Killer Media Sales

We have all been there: Something bad has happened (personally or professionally) and you have to inform your boss or a friend about it. Two things come to your mind: 1) You don't know how to say it and overthink it. Or, 2) You just spill it out without thinking about the consequences. But did you know there's a third way to deliver bad news in a 'good' way? In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the importance of knowing how to deliver information but more specifically how to deliver bad news. They mention that the importance of communicating the bad news is critical, as people's reactions will depend on this. The duo advise that one of the best things you can do is to manage the impact and acknowledge that something went wrong and the damage caused, but most importantly, to have a solution or solutions ready to go. They also highlight that as a sales person you not only have to be prepared for bad things to happen but you also need to be ready to perform during a moment of crisis. An understanding that everyone takes bad news differently, will help you to develop your communication abilities and come up with more creative solutions. Do you want to know what the two key factors are that will make you be better at delivering bad news? Listen till the end of this podcast to find out, you can't miss this one!

In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk to all of those who would like to change careers and become a sales person, or anyone that's always been interested in sales but doesn't know if they have the skills needed to be good at it. The pair discuss communication skills, strong presentation, the way you carry yourself, and how you present information are just a few of the skills and qualities that make a good sales person. They also mention that one of the core fundamentals in sales is that you have to be “fairly fearless” when it comes to talking about money. They mention that being likable is really important in sales but emphasise that “this is not enough” to be good at sales. They highlight that talking about money is key, and probably the most important thing in sales is you have to be able to close a deal and not only be pleasant with a client. According to the duo, salespeople can lack certain qualities and skills and still be good at it, however they give one single and powerful piece of advice to anyone that is moving into sales or trying to get a job in sales that will help you discover if this career is for you. Do you want to know what it is? Don't miss this amazing episode and find out! Tune in now!

The challenges that media sales people face in today's environment are not the same as they were five, 10 or 20 years ago. So, as the media landscape evolves, so do the questions you make to your clients. In this episode of Killer Media Sales Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the importance of always asking the right questions, but also they invite you to challenge your questions as a media sales person and refresh them constantly. The duo discuss how things go awry in sales. Sales people don't just fall off a cliff, but gradually downward spiral, for example missing targets more frequently, which may trigger confidence and in turn make the situation worse. These things happen over time and are actually because you can get a bit rusty at what you're doing, therefore it is important to know your client and the market but also change with them. If you want to know how to stay up-to-date with the sales and the market environment, this is an episode you can't miss, tune in now!

The world is constantly changing, but we change with it too, and one of the things that make us, and the world change, is a crisis. But have you ever dealt with a difficult situation in your life? Something unexpected happened and you just froze and didn't know what to do? In case you missed it, in one of the most interesting episodes of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson discuss how a normal situation in sales can turn into a crisis, when something happens quickly or unexpectedly and especially when those situations catch you off guard. In this episode they also raise some questions: What makes a crisis, a crisis? What are the key aspects that can turn a normal sales situation into a crisis? What's the key to solving a crisis? Can a crisis be avoided? They also discuss how in dealing with a crisis you have to get out of your comfort zone and the more you do that, the better you'll be at handling difficult situations. The pair also consider how a crisis can be a huge opportunity to deepen a relationship and build trust. You can't miss this episode full of tips and tricks that will help you to kill it in media sales.

