Sales [UN]Training

In this episode of "Sales [UN]Training," host Kelly Riggs welcomes renowned sales expert Mike Weinberg, author of several influential sales books including "The First Time Manager: Sales." The episode centers around the critical theme of accountability in sales, a topic that resonates deeply with sales managers and teams. Mike Weinberg emphasizes the pivotal role of accountability in sales success and dismantles common misconceptions around it. The discussion begins with a focus on the challenges faced by first-time sales managers, particularly in establishing a culture of accountability. Weinberg shares his experiences and insights from his book, stressing that accountability must start with the manager before it can be expected from the sales team. He argues that sales is inherently results-driven, and without a clear focus on goals and outcomes, a high-performance sales culture cannot be cultivated. The conversation then shifts to the practicalities of implementing accountability, with Weinberg advocating for regular, focused one-on-one meetings. These meetings, he suggests, should not be lengthy or convoluted but rather focused on factual data review and pipeline health. This approach encourages salespeople to take ownership of their performance and results. Kelly and Mike emphasize the difference between being a top salesperson and an effective sales leader. They conclude that transitioning from individual sales success to leading a team requires a significant mindset shift, with a focus on coaching and developing others rather than continuing as a 'super doer.' In this episode... 4:40 - Focus on RESULTS rather than effort 9:00 - Mike confornts a manager who doesn't confront his underperformers. 12:00 - How you can hold your team accountable in ONE meeting per month Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, hosted by Kelly Riggs, the spotlight is on the crucial role of coaching in sales leadership. Kelly begins by sharing a startling statistic: only about one in ten sales leaders consistently engage in coaching, despite clear evidence that it significantly enhances team performance. He challenges the conventional understanding of coaching, emphasizing that it extends beyond mere training to involve behavioral change and skill development. Through a detailed exploration of the differences between training and coaching, Kelly underscores the necessity of consistent, hands-on guidance in molding effective sales strategies and behaviors. Kelly reveals 2 crystal clear clues that your coaching is ineffective and tells you how to fix it. Through practical examples and data-backed arguments, Kelly paints a vivid picture of what true coaching should encompass, urging sales leaders to adopt a more structured, skill-oriented approach to improve their teams' performance. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, Kelly Riggs hosts Michael Lang, the founder of SG Partners, to dive deep into the intricacies of hiring salespeople and the common pitfalls that sales leaders encounter in the recruitment process. The discussion kicks off with a reflection on how sales organizations often miss the mark by not setting clear expectations during the hiring phase, leading to a high turnover rate. Lang shares insights from his 16 years of experience in helping sales and leadership teams enhance their effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of strategic hiring, clear communication, and the development of a bulletproof sales process. He argues that success in sales recruitment is not just about finding candidates with the right skills but also about ensuring they align with the company's culture and sales strategy. Lang highlights common hiring mistakes, such as prioritizing industry knowledge over sales capability and the failure to develop clear criteria for assessing candidates. This episode offers valuable perspectives for sales leaders aiming to reduce turnover and build a more effective sales force, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in sales leadership or recruitment. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, host Kelly Riggs welcomes Lee Salz, a sales management strategist and author, to delve into the critical importance of sales differentiation. The discussion begins with a provocative question about the inherent value of products and services in a competitive market, setting the stage for a deep dive into why and how sales professionals should differentiate themselves and their offerings. Salz shares insights from his books, focusing on strategies to win more deals at desirable prices by standing out in a crowded marketplace. Riggs and Salz challenge conventional sales training methods, advocating for a strategic approach that prioritizes understanding and communicating unique value propositions over generic sales pitches. Salz emphasizes the necessity of executive involvement in defining and articulating differentiation strategies, highlighting the common pitfalls of relying on salespeople to 'figure it out.' The conversation covers the nuances of language in sales, the ineffective use of terms like "best" and "help," and the importance of personalization in prospecting. Salz introduces the concept of the "Sales Crime Theory," a novel approach to identifying and targeting potential customers based on specific, evidence-based criteria. This episode is a must-listen for sales professionals looking to elevate their approach, offering practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and a compelling argument for rethinking sales training and strategy. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, host Kelly Riggs delves into the critical importance of having a detailed plan for sales success, starting with a notable quote by Yogi Berra: "If you don't know where you're going, you might wind up someplace else." Kelly emphasizes the surprising fact that many salespeople lack a concrete strategy to meet their revenue goals, sharing insights from his extensive experience. Through engaging stories and practical examples, he highlights the pitfalls of not strategizing and the misconception that hard work and product knowledge alone can lead to success. Kelly further explores the necessity for sales teams to recognize the gap between their current performance and their targets. He advocates for a systematic approach to planning, including setting clear objectives, understanding customer value, and effectively managing sales funnels. He challenges listeners to distinguish between mere objectives and actionable plans, stressing that recognizing and closing the 'delta' is crucial. The episode encourages sales professionals and managers to adopt a disciplined, data-driven approach to selling, aligning efforts with achieving revenue goals. Kelly's advice on actionable strategies to bridge performance gaps is invaluable for those looking to improve their sales outcomes. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions  

