Mental Selling: The Sales Performance Podcast

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

Having clarity of purpose plays a crucial role in sales. Tapping into your purpose not only provides salespeople direction and motivation but also helps build stronger relationships with customers and colleagues. In this conversation, Lisa Earle McLeod (also our Ep 031 guest) returns to the show to discuss the transformative power of purpose-driven selling, the importance of reflection in sales, and how sales leaders can foster a culture of customer impact and employee significance. She emphasizes that sales isn't just about serving customers but about improving their lives and the lives of their customers. Lisa highlights the role of sales leaders in reframing the sales conversation to align with purpose. By asking the right questions and translating sales numbers and KPIs into customer impact, sales leaders can help their teams understand the significance of their work and drive better performance. Lisa believes that revenue and shareholder value naturally follow when companies prioritize customer satisfaction and well-being. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The transformative power of purpose-driven selling - Why sales isn't just about serving customers but about improving their lives - Questions for sales teams to reflect on to unpack both wins and losses. - The power of sharing how a team’s work made a difference in the lives of their customers helps employees feel a sense of significance and motivation. - The value of translating numbers into customer impact helps employees understand the value of their work. - Why salespeople want to be part of something bigger than themselves and for their work to matter Additional Resources: Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaearlemcleod/ Lisa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaearlemcleod Learn more about Lisa: https://www.mcleodandmore.com/ Lisa’s Books: Selling with Noble Purpose; Leading with Noble Purpose Lisa Earle Mcleod is a best-selling author, strategy consultant, keynote speaker, executive coach, and founder of McLeod & More, Inc. Recognized as the creator of the Noble Purpose business philosophy, Lisa helps leaders and organizations amplify purpose and meaning while driving financial performance. She is a popular keynote speaker and a prolific writer who has authored five books in five genres (leadership, sales, personal growth, conflict resolution, and humor), including the best seller Selling with Noble Purpose. Jump into the conversation: [00:01:18] Understanding Purpose and Its Importance in Sales [00:07:16] Playing the Long Game [00:12:21] Why Specificity (Depth of Knowledge) is Sexy [00:16:46] Metrics Beyond Revenue & Win Rates [00:22:43] How to Properly Ask for Referrals [00:25:11] Three Questions to Unpack Wins and Losses [00:34:58] Difference of Serving and Improving the Customers

In sales, it's often said that success hinges more on who you are than what you know. Customers can easily tell if you're just trying to sell something or if you genuinely care about them, their problems, and how to help them. Mike Esterday and Derek Roberts, co-authors of the new book Listen to Sell: How Your Mindset, Skillset and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performace, join Will for this part 2 of Mental Selling’s special series. In this conversation, Mike & Derek discuss the importance of authenticity and integrity in sales and how these qualities can lead to long-term success. They explore the concept of emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing emotions to build better customer relationships. Mike and Derek also stress the importance of embracing the value of sales and understanding that success in sales is more about who you are than what you know. Mike and Derek emphasize a clear purpose and passion for helping others, as these qualities can drive motivation and enhance sales performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The crucial role of emotional intelligence, genuine empathy for customers' needs, and how both help build relationships with customers. - Strategies to overcome self-limiting beliefs that hinder sales performance. - Why salespeople should recognize the value they bring to customers' lives and embrace the role of problem solver Resources: LISTEN TO SELL: How Your Mindset, Skillset, and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performance (ListentoSellBook.com) Follow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeesterday/ Follow Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekroberts1/ Jump into the conversation: [01:06] Integrity and Authenticity in Sales [03:13] The Balance of Logic and Emotion [04:04] A Clear Understanding of Your Sales Purpose [08:19] Taking Ownership for Sales Success [10:23] Sales Congruence

While sales is acknowledged as vital, it is often not viewed as a strategic function. To unlock sustainable growth, leaders must champion a strategic approach that views sales not merely as a numbers game but as the execution of the company's broader strategy. In this conversation Scott K. Edinger, author of The Growth Leader: Strategies to Drive the Top and Bottom Lines, joins to discuss the dynamics of sustainable revenue growth and the intersection of strategy, leadership, and sales. He explores the pivotal role that leadership and motivation play in shaping the success of sales organizations. Scott uncovers the common pitfalls associated with viewing sales merely as a transactional function and advocates for a paradigm shift toward creating consultative relationships that align seamlessly with broader business strategies. This conversation with Scott provides a roadmap for leaders and sales professionals alike, guiding them on how to bridge the gap between sales & strategy to drive sustainable, more predictable and profitable revenue growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: - That growth is not merely a sales issue but a leadership and motivation challenge. - The power of aligning strategy, leadership, and sales to achieve sustainable revenue growth. - The importance of helping salespeople see the long-term benefits of investing in their professional development. Scott is founder of Edinger Consulting and a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and regular contributor to both Forbes and Harvard Business Review. He is the author of The Growth Leader: Strategies to Drive the Top and Bottom Lines, creating positive change for clients with expertise in the intersection of leadership, strategy, and sales. Scott has worked with CEOs and senior leaders to develop pragmatic strategies and execute approaches to drive top and bottom-line results. Jump into the conversation: [00:02:46] Challenges in Driving Sales Performance [00:18:50] How to Make Sales Truly Strategic [00:22:13] Three Ways to Design a Valuable Sales Experience [00:27:31] The Importance of Consistency in Brand Promise [00:29:32] Making Emotional Connection in Leadership Additional Resources: Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-edinger/ Follow Scott on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScottKEdinger Scott's website: https://www.scottedinger.com/ Scott’s Book: The Growth Leader: Strategies to Drive the Top and Bottom Lines