Mental Selling: The Sales Performance Podcast

What separates high performers from average salespeople? The answer is preparation. Paul M. Caffrey, co-author of The Work Before the Work, discusses how deliberate preparation can elevate sales performance. Elite sales professionals always put their clients first, providing them with value every step of the way. Paul encourages salespeople to be intentional not just with outreach but in building their sales pipeline. Being deliberate about who you approach and how you talk to prospects will make all the difference. Listen in as Paul gives specific tips on preparing for customer meetings, how to maintain resilience, and how to strategically position yourself for a promotion in the field of sales. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why you should put in effort to personalize outreach. If you do your research and offer value up front, you can stand out in a sea of generic pitches. 2. The essential role of consistency in outreach efforts. Learn how focusing on a manageable daily outreach plan with personalized touches can lead to long-term success. 3. The power of preparation in sales interactions. Find out how intentional listening and asking the right questions can elevate your sales conversations and make you a memorable and valuable partner for your prospects. Resources: Paul’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcaffrey/ Buy Paul’s Book, The Work Before the Work: https://www.workbeforethework.com/ Learn more about Paul: https://www.paulcaffrey.com/ Jump into the conversation: [01:19] The Hidden Habits of Elite Salespeople [05:13] Being Intentional in Sales Outreach [10:32] Building a Consistent Sales Pipeline [16:04] The Right Way to Prepare for Customer Meetings [19:09] Listen and Focus on Essential Questions in Meetings [24:02] Maintaining Resilience and Motivation in Sales [27:33] Planning Your Sales Career and Promotion

Sales continues to evolve rapidly, but the one constant is that meaningful customer relationships lead to long-term success. To build genuine connections, sales professionals must establish trust, rapport and credibility—and Doug Dvorak is here to show us how to do just that. Doug Dvorak is not your average sales expert – he's the founder of the Sales Coaching Institute, a seasoned professional in sales, digital marketing, and motivation, and a master at solving big business problems. His insights are sought after by top organizations looking to revolutionize their sales strategies and cultivate high-performing sales teams. In this episode, Doug uncovers the misconceptions about sales, the critical role of developing executive presence, and the game-changing influence of embracing technology in sales. Discover the secrets behind Doug's approach of in-depth research, the significance of creating a motivational sales culture, and the impact of AI tools in boosting sales productivity. Packed with actionable advice, this episode of Mental Selling is a must-listen for sales professionals aiming to excel in their careers. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of building trust with customers through research, preparation, and authenticity How sales digitization and leveraging technology is a fundamental investment for success Why a magnetic sales culture attracts and retain high-performing salespeople Resources: Learn more about Doug: dougdvorak.com Doug’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-dvorak/ Doug’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/salescoach1064 Doug’s Books: Developing Executive Presence (The Essential Skills to Sell to the C-Suite), A Sales Leader’s Guide to Success, The Sales Coaching Playbook, A Sales Leaders’ Playbook, The Masters of Success Jump into the conversation: [00:00] Introduction to Mental Selling [01:41] Misconceptions the Sales’ Mindset [05:16] Building Trust and Rapport with Customers [09:29] Mentorship and Structured Onboarding for Sales Professionals [14:19] Selling into Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs) [17:27] Strategic Use of Technology in Sales [18:48] Developing Executive Presence and Understanding Business Drivers [22:19] Creating a Magnetic Sales Culture [35:27] Elevating Sales Performers into Leadership Roles

