

Belkins Podcast
Michael Maximoff
The Belkins Podcast tells the stories most business shows leave out.
Hosted by Michael Maximoff (Co-Founder at Belkins), our podcast explores the messy middle of building and scaling B2B companies.
You'll hear honest conversations with sales, marketing leaders and founders from some of the biggest names in B2B on tough calls, go-to-market pivots, and strategies that shape their approach to revenue growth.
The Belkins Podcast doesn't follow a script.We're known for asking real questions and having the kind of conversations that make you rethink how you lead—whether you're building your first sales team or scaling to new markets.
Especially now, as AI reshapes how we sell, market, and make decisions.
So if you've ever wondered: What does it really take to grow a B2B business today? We ask the people doing it.
🎧 Follow the Belkins Podcast – the B2B podcast for sales and marketing leaders
⭐ Liked an episode? Share or leave a review—it helps more people find us
Hosted by Michael Maximoff (Co-Founder at Belkins), our podcast explores the messy middle of building and scaling B2B companies.
You'll hear honest conversations with sales, marketing leaders and founders from some of the biggest names in B2B on tough calls, go-to-market pivots, and strategies that shape their approach to revenue growth.
The Belkins Podcast doesn't follow a script.We're known for asking real questions and having the kind of conversations that make you rethink how you lead—whether you're building your first sales team or scaling to new markets.
Especially now, as AI reshapes how we sell, market, and make decisions.
So if you've ever wondered: What does it really take to grow a B2B business today? We ask the people doing it.
🎧 Follow the Belkins Podcast – the B2B podcast for sales and marketing leaders
⭐ Liked an episode? Share or leave a review—it helps more people find us
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Evolution of BDRs: Salesloft CRO Explains Why | Belkins Podcast Episode #17
Mark Niemiec, Chief Revenue Officer at Salesloft, shares insights on the evolving role of BDRs, suggesting that they might become obsolete by 2026. He highlights the shift to full-cycle sales reps, discussing how they tend to generate more effective pipelines. Mark also delves into the transformative impact of AI in sales, including Salesloft's innovative tools for account planning and engagement. He emphasizes the importance of human interaction in sales, warning against the overhype of fully autonomous AI sales roles.

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 17min
HubSpot Elite Partner Secrets: How We Reached the Top 1% | Belkins Podcast Episode #16
Only 1% of HubSpot's 6,500+ partners ever reach elite status. So what do the top 1% do differently?Brendan Walsh built his agency into that exclusive group, but the path had its challenges. He went 7 months without paying himself during a cash crunch and learned when to say no to clients - and crucially, when it's too early to start saying no.In this first-ever Belkins episode recorded LIVE, Michael and Brendan sit face to face to go through the hardest lessons, biggest mistakes, and key decisions that turned Mole Street into a successful consultancy.They dig into what it really takes to build lasting partnerships - both in business and with co-founders - and the expensive lessons most founders learn the hard way.What we cover:🔹 HubSpot elite partnership requirements - What it takes to reach the top 1% and the benefits you get🔹 Cash flow mistakes - Going 7 months without founder pay and when to listen to advisors🔹 When to say no vs say yes - The business stage framework that prevents pipeline disasters🔹 Executive search ROI - Why paying serious recruiting fees beats DIY hiring🔹Strategic partnership tactics - How working from HubSpot's office built real business relationships🔹14-year co-founder relationship - Values alignment and what makes business partnerships lastBrendan doesn't skip over what didn't work, and Michael asks the questions that get to how decisions actually get made.If you're ready to hear how the top 1% actually think about growth, this conversation delivers.About our guest: Brendan Walsh is the Principal and Co-founder of Mole Street, an Elite HubSpot Solutions Partner that helps mid-market and enterprise organizations unify complex tech stacks on HubSpot. About the Show:What does it really take to grow a B2B business today? We ask the people doing it.The Belkins Podcast dives deep into the strategies, decisions, and behind-the-scenes insights driving real growth at top B2B companies. Each episode features candid conversations with industry heavyweights: CROs, CMOs, founders, and seasoned operators who've navigated market downturns, scaled teams, and mastered the realities of revenue growth.You'll hear hard truths, unfiltered insights, and actionable tactics directly from leaders who've