Do you remember the last time that you bought a product just because a celebrity endorsed it? And can you tell if you are being persuaded or influenced? In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Russell Stephenson is joined again by the director and owner of Frontier Performance Pancho Mehrotra to talk about persuasion and implements in sales. They discuss the differences between persuasion and influence and give advice to sales people about the importance of understanding your own thinking in order to influence and persuade others and improve your sales. The duo also talk about the mistakes that sales people make when they focus on “sales tactics” rather than building the self of that person so he or she can learn (among other things) how to react under pressure or how to improve their communication skills. Pancho mentions that this is one of the big challenges in sales nowadays, but also says that if you want to improve your sales and learn how to be more persuasive and influential in your role, this is something that can be learned and trained and definitely can be mastered with experience. If you want to learn how to influence more and persuade better, this is an episode that you can't miss. Tune in now!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you can't make a decision, so you end up picking the “easiest” option (no matter good or bad) so you just end your mental conflict? That's called cognitive dissonance. You may think, “how is this related to my sales?”. Well, in this episode of Killer Media Sales Russell Stephenson is joined by the director and owner of Frontier Performance Pancho Mehrotra to talk about cognitive dissonance and how this can impact the negotiation process with your clients. They discuss the importance of knowing what your discovery process is as a sales person, in order to identify the needs and desires of your clients, so you can make better decisions and avoid this cognitive dissonance in your sales pitch as well as in your client thought process. The duo also talk about the power of people's beliefs and how sometimes our decision making process is not always the right one, and that as a sales person, being aware and knowing when your client is having two conflicting thoughts is key in the sales process, so you can make “decision making” smoother and easier for them. If you want to know more about how to avoid this cognitive dissonance to improve your sales, this is an episode you can't miss, listen now!

There are many ways to improve relationships with your clients but probably one of the most enjoyable are the cocktail parties, lunches and dinners with them. Many people, however, see them as a way to get free drinks and they are missing out on what hosting and entertaining a client actually means. In this episode of Killer Media Sales Phillip Tarrant director of Momentum Media, joins Russell Stephenson to talk about the importance of entertaining your clients when hosting a party or event. Phillip mentions that this is an ability and a skillset that needs to be developed, and emphasises the fact that it is not solely about having a couple of drinks with your clients and being friends for a night, but it's about being professional and being mindful of your 'why'. He also says that as the host in these types of events, you're the brand ambassador of your business, therefore you have to make sure your clients are having a good experience, and that you understand the benefits of this, and most importantly you do not lose focus of what's going on , especially if you're a new media sales person. The pair also talk about the importance of networking in these parties, what's the objective of them and what it is that you want to achieve in order to control the outcome of these events. If you want to know more, this episode is definitely a must listen! Tune in now!

Working from home looks like it will be the new normal. However, like everything in life, there are pros and cons. A lot of people can feel more focused while working from home while others can feel less motivated. Whatever the case is, the reality is that business nowadays will have to adapt to this new hybrid working environment. In this episode of Killer Media Sales Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the advantages and disadvantages of working remotely. They discuss how to stay motivated in a home office environment, especially for sales people when most of them are used to the buzz of the sales floor. On the other hand, they also discuss how working from home can help people to be more self disciplined, as by default you can no longer rely on your colleagues to keep you accountable. Working remotely can build a deep sense of responsibility and this can help you to perform better and hit your sales targets for the year. Do you want to know how to manage your time better? Or do you wonder how the year ahead is going to look for your business and your sales in this new hybrid working landscape? You can't miss this episode, tune in now!

Ten years ago, a media sales professional probably wouldn't consider implementing a loyalty program due the fear of ending up lowering the value of a marketing campaign. However, the world has changed now and eight of every ten companies have a loyalty program. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson again raise the subject of loyalty and rewards programs and what the best strategies you can implement to improve your client relationships through them are. They discuss how you can use these rewards programs as a way to compete in the media sales industry and not only as a way to give away “money” or “gifts” to your clients. They put a special emphasis on why the best reward you can give to your clients is a “tangible reward”. They discuss the importance of framing the real value of the money that your clients are spending with you, by rewarding them with something like digital advertising, interviews, or broadcasts. They mention that “the discount disappears" and it doesn't get recognised, but the tangible inclusion of those additional things you do for them is what will make a difference. Should you be rewarding all your clients? Or only your premium ones? What about attracting new clients through loyalty programs? Well, if you want to know more about this interesting topic, listen to this episode and find out! You can't miss it!