Sales is a fascinating blend of art and science, combining human relationships with the right technology to foster and develop connections. It requires discipline, process, motivation, and resilience. In today's dynamic sales landscape, succeeding authentically demands a delicate balance between these elements. In this conversation Paul Fuller, Chief Revenue Officer with Membrain, talks about the importance of sales being a blend of art and science and emphasizes that successful salespeople prioritize integrity and genuine relationships over aggressive tactics. Paul also highlights the critical role of mindset in sales success, stressing the need for continuous learning and personal development. Join us as we learn from Paul's insights on sales, leadership, and the profound impact of empowering others to succeed in the dynamic world of business. In this episode, you’ll learn: Sales is a blend of art and science, relying on human relationships and technological tools to nurture and enhance these relationships. Technology should enhance, not replace, human interactions and sales strategies. Building servant leaders who embody discipline, integrity, and innovation is crucial to changing negative perceptions of sales. Mastering mindset is foundational for optimizing skill set and tool set effectiveness. Coaching should build mutual accountability and provide value to sales professionals. It should help others discover their "why" or purpose and stay motivated and focused on continuous improvement. Jump into the conversation: [02:22] Debunking Sales Misconceptions [05:48] Elevate the Sales Profession [09:40] How to Strategically Recruit and Develop Sales Talent [12:43] Renewing Mindset in Sales [18:53] Avoiding the "Quick Fix" Mentality in Sales Enablement [20:54] Real Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence [24:10] The Importance of Meaningful Connection [27:25] Mutual Accountability in Sales [29:37] What's Your Purpose? About Paul Fuller: Paul Fuller is a husband, father, and dedicated advocate for elevating the sales profession. His passion for empowering sales professionals stems from a deep belief in the impact of effective sales strategies on organizational growth. Through Membrain.com, Paul is reshaping the landscape of B2B CRM solutions by emphasizing technology, service, leadership, and strategic guidance. Membrain.com provides tools and insights that enable sales teams to thrive in today's competitive environment. Connect with the guest: Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/psfuller/ Paul on X: https://x.com/membrain_com Membrain website: https://www.membrain.com/ The Art & Science of Complex Sales Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/73MtTJI3j5tsO51kr08XgK Connect with the host: Will Milano’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmilano/ Learn more about Integrity Solutions: https://www.integritysolutions.com/

Technology often takes center stage in today’s world, and it's important to remember the human connection in sales. We need to find a balance between providing information and understanding our customers' needs because knowing is better than telling. By listening to our customers and truly understanding their needs, we can provide better solutions and build stronger relationships. In this episode, John Crowder emphasizes the concept of listening to understand in sales, building trust with customers, adopting a problem-solving mindset, and empowering sales professionals to take ownership of their interactions with clients. John points out that to have better outcomes in sales, sales professionals must take the time to truly understand their customers' needs and concerns so they can offer more tailored solutions to them. By actively listening, asking the right questions, and building trust, sales professionals can better meet their customers' needs and achieve success in their sales endeavors. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of active listening in understanding customer needs and concerns to provide tailored solutions. How adopting a problem-solving mindset enables sales professionals to identify and understand the specific pain points or challenges faced by their customers. The need for balancing technology and human interaction in helping sales professionals leverage data insights while maintaining authenticity, empathy, and rapport with customers. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] Introduction to Mental Selling [01:56] Moving Beyond the Tell-Sell Paradigm [06:36] Value Trumps Access [09:15] Listening To Understand [13:44] The Neuroscience of Selling [21:17] Mitigating Risk and Fear in Sales [24:11] The Art of Consultative Selling [28:05] Shifting Accountability About the guest: John Crowder is a former naval officer, football coach, and currently Vice President of the Healthcare Practice for Integrity Solutions, where he helps companies improve sales productivity, increase profitability, and create a culture that retains the best employees. John has over 25 years of experience in the medical sales industry. He worked for and led sales teams in medical device and pharma ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, spending a significant part of his career working in key account management, sales and leadership development, and marketing. Resources: John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-crowder/ Connect with the host: Will Milano on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/willmilano/ Learn more about Integrity Solutions: www.integritysolutions.com/

Meshell Baker, a transformative keynote speaker and chief confidence igniter with over 20 years in sales, shares her insights on the pivotal role of confidence in sales success. She emphasizes the importance of clarity in purpose and authentic selling as a means to build trust with customers. Meshell highlights how active listening uncovers client needs, while reflection and resilience are essential for overcoming challenges. Her strategies promote a value-first approach, fundamentally changing how sales professionals connect and thrive.

Referrals are like golden tickets in the world of sales. They open doors to opportunities, build bridges of trust, and pave the way for lasting connections. However, many sales professionals fail to realize the full potential of referrals due to various misconceptions and challenges. Joanne Black, founder of No More Cold Calling, joins this episode to discuss the critical importance and value of referral selling in sales prospecting. She talks about how many salespeople struggle with asking for referrals due to mindset barriers like feeling uncomfortable or fearing rejection. Joanne emphasizes the importance of building trust and credibility through referrals and the need for a systematic approach to referral generation. She also advocates for a culture shift within sales organizations where referrals are viewed as a cornerstone of the sales strategy rather than a peripheral tactic. Through her insights, Joanne underscores the transformative potential of referrals in boosting sales effectiveness and building stronger relationships with prospects. In this episode, you’ll learn: The mindset barriers and fear of rejection that hinder sales professionals from asking for referrals How to cultivate and expand your network of referral sources by leveraging existing connections Why sales leaders fail to prioritize and coach their teams on effective referral strategies Jump into the conversation: [03:26] Referral Mindset Challenges [05:49] Why Sales Teams Struggle with Referrals [07:11] Referral Selling Is a System [12:10] The Power of Trusted Introductions in Sales [14:13] The Limitations in LinkedIn [19:17] Practice Is the Key [23:56] Referrals Build Trust [28:01] External vs. Internal Referrals [29:37] Keeping Focus on the Problem Joanne is America’s leading authority on referral selling, the only business development strategy proven to convert prospects into clients more than 50% of the time. She is a captivating speaker, innovative seminar leader, and influential figure in sales and business development. Joanne has spent her career helping sales teams and business owners build their referral networks to quickly attract more business, decrease operating costs, and ace out the competition every time. Related Resources: Joanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneblackreferralsales/ Joanne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReferralSales Learn more about Joanne: https://www.nomorecoldcalling.com/ Joanne’s Books: https://www.nomorecoldcalling.com/no-more-cold-calling-book/

