businesses, and even climbing out of the rubble. I ask them about the technology they use, how they have changed their approach to take advantage of the economy and the proliferation of AI, cold email, and internet bros. If you want to get better at sales, listen to The Sales Podcast.
Latest episodes

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
Persuasion Training // The 10 Commandments of Sales With Dr. Persuasion on The Sales Podcast with Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®
Yaniv Zaid, also known as Dr. Persuasion, is an expert in sales techniques and author of 'The 21st Century Sales Bible.' He shares crucial insights into the modern sales landscape, emphasizing authenticity and the evolving role of AI. Dive into the importance of social proof and pricing strategies that reflect true value. Zaid intriguingly parallels sales principles with religious texts, highlighting trust-building through personal authenticity. The conversation reveals techniques to understand client pain points and the art of effective communication.

Jun 12, 2025 • 58min
Entrepreneurial Advice // Walked away from the 150-person company he founded to be an entrepreneur // Mike Pritchett shares how to win on The Sales Podcast with Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®
#12WeeksToPeak #PersonalDevelopment #SelfImprovement #GrowthMindset #LifeLessons Show notes:https://wesschaeffer.com/blog/mike-pritchettGuest Site: https://www.buzztrail.ai/Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pritchett/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzztrail-ai/Get daily tips on sales, marketing, entrepreneurship...and a little Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for free at https://wesschaeffer.com/dailyNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/#12WeeksToPeak #SalesTraining #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment #LifeAdvice #GrowthMindset

Jun 5, 2025 • 28min
Sales Training // Jab Your Prospects, Flip The Script, Control the Sale // Learn How on The Sales Podcast with Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®
#12WeeksToPeak #salestraining #SelfImprovement I'm going solo today to start year 13 of The Sales Podcast, episode 718.I updated an old blog post about "jabbing hard-charging" prospects to 'flip the script' in sales.Our job in sales is to disqualify prospects, engage them effectively, and ask the right questions. I share insights from my extensive experience in sales, highlighting the need for curiosity and understanding the prospect's needs. I had a little mishap with my standing desk...and then get into sales techniques, focusing on how to start the conversation in sales and handle unexpected challenges. Improve your sales process with these insights and close more sales by having better business conversations. Get ready for a season of growth via great sales training!"Our job is to disqualify the prospect, not qualify.""Your prospects are not you.""Hearing no early is a win.""Selling is the transference of a feeling.""You either win or you learn.""You prove you're different by being different."00:00 Introduction to Flipping the Script03:01 Understanding the Sales Process06:02 The Importance of Disqualifying Prospects08:54 Engaging with Prospects Effectively12:11 The Role of Curiosity in Sales15:00 Recognizing the Prospect's Needs18:04 Asking the Right Questions21:00 Using Control in Conversations24:00 The Human Element in Sales26:48 Final Thoughts on Sales StrategiesGet daily tips on sales, marketing, entrepreneurship...and a little Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for free at https://wesschaeffer.com/dailyNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/#12WeeksToPeak #SalesTraining #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment #LifeAdvice #growthmindset

May 27, 2025 • 60min
To Raise Your Prices, Raise Your Standards
#12WeeksToPeak #PersonalDevelopment #SelfImprovement #GrowthMindset #LifeLessonsAim High, Raise Your Prices, Raise Your Standards, Make More Sales: Bill RiceBill Rice, fellow class of '92 alum from @usafaofficial, joins me as I publish this on the 33rd anniversary of our graduation.00:00 Introduction and Background01:03 Lead Generation Strategies03:22 Navigating the Noise in Sales05:21 The Evolution of Sales Techniques09:10 Cold Calling and Email Strategies 11:52 Leveraging Technology in Sales15:16 Content and Engagement Strategies 19:00 Surveys and Lead Capture Techniques23:29 Using LinkedIn for Outreach26:42 AI in Sales Follow-ups29:15 Nostalgia and Technology: A Generational Shift31:59 The Impact of AI on Human Interaction35:01 Creativity in the Age of Automation37:56 Navigating Advertising in a Digital World41:00 Building Connections in a Changing LandscapeGet daily tips on sales, marketing, entrepreneurship...and a little Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for free at https://wesschaeffer.com/dailyNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/#12WeeksToPeak #SalesTraining #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment #LifeAdvice #GrowthMindset