In this episode of the Sales [UN]Training podcast, host Kelly Riggs welcomes Kevin Gaither, a seasoned sales leader and former VP of Sales at ZipRecruiter, to tackle the critical role of leadership in sales performance. They dive into why sales training often fails and how the responsibility for a team's success falls squarely on the shoulders of sales leadership. Gaither shares insights from his vast experience, emphasizing the importance of accountability, the dangers of blaming the economy for sales shortfalls, and the transformative power of adopting new sales methodologies and team structures in response to market shifts. The discussion further explores the significance of managing inputs rather than outputs to drive sales team success. Gaither critiques common sales leadership practices, advocating for a focus on creating a sustainable team through repeatable and manageable inputs. He also shares candid lessons learned from his tenure at ZipRecruiter, including the pitfalls of a laissez-faire management style that led to inconsistent team performance. The episode is a deep dive into the essence of sales leadership, offering valuable strategies for sales leaders aiming to elevate their teams and drive exceptional results. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training Kelly challenges traditional sales training methods, highlighting the importance of understanding customer needs before diving into product details. He emphasizes a customer-centric approach, where understanding the client's industry and challenges is key to offering relevant solutions. It's time for a paradigm shift in sales training, moving away from product-focused strategies to methods that foster meaningful relationships and effective problem-solving, aiming to change the negative perception of sales roles and improve sales effectiveness through genuine client engagement. 1:55 - The Reason Our Profession is Hated By So Many 6:24 - Why do so many training programs START with the wrong thing? 14:43 - Don't use "solutions" as a substitue for "product" 18:19 - Immerse your team in experience before product Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions #sales #selling #salestraining

Today's sales industry faces significant challenges, chief among them being high turnover rates and a concerning trend of low quota attainment. A closer look at these issues reveals a deeper problem – a widespread deficiency in structured sales management and coaching. This gap in professional development is often overlooked, yet it has profound implications on the performance and retention of sales teams. Can technology, specifically advances in artificial intelligence, help sales teams close these gaps?  In this insightful episode of "Sales [UN]Training," host Kelly Riggs welcomes special guest Alex McNaughten, Founder & Co-CEO of Grw AI. The episode starts with a critical discussion on the persistent issues plaguing the sales industry - notably, the high turnover rates and low quota attainment among salespeople. McNaughten, with his extensive experience in sales and as a founder of multiple companies, offers an in-depth analysis of these challenges. He pinpoints the lack of proper sales management and coaching as key factors contributing to these systemic issues. McNaughten emphasizes that an overwhelming majority of sales managers receive no formal training in sales management, and a significant portion of sales teams lack regular sales coaching. The episode then shifts to the role of technology in enhancing sales management. McNaughten introduces Grow AI, a tool designed to assist sales leaders in managing their teams more effectively. He explains how Grow AI's AI performance coach, Taylor, helps conduct weekly conversational one-on-ones with sales team members, providing insights and coaching feedback. For those interested in exploring further, McNaughten can be found on LinkedIn and through his newsletter, The R Word, and the RevUp Sales Podcast. Visit Grw AI at www.grw.ai for more information on the technology discussed in the episode. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.  Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions

When a top sales performer is elevated to a leadership role, the transition can often be turbulent and fraught with unexpected challenges. This scenario, common in the sales industry, reveals a critical oversight: the assumption that success in sales seamlessly translates to effective leadership. This belief overlooks the distinct skill sets required for leading a team, a theme that resonates deeply within the sales community. In the latest episode of the Sales [UN]Training podcast, host Kelly Riggs delves into a topic that resonates deeply within the sales community: the precarious journey of transitioning top sales performers into leadership roles. Kelly lays out why this is such a challenge and what you can do to make sure your next hire doesn't have to be your next fire.  The journey from a star salesperson to a successful leader is not straightforward. It requires more than just a stellar sales record; it demands emotional intelligence, the ability to influence, and, most importantly, the skill to nurture and develop others. Often, the attributes that make someone a great salesperson – like individual competitiveness and a focus on personal targets – do not necessarily align with the qualities needed in a leader, such as empathy, coaching ability, and a focus on team development. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions #sales #selling #salestraining

In this thought-provoking episode of Sales [UN]Training, host Kelly Riggs delves into the contentious topic of role play in sales training. Riggs challenges the common aversion to role play, arguing that its unpopularity stems not from the concept itself but from ineffective implementation. He emphasizes that role play, when done correctly, is an essential tool for skill development, allowing salespeople to refine their techniques in a controlled environment before interacting with customers. Kelly shares practical insights on how to reframe and conduct role play effectively. He advocates for renaming it to "skills practice" to avoid negative connotations and focuses on creating realistic scenarios that mirror actual sales situations. Riggs underscores the importance of practice in honing sales skills, noting that without it, salespeople are essentially practicing on their customers, often with suboptimal results.  In this episode 3:21 - If your people are practicing on your customers here's what's REALLY happening 6:56 - The pressure to perform distracts from the practice itself 10:20 - If they do it in role play, they will do it front of a customer 13:00 - 3 things to do when setting up role play so that you can actually get tangible, observable benefits from the process? Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales. Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes’ Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions #sales #selling #salestraining