actually done the work.Chapters00:00- Intro: Brendan Walsh02:48- How Do You Transform a Scattered Business into Focused Growth?06:29- The Hardest Lesson - Learning to Say No for Growth15:00- Why Copying Competitors Destroys Your Competitive Advantage20:05- The $500K Founder Mistake ((Going 7 Months Without Pay)25:24- Why Hiring Finance Advisors Was Our Best Decision32:25- How to Scale from Lifestyle Business to $10M+ Company36:24 - HubSpot Partnership Strategy: Elite Benefits and Tactics52:03 - What Makes Co-Founder Partnerships Last 14+ Years?01:03:30 - Why Successful Leaders Need Hobbies Outside Work01:09:24- What Can Polo Teach You About Business Strategy?01:13:45 - This or That: Polo vs Marketing🔔 Subscribe to never miss an episode.💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Share it with your network and help spread real insights.⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us keep bringing you valuable conversations.About the Host:Michael Maximoff is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Belkins, the #1 ranked B2B appointment-setting agency, recognized by Clutch, G2, and Inc. Over the past decade, Michael has built Belkins into one of the most respected voices in B2B sales and marketing, helping over 1,000 companies across 50+ industries achieve predictable, scalable growth.Known for his straightforward style, Michael hosts the Belkins Podcast to speak directly with top growth leaders and uncover what truly moves the needle today.Let's stay connected:👉 Brendan Walsh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-walsh-940563a/👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins

Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 23min
From SEO to GEO: How G2 Is Redefining Their Growth Strategy | Belkins Podcast Episode #15
Building software today? Easy. But standing out in a saturated SaaS market—with 40,000+ new apps launching each year—is a whole different game.In this can't-miss episode, Godard Abel—Co-Founder and CEO of G2—breaks down exactly how G2 thrives amidst the AI explosion shaking up the B2B software industry. With 50 new AI software categories emerging in the past year alone, discover how the industry's top platform stays ahead.Tune in to uncover:How G2 navigates an app marketplace flooded by AI startups (and how you can, too).The surprising shifts in buyer behavior that are transforming B2B sales.G2’s unique strategy for embedding their platform into leading AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.Practical tactics for positioning your software as the go-to choice in an overcrowded market.Why brands leveraging authentic, human-driven content dominate AI-powered discovery platforms."AI won't replace humans, but humans with AI will replace humans without AI," Godard warns. If you're serious about staying ahead in sales, marketing, or RevOps, this conversation will equip you with actionable strategies you can use right now.About Godard Abel:Godard has built and sold three software companies. His first two exits—BigMachines and SteelBrick—went to Oracle and Salesforce for a combined $760 million. Now he's running G2, which became the world's largest software marketplace and trains the AI tools your prospects use to research vendors.About the Show:What does it really take to grow a B2B business today? We ask the people doing it.The Belkins Podcast dives deep into the strategies, decisions, and behind-the-scenes insights driving real growth at top B2B companies. Each episode features candid conversations with industry heavyweights—CROs, CMOs, founders, and seasoned operators—who've navigated market downturns, scaled teams, and mastered the realities of revenue growth.You'll hear hard truths, unfiltered insights, and actionable tactics directly from leaders who've actually done the work.Chapters:00:00 - Introducing Godard Abel02:30 - Why Building Software is Easy But B2B Marketing is 10x Harder in 202504:14- 40,000 New Apps Launched on G2 in One Year: Software Market Saturation05:42 - Should Your SaaS Company Pivot to AI or Add AI Features?09:01- Multi-Product Strategy: How to Compete in Multiple Software Categories16:13- HubSpot's API Integration Strategy: How to Build on Existing Platforms19:54- AI Categories See 100% Traffic Growth While Traditional SaaS Declines23:29- Personal Branding vs Corporate Marketing: Why CEO Posts Get 10x More Engagement39:16 - How to Rank in ChatGPT and Claude: Building Authority for AI Training Data (Tips for writers)48:13- How G2 Competes with ChatGPT: Partnership Strategy vs Fighting AI Search53:49 - AI Buying Agents: The Future of B2B Software Purchasing (G2AI Demo)01:15:01- From Single-Function BDRs to Full-Stack Revenue Professionals01:17:24 - From Hiring More to Revenue Per Employee: The New Growth Metric01:23:01 - Thanks for watching!🔔 Subscribe to never miss an episode.💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Share it with your network and help spread real insights.⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us keep bringing you valuable conversations.About the Host:Michael Maximoff is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Belkins, the #1 ranked B2B appointment-setting agency, recognized by Clutch, G2, and Inc. Over the past decade, Michael has built Belkins into one of the most respected voices in B2B sales and marketing, helping over 1,000 companies across 50+ industries achieve predictable, scalable growth.Known for his straightforward style, Michael hosts the Belkins Podcast to speak directly with top growth leaders and uncover what truly moves the needle today.Let's stay connected:👉 Godard Abel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/godardabel/👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins#B2BSaaS #AIStrategy #SoftwareMarketing #RevenueGrowth #G2 #SaaSMarketing #GenerativeSEO

May 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
ZoomInfo’s CRO: The #1 Mistake That Kills Sales Teams in a Downturn | Belkins Podcast Episode #14
What do you do when the market crashes and your team starts to panic? ZoomInfo’s CRO James Roth has one rule: don’t lower the bar.In this episode, James opens the playbook on what it really takes to lead a high-performing sales org through chaos. No buzzwords. No theory. Just the hard truths, decisions, and systems that keep ZoomInfo’s revenue engine running—even when headlines scream panic.▶ From stock market volatility to sales team psychology, from discipline under pressure to the revolutionary impact of AI—this episode goes deep.James shares:Why most sales leaders get downturns completely wrong.The exact moment leaders lose control of their team’s culture—and how to prevent it.What a real CRO’s morning routine looks like (and why it starts at 4:30 a.m.).How ZoomInfo’s AI instantly surfaces insights, empowering every rep to sell like a top performer.Why lowering quotas in tough times is never the answer.The precise leadership mindset that turns pressure into your strongest advantage.This is the episode to share with your VP, your board, or your top performers who are questioning how to navigate market uncertainty.It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the most respected go-to-market leaders in SaaS.Watch until the end—James reveals the single most damaging mistake sales leaders make when markets tank (and it's not what you think).About the ShowWhat does it really take to grow a B2B business today? We ask the people doing it.The Belkins Podcast dives deep into the strategies, decisions, and behind-the-scenes insights driving real growth at top B2B companies. Each episode features candid conversations with industry heavyweights—CROs, CMOs, founders, and seasoned operators—who've navigated market downturns, scaled teams, and mastered the realities of revenue growth.You'll hear hard truths, unfiltered insights, and actionable tactics directly from leaders who've actually done the work.🔔 Subscribe to never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Share it with your network and help spread real insights. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us keep bringing you valuable conversations.About the HostMichael Maximoff is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Belkins, the #1 ranked B2B appointment-setting agency, recognized by Clutch, G2, and Inc.Over the past decade, Michael has built Belkins into one of the most respected voices in B2B sales and marketing, helping over 1,000 companies across 50+ industries achieve predictable, scalable growth.Known for his straightforward style, Michael hosts the Belkins Podcast to speak directly with top growth leaders and uncover what truly moves the needle today.Let's stay connected:👉 James Roth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-roth-3a913b51👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 23min
Why Sales Teams Are Going Back to Cold Calling with Colin Specter | Belkins Podcast Episode #13
Cold calling is making a comeback. Enterprise sales has changed. And taking prospects to the World Series might just be the smartest move in sales.In this episode, Colin Specter, VP of Sales at Orum, breaks down how he helped scale a bootstrapped startup into a Series B+ sales powerhouse—and why relationship-driven sales is more important than ever.Does taking a prospect to the World Series make sense? Colin explains why high-touch engagement wins big deals—and why an $8,000 investment on client experiences can outperform digital lead gen.Why cold calling isn’t dead. AI has flooded inboxes, making voice the next frontier. Find out why sales teams are doubling down on live conversations.Orum’s go-to-market edge: Why their "pilot-first" approach closes faster than traditional sales cycles.The #1 mistake sales leaders make when moving upmarket. Colin shares why some startups fail at enterprise sales—and how to avoid those missteps.Forget MEDDIC—why Orum created its own framework (MEADFIC) and what’s missing in your sales process.Full-cycle selling is back: Why top AEs are generating their own pipeline—no matter how full their calendar is.Watch until the end to hear Colin’s biggest leadership lesson- and why your sales team should start thinking like CEOs of their own territories.