The value of recognising loyalty with your clients has never really changed, it is only the way in which you go about it that makes a difference. Recognising this loyalty is important in the sales-client relationship, and should never go away. Most businesses nowadays have membership and rewards programs as a way to demonstrate to their clients how important they are to the business. But is this something that the media industry should do, too? In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson discuss if a rewards program is something that media sales people should implement with their clients and if so, what this reward should look like? They talk about how the first thing you should do as a sales professional is to ask yourself, why are you rewarding your clients? Is it because you “like” the client or is this reward only a part of a “business strategy”? They also chat about how you have to be cautious when telling clients that you'll be rewarding them, as you never know what will happen in the future, and you can end up with a mad client. Finally, they also mention that having lunch, dinners or a few drinks with a client are not always the best way to build a relationship with them, as those things tend to disappear. Instead, they recommend for you to go and look for growth opportunities and focus on building long-term relationships with your clients, as your aim should be to have few larger relationships than a lot of short term ones. Do you want to know more? Don't miss this episode, tune in now!

We have all heard the old saying “the client is always right” and this is a great topic for a debate. If you're a client you expect to be treated well, if you're a sales person you might think otherwise. Customer service can be a bit problematic for sales people in general, but in media sales, this gets particularly tricky when dealing with clients that are hard to please. In this episode of Killer Media Sales Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the importance of taking ownership of the relationship you have with your clients and how understanding their needs and truly listening to them will set up the ongoing nature of the relationship and how you will be able to manage it in the future. They discuss how you have to be conscious of the fact that not everything in this client relationship will be rock solid guaranteed. And for this reason, as a media sales person your key to success in this customer service relationship is when your client feels like “they are your only client”. The duo also talk about one of the most common mistakes with sales people that is “the easiest client can often be forgotten” and how you can neglect them and their needs while being busy trying to please the hardest clients. They also explain why accountability and communication are critical in this relationship and how you can deliver the best service and outcomes by understanding the importance of the value of the money your client is spending. One more episode that you cannot afford to miss! Tune in now!

Relationships are hard. Whether they are romantic, at work, in your family or with friends, no one escapes from having to face problems or misunderstandings. However, in a professional sales environment, dealing with issues, especially with your clients, can be particularly sensitive, and not knowing how to approach them can end up in a “breakup” and is the last thing we want to see. In this last episode of 2021, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the ramifications and consequences of having a big problem with a client. In this Killer Media Sales chapter, Alex shares a personal experience where he explains how the small things are those that can cause a problem with your client relationship, but how “big gestures” and the use of common sense are what will solve them. He explains that the key factor to solve a misconception on the client side is acknowledging the problem, and that in letting your client know that you understand why they are unhappy is a very disarming way to approach it. Alex highlights that this has to be done sincerely. He also describes how he approached a very difficult situation doing this, and warns the listener to not let their ego take over the circumstance. He adds that the worst thing you can do is try to “justify” things as you'll build up many barriers to negotiate effectively. The pair also talk about why making a sincere apology, and showing that you're there to reconcile the differences while recognising and acknowledging that something went wrong (if it did) will help you find common ground to build, and to move forward with your client. A great episode to end the year and a must listen to all sales people, listen now!

Have you been feeling tired and stressed lately, that all you can think of is to go on holiday so you can recharge? If the answer is yes, you should know you're not the only one and most people at this point of the year are thinking and feeling the same thing. Being weary at the end of the year is natural, you've been working hard and it is normal to feel fatigued and look forward to a well-deserved break. However, if what you're feeling is irritability, severe mental and physical exhaustion, and you're so stressed that no amount of sleep leaves you feeling rested or even worse, you wake up in the morning and you feel unable to cope with your day-to-day activities, you're not tired, you're probably burned out. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about one the most unspoken topics, and probably one of the most critical nowadays: BURNOUT! They discuss the differences between feeling tired and being burned out. What does burnout look like, how does it feel and how can you identify it? By sharing his burnout experience, Alex mentions that this can happen to anyone and for different reasons and how burnout can be present not only psychologically but also physically. The duo also explain that the most important thing you can do, is to talk to your friends, family and your doctor about what's going on. They also highlight how crucial it is to spot the signs early, as this is critical to avoid major issues later on such as anxiety, depression or even suicidal thoughts. If you've been feeling like this lately, you definitely need to listen to this episode. Listen NOW!

