The Modern Selling Podcast

If you're feeling frustrated by the lack of response to your personalized sales messages, where your efforts to connect with prospects seem to fall flat, then you are not alone! Despite your attempts to craft tailored messages and engage with potential clients, you may find that your outreach process is inefficient and unproductive. Instead of seeing increased engagement and con, you may be experiencing a cycle of wasted time and missed opportunities. In this episode of The Modern Selling Podcast, Mario Martinez Jr., the CEO and founder of Vengreso, delves into the challenges faced by sales professionals in creating personalized engagement with buyers. He introduces FlyMSG.io, an innovative tool developed by his company, designed to streamline the process of crafting customized messages. Mario's expertise in digital sales prospecting and his company's focus on enhancing sales messaging for prospecting make him a credible source on this topic. The episode covers the inefficiencies of traditional outreach methods, the importance of personalization, and the introduction of AI-powered tools like FlyEngage AI and FlyPost AI to scale engagement efforts. The conversation emphasizes the significance of contextual relevance, personalization, and maintaining visibility across various touchpoints to improve buyer engagement. Sales professionals struggling with personalized messaging and seeking to enhance their outreach process should tune in to gain insights on leveraging AI tools like FlyMSG.io to save time and increase productivity while maintaining a personal touch in their buyer interactions. The name of the game is not Spray and Pray. The key to success is personalization and contextually relevant messaging. - Mario Martinez Jr. In this episode, you will be able to: Engage buyers with AI to boost sales efficiency. Streamline personalized messaging with FlyMSG.io Overcome challenges of email marketing with personalization. Increase buyer engagement through strategic social channel use. Scale prospecting efforts while maintaining a personal touch. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction 00:01:41 - Using AI for Buyer Engagement 00:03:17 - The Problem with Sales Messaging 00:07:54 - Templates and AI 00:11:29 - The Future of Personalization 00:14:59 - The Challenge of Engaging with B2B Buyers on Social Media 00:18:42 - Introducing Fly Engage AI and Fly Post AI 00:20:16 - Leveraging Connections and Building Engagement 00:21:39 - Maximizing the Benefits of LinkedIn Engagement 00:28:40 - Using AI to Improve Productivity 00:29:47 - Engaging with Connections on LinkedIn Sales Navigator 00:30:18 - Text Expander for Template-Based Messaging 00:31:06 - Importance of Consistency and Quality 00:31:38 - Getting Started with Fly Message Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction Mario Martinez Jr. introduces himself as the CEO and founder of Vengreso, the creator of FlyMSG.io He explains that the podcast aims to help sales professionals grow their sales numbers at scale. 00:01:41 - Using AI for Buyer Engagement Mario discusses how FlyMSG, a free personal writing assistant and text expander application, can help sales professionals increase their prospecting engagement by up to 40%. He emphasizes that FlyMSG.io is not a bot and encourages listeners to try it. 00:03:17 - The Problem with Sales Messaging Mario explains that many sales professionals struggle with writing effective sales emails and messages. He discusses the importance of using templates to save time and ensure consistency in messaging. He introduces FlyMSG as a solution to this problem. 00:07:54 - Templates and AI Mario discusses how FlyMSG combines templates and AI to help sales professionals engage with their target audience. He explains that the platform allows users to quickly deploy pre-written messages with just a few keystrokes. He emphasizes the importance of personalization in sales messaging. 00:11:29 - The Future of Personalization Mario highlights the impact of personalization in sales messaging, especially with Google's new policies on spam. He emphasizes the need for individualized and relevant messaging to improve response rates and avoid being marked as spam. 00:14:59 - The Challenge of Engaging with B2B Buyers on Social Media Sellers face the challenge of engaging with B2B buyers on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Email and phone have low effectiveness, but using additional channels like text, LinkedIn, or video can increase engagement by up to 40%. However, the time-consuming process of finding relevant posts and crafting authentic responses hinders scalability and efficiency. 00:18:42 - Introducing Fly Engage AI and Fly Post AI Fly Engage AI and Fly Post AI are tools designed to address the challenges of engaging with buyers on LinkedIn. Fly Engage AI analyzes an individual's posts and helps sellers write relevant responses, saving time and increasing scalability. Fly Post AI allows users to generate thought leadership posts on any topic, with AI-generated content that can be personalized for maximum impact. 00:20:16 - Leveraging Connections and Building Engagement Sellers can leverage connections on LinkedIn to build engagement and maintain visibility. By sending personalized connection requests and following up with valuable content, sellers can stay on the radar of their target buyers. Building a multi-channel approach that includes messaging, commenting, and posting content helps establish a strong presence and increase the chances of success. 00:21:39 - Maximizing the Benefits of LinkedIn Engagement Engaging with buyers on LinkedIn offers several benefits, including increased visibility and extended exposure through newsfeeds. Sellers can maximize these benefits by implementing a connection request strategy, sending personalized messages, and consistently posting valuable content. By utilizing human-assisted AI and maintaining a genuine, 00:28:40 - Using AI to Improve Productivity Mario discusses the benefits of using human-assisted AI to remove emotion and focus on tasks. He demonstrates how to use AI to edit and tag posts, as well as engage with connections on LinkedIn Sales Navigator. 00:29:47 - Engaging with Connections on LinkedIn Sales Navigator Mario explains how AI can be used on LinkedIn Sales Navigator to engage with connections. He shows how to view posts and leave comments directly within the platform, making prospecting more efficient. 00:30:18 - Text Expander for Template-Based Messaging Mario introduces the text expander feature, which works on various online platforms. He demonstrates how to search for and insert pre-defined message templates, saving time and ensuring consistency in communication. 00:31:06 - Importance of Consistency and Quality Mario emphasizes the importance of consistency in messaging, from using hashtags to maintaining a cultural component within a team. He highlights the role of Fly Message in improving time, quality, and scalability in sales. 00:31:38 - Getting Started with Fly Message Mario directs listeners to visit flymsg.io to set up an account and access a 14-day trial. He mentions the Sales professional plan, which includes unlimited access to Fly Message tools and 14 hours of sales prospecting training. Streamline Personalized Messaging Personalized messaging is a cornerstone of effective sales strategy. Yet, it often becomes tedious and time-consuming, making it challenging to scale. Tools like FlyMSG.io help in personalizing messages at scale, thereby significantly reducing time and effort, enhancing productivity, and leveraging the personal touch to drive impactful conversations with potential buyers. Engage Buyers with AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many aspects, and the sales industry is no exception. AI empowers sales professionals to engage more effectively and efficiently with their potential buyers. Tools like FlyEngage AI and FlyPost, from the FlyMSG family, harness the power of AI, not only offering excellent time-saving solutions but also providing valuable insights into buyer habits, significantly enhancing engagement strategies. Overcome Email Marketing Challenges Email marketing is often fraught with challenges such as low response rates and high spam complaints. But, by incorporating AI-powered tools like FlyMSG.io and adhering to effective strategies, sales professionals can navigate these hurdles. Not only does this enhance email deliverability, but significantly improves engagement rates, driving a higher return on investment and paving the path for successful buyer engagement. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Download FlyMSG.io: Go to the Chrome store or website and download FlyMSG, the free personal writing assistant and text expander application. Try it out: Once you have downloaded FlyMSG, give it a try and see how it can help increase your prospecting engagement with LinkedIn by up to 40%. Increase your sales numbers: Utilize FlyMSG to improve your sales numbers at scale. Use the app to create personalized and engaging messages to your target audience. Create buyer engagement: Use FlyMSG to create buyer engagement by crafting effective and attention-grabbing emails. The app provides templates and suggestions for subject lines, message content, and more. Save time: With FlyMSG, you can save time by using pre-built templates for common sales scenarios. Simply type a few keystrokes and the entire message will be generated for you. Enhance prospecting: FlyMSG.io can help you enhance your prospecting efforts by providing AI-powered suggestions and recommendations. This can help you tailor your messages to specific buyers and increase your chances of getting a response. Drive inbound leads: By utilizing the features of FlyMSG, you can drive inbound leads by creating personalized

Does this sound familiar? You've been told that in order to achieve better negotiation outcomes, all you need to do is focus on your sales pitch and product features. But let's be honest, how many times have you felt the pain of losing a deal even after delivering a flawless presentation? It's time to break free from that ineffective action and understand the procurement process. By gaining a deep understanding of how your buyers make purchasing decisions, you'll finally be able to unlock the secrets to winning and achieving the results you desire. Mark Raffan, founder of Negotiations Ninja, brings a unique perspective to the world of negotiations. With a background in procurement, he has seen firsthand the inner workings of the "devil's lair" and understands the challenges salespeople face when dealing with procurement teams. Mark's mission is to transform unsuccessful negotiators into successful ones by providing training and coaching. He believes that the key to negotiation success lies in thorough preparation. Unlike the flashy portrayals we often see in movies, Mark emphasizes that most negotiations are strategic and require a well-thought-out plan. The biggest mistake people make is going into negotiations without a clear objective or strategy. Mark teaches salespeople how to define their goals and break them down into concrete, achievable outcomes. By understanding both their own needs and the broader objectives of their business, salespeople can negotiate effectively and drive value throughout the negotiation process. Mark's approach challenges the traditional view of negotiations and empowers sales professionals to take control and achieve better outcomes. Don't sacrifice your own needs in favor of the customer. Be selfish and think about what you want to achieve in the negotiation, while still delivering value to the customer. - Mark Raffan My special guest is Mark Raffan Mark Raffan is the head of training at Negotiations Ninja, a prominent negotiation training and coaching business. With a background in procurement spanning over 15 years, Mark brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Over the course of his career, he has helped numerous salespeople and procurement professionals improve their negotiation skills and achieve successful outcomes. With six years of running Negotiations Ninja, Mark has established the company as one of the leading negotiation training providers globally. Through their training programs, they have delivered valuable insights and strategies to companies across different continents. Mark's approach emphasizes strategic planning and value creation throughout the negotiation process. His extensive knowledge and practical guidance make him a trusted resource for individuals and businesses looking to enhance their negotiation capabilities. In this episode, you will be able to: Master negotiation strategies to achieve success in any business deal. Achieve a balance between your personal and business needs during negotiations for optimal results. Understand the procurement process to gain a competitive edge and improve your negotiation outcomes. Unlock the power of goal-based negotiation to create maximum value for both parties involved. Hone your negotiation skills through practice and become a more effective sales professional. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction 00:01:48 - Background and Inspiration 00:05:24 - Juicy Fact 00:07:26 - Biggest Mistakes in Negotiations 00:10:36 - The First Step in Preparation 00:15:12 - Prioritizing Your Needs 00:17:07 - Aligning Sales and Business Objectives 00:18:51 - Lack of Clear Direction in Sales Leadership 00:22:38 - Importance of Financial Metrics in Sales 00:25:51 - Equipping Sales Teams for Success 00:29:11 - Selling with Belief in Value 00:30:48 - Dealing with Challenges and Fluctuations 00:32:05 - Negotiation as a Practice 00:34:16 - Continuous Learning in Negotiation 00:35:15 - Accessing Information about the Counterparty 00:42:43 - Understanding the Hot Buttons in Negotiation 00:43:48 - Born Negotiators vs Skill Development 00:46:15 - Individual Negotiation Training 00:47:48 - The Myth of Win-Win 00:51:35 - Favorite Movie and Closing Timestamped summary of this episode:  00:00:08 - Introduction Mario Martinez Jr. introduces the podcast and the topic of negotiations. He welcomes Mark Raffin, the head of training at Negotiations Ninja, and mentions Mark's bestselling book, Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders. 00:01:48 - Background and Inspiration Mark Raffin shares his background in procurement and how he transitioned to training salespeople in negotiations. He discusses his motivation for starting Negotiations Ninja, which was to create more engaging and effective corporate training. 00:05:24 - Juicy Fact Mark reveals that he has made several salespeople cry during negotiations, which he considers both shameful and a badge of honor. He assures listeners that it's okay to feel frustrated or emotional during negotiations. 