Marcy Stoudt shares invaluable insights on networking with intention and the power of energy management in career choices. She explains why understanding what energizes you is crucial for finding fulfilling roles. The discussion emphasizes assessing energy alignment in job evaluations and maintaining a positive mindset during job searches. Marcy also highlights the importance of distinguishing between opportunity and position, encouraging listeners to prioritize long-term growth over ego.

Artificial intelligence is transforming consumption-based pricing models, enabling more accurate revenue forecasting. Experts discuss the challenges of predicting localized demand while balancing macro trends. AI empowers sales teams by analyzing data as a predictive framework, fostering trust within organizations. The conversation highlights how businesses can leverage AI to aggregate complex data and improve decision-making, offering a competitive edge in the market.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan discuss the keys to creating impactful sales kickoffs (SKOs). They explore strategies to motivate sales teams, align them with company goals, and provide the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the upcoming year. With insights on product presentations, leadership speeches, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, this episode offers a blueprint for making SKOs a transformative event for your sales force.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:26] The primary objectives of an SKO: motivating the sales team, aligning them with company goals, and providing training.[00:01:37] Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing during SKOs is an often overlooked, yet invaluable benefit.[00:03:03] Product updates during SKOs: only present when there is a clear, well-differentiated value proposition. Avoid overpromising timelines or features.[00:04:13] Leaders must intimately understand the challenges faced by their sales teams to inspire and motivate effectively.[00:05:27] Creating a “platform of opportunity” and defining clear, aspirational goals motivates high-performing salespeople to fully commit.QUOTES[00:01:37] “The priceless piece of SKOs is the transfer of knowledge between sales reps—it’s not just top-down training.”[00:03:31] “Don’t make promises you can’t keep about product timelines; it’s the fastest way to demotivate a sales force.”|[00:04:35] “Tell your sales team why they’ll be better at their job, why they’ll make more money, and how they’ll achieve their career aspirations.”[00:05:27] “People want to stand on a platform of opportunity that elevates them to be a special individual on a special team.”Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/Force Management is hiring for a Sales Director. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q02Zb8WG0Read Force Management's eBook: https://www.forcemanagement.com/roi-of-sales-messaging

Doug Holladay delves into the power of vulnerability in leadership and personal relationships. He emphasizes the importance of owning your story and how it can deepen connections. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on youth and encourages asking the right questions to seek meaningful answers. Holladay believes that embracing imperfection and authenticity is more appealing than striving for perfection, reminding us that everyone has their own story waiting to be shared.

As the year comes to a close, motivation is key for sales leaders and teams. A focus on reflections from the past year highlights the importance of resilience and the drive to finish strong. Preparations for the upcoming year are crucial, emphasizing strategic planning and a proactive mindset. Listeners are encouraged to embrace challenges and maintain momentum to kickstart the new year with energy. Happy holidays and a reminder to stay inspired!

Join Doug Holladay, author of 'Rethinking Success,' who brings a wealth of experience in public service and finance. He dives into the loneliness epidemic, discussing how modern life affects genuine friendships. Doug emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the need for authentic connections. He shares personal stories showcasing the transformative power of meaningful relationships and offers practical insights to foster emotional bonds, reminding us that showing up for others is key to a fulfilling life.

The hosts share powerful tales of grit and resilience, spotlighting a remarkable veteran who embodies these qualities. They highlight the inspiring work of a nonprofit aiding children of wounded soldiers, underscoring the importance of generosity, especially during the holidays. A special message from a decorated veteran sheds light on his experiences, motivating listeners to support meaningful causes.

Tom Deierlein, a West Point graduate and CEO of Thundercat Technology, shares his inspiring journey from Army service to entrepreneurship. He discusses being critically wounded in Iraq and his incredible recovery journey at Walter Reed. The conversation delves into the essence of grit, emphasizing resilience and persistence in overcoming life's obstacles. Drawing from personal experiences and Angela Duckworth’s research, Deierlein highlights the importance of setting long-term goals and the power of supportive relationships in achieving greatness.

Join a captivating discussion on the nuances of pricing in sales. Learn why establishing value upfront is crucial to avoid low perceptions. Discover the significance of a thorough discovery process that aligns your solution with customer pain points. Find out how to defer pricing talks to maintain leverage and build trust through transparency. Explore the power of using broad pricing ranges tied to ROI as a strategy for navigating early pricing pressure.

The hosts share their gratitude for the audience, especially during Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of listener feedback. They encourage subscribers to leave reviews, assuring that it significantly impacts future content. There's a hint of future topics that may be shaped by audience requests, fostering a sense of community engagement. The conversation wraps up with a positive outlook on finishing the year strong, reinforcing the bond with their listeners.