Creativity is something all human beings possess on different levels. But in the realm of sales, people can get very creative very quickly, as they look to convince a client to try new things and close the deal. However, this creativity can become a problem when you get a crazy idea and present it to your client without even trying it first. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the importance of understanding your limitation as a sales person, as well as knowing the expectations of your clients, when it comes to being creative. They also reflect on the question: Are you creating new things for the sake of doing things? Or are you actually thinking about the outcomes you'll get with your new ideas? They also talk about how critical it is for salespeople to control the process, as well as the importance of delivering ideas to a client which you have tested and you know are viable. Alex and Russell also discuss how to avoid this creative process”becoming a distraction and instead focusing on getting good outcomes from something that isn't necessarily new but something you know will deliver good results to you and your clients. You can't miss this episode! Tune in now

Media is the way in which people interact with the environment. Understanding how people engage with content is probably the most important thing to know in media sales to help your clients make decisions, and shape their message to reach as many people as possible. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the importance of knowing your industry and your audiences as this will give you an invaluable insight, not only about the industry but about your own job as a salesperson. They explain that you don't have to know every corner of media but having a clear understanding of the particular media you're passionate about, will take you to another level in terms of the value you can offer to your clients. They also explain that you don't have to be the smartest person in the room, but when you give an invitation to talk about your industry and get handed the mic then you need to be knowledgeable enough to let your clients know what they need to know, so they will be more inclined to close that deal with you. This is definitely one of those podcasts that you CANNOT MISS! Tune in now!

We all know how important language is in all aspects of communication in life. Language is more than just words, it has a currency of meaning. That's how we make sense of the world around us. But what about the use of language in sales? Is it really good to be the most knowledgeable person in the room and show it off to your client? In this episode of Killer Media Sales the founder of Frontier Performance Pancho Mehrotra is back to talk to Russell Stephenson and dig deeper in the S.A.L.E. Personality. They focus on the use of language and the importance of adapting it to the different sales scenarios and needs you may encounter with your clients. Pancho also explains why the worst thing you can do as a salesperson is to make friends with your clients, and highlights the importance of knowing what to say and what not to say in your sales speech, and how flexibility is key when it comes to avoiding the “friend zone” with your potential clients. This is another amazing episode you can't miss. Tune in now!

Have you ever wanted to understand why you feel particular emotions, and how are these affecting your sales results? Would you like to know how to control your emotions and behaviours so you can fight adversity and thrive in your work environment? Even more, if you're looking to hire and expand your sales department, do you want to know what the crucial aspects are that you should look for in your candidates? In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Russell Stephenson talks to the founder of Frontier Performance Pancho Mehrotra about emotional intelligence, and the importance of training it, as well as how you can become more adaptable in your business environment by developing and enhancing this skill. Pancho also shares his knowledge on what are the key attributes that you should look at when trying to hire a salesperson, by explaining the “S.A.L.E. Personality”. They also discuss the impact of the environment in which you were raised as a key factor in your future behaviour and how this can be re-wired for the better by working on yourself slowly but constantly. Pancho also shares the importance of having adaptability and balance within your team, people who can build relationships but also members who are goal orientated. This is an amazing episode that you can not miss. Listen now!

The desire to be liked is inherent to the human condition. But as a salesperson a deep understanding of what it is like to be “likeable” is extremely important in the sales process. However, wanting to be liked and please can become a barrier to closing a deal with your client, and as a sales person you have to understand what being “liked” means in a professional relationship. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the differences between being liked as a sales professional and being liked as a person. They talk about the DNA of what it is like to be “likeable”, how to avoid becoming a “pleaser” and why relying on your charming personality might keep you away from asking hard questions that can help you identify your client's needs. They also discuss how important it is to be liked within your team and your business, and why sometimes it is better to fit in and be part of a team rather than just be liked for the sake of it. The duo also talk about why being respected and being respectful can be more important than being likeable. Another incredible episode that you can't miss. Tune in now!