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more bold insights on sales, marketing, and revenue growth!Timecodes:00:00- Introducing Colin Specter02:50- The Power of In-Person Sales? Colin's Travel Insights and Customer Engagement14:40- The Mid-Market Trap: Why It’s Harder Than It Looks17:40 - Building a Category Leader: How Orum Stands Out in a Crowded Market28:15- How AI Is Changing Cold Calling39:20- Beyond MEDDIC: Orum's Unique Sales Framework45:30- Playbooks Don’t Close Deals—People Do1:00:50- Hiring and Developing Elite Sales Teams1:05:55- Champion-Building 101: The #1 Factor in Closing Enterprise Deals1:12:30- Why Every AE Should Be Prospecting1:15:55- Social Selling and the New Buyer Journey1:19:32- Get to Know Colin: Surfing, Motorcycles & Final MessageLet's stay connected:👉 Colin Specter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinspecter👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/#BelkinsPodcast #SalesLeadership #EnterpriseSales #B2BSales #ColdCalling #Orum #SalesStrategies #SalesDevelopment #B2BMarketing #RevenueGrowth #StartupSales #TechSales #SalesCulture #SalesPlaybook #SalesProcess

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Scale Without Losing Customers: Peter Caputa’s Proven System | Belkins Podcast Episode #12
Welcome to Episode 12 of the Belkins Podcast!In this unmissable episode, Peter Caputa, CEO of Databox and the creator of HubSpot’s famous partner program - joins host Michael Maximoff for an unfiltered conversation on SaaS growth, leadership, and the changing dynamics of marketing.In this value-packed episode, Peter reveals:Why traditional inbound marketing is delivering diminishing returns- and the hybrid strategies that are reshaping the playbook.How Databox helps businesses compare their performance to others using the largest live data collection in the world.The biggest mistake companies make with their data—and how to actually use it to grow.His unique leadership style as a “peacetime CEO” and why empowering teams with ownership fuels innovation and results.Seasonality secrets in ad spend- how real-time data saved budgets and maximized ROI for key industries.Stay tuned until the end for Peter’s predictions on the future of marketing and how combining different strategies can give your business an edge.Whether you’re a business leader, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode is full of practical ideas and strategies you can use right now.Timecodes:0:00 - Intro: Meet Peter Caputa, CEO of Databox2:25: Peter’s Approach to Content Creation and Storytelling8:30 - How Databox is Redefining Benchmarking for Businesses12:00- How Agencies Use Databox Benchmarks to Improve Performance15:05 - Using Seasonality Data to Save Ad Spend18:50 - Common Mistakes Companies Make in Their GTM22:25 - Integrating Marketing and Sales for Best Results24:10 - Insights on Full-Cycle AEs vs. SDRs28:53 - Partnerships As a Powerful Tool for Growth33:46 - Real-World Challenges in Selling Data Analytics40:53 - Lessons on Leadership and Delegation48:00 - Tactics to Overcome a High Churn Rate57:45 - Final Thoughts and This or That QuizLet's stay connected:👉 Peter Caputa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pc4media/👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 5min
Bruno Reveals How Clay Hit $500M Valuation | Belkins Podcast #11
Welcome to Episode 11 of the Belkins PodcastIn this episode, Michael Maximoff sits down with Bruno Estrella, the Head of Growth Marketing at Clay and former Director of Growth Marketing at Webflow. Bruno shares his remarkable journey from playing soccer in Rio to leading growth strategies in Silicon Valley.They dive deep into the challenges and strategies of scaling startups, discussing:The pressures and privileges of handling large funding roundsStrategic budgeting and planning for hyper-growthThe complexities of Product-Led Growth (PLG) and when it's right for your businessThe role of community and ecosystem in driving growthBalancing brand integrity with aggressive marketing tacticsBruno's personal experiences transitioning from sports to techDon't miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs, marketers, and growth enthusiasts!Timecodes:0:00 - Intro1:57 - Introducing Bruno Estrella and Clay's $60M funding3:07 - First thoughts after closing the $60M funding round4:02 - Pressure as a privilege: Handling large funding6:38 - The anxiety of spending large marketing budgets6:51 - Clay's bold billboard campaign in San Francisco7:49 - Strategically timing marketing during Dreamforce conference8:34 - Challenges of measuring ROI on billboards9:51 - Target setting and strategic planning post-funding10:01 - 12-month growth planning and budget allocation13:22 - Scenario planning: Best case, realistic, and conservative14:07 - Collaboration with CFO and investors in planning16:18 - What makes Clay a special company16:28 - Building community and ecosystem around Clay18:00 - The flexibility and power of Clay's product20:30 - Making Clay a special place: Embracing controlled chaos23:15 - Comparing growth strategies at Webflow and Clay26:25 - Budget allocation and stress management at Webflow30:07 - Chasing opportunity vs. fear of missing out32:33 - Implementing product-led growth at Webflow and Clay35:27 - Common misconceptions about product-led growth (PLG)37:22 - Adding sales-led motion to PLG strategy40:07 - Scaling enterprise deals: From $40/mo to $40,000/year42:25 - Omni-channel vs. multi-channel marketing strategies45:25 - Importance of high volume and multi-channel in PLG46:20 - Discussing previous experience at BAMP48:25 - Risks of building services on single tactics50:06 - Hiring for leadership roles at hyper-growth companies53:35 - Traits that don't fit in startups: Need for structure55:23 - Bruno's journey from Rio to Silicon Valley56:40 - Transition from soccer to marketing57:52 - Reflections on career success and immigrant experiencesStay connected with us:👉 Bruno Estrella - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunoestrella/👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/#Belkins #BelkinsPodcast #Michael_Maximoff #GrowthMarketing #ProductLedGrowth #StartupStrategies #BrunoEstrella #Clay #Webflow #BelkinsPodcast #Entrepreneurship #MarketingLeadership #SiliconValley #StartupGrowth #GTM #CommunityBuilding #SaaSMarketing #StartupChallenges

Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 7min
How to Sell to a CRO of a $100M Tech Company: PandaDoc’s Keith Rabkin (ex-Google) | Belkins Podcast #10
Welcome back to the Belkins Podcast! In Episode 10, host Michael Maximoff sits down with Keith Rabkin, Chief Revenue Officer at PandaDoc, a company that reported over $120 million in annual revenue with a customer base of around 60,000 businesses.Keith brings over 20 years of operating experience from industry giants like Google, Adobe, and Johnson & Johnson. He's one of the few individuals to have won the Great Manager Award at Google and is currently mentoring various startups.In this insightful episode, Keith pulls back the curtain on the document handling industry, sharing surprising truths like why "nobody cares about document workflow." Discover how PandaDoc differentiates itself in a crowded market, the rationale behind eliminating SDRs in favor of full-cycle AEs, and the impact of integrating AI into their GTM strategy.Join us as we delve into:The psychology behind marketing campaigns: Why "Don't Lose Deals" outperforms "Win Deals."Keith's journey from Google to PandaDoc and how it shaped his leadership style.The importance of a customer-first approach and how it influences PandaDoc's operations.Insights into PandaDoc's go-to-market strategy, including their successful SEO program and integration with platforms like HubSpot.The cultural dynamics of working with a team from Eastern Europe and how it enriches the company.What CROs are really looking for when being pitched and the big no-nos in sales outreach.Whether you're in sales, marketing, or leadership, this episode is packed with actionable insights and fresh perspectives on modern business strategies.Timecodes:0:00 - Intro1:11 - Introducing Keith Rabkin: From Google to PandaDoc's CRO2:30 - PandaDoc's Market Position and Differentiators4:04 - Who Are PandaDoc's Main Competitors?5:21 - What Makes PandaDoc a Leading Company?7:04 - Keith's Contributions and Vision at PandaDoc8:54 - Streamlining Customer Experience: Eliminating SDRs11:03 - The Role of Key Partnerships and Integrations14:01 - The Importance of Customizable Solutions15:24 - Transitioning to Full-Cycle Account Executives16:33 - Surprising Industry Facts: Overages and Rate Increases17:46 - PandaDoc's Go-To-Market Strategy and SEO Success20:01 - Exploring New Channels: Social Media and Connected TV Ads22:07 - In-House vs. Outsourcing: Content and SEO24:03 - Why Keith Stopped Writing on Substack25:18 - The T-Shaped Leadership Philosophy27:07 - Adapting GTM Strategies: AI and Market Changes29:01 - Keith's Reflections on His Time at Google32:05 - Why Makita Mikitani Feels Lucky to Have Keith as CRO34:00 - The Importance of Collaboration and Grit35:42 - People and Culture at Google vs. PandaDoc39:04 - The Impact of Eastern European Culture on PandaDoc41:28 - Advice for Working with U.S. Leadership Teams44:03 - Key Metrics Keith Focuses on as CRO46:06 - Building Long-Term Value and the Flywheel Effect49:45 - Keith's Perspective on Being a CRO51:53 - The Big No-No When Selling to a CRO56:05 - Quick-Fire Quiz: Selling Strategies That Work1:07:14 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways1:07:37 - OutroStay connected with us:👉 Keith Rabkin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krabkin/👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/#BelkinsPodcast, #KeithRabkin, #PandaDoc, #CROInsights, #DocumentWorkflow, #SalesStrategies, #FullCycleAEs, #GoToMarket, #CustomerFirst, #MarketingCampaigns, #EasternEuropeanCulture, #Leadership, #AIInSales, #GTMStrategy, #MichaelMaximoff, #BusinessPodcast, #SalesTips, #MarketingInsights, #SalesAndMarketingAlignment