00:07:26 - Biggest Mistakes in Negotiations The biggest mistake in negotiations is lack of preparation. Mark emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and having a clear goal in mind. He highlights the need to understand the buyer's perspective and hot buttons. 00:10:36 - The First Step in Preparation The first step in preparation is clearly defining what you want to achieve from the negotiation. Mark points out that simply wanting a good deal isn't specific enough and encourages sellers to think about their desired outcomes in terms of value and profitability. 00:15:12 - Prioritizing Your Needs The importance of considering your own needs before the customer's needs is highlighted. While the customer's needs are important, sacrificing your own needs can be detrimental. It is essential to identify and fulfill the needs of the business while also considering personal objectives. 00:17:07 - Aligning Sales and Business Objectives The importance of aligning individual goals with the needs of the business is emphasized. By negotiating contracts that benefit both parties and contribute to the company's growth, salespeople can play a significant role in achieving corporate objectives. 00:18:51 - Lack of Clear Direction in Sales Leadership The lack of clear communication and direction from sales leadership is discussed. Many salespeople are unaware of the specific goals and objectives of the business, resulting in missed opportunities. Sales leaders should provide their teams with clear objectives to guide their negotiations and decision-making. 00:22:38 - Importance of Financial Metrics in Sales The separation between the sales team and the finance team is highlighted as a challenge. Salespeople often lack knowledge about the financial metrics and targets necessary to make informed decisions during negotiations. Sales leaders should demand transparency and provide their teams with the necessary financial information to negotiate effectively. 00:25:51 - Equipping Sales Teams for Success The importance of arming sales teams with the necessary information and tools to negotiate effectively is emphasized. Providing a range of acceptable outcomes for various success drivers, such as price, IP risk, and brand risk, enables salespeople 00:29:11 - Selling with Belief in Value It is crucial for salespeople to believe in the value their product or service brings to the organization and the client. If they don't believe in it, they should find something else to do. Belief in the mission, values, organization, and products is essential for success. 00:30:48 - Dealing with Challenges and Fluctuations Sales professionals often face challenges and fluctuations in their products or organizations. It can be disheartening when things don't go smoothly, but maintaining belief in the mission and staying consistent in their efforts are key to success. 00:32:05 - Negotiation as a Practice Negotiation should be viewed as a practice, similar to religious experiences or mindfulness practices. There is no end state of perfection, but by consistently applying negotiation techniques and continually improving, salespeople can achieve success. 00:34:16 - Continuous Learning in Negotiation Negotiation is not a one-time skill, but a practice that should be continually developed. The more salespeople read and learn about negotiation, the more they realize there is always more to know. Consistently improving and being disciplined are key to success. 00:35:15 - Accessing Information about the Counterparty To access information about the counterparty, salespeople should focus on four question sets: asking about success drivers, finding out what the counterparty wants, anticipating the questions the counterparty will ask, and reflecting on the perceptions of both parties in 00:42:43 - Understanding the Hot Buttons in Negotiation Salespeople often miss understanding the hot buttons for individuals in the negotiation process. It is important to understand the structure and priorities of the procurement team and ask discovery questions to involve them earlier in the conversation. 00:43:48 - Born Negotiators vs Skill Development There is no such thing as a born negotiator. While some people may have natural communication skills, negotiation is a skill that needs to be practiced and developed. Dedication, focus, and practice are key to becoming a successful negotiator. 00:46:15 - Individual Negotiation Training Negotiation Ninja offers live training courses for individuals. While they don't offer on-demand training, the courses provide opportunities for practice and learning from procurement professionals and other salespeople. 00:47:48 - The Myth of Win-Win The concept of win-win in negotiation is misleading. It assumes that both parties can truly win and agree on what is fair. Instead, focus on goal-based negotiation, setting aspirational goals and working towards achieving them to drive value for both parties. 00:51:35 - Favorite Movie and Closing Mark's favorite movie is Casablanca. To connect with Mark, reach out to him on LinkedIn and check out his book "Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders." The episode closes with a reminder to download Flymessage IO for increased productivity. Understand the Procurement Process Raffan underlines that understanding the procurement process is an essential factor in negotiation outcomes. This understanding equips sales professionals with insights into the buyers' hot button issues and allows them to anticipate possible challenges. By involving the procurement team early in the conversations, salespeople can facilitate a more streamlined negotiation process, ultimately accelerating their organization's growth. Master Negotiation Strategies Mark Raffan highlights the importance of mastering negotiation strategies for sales professionals. He equates negotiation to a constantly evolving practice, not a one-time event, thus, emphasizing the need for ongoing learning and refinement. Developing and honing these negotiation skills can greatly improve a sales professional's ability to secure favorable deals and drive value for their organization. Achieve Balance in Negotiations Achieving a balance between personal objectives and the overall needs of the business is fundamental in negotiations, according to both Raffan and Mario. This requires maintaining open communication lines with various teams, comprehending the organization's holistic needs and objectives, and effectively translating corporate strategies to the sales team. It's about finding the sweet spot where personal and business needs align, leading to efficient and successful negotiations. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out FlyMSG:  the free personal writing assistant and text expander application created by Vengreso. Use this tool to improve your writing and productivity. Get the book Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders: Purchase Mark Raffan's bestselling book, Nine Secrets to Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders. This book provides valuable insights and strategies for successful negotiations. Listen to the Modern Selling podcast: Tune in to the Modern Selling podcast hosted by Mario Martinez Jr. In this episode, Mario and Mark discuss negotiations and provide valuable tips for winning over buyers. Take notes and apply these strategies to your own sales efforts. Explore Negotiations Ninja training and coaching: Visit the Negotiations Ninja website to learn more about their negotiation training and coaching services. Whether you're a salesperson or a procurement professional, their programs can help you become more successful in negotiations. Follow Mark Raffan on social media: Connect with Mark Raffan on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Stay updated on his insights and expertise in negotiations. Sign up for Negotiations Ninja newsletter: Subscribe to the Negotiations Ninja newsletter to receive regular updates, tips  

Have you ever heard these common myths about building connections and creating a sense of purpose in sales?  Myth #1: Networking is just about exchanging business cards. Myth #2: Purpose is a fluffy concept that doesn't impact bottom-line results. Myth #3: Building strong connections is only for extroverts. In this episode, our guest Lloyed Lobo will debunk these myths and share the truth about how these strategies can accelerate sales success. Lloyed Lobo, the accidental entrepreneur turned Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has a unique journey that has always revolved around the power of community. Growing up in Kuwait to Indian parents who faced educational barriers, Lloyed experienced the importance of connection and unity firsthand. Spending summers in the slums of Mumbai, he witnessed how communal activities like pumping water and sharing meals brought people together. Later, during the Gulf War, Lloyed saw how a shared purpose could unite even in the face of adversity. These experiences shaped his belief that great leaders should cascade purpose, not just goals, and that when people are united by a common purpose, they can move mountains. Lloyed's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by these experiences, as he learned that entrepreneurship is not just about making money, but about taking an idea and executing it with extreme risk and uncertainty. Building communities became Lloyed's DNA, and it played a vital role in the success of his company, where he realized the true power of connection and the impact it has on mental well-being. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of building connections and creating a sense of purpose. When people are united by a common purpose, they can move mountains. - Lloyed Lobo My special guest is Lloyed Lobo Lloyed Lobo is a renowned author, known for his Wall Street Journal bestseller, "From Grassroots to Greatness." Alongside his writing achievements, Lloyed is also the co-founder of Boast.AI and Traction, showcasing his entrepreneurial expertise. With a unique background that includes being a refugee of the Gulf War, Lloyed brings a fresh perspective to the table. Growing up in a community-driven environment, he witnessed firsthand the power of unity and purpose in overcoming challenges. This experience has shaped his belief in the importance of cascading purpose as a leader and the ability of a strong community to achieve exceptional results. Lloyed's extensive knowledge in community-led growth makes him a sought-after guest for discussions on building connections and driving sales success. Prepare to gain valuable insights from his wealth of experience and expertise in this episode of The Modern Selling Podcast. In this episode, you will be able to: Accelerate sales growth by harnessing the power of community. Empower sales leaders to effectively cascade purpose and drive sales success. Create strong connections and a sense of purpose within your sales team for increased motivation and collaboration. Tap into community-driven approaches to fuel business growth and sales results. Discover the key to understanding and targeting your ideal customer profile (ICP) for sales success. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction 00:02:26 - Background and Formative Experiences 00:06:48 - Entrepreneurship and Risk 00:08:36 - From Grassroots to Greatness 00:09:49 - The Power of Community 00:13:17 - The Four Stages of Idea Growth: Audience, Community, Movement, Religion 00:15:22 - The Importance of Human-to-Human Connection 00:16:50 - The Power of Community in Marketing 00:18:30 - Examples of Successful Community Building 00:20:08 - The Journey into Community Building 00:27:21 - Finding the Right Audience 00:28:14 - Understanding the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) 00:29:30 - Platforms and Communities 00:30:55 - The Power of In-Person Connections 00:33:38 - Community Building Advice 00:40:46 - The Power of Positive Companionship 00:41:08 - The Influence of Founders 00:41:30 - The Importance of Communication 00:42:12 - The Fourth C: Consistency 00:43:54 - Underdog Stories and Entrepreneurship Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction Mario Martinez Jr. introduces the podcast and the guest, Lloyd Lobo. They discuss the importance of energy and connection in building a community. 00:02:26 - Background and Formative Experiences Lloyd Lobo shares his background, growing up in the slums of Mumbai and experiencing the Gulf War as a refugee. He discusses how these experiences taught him the power of community and purpose. 00:06:48 - Entrepreneurship and Risk Lloyd Lobo explains how his experiences as a refugee during the Gulf War shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He believes that entrepreneurship is about taking an idea to execution and impact while dealing with extreme risk and uncertainty. 00:08:36 - From Grassroots to Greatness Lloyd Lobo discusses his book, "From Grassroots to Greatness: 13 Rules to Build Iconic Brands with Community-Led Growth." He explains how building a community can drive growth and shares his experience with leveraging community to grow his own company, Boast.AI. 00:09:49 - The Power of Community Lloyd Lobo shares how building a community of entrepreneurs helped his company, Boast.AI, acquire customers and grow. He emphasizes the importance of community in understanding customer pain points and building relationships. 00:13:17 - The Four Stages of Idea Growth: Audience, Community, Movement, Religion Lloyed Lobo explains that every enduring global phenomenon follows the same four stages: audience, community, movement, and religion. Building a community is essential to avoid becoming a commodity and instead become a cult-like brand or religion. 00:15:22 - The Importance of Human-to-Human Connection Lloyed emphasizes that technology may evolve, but human-to-human connection remains consistent. The most iconic brands and businesses are built on these connections. He shares that he wrote a book on this topic, highlighting its significance. 00:16:50 - The Power of Community in Marketing Lloyed discusses how marketing has changed, with consumers becoming fed up with spam and clickbait. Building a community is crucial for businesses to own their relationships with consumers and avoid relying solely on algorithms and platforms. 00:18:30 - Examples of Successful Community Building Lloyed provides examples of companies like Atlassian and Harley-Davidson that have successfully built communities. These communities have not only saved struggling brands but have also become iconic and influential in their respective industries. 00:20:08 - The Journey into Community Building Lloyed shares his personal journey into community building, starting with cold calling and sales. He realized the importance of communication and connecting with like-minded individuals at entrepreneurial events, which led to the formation of his own community. 