May 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
Negotiate or die hungry, skinny, and sad. Andres Lares on The Sales Podcast.
#12WeeksToPeak #negotiation #SelfImprovement #LifeLessons In this conversation, I sit down with Andres Lares, a negotiation expert, to discuss the intricacies of negotiation, leadership, and sales training. Believe it or not, we get into the importance of goodwill in business relationships. (I always leave a little meat on the bone so my prospects and business partners want to come back to work with me.)As The Sales Whisperer®, of course, we discuss the value of training.As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, I discuss being adaptable as a key component of a negotiation training program.As an Air Force veteran, we get into the role of leadership in employee retention. (Unfortunately, leadership is sparse in the military, the private sector, schools, churches, HOAs, PTAs, Little League, and everywhere in between...But I digress.)As usual, balance is key in business and in life, so we look at the need for creating a balance between structure and flexibility in sales processes, as well as the significance of self-reflection and feedback for personal growth."The worst-case scenario is not a no."We agree on the philosophy of incremental improvement and the necessity of practice and preparation in negotiation and in life.We also agree on the intricacies of negotiation and the importance of tailored training for effective communication. You must understand the buyer's perspective and maintain integrity in your business: prospecting, selling, and fulfillment roles.As we say in the military, the more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in battle, so we dive into the significance of preparation, emotional intelligence, and the role of negotiation training in building confidence and credibility.Finally, Lares shares insights on the challenges of hiring skilled facilitators and the value of asking the right questions to uncover the truth in negotiations."Nothing convinces like conviction."GUEST INFO:Guest Site: https://www.shapironegotiations.com/resources/books/Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreslares/Guest X: https://x.com/sninegotiationsGuest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapiro_negotiations_institute/00:00 Introduction to Negotiation and Leadership02:49 The Power of Nice in Negotiation06:08 Value-Based Negotiation Strategies09:05 The Importance of Training and Adaptability11:59 Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Sales14:55 The Role of Leadership in Employee Retention18:10 Investing in People for Long-Term Success20:56 The Incremental Improvement Philosophy24:04 The Role of Feedback and Self-Reflection27:11 The Importance of Practice and Preparation30:48 The Art of Negotiation and Training39:41 Understanding the Buyer’s Perspective42:15 The Importance of Integrity in Sales46:43 Tailored Training for Effective Negotiation53:19 Books and Resources for Negotiation SkillsNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/#12WeeksToPeak #SalesTraining #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment

May 18, 2025 • 60min
131 NYT Bestsellers...and Counting!
#12WeeksToPeak #nytimes #bestseller How To Get on the NYT Bestseller List. Get rich. Die famous.Since 1999, Michael Drew has helped 131 books get onto the New York Times Bestseller list, and he shares how that can make you millions—even hundreds of millions in sales.He discusses the strategies he employed, the economics of book publishing, and the evolution of the industry over the years. Drew emphasizes the importance of understanding the market dynamics and distribution channels for authors aiming for success. We explore the intricacies of thought leadership, marketing strategies, and the importance of building genuine relationships with customers, and we discuss the distinction between transactional marketing and relationship marketing, emphasizing the need for emotional security and intimacy in business interactions. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating the marketing landscape and the significance of effective communication in fostering long-term customer relationships.Michael Drew's book retreat: https://bookretreat.com/Guest email: Michael@promoteabook.com 00:00 Introduction and Background of Michael Drew02:21 The Journey to New York Times Bestsellers08:09 Understanding the Economics of Book Publishing12:57 The Evolution of the Publishing Industry19:14 The Importance of Distribution in Book Success24:26 The Objective of Thought Leadership25:14 Building Relationships vs. Transactional Marketing28:30 The 12 Steps of Intimacy in Marketing30:25 Understanding Customer Needs36:12 The Science of Emotional Security40:55 Navigating the Marketing Landscape42:15 Breaking the Cycle of Burn and Churn48:22 The Importance of Communication in BusinessNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer#12weekstopeak #nytimes #bestseller