Oct 17, 2024 • 49min
Stop Writing Emails Like You're in the 18th Century — Jen Allen-Knuth | Belkins Podcast Episode 9
Welcome back to the Belkins Podcast after a long break.In this new episode, our updated studio. And no more leather jackets!In episode 9, Michael sits down with Jen Allen-Knuth, founder of DemandJen and renowned sales trainer and keynote speaker. Jen shares her incredible journey from an individual contributor in sales to a LinkedIn thought leader with over 70,000 followers. Discover how she used authentic writing, data-driven insights, and a focus on problem solving to transform her career and empower sales teams around the world.Timecodes:0:00 - Intro: New Studio and No More Leather Jackets2:30 - Introducing Jen Allen-Knuth: From Sales Rep to Thought Leader5:03 - How LinkedIn Growth Transformed Jen's Career5:52 - The Power of Authentic Writing Over Audience Size7:04 - Leveraging Data to Understand Customer Problems13:46 - Focusing on the Problem, Not the Solution, in Sales15:24 - The Importance of Sales and Marketing Alignment19:58 - Leadership Lessons: Admitting Mistakes and Servant Leadership24:02 - Team Exercises: Gaining Perspective Through Role Exchange27:53 - Enhancing Communication Between Sales and Marketing31:02 - Jen's Top Sales Advice: Highlight Problems Worth Solving33:19 - Advice for Marketers: Communicate Like Real People34:46 - Empowering Sales Teams with Ideas, Not Just Motivation37:06 - The Future of Sales Roles: Full-Cycle vs. Specialized41:42 - Accountability in Building Your Own Pipeline44:50 - Quick-Fire Quiz: Jen's Sales Preferences49:41 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways50:01 - OutroDon't miss out on this deep dive into the world of startups, marketing innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success.Stay connected with us:👉 Jen Allen-Knuth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/demandjen1👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/#Belkins #Growth_Podcast #Michael_Maximoff #Belkins_Podcast, #Jen_Allen_Knuth, #Demand_Jen, #Sales_Strategies, #LinkedIn_Growth, #Modern_Selling, #Sales_Empowerment, #Data_Driven_Sales, #Sales_And_Marketing_Alignment, #Authentic_Writing, #Personal_Branding, #Sales_Leadership, #Professional_Development, #B2B_Sales, #Sales_Tips,, #Servant_Leadership, #Full_Cycle_Sales, #Sales_Advice

Aug 22, 2024 • 41min
Best of Growth Podcast, season 4 - part 2 | Belkins Podcast Special
Welcome to the Belkins Podcast! In this episode, we've compiled the best moments from Season 4 of the Growth Podcast - part 2, now rebranded to Belkins Podcast and available on our new YouTube channel.Join our host, Michel Maximoff, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Belkins, as he engages with industry leaders and experts. Dive into insightful discussions on sales, marketing, leadership, and personal growth. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable content!👉Speakers in this episode:Jim Cathcart - Mentor and AuthorChris Walker - CEO Passetto, Chairman Refine LabsScott Leese - CEO & Founder Surf and Sales, Founder Milos VenturesDolores Hirschmann - CCO Masters in ClarityAndy Paul - Author, Founder The Sales HouseJared Robin - Founder RevGeniusMita Mallick - Author, Writter, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact CartaAnthony Iannarino - Sales Leader, Writer, Author, SpeakerJohn Barrows - CEO JB Sales, Advisory Board Member CloudTaskMatthew Pollard - Founder Rapid GrowthDon't forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and follow us on social media for more insights and updates!👉 Timecodes:0:00 - Intro0:19 - The Teller Who Trained Presidents2:59 - "If you fit into the spectrum of normal, you tend to do normal things"7:31 - The Power of Opportunity Awareness10:03 - Why Sales Reps Matter: Regret and the New Buyer Experience11:33 - From Surface Complaints to Core Concerns13:04 - Unrealistic Expectations in Sales15:10 - Breaking the Script18:31 - Fear vs. Empathy in Leadership20:58 - Beyond KPIs: Focusing on Relationships24:47 - The Downside of Hustling from Fear26:37 - Why Vision is Crucial for Differentiation27:52 - The Purpose of Life: Living Fully and Passionately31:33 - Balancing Priorities in a Changing Market34:21 - Identifying and Honoring Your Organization's Top Five ValuesStay connected with us:👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/