Guest William Vanderbloemen, CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group, shares 12 unicorn habits for sales excellence. Stand out in sales by focusing on quick, intentional responses, aligning efforts with a higher purpose, and embracing authenticity. Learn how to become irreplaceable by practicing self-awareness, integrity, and purpose-driven selling. Start with habits that resonate most and build momentum towards sales success.

Sales leaders may find it challenging to grasp the true essence of effective coaching, often mistaking the practice as pointing out flaws and errors. However, coaching is much more than that. It's about illuminating paths to growth, nurturing meaningful connections, and empowering individuals to unleash their full potential. Mike Esterday and Derek Roberts, authors of the book Listen to Sell: How Your Mindset, Skillset and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performace, join host Will Milano for part 4 of Mental Selling’s special series. In this conversation, Mike and Derek shed light on the existing challenges and misconceptions surrounding coaching and how it enables sales leaders to inspire greatness in their teams. They emphasize the importance of shifting the mindset of sales leaders to one that views coaching as a means of unlocking individual potential and driving collective success. Mike and Derek believe that through effective coaching, sales leaders can create an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve greatness. In this episode, you’ll learn: The role of coaching and how it provides a vantage point for salespeople to see aspects of their performance they may miss on their own. Why effective coaching entails active listening, asking probing questions, and refraining from providing all the answers. Why coaching should be provided to all team members as part of their growth and development rather than focusing on those who are struggling. Resources: LISTEN TO SELL: How Your Mindset, Skillset, and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performance: https://www.integritysolutions.com/listen-to-sell/ Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeesterday/ Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekroberts1/

Jeff Winters, Founder of Sapper Consulting and CRO at Abstrakt Marketing Group, discusses mastering pipeline growth and outbound lead generation in sales. He highlights the art and science behind these concepts, importance of sales leadership, role of sales enablement, resilience, setting micro-goals, and embracing failure in the sales process.

Mastering the art of sales requires a combination of listening, understanding, and building confidence. Sales professionals can forge lasting relationships and drive positive outcomes by prioritizing the customer's needs, demonstrating authenticity, and continually refining their approach. Mike Esterday and Derek Roberts, authors of the book Listen to Sell: How Your Mindset, Skillset and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performace, join host Will Milano for this part 3 of Mental Selling’s special series. In this conversation, Mike and Derek discuss the importance of active listening, understanding, and building rapport in the sales process. They emphasize that professional selling is not about dominating the conversation with a scripted pitch but rather about genuinely understanding the customer's needs and concerns. Mike and Derek advocate for a sales approach grounded in attentive listening, keen observation of body language, and the ability to discern the unspoken cues that reveal the customer's true motivations. In essence, the exchange between Mike and Derek serves as a reminder that successful salesmanship hinges on the ability to listen, understand, and empathize with customers. By prioritizing these foundational principles over aggressive tactics, sales professionals can forge meaningful connections and address customer needs more effectively. Resources: LISTEN TO SELL: How Your Mindset, Skillset, and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performance https://www.integritysolutions.com/listen-to-sell/ Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeesterday/ Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekroberts1/ In this episode, you’ll learn: The need for salespeople to prioritize listening attentively to customers, observing their body language, and discerning unspoken cues to understand their true motivations. The importance of balancing confidence and humility allows sales professionals to establish credibility and trust with their customers. The significance of approaching every sales interaction with a sincere intention to add value to customers. Jump into the conversation: [01:12] Listening People into Buying [03:49] Selling Requires Discipline [06:23] Navigating Complex Sales [12:41] Adding Value vs. Values-Based Selling in Sales [15:32] The Power of Confidence [16:30] The Art of Pre-Call Planning