00:27:21 - Finding the Right Audience Lloyed emphasizes the importance of loving and understanding your target audience. He shares his experience of building a startup audience and highlights the criteria to consider, such as sustainability, niche size, propensity to pay, and ease of access. 00:28:14 - Understanding the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) Lloyed explains the process of understanding the ICP by immersing oneself in their world. By identifying their pains, goals, aspirations, and obstacles, entrepreneurs can develop products that address their needs. He also emphasizes the importance of knowing the ICP's circle of influence. 00:29:30 - Platforms and Communities Lloyed emphasizes the significance of knowing where your target audience frequents, whether it's LinkedIn, blogs, or magazines. He suggests creating an online audience through consistent content creation and bringing them together through offline meetups or online community channels. 00:30:55 - The Power of In-Person Connections Lloyed highlights the power of building connections through in-person interactions. He explains that combining multiple senses strengthens relationships and trust. While online communities are valuable, meeting in person can foster deeper connections. 00:33:38 - Community Building Advice Lloyed advises individuals to consider their DNA of giving before building a community. He emphasizes that community building is a marathon and requires time, consistency, and a genuine desire to help others. He also suggests being deliberate about the type of community to build. 00:40:46 - The Power of Positive Companionship Surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting people during difficult times can make those times feel less challenging. Companionship plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences, and having great companions can make any journey, even a difficult one, memorable. 00:41:08 - The Influence of Founders Working closely with founders has given Lloyd the courage to start his own startup. The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our mindset and aspirations. Your community is your currency. 00:41:30 - The Importance of Communication Communication is key to aligning people and building an audience. Without effective communication, you have an empty room. Mario is praised for his high energy communication skills. 00:42:12 - The Fourth C: Consistency Consistency is crucial for success. Whether it's in community building, creation, or communication, consistent actions lead to significant outcomes over time. Overnight success is the result of compound interest on consistency. 00:43:54 - Underdog Stories and Entrepreneurship Lloyd enjoys underdog story movies because they teach valuable lessons about entrepreneurship. It's not about how hard you hit, but how hard you keep pushing forward. From grassroots to greatness, the journey of an underdog is inspiring. Accelerate sales growth Accelerating sales growth relies heavily on building a strong community around your business. Lloyed Lobo emphasizes that this community-building prevents a business from becoming just another commodity. When achieved effectively, it results in creating a solid foundation that helps to accelerate sales growth and drives the success of a business. Empower sales leaders Lloyed’s story inspires and empowers sales leaders to focus on creating a sense of purpose and genuine engagement with their audience. He goes on to highlight the importance of consistency and communication in attaining this purpose. Empowered sales leaders equipped with these insights have the potential to transform their business performance and achieve higher levels of success. Create strong connections Creating strong human-to-human connections and fostering a robust community is at the heart of Lloyed’s message in this episode. He emphasizes that businesses need to own relationships beyond algorithms and platforms, enforcing the importance of a two-way interaction. By doing so, businesses can build stronger, long-lasting connections which eventually lead to sustainable growth and success. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out FlyMSG.io, the free personal writing assistant and text expander application created by Vengreso, the company founded by Mario Martinez Jr. Tune in to the Modern Selling podcast hosted by Mario Martinez Jr. to hear from sales leaders, practitioners, and influencers and learn how to grow your sales numbers at scale. Get a copy of From Grassroots to Greatness, the Wall Street Journal bestseller written by Lloyed Lobo, co-founder of Boast.AI and Traction, to learn 13 rules for building iconic brands with community-led growth. Explore Boast.AI, the company co-founded by Lloyed Lobo, which offers solutions for automating R&D tax claims and innovation funding. Connect with Lloyed Lobo on social media to stay updated on his insights and experiences as an entrepreneur and community builder. Join the Traction community, created by Boast.AI, to connect with other entrepreneurs and access resources and support for building and growing your business. Reflect on the power of community and the impact it can have on your personal and professional life, as shared by Lloyed Lobo in the podcast episode.  

Drive Better Results through Personalization in Sales Jeffrey Gitomer, the charismatic King of Sales, challenges the notion that sales professionals should solely focus on selling by delving into the world of Taylor Swift's extraordinary success, igniting a lively football rivalry with the host, and introducing an AI tool, all while exploring the importance of personalization and emotional connection in driving sales. Jeffrey, a renowned sales expert and best selling author, believes that the key to success in modern selling lies in understanding the past and building genuine relationships. In a conversation with Vengreso's CEO Mario Martinez Jr. on The Modern Selling Podcast, Gitomer emphasizes the importance of personalization in sales and the value of turning relationships into friendships. He shares how he has made more sales after midnight than anyone else by focusing on being a value provider, not just a product pitcher. Gitomer challenges young salespeople to embrace the depth of personalization and move away from relying on shortcuts like AI. He encourages them to go back to their roots, tap into their family and business values, and invest time in truly understanding their customers' needs and desires. According to Gitomer, sales are made by engaging customers emotionally and proving their credibility socially. By customizing and personalizing their approach, salespeople can build trust and win more deals. The past will predict the future every single time. Study what happened, and it'll tell you what's going to happen. - Jeffrey Gitomer Jeffrey Gitomer is not your typical sales expert. With a charismatic personality and a no-nonsense approach, he has earned the title of the "King of Sales." As an international sales trainer, President of Buy Gitomer, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Jeffrey has revolutionized the way sales professionals approach their craft. His most recent book, "Get Sh*t Done," is a testament to his belief in the power of productivity. Jeffrey understands that success in sales is not just about closing deals, but about building genuine connections and providing value to customers. With a deep understanding of the history of sales and the importance of personalization, Jeffrey challenges salespeople to go beyond the convenience of technology and truly connect with their customers. His insights and strategies have proven to be game-changers for countless sales professionals, making him one of the most sought-after voices in the industry. In this episode, you will be able to: Unlock the secrets to Taylor Swift's music and business success. Discover the power of personalization in sales and skyrocket your results. Master the art of building relationships and trust in the sales process. Understand cultural preferences to create winning sales strategies. Harness the potential of AI technology for revolutionary sales prospecting. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction 00:01:35 - The Importance of Understanding Sales History 00:03:58 - Jeffrey Gitomer's Background and Recent Book 00:08:41 - The Use of AI in Sales 00:10:51 - Embracing AI and the Future of Sales 00:16:30 - The Importance of Customization 00:19:05 - The Role of Emotional Engagement in Sales 00:20:12 - Adding Personal Voice to AI Responses 00:22:26 - Leaving an Emotional Impact 00:24:26 - Challenging the Sales Process 00:32:09 - How to Help Customers 00:34:45 - Understanding Why People Buy 00:36:05 - Jeffrey's Dream Jobs 00:37:24 - Upselling and Emotional Connection 00:39:03 - Quality Forever and Customer Loyalty 00:46:47 - Taylor Swift's Influence in Music and Business 00:47:30 - Eagles Games and Football Rivalry 00:48:18 - Friendly Hamburger Bet 00:48:29 - Call to Action 00:49:30 - Conclusion and Product Promotion Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction Mario Martinez Jr. introduces the podcast and the guest, Jeffrey Gitomer, known as the King of Sales. 00:01:35 - The Importance of Understanding Sales History Gitomer emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of sales and how it influences modern selling. He highlights the value of building relationships and emphasizes the need for salespeople to connect with customers on a personal level. 00:03:58 - Jeffrey Gitomer's Background and Recent Book Gitomer talks about his most recent book, "Get Shit Done," which focuses on productivity. He mentions how he drew inspiration from a 100-year-old writer named Orison Sweat Martin. Gitomer also shares anecdotes from his early writing career and the impact his columns had on readers. 00:08:41 - The Use of AI in Sales The conversation shifts to the use of AI in sales. Gitomer criticizes a company's policy that banned the use of AI in sales communication. He believes that AI can be a valuable tool for salespeople, as long as it is used effectively and personalized for each customer. 00:10:51 - Embracing AI and the Future of Sales Gitomer expresses his openness to embracing AI in his own work and future endeavors. He believes that protecting proprietary information is becoming increasingly difficult in the digital age. Gitomer also emphasizes the value of building personal connections in sales, rather than relying solely on technology. 00:16:30 - The Importance of Customization The guest emphasizes the need to customize AI responses and not rely solely on generic messaging. He suggests that personalized responses based on the recipient's background and needs can lead to better engagement and sales success. 00:19:05 - The Role of Emotional Engagement in Sales The guest highlights the importance of emotional engagement in sales. He emphasizes the need to invest time in understanding the customer's needs, desires, and circumstances, and to respond with positive emotions to create meaningful relationships and trust. 00:20:12 - Adding Personal Voice to AI Responses The guest discusses the importance of adding personal voice to AI-generated responses. He gives an example of how he would modify a generic response to make it more personalized and engaging for the recipient, based on their background and achievements. 00:22:26 - Leaving an Emotional Impact The guest explains that at the end of a call or meeting, people will remember one of five things about you: something great, something good, nothing at all, something bad, or something really bad. He emphasizes the importance of leaving an emotional impact, even if it's a negative one, rather than being forgotten. 00:24:26 - Challenging the Sales Process The guest shares his frustration with the traditional sales process, particularly the need to go through a qualification call with an SDR before having an intelligent conversation with a salesperson. He believes in providing upfront pricing or directly booking a meeting with an account executive for a more 00:32:09 - How to Help Customers Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of understanding how to help customers and shares his approach of asking, "How can I help you the most?" He shares a recent conversation with a customer from India and how he provided valuable insights and recommendations, even though his own company couldn't fulfill their needs. 00:34:45 - Understanding Why People Buy Jeffrey believes that understanding why people buy is more crucial than teaching sales techniques. He emphasizes the importance of uncovering the customer's motives and needs before presenting any sales materials. By focusing on the customer's personal goals and challenges, salespeople can build a stronger emotional connection and increase their chances of making a sale. 00:36:05 - Jeffrey's Dream Jobs Jeffrey shares his dream jobs, which include being a Starbucks barista, a Walmart greeter, and a waiter at a high-end restaurant. He believes that these roles provide opportunities to connect with people on a personal level, upsell products, and make a positive impact on customers' experiences. 00:37:24 - Upselling and Emotional Connection Jeffrey discusses the power of upselling through emotional connection. He shares a personal experience at a restaurant where the waiter's detailed descriptions of desserts made him salivate and increased his willingness to spend more. By understanding customer preferences and using persuasive techniques, salespeople can upsell effectively and enhance customer satisfaction. 00:39:03 - Quality Forever and Customer Loyalty Jeffrey praises The Apple Pan, a restaurant with a motto of 00:46:47 - Taylor Swift's Influence in Music and Business The guest highlights Taylor Swift's success in both music and business, emphasizing that she has created her own country and economy. He mentions her high ticket sales, with the lowest price being $1,000, and praises her ability to generate billions of dollars. 00:47:30 - Eagles Games and Football Rivalry The conversation shifts to discussing their shared love for the Eagles football team. They talk about the excitement of watching games together and the upcoming Eagles-49ers game. They exchange playful banter and express confidence in their respective teams. 00:48:18 - Friendly Hamburger Bet The guest challenges the host to a bet on the outcome of the Eagles-49ers game, suggesting a private hamburger meeting if he loses. They jokingly negotiate the terms of the bet and plan to have their teams face off in a friendly competition. 00:48:29 - Call to Action The host encourages listeners to reach out to the guest and mention the podcast. He also promotes an AI technology called Flymsg.IO that can help with prospecting and engaging with target buyers. The episode ends with a request for a rating and review on iTunes. 