May 11, 2025 • 45min
The Perfect Tech Stack: Chris Brisson of Sales Message
#12WeeksToPeak #marketingautomation #growthmindset Chris Brisson is the founder of Salesmsg , and he returns to The CRM Sushi Podcast after 8 years to share what is working and what he sees as the future of SMS marketing, marketing automation, digital marketing, and how to grow sales in the age of AI.00:00 The Evolution of Sales Message02:49 Understanding SMS and iMessage Dynamics06:10 The Need for Specialized SMS Platforms08:52 Integrating SMS with CRM Systems12:09 The Importance of Two-Way Communication15:00 Engagement Strategies and Opt-In Rates18:04 Speed to Lead and Modern Communication Challenges24:44 Engaging Kids in Sales Activities25:39 Text Messaging in Business: The Lifecycle26:56 Capturing and Connecting with Leads28:52 The Shift to SMS in B2B Communication30:25 Integrating SMS with CRM Systems32:06 Utilizing Templates and Playbooks for SMS33:24 Multimedia Messaging Strategies35:25 Mobile Communication in Sales37:07 Best Practices for SMS Communication39:27 Tracking Engagement through Links40:15 Branding Challenges with Messaging42:07 Future Expectations and Closing RemarksNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/#12WeeksToPeak #marketingautomation #GrowthMindset

May 2, 2025 • 58min
Fight The Fake Amazon Reviews To Save Your Online Reputation and Make A LOT More Money
#12WeeksToPeak #amazon #SelfImprovementIrish...whiskey...Amazon...slapping (digitally) fraudulent reviewers on Amazon...boosting your reputation...making more money...Ferraris...Priuses...taking off our shirts...it's all in this episode...and that's just the introduction!!Site: https://tracefuse.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebarker/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tracefuse/Business X: https://x.com/tracefuse Shane's X: https://x.com/shane_barkerThis dude spent TWO YEARS figuring out how to navigate the Amazon digital jungle, cracked the code, and is making bank!!Shane Barker, founder of TraceFuse, is helping Amazon sellers fight fraudulent reviews, and he's making waves.He has created a system that also helps Amazon sellers with reputation management as well as how they can navigate Amazon's review guidelines.Shane shares insights on the impact of negative reviews and the strategies employed by TraceFuse to help sellers maintain their online reputation. We share some personal experiences with reviews and the broader implications of AI in the e-commerce space and the evolution of TraceFuse, which specializes in managing Amazon reviews. He shares insights on building trust in a skeptical market, the importance of client relationships, and innovative pricing models that have contributed to the company's success. Shane emphasizes the significance of understanding client needs and expectations while also exploring effective marketing strategies to engage clients. The discussion highlights the entrepreneurial journey, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to achieve growth and success in the competitive landscape of online business.****TraceFuse is an AI-powered solution built to protect your brand’s reputation on Amazon, ethically and effectively. Our approach to negative review removal is 100% compliant with Amazon’s guidelines and executed by a dedicated team that knows Amazon’s policies inside and out. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, and supported by a global network of talent, our experts manage everything for you—from review detection to case filing—so you don’t have to lift a finger. With over 13,000 reviews removed and 500+ brands served, TraceFuse has become the go-to authority in Amazon review removal. Featured on MSN, Business Insider, and Yahoo Finance, we’re proud to lead the way in helping Amazon sellers protect their listings, grow their sales, and restore trust in their brand.****00:00 Introduction and AI Discussion03:03 The Role of AI in Review Management06:13 Understanding Amazon's Review Guidelines09:12 Fraudulent Reviews and Their Impact11:55 The Importance of Reputation Management14:56 Navigating Amazon's Review System18:00 The Challenges of Review Removal20:50 Personal Experiences with Amazon Reviews23:58 Conclusion and Future Insights27:04 The Journey of TraceFuse31:05 Building Trust in a Skeptical Market34:00 Scaling Success and Client Relationships38:29 Innovative Pricing Models and Client Onboarding41:07 Understanding Client Needs and Expectations46:44 Marketing Strategies and Client EngagementNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/#12WeeksToPeak #amazon #SelfImprovement

