

The Sales Podcast With Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®
Wes Schaeffer
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 9, 2025 • 54min
AI In Sales // Yes, Another Selling With AI, But This Time, With Jason Benedict, Founder of Automation Agency // Automate, Integrate, Dominate, Celebrate
I've known Jason Benedict for over a decade.He's a smart entrepreneur and marketing agency owner who understands the transformative impact of AI on sales and business operations. We get into the evolution of AI tools, the benefits of automation, and how you can implement AI solutions to streamline processes and make mo' money. We touch on the costs associated with setting up AI systems, the importance of multi-channel communication—multi-media, multi-step—and I get him to give a live demonstration of an AI agent in action. Connect With Jason to See This In Action:Text: Agency to 947.777.7332 or call or visit:Automation.AgencyTakeawaysAI is revolutionizing the sales process.Automation can save businesses significant time and money.Voice AI can operate 24/7, enhancing customer service.Understanding your data is crucial for effective AI implementation.AI can outperform traditional sales methods by a large margin.Small businesses can benefit greatly from AI solutions.The setup of AI agents can be quick and efficient.AI can capture customer information in real-time.Multi-channel communication is essential for modern marketing.Businesses should start with simple tasks to integrate AI.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Sales02:41 The Evolution of AI and Its Impact05:26 Utilizing AI for Outbound Strategies08:07 Legal Considerations in AI Communication10:50 Cost-Effectiveness of AI Solutions13:38 Building and Training AI Agents16:14 Subscription Models and Maintenance of AI18:58 Scalability and Suitability of AI for Businesses23:28 Managing AI Updates and Knowledge Bases25:44 The Role of AI in Business Automation29:01 Multi-Channel AI Communication Strategies31:45 Live Demo with AI Agent Ava35:58 Implementing AI for Business GrowthNeed help with sales, marketing, systems, keeping humanity in all of the above?Text or call me: (7 ONE 4) 369-8004 or schedule some time here.Unlock the secrets of sales success by understanding what makes people do the things they do—access your free training: https://wesschaeffer.com/dailyBecome unstoppable in 12 weeks for free, with the 12 Weeks To Peak™ habit tracker: 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 #GrowthMindset

Jul 31, 2025 • 53min
Selling With AI // Practical AI Tips To Grow Your Sales and Improve Your Marketing With Jeremy Shapiro on The Sales Podcast with Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®
Jeremy Shapiro is back after many years.We discuss his new book as well as the intersection of AI and business growth today...which will be different tomorrow!But you can use technology to enhance your sales and marketing strategies. As usual, automation is important as well as the entrepreneurial mindset, which is probably the toughest component of all of this.We get into a few more things...but I don't want to spoil it for you.00:00 Introduction to AI and Business Growth08:31 The Evolution of Technology in Business11:08 Sales and Marketing Strategies for Growth13:58 The Role of Automation in Business Efficiency16:37 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Problem Solving19:17 The Importance of Testing and Implementation21:59 Leveraging AI for Business Optimization24:43 The Value of Mentorship and Continuous Learning27:08 Final Thoughts on Business Growth and AI41:27 Introduction and Context44:11 Embracing Change and Personal Growth46:17 The Importance of Focus and Mastery48:55 Leveraging AI and Automation for Business SuccessUnlock the secrets of sales success by understanding what makes people do the things they do—access your free training: https://wesschaeffer.com/dailyBecome unstoppable in 12 weeks for free, with the 12 Weeks To Peak™ habit tracker: 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 #GrowthMindset

Jul 5, 2025 • 47min
Entrepreneurship // Donny Hackett Shares How To Launch Your SaaS Side Hustle...and Keep Salespeople Honest on The Sales Podcast with Wes Schaeffer, The Sales Whisperer®
Donny Hackett is the founder of VeriDeal.He is launching this with a friend/partner because when he got laid off from AWS, he found his job efforts thwarted by other sales reps who had no problem lying about their accomplishments.So he created a new SaaS platform for sales reps to verify and track their closed deals. We get into Donny's background in sales, the importance of trust and verification in the sales process, and how technology, particularly AI, is changing the landscape of sales. I grilled Donny pretty hard about how he has developed VeriDeal and how it solves the problem he says it does.Whether you need the app or not, you will benefit from listening to how he has balanced a growing family, his day job, and entrepreneurship.He’s excited about the launch as am I, so let’s get this party started.00:00 Introduction to Truth in Deals18:23 Donny Hackett's Sales Journey21:05 The Need for Verideal24:00 Challenges in Hiring and Verification26:49 Building Verideal: The Technical Side29:48 Balancing Day Job and Startup32:33 Preparing for Launch35:28 Future of Verideal and Market ImpactUnlock the secrets of sales success by understanding what makes people do the things they do—access your free training: https://wesschaeffer.com/dailyBecome unstoppable in 12 weeks for free, with the 12 Weeks To Peak™ habit tracker: 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 #GrowthMindset

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