00:49:30 - Conclusion and Product Promotion The host wraps up the episode, thanking listeners and reminding them to download Flymsg.IO for increased productivity. He signs off with a closing statement and encourages good selling. Tap into Cultural Preferences Being sensitive to cultural differences can also significantly enhance the efficacy of the sales process. As Jeffrey points out, cultural nuances can shape the business engagement and preferences of a potential customer. By showing respect and understanding toward these differences, sales professionals can foster positive business relationships and open avenues for prospective sales within different markets. Boost Sales with Personalization Sales professionals can see a remarkable difference in their results with the strategic use of personalization. Tailoring the approach to each prospect's specific needs and circumstances forms genuine connections and stands out in a sea of generic pitches. Jeffrey Gitomer's insights on avoiding generic AI responses emphasizes the need for this tailored interaction, forming a central part of the modern selling process. Build Strong Relationships and Trust Establishing and nurturing trust with prospects plays a pivotal role in sustainable sales success, as emphasized by Jeffrey. Not only does this foster long-lasting business relationships, but it also facilitates in-depth understanding of customer needs and motives for buying. The interaction that follows, therefore, becomes less of a sales pitch and more of a consultation - a collaborative process aimed at effectively addressing the customer's needs. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit the website of Vengreso to learn more about their free personal writing assistant and auto text expander application, FlyMSG. Subscribe to the Modern Selling podcast to hear from sales leaders, practitioners, and influencers who can help you grow your sales numbers at scale. Check out Jeffrey Gitomer's books, including his most recent publication Get Sh*t Done, which focuses on productivity. You can find it on popular online bookstores. Consider studying the history of sales, like Samuel Smiles' book Self Help and Character, to gain a deeper understanding of modern selling techniques and buyer expectations. Reflect on the value of turning relationships into friendships in sales. Remember that personal connections can lead to more sales opportunities, even outside of traditional business hours. Embrace the use of AI in your sales communication and processes. Explore AI tools and technologies that can enhance your productivity and effectiveness as a salesperson. Don't be afraid to share valuable content and knowledge with your customers. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to provide helpful insights and ideas that can resonate with your audience. Recognize that protecting proprietary information in today's digital age is challenging. Focus on building strong customer

Boost Your Sales with Personalized Communication Strategies - David Graswick In a world where sales influencers typically write books to establish their expertise, Mario Martinez Jr. took a different path. Instead, he embarked on a journey that led to the creation of The Modern Selling Podcast, ultimately making him a sales influencer without ever writing a book. But what Mario didn't expect was the incredible impact he would have, with nearly seven years and 250 episodes of wisdom shared. And now, as he welcomes David Graswick, Vice President of Global Sales at DataBook, they uncover the unexpected key to sales success in the digital landscape. Brace yourself for a twist that will revolutionize the way you approach personalized communication, leaving you hungry for more. Today's special guest is David Graswick, Vice President of Global Sales at DataBook. He joins host Mario Martinez Jr. on the 250th episode of The Modern Selling Podcast. Reflecting on his journey, Mario shares that he started the podcast to become a sales influencer without writing a book, a task he wasn't particularly fond of. Instead, he opted for the medium of podcasts and short videos. With almost seven years and 250 episodes under his belt, Mario is thrilled to have David as a special guest. David, who has been with Data Book for three years, is praised for his impressive three-year tenure as a VP of Sales, which is quite rare in the industry. Mario and David delve into the importance of securing C-suite meetings and the value they bring. They emphasize the need for sellers to understand the business problems they solve, as well as the different buyer personas within an organization. Articulating these solutions effectively is crucial to capturing the attention of executives. They also discuss the significance of personalized messaging, keeping it concise and attention-grabbing. With their combined expertise, Mario and David provide valuable insights for sales professionals in the digital landscape, aiming to improve sales outcomes through personalized communication. Executives aren't moved by product features and content. Salespeople need to bring narratives and messaging that can be consumed in 30 seconds or less. - David Graswick Meet David Graswick, the Vice President of Global Sales at DataBook. With over 21 years of experience in software sales, David is a seasoned professional who understands the value of personalized communication in the sales process. He believes that connecting with C-level executives is worth the extra effort, as it opens the door to uncovering additional budget and unlocking new opportunities. David's strategic approach involves tailoring sales campaigns to address the unique needs and pain points of different buying personas, from top-level decision-makers to the doers in the middle and the end-users. His wealth of knowledge and expertise has helped countless sales professionals achieve success by focusing on personalized engagement and building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders. We are thrilled to have David join us on the podcast to share his insights and strategies for leveraging personalization in sales. Get ready to gain valuable tips and techniques that will elevate your sales game to new heights. In this episode, you will be able to: Master the art of selling to the C-suite and unlock new opportunities for business growth. Harness the power of personalization to supercharge your sales efforts and win over even the toughest prospects. Unlock the potential of AI-powered writing assistance to effortlessly craft compelling messages that resonate with your audience. Streamline your sales processes with technology and turbocharge your productivity, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – closing deals. Elevate your writing proficiency to foster stronger connections with your prospects, leaving a lasting impression that sets you apart from the competition. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction 00:01:08 - Celebrating 250 Episodes 00:03:39 - Introduction of David Graswick 00:06:33 - Fun Fact about David 00:08:38 - The Value of C-Level Meetings 00:16:36 - Articulating the Business Problem 00:18:04 - The Need for Strategic Selling 00:19:55 - Creating a Tight Narrative 00:21:18 - The Power of Brevity 00:25:34 - Effective QBRs 00:27:38 - Elevating Business Acumen 00:32:26 - Identifying and Solving a Problem 00:33:55 - Presenting to C-Level Suite 00:36:32 - Building Relationships with Executives 00:36:57 - Finding Champions 00:40:49 - Using an Omnichannel Approach 00:47:20 - Introduction to Flymsg.IO 00:47:33 - Conclusion Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction Mario Martinez Jr. introduces the podcast and its purpose, which is to provide insights and tips to help sales professionals improve their sales numbers at scale. 00:01:08 - Celebrating 250 Episodes Mario expresses his gratitude to the listeners for making the podcast successful and announces that this is the 250th episode. 00:03:39 - Introduction of David Graswick Mario welcomes David Graswick, Vice President of Global Sales at Data Book, as the special guest for the 250th episode. David shares his background in sales and his role at Data Book. 00:06:33 - Fun Fact about David David reveals that he was a two-time horseshoe champion in Pittsburgh during his younger days, showcasing his talent in an unexpected sport. 00:08:38 - The Value of C-Level Meetings Mario asks David about the importance of getting C-level meetings. David highlights the benefits of engaging with C-level executives early in the sales process, as it can unlock additional budget and lead to more strategic conversations. 00:16:36 - Articulating the Business Problem Many sellers struggle to articulate the business problem their product or service solves, which hinders their ability to impress executives. Focusing on product features instead of business problems is a common challenge among sales professionals. 00:18:04 - The Need for Strategic Selling Economic conditions have forced organizations to realize that sales teams need to be more strategic. The product feature-focused approach that worked in the past is no longer effective. Salespeople must attach themselves to high-impact problems to capture executive interest. 00:19:55 - Creating a Tight Narrative To get the attention of executives, salespeople need to align their messaging with what the executives care about. This means understanding their personal and business goals and linking them to the solutions they provide. Concise messaging is crucial. 00:21:18 - The Power of Brevity Salespeople should assume that their messages will be read on smartphones. Keeping messages short and to the point is essential. The first two sentences of a message can determine whether an executive continues reading or moves on. 00:25:34 - Effective QBRs QBRs should be concise and focused on what executives care about. A successful QBR should include an executive summary that ties financial metrics, operational metrics, strategic priorities, and the value story together. This approach maximizes the chances of getting executive attendance. 00:27:38 - Elevating Business Acumen Sellers need 00:32:26 - Identifying and Solving a Problem The conversation starts with a discussion about identifying a problem and finding a solution. The speaker talks about how they were able to save over $100,000 a month by solving a coverage issue at their office using wireless repeaters and building a core infrastructure. 00:33:55 - Presenting to C-Level Suite The speaker discusses the importance of understanding what C-level executives care about and framing the conversation around those concerns. They share an example of how they saved $1.2 million for a company by not reducing their costs, but by reducing another provider's cost. 00:36:32 - Building Relationships with Executives The speaker shares a strategy they used to build relationships with C-level executives. They started with 15-minute coffee meetings and gradually developed strong relationships that led to attending important meetings and events together. 00:36:57 - Finding Champions The importance of finding champions in an organization is discussed. The speaker differentiates between a coach and a champion, emphasizing that a champion has access to power and is willing to help you reach the C-suite. If you don't have a champion, find someone else who is willing to break through roadblocks. 00:40:49 - Using an Omnichannel Approach The speaker emphasizes the importance of using an omnichannel approach to engage with executives. They mention that cold outreach is often necessary, but it should be combined with other channels such as personalized emails and video messages to increase 00:47:20 - Introduction to FlyMSG.io FlyMSG is a free text expander and personal writing assistant. The host expresses gratitude to the listeners and hints at the next episode. 00:47:33 - Conclusion The episode ends with the host bidding farewell with the phrase "Lam." No specific information or key takeaways are mentioned in this part. AI-powered Writing Assistant An AI-powered writing assistant, like flymsg IO, can significantly streamline and improve sales communications, addressing the ever-increasing need for efficiency and effectiveness in the highly competitive digital landscape. These tools utilize natural language processing to provide real-time, personalized writing assistance, enabling sales professionals to craft clear, concise, and impactful messages. Not only does this help to engage and capture the attention of potential customers, but it also allows sales teams to focus more on building relationships and closing deals. Master Selling to the C-suite Engaging the C-suite is a key aspect of successful sales operations. When selling to executives, it's vital to focus on the business problems that your product or service can solve, not the product features. By understanding what financial metrics and goals the executives prioritize, salespeople can tailor their messaging to align to these areas, enhancing the chance of securing a successful meeting and concluding the sale. Personalization Personalization in sales is not just a matter of courtesy; it’s also a proven strategy for achieving better results. A personalized approach to sales allows salespeople to develop strong relationships with their prospects by directly addressing their needs, challenges, and objectives. By crafting personalized messages that engage and resonate with the prospects, sales professionals are more likely to drive conversions and foster long-term relationships. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit the FlyMSG.IO website to download the free personal writing assistant and text expander application. Subscribe to the Modern Selling Podcast on your preferred podcast platform to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes. Connect with Mario Martinez Jr. on social media to engage with his content and stay informed about sales strategies. Learn more about Data Book, the company where David Graswick is the Vice President of Global Sales, by visiting their website. Consider the benefits of targeting C-level executives and the potential for unlocking additional budgets by engaging with them in a strategic manner. Research financial metrics that are important to C-level executives and use this information to have more meaningful conversations with them. Remember that there are multiple buying influencers within an organization, so develop a sales campaign that addresses the needs and pain points of each persona. Recognize the importance of engaging with middle-level employees who are responsible for implementing solutions and may serve as champions for your product or service. Don't overlook the users and lower-level employees who will be directly using your product or service on a regular basis. Prioritize personalization and tailor your pitch to the specific needs and challenges of each executive you are pitching to.