Dealing with competition is always challenging. But in the media sales industry it's particularly hard when that “competition or competitor” you're dealing with has a “win-lose” mentality. Usually there's a level of mutual respect between like-minded competitors and they recognise that bad mouthing, sledging and casting aspersions on the integrity of the material they are putting out doesn't benefit anyone. But what should you do when a competitor fights below the belt? What if they don't have the level of respect and integrity that you expect? In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the bad practices that tend to come from certain organisations in the media sales industry. They also share the key attributes of successful media sales people who best handle these types of situations. This is an episode that you can't miss.

The media sales industry is constantly changing and with this in mind, using the same pitch each time isn't going to work, because data changes all of the time. Sales people have to adapt quickly to these changes if they want to keep moving forward successfully. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about why it is important to recognise your “now moment” in your sales pitch and why you have to be able to identify the two types of “now” in media sales. Alex and Russell share the key elements you have to consider as a sales person in order to find the perfect time to reach your audience. They also explain the importance of considering those two types of “now” in isolation if you want to capitalise on both. Another amazing episode you can't miss. Listen now!

Professional sports players will make small steps to slowly increase their skills, speed, strength and other abilities, and many salespeople will follow a similar regime. On this week of Killer Media Sales, Hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson delve into the ways in which salespeople can change their mind state about what is possible. They explore how people limit themselves based on past results, why we are conditioned to be risk averse, and the secret to keeping the furnace burning within you that drives you to achieve more. All of this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

Every day, people are presented with a multitude of decisions to make - whether that is what type of takeaway food to order or whether to spend a large portion of their companies budget on advertising. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson decode the miriad ways in which you can help your prospects make easier decisions. They explore how you can present simple solutions, create endpoints that are desirable, and take control of the process in order to make the chosen outcome a no brainer. All this, and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

Pancho Mehrotra returns for another episode of Killer Media Sales to unpack the psychology of selling and the competitive drive that is required for salespeople to succeed. For some people, competition is innate and is part of everyday life; for others, it is developed through a process of consistency and practice. Russell and Pancho explore how you can focus your energy on the right pillars in order to gain advantage over those you are competing with, why competing and winning are two different things, as well as the difference between people who are hunters and people who are farmers when it comes to selling. All of this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

Salespeople can be sucked into the numbers game, and often can become exhausted in the process. Pancho Mehrotra knows this all too well, and on this weeks episode of Killer Media Sales, he reflects on his career in sales and the lessons learned in the process. Host Russell Stephenson speaks with Pancho about the barriers he faced along the way, how his attitude has changed in the process of growing as a saleperson, and why he beleives some things should be avoided in order to succeed in a challenging market. Pancho and Russell also discuss the 3 pillars of success when selling, as well as the ways you can shift your mindset in order to maximise your potential and achieve your goals. All of this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales

Email marketing has been around for decades now, and can sometimes be seen as an afterthought to any media campaign. By looking at EDM's through a fresh perspective, salespeople can guarantee that they keep revenue flowing through good times and bad. On this weeks episode of Killer Media Sales, your hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson explore the ins and outs of email marketing, why it is crucial to keep a focus on, and how you can maximise the success of email campaigns by delivering them effectively and efficiently. All of this and much more on this weeks episode of Killer Media Sales!

Have you ever dealt with a difficult situation in your life? Something unexpected happened and you just froze and didn't know what to do? In this episode of Killer Media Sales Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about how a normal situation in sales can turn into a crisis, when something happens quickly or unexpectedly and especially when those situations catch you off guard. But what makes a crisis, a crisis? What are the key aspects that can turn a “normal sales situation” into a crisis? What's the key to solving a crisis? Can a crisis be avoided? They also discuss how in dealing with a crisis you have to get out of your comfort zone and the more you do that, the better you'll be at handling difficult situations. They pair also consider how a crisis can be a huge opportunity to deepen a relationship and build trust. You can't miss this episode full of tips and tricks that will help you to kill it in media sales.