Apr 18, 2025 • 50min
Be Disciplined. It Beats Motivation: Chris Brisson, SaaS Founder
Discipline Over Motivation: Chris Brisson, SMS SaaS Founder Shares WhySMS is not dead; it's evolving and still effective.Text messaging remains a personal connection tool.The industry has shifted towards messaging as a primary communication method.AI is being leveraged to enhance business operations and customer engagement.Simplicity in marketing automation can lead to better results.Legacy businesses present opportunities for growth through technology.The future of communication will be driven by real-time data and AI.Businesses need to adapt to the changing landscape of technology.Effective communication is key in a tech-driven world.The best campaigns are often the simplest ones. Consistency in email marketing is crucial for success.Perfectionism can hinder progress; taking action is more important.Building relationships through personal touches like handwritten notes is effective.Text messaging can significantly enhance customer engagement.Entrepreneurs should focus on simple, actionable strategies.Understanding the numbers behind your marketing efforts is essential.Embracing failure as part of the learning process is vital.The human element in business is irreplaceable, even with technology.Iterating and adapting quickly can lead to better outcomes.Creating conversations with customers can unlock new opportunities.Guest Site: https://www.salesmessage.com/ Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrisson/#12WeeksToPeak #entrepreneurship #saas 00:00 Introduction to SMS and Its Relevance04:14 The Evolution of Sales Message08:28 AI's Role in Modern Business12:45 The Future of Communication and Technology17:34 Opportunities in Legacy Businesses21:14 Simplicity in Marketing Automation24:57 The Importance of Consistency in Email Marketing30:16 Overcoming Perfectionism in Entrepreneurship36:35 Building Relationships Through Personal Touch41:40 Texting as a Business StrategyNot for the mediocre majority: Learn how I get more done in a quarter than most achieve in a decade in 12 Weeks To Peak™ https://wesschaeffer.com/12wConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/

Apr 8, 2025 • 47min
Close The Sale // Shut Up To Make More Sales: Gene Slade on The Sales Podcast with Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®.
Listen Your Way Into More Sales With Gene Slade, the Sales NinjaGene Slade shares his journey from working in HVAC to becoming a sales trainer, emphasizing the importance of adapting sales techniques in a rapidly changing industry.We get into the role of technology, particularly AI, in modern sales processes and the challenges faced by tradespeople today.Gene highlights the need for proper education in the HVAC industry to ensure quality service and customer satisfaction.In this conversation, Gene Slade discusses the current challenges in the financing landscape for contractors, emphasizing the importance of service departments and maintenance in the HVAC industry.He highlights the impact of rising interest rates and tariffs on the market, and shares insights on effective sales strategies, particularly the need for emotional connection and listening skills in sales.The discussion also touches on the human element in sales, stressing the importance of genuinely caring for clients. 00:00 Introduction to Gene Slade: The HVAC Hero05:59 Transitioning from HVAC to Sales Training12:15 The Evolution of Sales Techniques18:59 The Role of AI in Modern Sales22:13 Challenges in the HVAC Industry Today22:32 Industry Financing Challenges25:25 The Importance of Service Departments27:35 Impact of Interest Rates and Tariffs28:37 Sales Strategies for High Ticket Items32:20 Listening as a Sales Tool36:36 The Human Element in SalesFree daily tips to fix your faith, family, fitness, and finances plus a copy of the "Inbound Sellers" Newsletter at https://free.fixerwes.comConnect with me:X -- https://X.com/saleswhispererInstagram -- https://instagram.com/saleswhispererLinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/#12WeeksToPeak #PersonalDevelopment #salestraining