Boost Your Sales with ROI and Payback: Ian Campbell's Expert Advice Does this sound familiar? You've been told to bombard your customers with a laundry list of product features and hope that it somehow convinces them to buy. But all you're left with is a frustrated audience and lackluster sales results. The pain of spending valuable time and effort crafting complex messages that fail to resonate is all too real. Isn't it time you learned a more effective approach to drive sales success? Our guest for this episode: Ian Campbell, the guest for this week's The Modern Selling Podcast, is the CEO of Nucleus Research, a leading research firm focused on helping organizations understand and articulate the value and return on investment (ROI) of technology. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. He is also the author of the book "The Value Sale," which provides sales professionals with a simple and effective process for building a business case and delivering a value message that resonates with buyers. Ian's insights and practical strategies make him a valuable resource for sales professionals looking to drive sales success through effective communication of value and ROI. He has a rich background in the tech industry. Starting as a software programmer, he later transitioned into research, where he found his passion for understanding the ROI from technology. As the founder and CEO of Nucleus Research, Ian and his team focus on helping vendors and end users articulate the value of technology through ROI studies. With a wealth of experience in teaching value and ROI at the college level, Ian recognized the need to simplify the process of building a business case for salespeople. His goal in writing a book was to provide sales professionals with a clear and straightforward approach to showcasing value and ROI to their customers. By breaking down the concept into easily understandable terms, Ian believes that salespeople can confidently communicate the benefits of their products, ultimately leading to increased sales success. The easier it is to build a business case, build an ROI case, the easier it's going to be for you to sell. - Ian Campbell Mastering Communication for Sales Success Understanding the art and science of communication is crucial for sales success. Strong communication skills allow sales professionals to articulate their value proposition clearly and persuasively, which is critical in convincing potential customers of the benefits of a product or service. Skilled communicators can effectively convey complex information, maintaining the interest of their audience, and promoting engaging and productive conversations that drive sales. Simplifying and Communicating Value Proposition A crucial skill for any sales professional is to effectively simplify and communicate the value proposition of their product or service. This involves distilling complex features and benefits into understandable and impactful messages. By focusing on the key benefits that resonate most with the customer, salespeople can create a compelling narrative that underscores the value of their offering and encourages the customer to make a purchase. In this episode, you will be able to: Master the art of communicating value and drive your sales success. Learn how to simplify your value proposition and effectively communicate the benefits to your customers. Discover the role of ROI and payback in sales and decision-making, and how to leverage it to close deals. Quantify the value you provide to your customers and demonstrate the impact of your product or service. Understand the importance of identifying your customer's needs and focusing on key benefits to drive sales success. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction. 00:01:36 - About Ian Campbell and Nucleus Research. 00:05:33 - The Value Sale Book. 00:06:51 - Easy Way to Determine Positive ROI. 00:09:56 - Leading with ROI. 00:13:51 - The Importance of ROI in Sales. 00:15:08 - Categorizing Benefits and ROI. 00:16:20 - The Value of Hours Saved. 00:17:43 - Simplifying ROI for Marketing Sequences. 00:19:07 - Challenges of ROI in Larger Opportunities. 00:26:11 - The Importance of Payback Period. 00:27:28 - Mitigating Risk with Payback Period. 00:28:00 - Leveraging Payback Period in Marketing. 00:29:38 - Using Payback Period to Improve Sales Messaging. 00:30:01 - Avoiding Common Mistakes in Building a Business Case. 00:39:02 - The Power of Simplifying Product Benefits. 00:39:38 - Connecting with Ian Campbell. 00:40:43 - Quota Performance and Sales Challenges. 00:42:29 - Research Collaboration Opportunity. 00:42:39 - Ian Campbell's Favorite Movie. Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction, Mario Martinez Jr. introduces himself as the CEO and founder of Vengreso and the host of the Modern Selling podcast. He welcomes the audience and mentions that they will be discussing the value sale ROI in this episode. 00:01:36 - About Ian Campbell and Nucleus Research, Mario introduces Ian Campbell, the CEO of Nucleus Research and author of the book "The Value Sale." Ian shares his background in technology and explains that Nucleus Research focuses on helping vendors and end users understand the return on investment from technology. 00:05:33 - The Value Sale Book, Ian discusses his book "The Value Sale" and its purpose of providing salespeople with a process to build a business case and demonstrate value to customers. He emphasizes the importance of ROI in helping customers understand the potential return they will get from a product. 00:06:51 - Easy Way to Determine Positive ROI, Ian introduces the concept of breadth and repeatability as indicators of positive ROI. The more people use a product and the more often they use it, the greater the potential ROI. He advises salespeople to consider these factors when evaluating the potential value for a customer. 00:09:56 - Leading with ROI, Ian suggests that while ROI is an important metric, payback period is even more impactful. Salespeople should focus on how quickly a customer will cover their costs and the return they will receive over time. Payback period can be a more compelling metric when discussing financial 00:13:51 - The Importance of ROI in Sales, The conversation begins by discussing the significance of showcasing ROI to end users. The guest emphasizes the need to focus on increasing productivity and saving tangible resources, such as time. The value proposition should highlight the number of hours saved and the cost justification. 00:15:08 - Categorizing Benefits and ROI, The guest introduces the concept of categorizing benefits into direct, intended, productivity gain, and distant categories. While direct and intended categories are easy to calculate, distant benefits, like happier employees, have a lower impact on ROI. The key is to focus on the two big benefits that drive the deal. 00:16:20 - The Value of Hours Saved, The guest emphasizes the importance of focusing on the number of hours saved and how it justifies the cost. Even a few hours saved can make a significant impact. By calculating the worst-case scenario, it becomes evident that the value proposition for sales should revolve around the hours saved. 00:17:43 - Simplifying ROI for Marketing Sequences, The guest suggests a brilliant question to ask in marketing sequences: "How many hours do I really need to save you to justify the cost?" This simplifies the ROI discussion and helps in converting more people. He advises focusing on the two big benefits that drive the deal and not getting caught up in other smaller benefits. 00:19:07 - Challenges of ROI in Larger Opportunities, The guest acknowledges the difficulty of unpacking ROI in larger opportunities and more. 00:26:11 - The Importance of Payback Period, Understanding the payback period is crucial in making informed decisions about signing a contract. It helps determine if a project will cover its costs within a reasonable timeframe and if the return on investment is favorable. Shorter payback periods increase the likelihood of moving forward with a project. 00:27:28 - Mitigating Risk with Payback Period, A shorter payback period reduces the risk associated with a project. If the costs can be covered within a few months, even if the decision turns out to be a bad one, the project will have already generated positive value. Emphasizing a quick payback period can accelerate decision-making. 00:28:00 - Leveraging Payback Period in Marketing, Highlighting a quick payback period in marketing can be more impactful than focusing on a small daily cost. Demonstrating how quickly customers can cover their costs and start generating positive value is a stronger selling point. Real-life examples and customer testimonials can reinforce these claims. 00:29:38 - Using Payback Period to Improve Sales Messaging. Incorporating the idea of payback period into sales messaging can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the message. By framing benefits as numbers that contribute to covering costs and generating positive value, sales reps can appeal to prospects' desire for tangible returns. 00:30:01 - Avoiding Common Mistakes in Building a Business Case Sales reps often make the mistake of including too many benefits in their business case, diluting the impact of their message. 00:39:02 - The Power of Simplifying Product Benefits, Ian Campbell emphasizes the importance of focusing on the three key ways a product impacts customers, making it easier to articulate their value. He encourages salespeople to drop the mic and make sure the benefits drive to those big numbers. 00:39:38 - Connecting with Ian Campbell, Mario asks how listeners can connect with Ian Campbell, suggesting Twitter and LinkedIn. Ian recommends finding him on LinkedIn and reaching out to Nucleus Research for valuable resources and articles on topics like IRR. Personalized connection requests are encouraged. 00:40:43 - Quota Performance and Sales Challenges. Mario asks about the latest research on the percentage of sellers making quota. Ian shares that they are about to launch a survey to gather this data. He mentions that while revenues may be down, competition is up, and deals are extending rather than falling off. 00:42:29 - Research Collaboration Opportunity, Mario offers to connect Ian with their database of 100,000 sellers, business owners, and sales leaders if they need to poll for research. Ian expresses his appreciation and interest in collaborating for future research. 00:42:39 - Ian Campbell's Favorite Movie. Mario asks Ian about his all-time favorite movie. Ian chooses "Castle Black" as a classic old film with a cheesy charm and memorable one-liners. He considers it a movie that never gets tiresome and stands out among the rest. Leveraging ROI and Payback to Close Deals A key aspect of successful sales is the ability to convincingly demonstrate the Return on Investment (ROI) and payback period to potential customers. Showcasing the tangible benefits, savings, and productivity gains that will be achieved through the purchase in a simple and believable manner can expedite the decision-making process. By leading with a short payback period, sales professionals can alleviate risk concerns, making it easier for decision-makers to approve the purchase. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit the FlyMSG.io to download the free personal writing assistant and text expander application. Check out the Nucleus Research website to learn more about their services and how they can help you understand the ROI of technology. Purchase a copy of Ian Campbell's book, The Value Sale, to learn how to build a business case and deliver a message that will help close deals. Consider leading with the concept of payback rather than just ROI in your sales process to help customers understand how quickly they can cover their costs. Explore the various metrics and value propositions that can be used to start conversations with potential buyers. Connect with Mario Martinez Jr. on LinkedIn to stay updated on future episodes of the Modern Selling podcast.

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to send countless generic emails, hoping that one will catch the attention of your prospects. But instead, you're left feeling frustrated and defeated as your inbox remains empty and your sales winrates plummet. It's time to break free from ineffective actions and address the pain of wasted time and missed opportunities. Discover the power of an omnichannel approach tailored to individual prospect preferences and unlock the key to enhanced prospecting and increased sales deals. You Will Learn in this Episode: Build lasting relationships and close more sales by learning the importance of human connection in sales. Maximize your prospecting efforts and reach your target audience effectively with an omnichannel approach tailored to individual preferences. Discover the power of phone calls in prospecting and unlock a less cluttered channel for reaching and engaging potential customers. Increase your sales by understanding the unique pain points and challenges of different buyer personas within an organization and tailoring your value propositions accordingly. Save time and motivate your sales teams with good data by investing in high-quality prospecting data and using it effectively in your outbound efforts. About our guest: David Kreiger, founder of SalesRoads, has been in the sales game for nearly 17 years. He started his company with a vision to create a distributed workforce and build a remote inside sales team. With a belief that the core of selling lies in connecting with people, David aimed to recruit the best salespeople regardless of where they lived. Over the years, SalesRoads has worked with a wide range of companies, from seed stage startups to established organizations, helping them accelerate their sales and generate more top-of-the-funnel appointments. David's experience has taught him that while an omnichannel approach to prospecting is important, the phone remains the most powerful tool for connecting with prospects on a human level and truly understanding their pain points. In a cluttered digital landscape, the personal touch of a phone call can break through the noise and lead to meaningful conversations. By developing a solid strategy, understanding buyer personas, and crafting tailored messaging, sales professionals can enhance their prospecting efforts and drive more sales. So, if you're looking to improve your prospecting game, take a page from David's book and start dialing. Being able to connect one on one with individuals, understand their pain, and engage in a dialogue with them is essential for successful sales. There is no replacement for the phone or a meeting to truly understand what a prospect needs. - David Kreiger The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction, 00:01:33 - About SalesRoads 00:04:23 - Impressive Case Studies 00:05:46 - Fun Fact 00:06:27 - The Power of Phone Calls 00:15:23 - Understanding Persona-Based Messaging 00:16:41 - The Importance of Preparation and Practice 00:18:36 - The Role of Data in Sales Prospecting 00:21:44 - Creative Lead Generation Strategies 00:23:16 - Prospecting for Small Businesses 00:30:57 - The Importance of Personalization in Sales Outreach 00:32:24 - Customization vs Personalization Based on Team Size 00:34:10 - The PVC Sales Methodology 00:37:13 - The Importance of Patience in Sales Outreach 00:44:12 - The Power of Building Relationships 00:45:52 - The Challenges of Virtual Communication 00:46:21 - The Hardest Job in Sales 00:46:55 - Emerging Trends in Sales Development 00:49:26 - Best Way to Connect with the Guest Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction, Mario Martinez Jr. introduces himself and the podcast, highlighting that each episode focuses on helping sales professionals grow their sales numbers. He introduces his guest, David Kreiger, and mentions that they will be discussing appointment setting strategies using phone calls over email. 00:01:33 - About SalesRoads, David Kreiger shares that he is the president of SalesRoads, a company that specializes in SDR outsourcing and appointment setting. He explains that SalesRoads was founded with the goal of creating a distributed inside sales team that can recruit the best salespeople regardless of location. 00:04:23 - Impressive Case Studies, David highlights some of the impressive case studies of companies SalesRoads has worked with, ranging from seed stage startups to established companies like Paylocity and Samsung. He emphasizes their focus on generating top-of-the-funnel appointments to drive sales. 00:05:46 - Fun Fact, David shares a fun fact about himself, revealing that he was almost killed by a yo-yo when he was younger. He explains that he was into yo-yoing and accidentally hit a glass lamp, narrowly avoiding injury. 00:06:27 - The Power of Phone Calls, Mario and David discuss the challenges of sales prospecting and the importance of booking the first meeting. David explains why he believes phone calls remain a powerful tool in today's digital age, emphasizing the human connection and the ability to understand prospects' pain points. He also mentions that phone calls can be less cluttered 00:15:23 - Understanding Persona-Based Messaging, Developing a value proposition based on the unique challenges and pains of each persona is essential for effective sales. Tailoring your messaging to address the specific needs of each individual will lead to better engagement and success in selling. 00:16:41 - The Importance of Preparation and Practice, While you don't want to sound scripted, being prepared and knowing what you want to say is crucial. Practice and develop your messaging to ensure you can articulate it effectively to different personas. 00:18:36 - The Role of Data in Sales Prospecting, Good data hygiene is vital for successful sales prospecting. Utilizing tools like Apollo, Lucia, Seamless, and ZoomInfo can provide data, but it's important to verify its accuracy and engage in manual data mining to ensure the information is up to date. 00:21:44 - Creative Lead Generation Strategies, Sometimes existing lists don't meet your specific criteria. In these cases, creative strategies like web scraping can be employed to find the right leads. Additionally, combining multiple data providers and waterfalling leads can help improve accuracy and increase the chances of success. 00:23:16 - Prospecting for Small Businesses, Outbound prospecting can be done by small businesses, but it requires a strategic approach and investment in good data, a sales acceleration platform, and the necessary time and resources. Doing it right is more important than rushing into it and wasting time and money. 00:30:57 - The Importance of Personalization in Sales Outreach, David Kreiger highlights the importance of personalization in sales outreach. He advises that while it may be more effective to send personalized messages to a smaller number of high-value prospects, for larger teams targeting a larger number of leads, it is more efficient to personalize the approach rather than customizing every single message. He emphasizes the need for brief and focused messaging that addresses the specific challenges and interests of the prospect. 00:32:24 - Customization vs Personalization Based on Team Size, David explains that the approach to customization and personalization should depend on the size of the team and the number of leads they are targeting. For smaller teams and high-value accounts, customization and deep research are recommended. However, for SDRs with a larger set of leads, being personal and personalized without customizing every message is more effective. The focus should be on asking relevant questions and providing value in a concise manner. 00:34:10 - The PVC Sales Methodology, Mario Martinez Jr. introduces the PVC sales methodology, which stands for personalization, value, and a call to action. He provides examples of how personalization can be done on an individual level, such as referencing a prospect's shared interest in a message. He also suggests a persona-based approach for sales automation, where a concise message addresses the common challenges faced by the target audience and offers value-added content. 00:37:13 - The Importance of Patience in Sales Outreach, Both David and Mario emphasize the need for patience in 00:44:12 - The Power of Building Relationships, The guest shares a story about how building a strong relationship with an executive assistant helped him gain access to the CIO's office. He emphasizes the importance of finding and connecting with key gatekeepers to increase sales opportunities. 00:45:52 - The Challenges of Virtual Communication, The guest discusses the challenges of virtual communication and the lack of personal interaction in today's business environment. He acknowledges the difficulty of reaching decision-makers without the assistance of receptionists and highlights the role of platforms like LinkedIn in connecting with prospects. 00:46:21 - The Hardest Job in Sales, The guest believes that the hardest job in sales is prospecting. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the CXO's perspective and the roles of various stakeholders. He suggests that prospecting will become easier as the sales environment evolves. 00:46:55 - Emerging Trends in Sales Development, The guest mentions two emerging trends in sales development: the experimentation with full cycle Account Executive Sales (AES) and the integration of AI in sales processes. He advises caution in relying solely on AI and encourages leveraging it while curating and refining its use. 00:49:26 - Best Way to Connect with the Guest, The guest shares that the best way to connect with him is through LinkedIn, where he is very active and responsive. He also mentions his company's website as another means of reaching out. Build Lasting Relationships and Close More Sales The podcast episode highlights the importance of forging strong relationships to achieve sales success. David Kreiger shares his experiences of gaining access to decision-makers by developing good rapport with key individuals such as executive assistants and receptionists. This rapport builds trust and paves the way for a deeper connection with potential clients, reducing the sales cycle time and increasing conversion rates. Maximize Prospecting Efforts with an Omnichannel Approach An omnichannel approach to prospecting is discussed throughout this podcast, emphasizing the need to tailor communication channels to each prospect's preferences for optimal results. The shift towards virtual phone systems and digital communication platforms like LinkedIn has created new opportunities for initial contact. Balancing these tools with traditional phone calls, according to David and Mario, can significantly maximize outreach and engagement efforts. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit Vengreso.com to learn more about their personal writing assistant and text expander application, FlyMSG.io Take notes during the podcast episode to gather valuable insights and strategies for growing your sales numbers at scale. Check out SalesRoads, the company founded by David Kreiger, to explore their expertise in appointment setting and sales prospecting. Read the case studies on SalesRoads' website to see impressive results in terms of booking more meetings and growing the sales pipeline for various companies. Consider incorporating phone calls as a powerful tool for cold prospecting, as suggested by David Kreiger. Recognize the importance of human connection and understanding prospects' pain points through engaging conversations. Embrace an omnichannel approach to prospecting, combining phone calls, emails, LinkedIn messages, and other channels to reach prospects in the most effective way for them. Implement effective phone call strategies, such as using scripts, practicing active listening, and adapting to each prospect's communication style. Utilize sales automation tools like SalesLoft and Outreach to enhance your prospecting efforts, but avoid relying solely on automated emails and LinkedIn messages. Remember the value of personal connection through phone calls.

If you're feeling frustrated and defeated because your attempts to close deals are constantly getting stalled, then you are not alone! It can be disheartening when you put in all the effort but still face resistance from prospects who are not moving forward. Despite your best efforts to engage and persuade, you might be experiencing a lack of commitment or a fear of making decisions from your potential clients. This is Ryan Maggio's story: Ryan Maggio's journey is a tale of resilience and growth. A Silicon Valley native, he had a unique start in the corporate world. As a young man, he cleverly navigated a loophole in his college's reimbursement program, managing to save and invest in experiences that would shape his future. This early display of entrepreneurial spirit was a sign of his grit, a quality that would serve him well in his future role in Xactly, a leading software company. Here, he weathered the company's evolution, from its initial VC funding stages to its private equity ownership. The fluidity of the company, coupled with his own dynamism, allowed him to thrive in an ever-changing ecosystem. Ryan's understanding of stalled deals and the challenges faced by sales professionals was born not just from his experiences but also from his passion for understanding the intricacies of the field. You have to retrain the mind of how do I go sell right now? How do I go in and drive value, get that person to open up? What is your fear? Because if you tell me what you're apprehensive about, it can be a little bit different of an experience. - Ryan Maggio My special guest is Ryan Maggio Introducing Ryan Maggio, a stalwart in intelligent revenue sales with a notable career spanning nearly 15 years at Xactly Corporation. Rising from an individual contributor to his current position as Vice President of North American Sales, Ryan's career trajectory is commendable. He has been a pivotal force during the venture-capitalist backed early days, the IPO phase and the current private equity-owned era of the company. His acumen in driving value sales and deep-rooted understanding of dealing with common sales hurdles such as stalled deals sets him apart. Ryan’s insights on navigating turbulent selling environments and thoughtful engagement strategies are truly enriching. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover effective tactics to troubleshoot stale deals and navigate through the intricate labyrinth of sales obstacles. Uncover unique methods to mitigate buyer apprehensions and successfully interact with the decision-making hierarchy. Learn how to deploy a powerful multi-faceted approach and showcase rapid value realization to win prospects. Realize the critical role of team synergy and how tools like Fly Engage can be a game-changer in your sales journey. Gain insights into proactive measures to prevent deal stagnancy and guarantees customer delight. List 2:   The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction, 00:01:14 - Get to Know Ryan Maggio, 00:04:24 - Juicy Fact About Ryan, 00:06:45 - Causes of Stall Deals, 00:10:21 - Selling to the Right Level, 00:15:42 - Getting Ahead of Churn, 00:16:19 - Addressing Stalled Deals, 00:19:40 - Identifying and Preventing Stalled Deals, 00:22:17 - Transparent Communication and Mutual Action Plans, 00:25:59 - Driving Accountability and Next Steps, 00:29:59 - Leveraging LinkedIn Connections, 00:31:21 - Understanding the Buying Committee, 00:33:01 - Utilizing LinkedIn Company Page Followers, 00:36:58 - Leveraging AI and ML for Sales Coaching, 00:39:18 - Tying Commissions to Discounts, 00:44:12 - Connecting with Ryan Maggio, 00:45:07 - Connecting with Ryan Maggio on LinkedIn, 00:45:39 - Ryan's All-Time Favorite Movie, 00:46:08 - Finding Common Ground with Kids, 00:47:14 - Closing Remarks, Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction, Mario Martinez Jr. introduces himself as the CEO and founder of Vengreso and the host of The Modern Selling Podcast. He introduces his guest, Ryan Maggio, the VP of North American Sales at Xactly Corporation, and mentions that they will be discussing stalled deals. 00:01:14 - Get to Know Ryan Maggio, Ryan Maggio shares his background and experience at Xactly Corporation, where he has been for almost 15 years. He talks about the company's evolution from a commissions vendor to an intelligent revenue platform. 00:04:24 - Juicy Fact About Ryan, Ryan Maggio reveals that he essentially got paid to go to college through a reimbursement program at the Apple retail store he worked at. His parents didn't know that he was getting reimbursed for his college tuition fees while living at home. 00:06:45 - Causes of Stall Deals, According to Ryan Maggio, the majority of stalled deals are caused by the lack of engagement and failure to sell value. In a good time selling motion, sellers focused on value, but now buyers have a fear of messing up and require more engagement and understanding of their apprehensions. 00:10:21 - Selling to the Right Level, Ryan Maggio emphasizes the importance of selling value to the right level in the organization. Getting buy-in from the CFO or engaging with the office of the CFO is crucial for deal approval. It's necessary to build relationships and understand the power dynamics within the organization. 00:15:42 - Getting Ahead of Churn, The guest discusses the importance of customer satisfaction and renewal even before a deal is signed, emphasizing the need to engage the right team to give customers confidence. 00:16:19 - Addressing Stalled Deals, The guest suggests engaging prospects with relevant information such as recent earnings releases or LinkedIn activity. They also emphasize the importance of understanding the customer's objectives and initiatives to craft personalized messaging and reengage stalled deals. 00:19:40 - Identifying and Preventing Stalled Deals, The guest mentions the use of technology to monitor prospect engagement and search activities. They also highlight the importance of ongoing communication, qualifying the prospect's commitment, and using mutual action plans to prevent stalled deals. 00:22:17 - Transparent Communication and Mutual Action Plans, The guest emphasizes the need for transparent communication, setting clear expectations, and establishing mutual action plans with prospects. They stress the importance of accountability and ongoing qualification to prevent deals from stalling. 00:25:59 - Driving Accountability and Next Steps, The guest discusses the importance of driving accountability by setting up clear next steps and follow-up meetings during sales interactions. They highlight the need for both reps and customers to take action and fulfill their commitments to keep deals progressing. 00:29:59 - Leveraging LinkedIn Connections, Ryan discusses the importance of leveraging LinkedIn connections to gain valuable introductions and insights. He highlights the need to go beyond the main point of contact and reach out to other individuals in the organization to gather information and determine if the deal is worth pursuing. 00:31:21 - Understanding the Buying Committee, Ryan emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire buying committee associated with an opportunity. He shares the advice he received from his mentor to go two levels up, two levels down, and one to the side to identify key individuals who may have influence in the decision-making process. 00:33:01 - Utilizing LinkedIn Company Page Followers, Ryan reveals a valuable technique of utilizing the followers of a company's LinkedIn company page. By sorting and searching followers, sales professionals can identify potential members of the buying committee and engage with them to strengthen their network and gather insights. 00:36:58 - Leveraging AI and ML for Sales Coaching, Ryan discusses how his company's solution, Xactly, utilizes AI and ML technology to provide valuable insights and coaching for sales professionals. The solution analyzes various data points, such as email and conversation language, to identify areas for improvement and drive momentum in deals. 00:39:18 - Tying Commissions to Discounts, Ryan highlights the importance of tying commissions to discounts offered during the sales process. By showing sales professionals the financial impact of their discount decisions, they can make more informed choices and prioritize value-driven negotiations. 00:44:12 - Connecting with Ryan Maggio, Mario asks Ryan the best way to connect with him, and Ryan suggests using LinkedIn or email. He is open to discussing various topics such as stalling deals, forecasting, and commissions. Mario also comments on the confusing branding of different social media platforms. 00:45:07 - Connecting with Ryan Maggio on LinkedIn, Mario provides Ryan's LinkedIn profile information and advises listeners to send a personalized connection request message. He encourages listeners to mention that they heard Ryan on the Modern Selling podcast to establish a connection. 00:45:39 - Ryan's All-Time Favorite Movie, Mario asks Ryan about his all-time favorite movie. Ryan mentions that his favorite movie changes over time but currently he enjoys watching "Rookie of the Year" with his son, who loves baseball. 00:46:08 - Finding Common Ground with Kids, Mario and Ryan discuss the movies they watch with their children. They both enjoy watching movies that resonate with their kids, particularly sports movies. Mario shares his recent experience of watching "Big" with his children. 00:47:14 - Closing Remarks, Mario thanks the listeners for tuning in and encourages them to leave a five-star rating and review for the Modern Selling podcast on iTunes. He also promotes FlyMSG, a text expander and personal writing assistant tool, and signs off with a message of good selling. Mitigate Buyer Apprehensions Mitigating buyer apprehensions, as Ryan puts forward, necessitates an anticipatory approach towards understanding potential risks and problems from the client's perspective. By engaging in absolute honesty and direct queries about what could deter them from closing the deal, sales professionals can proactively prevent obstacles. This fosters a sense of reliability, reaffirming customer trust and validating the salesperson's commitment to making the deal successful. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out FlyMSG.IO, the free personal writing assistant and text expander application created by Vengreso. Listen to The Modern Selling Podcast hosted by Mario M. Martinez Jr., featuring sales leaders, practitioners, and influencers sharing insights on growing sales numbers at scale. Learn more about Xactly Corporation, a leading provider of intelligent revenue platforms for sales forecasting, sales planning, and commission execution. Explore the revenue enablement solutions offered by Xactly Corporation to drive value and solve business problems for your organization. Access the report conducted by LinkedIn on the causes of stall deals and the challenges faced by sellers in today's market. Find out how to overcome the fear of messing up and engage with buyers at the right level to ensure decision-making and deal progression. Develop a multi-channel approach to engaging with the CFO and other key decision-makers in the buying committee to prove value and ROI. Leverage Turbo teams, a cross-functional approach involving sales, product, innovation, sales enablement, finance, and customer success teams, to strategically attack

In a world of sales and personal branding, one woman's journey took an unexpected turn. From the tranquil landscapes of southwest Virginia to the bustling markets of Italy and Brazil, Alison Mullins was on a path of growth and expertise. But it was a fateful encounter with Hurricane Wilma in Cancun, Mexico, that would change everything. Surviving the storm became more than just a test of strength for Alison - it ignited a fire within her, a passion that transformed her approach to sales. But what happened next? How did she turn adversity into triumph? Stay tuned to uncover the remarkable twist in Alison's story. This is Alison Mullins's story: Alison Mullins' journey towards becoming an expert in sales and personal branding can be traced back to her roots in southwest Virginia and her experiences in some of the most competitive markets around the world. As a small-town girl, she began her career in the construction industry specializing in natural stone surfaces. With time, Alison ventured into sales and marketing, exploring architectural, interior design, and luxury residential sectors. From working in Italy to quarries in Brazil, her experiences have shaped her unique expertise. However, the most pivotal of her experiences was surviving Hurricane Wilma in Cancun, Mexico. This event pushed her to a road of self-discovery, where she transformed her hardship into a resilient spirit, becoming a survivor with an undying passion for her work. To truly be an expert in your field, you have to be willing to talk to others, learn from others, and give to others. You've got to be a connector. - Alison Mullins My special guest is Alison Mullins. With a rich background in sales and marketing, Alison Mullins has spent two vibrant decades leaving imprints in various sectors, including construction and natural stone surfaces. Her passion and dedication are reflected in her global work travel, from the United States and Canada to Italy and Brazil. Now as the founder of Rep Methods, her deep-rooted sales wisdom continues to bloom, helping countless professionals transform their sales strategies. Alison's approachable personality also adds a warm touch to her expertise, making her insights more relatable yet powerful. In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the secret to upscaling your business through sales proficiency and a resonant personal brand. Traverse the journey of book writing, encapsulating its challenges and rewarding experiences. Comprehend the need for humility and ongoing education for longevity in the sales field. Apprehend the increasing influence of video content in consumer engagement. Decode the method to foster leadership skills within your sales force. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:08 - Introduction and Background 00:01:42 - Expertise and Becoming an Expert 00:08:07 - Writing a Book as a Platform 00:10:38 - Developing Expertise and Claiming Expert Status 00:14:21 - Rewards of Putting Yourself Out There 00:15:50 - Using Video to Engage with Buyers, 00:16:43 - The Power of Video in Sales, 00:19:19 - Key Elements of Successful Sales Leadership, 00:23:30 - Building Leadership in Sales, 00:28:01 - Sales Leadership Skills, 00:32:35 - Being a Disruptor, 00:33:31 - Disrupting in a Male-Dominated Industry, 00:35:05 - Quiet Disruption, 00:36:33 - Disrupting the Conversation, 00:38:15 - Connecting with Alison, Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction and Background Mario Martinez introduces the podcast and welcomes Alison Mullins as his guest. They briefly discuss Alison's new book, "The Art of Selling," and her background in sales and marketing. Alison shares her experience in the construction industry and her passion for natural stone surfaces. 00:01:42 - Expertise and Becoming an Expert Alison emphasizes that expertise is self-declared and requires passion, knowledge, and humility. She believes that being willing to learn from others, connect with people, and contribute to the community are essential for becoming an expert. Validation from others can also help establish expertise. 00:08:07 - Writing a Book as a Platform Alison shares her motivation for writing the book, which was to establish herself as an expert and share her knowledge and experiences. She sees writing a book as a way to gain credibility and prove a point. It was also a therapeutic process for her. 00:10:38 - Developing Expertise and Claiming Expert Status Alison discusses the boldness required to claim expertise but also emphasizes the importance of allowing others to recognize your expertise. Putting yourself out there, being prepared for backlash, and receiving validation from others can help establish expert status. 00:14:21 - Rewards of Putting Yourself Out There Alison encourages individuals to put themselves out there and take credit for their expertise. While there may be fear and uncertainty, the rewards can be significant. The validation and positive feedback received can enhance credibility and establish expertise in the field 00:15:50 - Using Video to Engage with Buyers, The importance of using video content to engage with buyers is discussed. Video allows for face-to-face interaction and the use of multiple senses, making it a more effective tool for building expertise and connecting with an audience. 00:16:43 - The Power of Video in Sales, Video is highlighted as a valuable tool for salespeople to engage with customers. Platforms like Loom, OneMob, and Hippo Video are mentioned as options for sending video messages and maintaining customer connections. 00:19:19 - Key Elements of Successful Sales Leadership, The importance of mental health balance is emphasized as a key aspect of sales leadership. Other essential elements include organization, passion, and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. 00:23:30 - Building Leadership in Sales, Empathy is identified as a crucial skill for salespeople to develop leadership in their craft. The concept of limbic resonance and the ability to intuitively understand and connect with others is discussed as an art form in sales. 00:28:01 - Sales Leadership Skills, The importance of empathy, intuition, and chameleoning (the ability to adapt and fit into different situations) in sales leadership is highlighted. These skills take time to develop and contribute to effective sales leadership and customer relationships. 00:32:35 - Being a Disruptor, Alison discusses the benefits and challenges of being a disruptor in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of speaking one's mind and standing up for what one believes in. She also shares her experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry and how it has shaped her as a disruptor. 00:33:31 - Disrupting in a Male-Dominated Industry, Alison highlights the unique challenges she faces as a woman in the construction industry. She shares the importance of having confidence and resilience as a disruptor. Being noticed and heard is key to making an impact in a male-dominated field. 00:35:05 - Quiet Disruption, Alison shares a story about an interaction with someone in the tech industry who initially praised her book but later expressed hesitation in sharing it with his audience. Instead of reacting negatively, Alison responded humbly and asked for his support, demonstrating a quiet form of disruption. 00:36:33 - Disrupting the Conversation, Alison discusses her response to the tech industry professional's feedback. She explains how she disrupted the conversation by assuming he either intended to insult her or didn't realize the impact of his words. Alison humbled herself by asking for support while still pursuing her goals. 00:38:15 - Connecting with Alison, Alison shares how listeners can connect with her through her website, where they can schedule a quick conversation with her. She prefers phone calls as a way to connect in the 21st century. Sales expertise and personal branding: Wielding a profound experience in sales, Alison paints a clear picture of the importance of personal branding as a lever to establishing oneself as an expert in an industry. Her belief is that passion, continuous learning, and humility should drive this endeavor. By taking a bold stance to showcase their skills, individuals can gain recognition and influence, which can boost their professional journey and build credibility. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Get your pen and paper or iPad and keyboard ready to take notes as you listen to the Modern Selling podcast. Check out FlyMSG.io, the free personal writing assistant, and text expander application created by Vengreso, the company founded by Mario Martinez Jr. Learn more about Alison Mullins and her new book, The Art of Selling: We Make Order Makers, Not Order Takers. Visit the Rep Methods website to explore Alison's brand and the services she offers for business development and sales. Consider writing your own book to establish yourself as an expert in your field and gain credibility. Reflect on the importance of humility and continuous learning in developing and maintaining expertise. Take Mario's advice and create a YouTube channel or video series to share your expertise and answer burning questions related to your industry. Check out Modern Selling on YouTube to watch the video version of this podcast episode. Visit the podcast's website to access additional resources and episodes to help you grow your sales numbers at scale. Follow Mario Martinez Jr. and Alison Mullins on social media to stay updated on their latest insights and content.

Does this sound familiar? You invest time and resources into sales training programs, only to see little improvement in your team's performance. You've been told that simply providing more information and content will lead to better results. But the pain you're feeling is the frustration of seeing your team struggle to apply what they've learned, resulting in missed sales opportunities and stagnant growth. It's time to break free from ineffective methods and discover the key to truly impactful sales training. Subscribe to Modern Selling on the app of your choice! In this episode, Mario Martinez Jr. invites sales leader and consultant Chet Lovegren to discuss the challenges of traditional sales training. Lovegren emphasizes the need for a different approach to onboarding and training that focuses on making information stick and turning it into a habit. He suggests structuring onboarding programs in a week-by-week format, focusing on singular topics each week. Lovegren also highlights the importance of covering essential topics such as company culture, mission, and values during onboarding to help reps build trust and connect with customers. He further recommends understanding target audiences and using problem-centric language to engage with potential customers at the right time. Lovegren stresses the need for collaboration between sales enablement and sales teams to create effective onboarding programs, as well as the importance of one-on-one conversations to reinforce training content. Mario Martinez Jr. adds insights on spacing and chunking techniques in training, advocating for breaking down topics into smaller sections spread over a period of 60 to 90 days. Listen to this episode to gain valuable insights on how to improve your sales onboarding and training programs, Discover the key insights and strategies for transforming your sales onboarding and training programs with sales leader and consultant, Chet Lovegren, on this episode of The Modern Selling Podcast. Lovegren highlights the alarming statistics that reveal how easily sales reps forget the information they learn during traditional training sessions. He suggests a new approach that focuses on making information stick and turning it into a habit. Lovegren recommends structuring onboarding programs with a week-by-week approach, covering singular topics each week. He emphasizes the importance of including essential topics like company culture and values during onboarding to help reps connect with customers and build trust. Lovegren also emphasizes understanding the target audience and using problem-centric language to engage with potential customers at the right time. Mario Martinez Jr. adds his insights on spacing and chunking techniques in training, advocating for breaking down topics into smaller chunks and spacing them over a 60-to There's an archaic way we do sales enablement and coaching... I wanted to solve for that with the Sales Doctor. - Chet Lovegren Introducing Chet Lovegren, a seasoned sales maven who has spent more than a decade mastering the art of sales and sales leadership. Known as the Sales Doctor, he has built an impressive reputation through his strategic counsel to various startup ventures. Besides being a pivotal driving force behind Pavilion’s top-notch sales course content, Chet founded Sales Doctor. His strong viewpoints on traditional sales training sparked revolutionary changes in the field. Chet's relatability and expertise make him a go-to resource for organizations seeking to overhaul their sales strategies. Confront the barriers inherent in traditional sales training often overlooked in the industry. Grasp the formidable impact of consistent and succinct sales training on team performance and overall business health. Uncover the vital force of intentionality for ensuring effective sales training that yields tangible results. Understand why robust onboarding programs are a non-negotiable in B2B sales for long-term success. Dive into the trenches of assessing new hire performance and fostering a culture of accountability that keeps everyone aligned with company goals. Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:08 - Introduction, Mario Martinez Jr. introduces the podcast and Chet Lovegren, the Sales Doctor, as his guest. 00:04:11 - Fun Fact about Chet, Chet Lovegren shares that he has broken his nose twice and that 80% of his nose is fake. 00:06:20 - Why Traditional Sales Training Doesn't Work, Chet explains why traditional sales training and enablement programs fail due to lack of engagement, retention, and relevance. 00:09:23 - Emulating Onboarding for Effective Training, Chet suggests a more effective approach to sales training by emulating the onboarding process, with concise, compact, and recurring training sessions for specific topics. 00:12:04 - Importance of Intentional Training, Chet emphasizes the importance of intentional training with clear goals and structured daily sessions to ensure retention, practice, and application of new skills. 00:13:07 - The Problem with Onboarding Programs, Many B2B sales reps forget the information they learn within a week or a month of training. Traditional onboarding programs often involve overwhelming reps with content in a short period of time. This approach does not lead to long-term retention or habit formation. 00:13:54 - Improving Onboarding Programs, Companies can improve their onboarding programs by adopting a focused and structured approach. Instead of overwhelming reps with information, they should dedicate each week to a specific topic, such as people, problems, process, and practices. This allows for better retention and application of knowledge. 00:16:35 - Building the Right Onboarding Program, To build an effective onboarding program, companies need to focus on specific areas of the business and create a narrative that leads to hands-off training. It's important to cover topics like company mission, vision, values, and history. Onboarding programs should be developed in collaboration with sales leaders and enablement professionals with recent sales experience. 00:18:49 - The Flaws of Traditional Sales Training, Traditional sales training programs that cram a large amount of content into a few days are ineffective. The spacing effect, which involves spreading out training over time, is a more successful approach. Using the chunking technique, sales training should be broken down into smaller topics that can be addressed over a period of 60-90 days. 00:21:26 - Importance of Ongoing Coaching, Ongoing coaching and reinforcement are crucial 00:25:24 - Effective Measurement of New Hires, The discussion focuses on how companies can effectively measure the performance of new hires early on to determine if they are the right fit. The guest suggests using software tools like Yardstick to collaborate with sales leaders, HR, and team members. By integrating colleague interviews and surveying feedback, companies can identify if a new hire is not meeting expectations and make decisions sooner rather than later. 00:29:36 - Challenges in Building a Culture of Accountability, Sales leaders often struggle to build a culture of accountability and performance. The guest believes this is because there are numerous ways to measure performance but limited ways to measure engagement. He suggests creating a culture of participation and integration, where everyone is involved in meetings and performance reviews. By highlighting performance and comparing results, accountability can be increased and underperforming individuals can be identified and addressed more effectively. 00:30:57 - Importance of Engaging Sales Teams, The guest emphasizes the importance of engaging sales teams and setting expectations for their participation. By involving them in meetings, presentations, and performance reviews, accountability can be increased. He argues that being politically correct and avoiding highlighting underperforming individuals can hinder performance and motivation. Sales is a performance-based job, and individuals need to be able to handle the pressure and scrutiny that comes with it. 00:34:31 - The Role of Stack Ranking and Accountability, The guest discusses the role of stack ranking in highlighting underperforming individuals. He believes that avoiding stack ranking due to concerns about hurting individuals' feelings can be counterproductive 00:37:53 - The Importance of Leadership in Sales, Chet discusses the impact of leadership in sales and how great leaders focus on accountability, coaching, and motivation. He believes that leaders should lead by example and inspire their team to rise to their level. 00:38:26 - Promoting Salespeople with Leadership Skills, Chet shares his perspective on promoting salespeople to leadership positions. He values individuals who have leadership qualities, even if they are not top performers. He mentions that high-performing lone wolves can create toxic work environments, and success may be the result of unethical practices. 00:39:13 - Beware of Wildly Successful Salespeople, Chet warns against blindly promoting wildly successful salespeople. He highlights the importance of looking beyond quota attainment and evaluating how individuals contribute to the overall team and company culture. He shares an example of a sales rep who achieved exceptional results due to a rigged system. 00:40:05 - Connecting with Chet Lovegren, Chet provides various ways to connect with him, including his website, LinkedIn, and TikTok. He offers resources, podcasts, and educational content on sales. 00:41:00 - Chet's All-Time Favorite Movie, Chet reveals that his all-time favorite movie is "Rain Man." He describes it as a perfect story about male relationships, brotherhood, and friendship, with a pure and lovely portrayal of the bonds people can create. Confronting Barriers in Sales Training Chet Lovegren highlights the significant challenge B2B sales reps face when digesting traditional training methods: forgetting nearly all the new information within a month. This issue stems from an outdated approach of condensing too much data into a brief training period, which proves ineffective for long-term retention. Adopting new strategies, such as week-by-week topic-specific training, can make these programs more impactful by integrating the information slowly and thoroughly. Visit the Vengreso.com website to learn more about FlyMSG.IO, the free personal writing assistant and text expander application created by Mario Martinez Jr.'s company, Vengreso. Subscribe to the Modern Selling Podcast to hear from sales leaders, practitioners, and influencers who can help you grow your sales numbers at scale. Check out Chet Lovegren, also known as the Sales Doctor, and learn more about his role as a strategic advisor to portfolio companies and startups. Explore the Sales Doctor's short-term and long-term engagements, which offer solutions for teams that need help with execution or companies looking to build or rebuild their sales motion. Consider the Sales Doctor's approach to sales training and coaching, which focuses on more concise, compact, and recurring training sessions that emulate the engagement and retention of onboarding. Learn about the forgetting curve phenomenon and why traditional sales training and enablement programs often fail to engage and retain information. Discover alternative methods, such as virtual instructor-led training, that prioritize engagement and retention by providing more relevant and condensed training sessions. Understand the importance of intentional and structured training sessions that cover specific topics and include exercises and practice to ensure information is retained and enacted