We all like to be out of our comfort zone every once in a while, but we also need to maintain a belief that things are possible by analysing our shortcomings and celebrating our successes. On this weeks episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson explore the benefits and methods to maintaining a positive mindset in the sales process and in your everyday life. They also look at how you can regulate your thought processes, organise your day, and use structure and consistency to maintain a high level of performance in your sales career. All this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

Meetings are a powerful tool for getting you closer to your clients, but approached the wrong way, they can be quite counter productive. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson outline the miriad ways to think about meetings with clients, and how you can gently take control and shift the focus toward your objectives. They also ask why it is that meetings can go wrong, how you can use digital technology to your advantage, and the power of making a commitment early on in a new relationship. All this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

Speaking with someone you don't know about money can be a challenging endevour. Different prospects will have varying goals and objectives, so it is important to have an open mind throughout the process. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Hosts Russell Stephenson and Alex Whitlock attempt to navigate the challenges and concerns faced by salespeople when discussing the budget of a media project. They also look into the reasons certain prospects will keep budgets close to their chest, the performance of different media channels and the implications this has on the bottom line, as well as the shift in perspective that you can undertake in order to achieve more lucrative outcomes. All of this and much more, on this episode of Killer Media Sales.

For new and old salespeople, timing is always hard to master. From putting pressure on too early, to missing the boat completely - there can be no understating that timing of certain messaging is critical. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson analyse the benefits of applying pressure in different parts of the dealmaking process, and what they find will surprise you. They also look into the different types of media and how they have different timelines, the pitfalls of jumping the gun, and how you can achieve success through careful, planned execution of messaging. Find out this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

One of the challenges that salespeople face is that they have to deal with a lot of information and can get overloaded really quickly if they don't know how to prioritise. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the importance of hierarchisation of the information in the sales process. In particular, why knowing the purpose and the objective of the call is the most important thing. They also touch on the need for qualification as a salesperson. And explain why it is important to know what matters to your client and what is the outcome they're looking to achieve as this is the main reason why you're having the conversation and will tell you where to go. You can't miss this episode that's full of tips and tricks to help you to fire up your media sales.

Did you know that the first level of qualification needs to happen in the first 20 seconds of the conversation?   Sometimes sales people, whether they're new or experienced, can get lost in the qualification process. Some salespeople have a nervous disposition as part of their nature but particularly when they are new, these nerves can take over and cloud their judgment. In sales, this can lead to finding themselves rambling and chatting away without having a clear strategy in mind giving a sense of disengagement, however, in those very first calls, qualification is everything.   In this episode of Killer Media Sales Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the importance of qualification in the sales process, what this qualification process looks like and what can happen if you don't qualify for a lead. They also talk about the importance of simplifying and qualifying the questions early on in the conversation to achieve multiple outcomes.   In this episode you'll learn how to recognise when there's a deal to be done and when you're heading into stumbling territory. You can't miss this episode.

There are some very tangible tactics that can seperate failure from success when launching a new title, brand or any other type of media product. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson delve into the tools and strategies that you can use to avoid some very common pitfalls when bringing something to market. They also outline how you should structure such launches, the various types of products and how they differ, and the insights that they have gained into creating new forms of media over the years. Tune in to hear this and much, much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

Sometimes grinding can get you results as a salesperson, but to have continued success in the media landscape you need to have an ability to read the room and to understand how people are feeling about a certain situation. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson explore how you can enhance your sales operations by developing empathy, dissolving ego and relating to those around you at a more personal level. They also discuss the importance of listening, learning and engaging with the emotions of others, and how you can access a higher level of understanding by keeping the worldview of others in mind. Tune in to hear this and much much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

The fundamentals of being successful in media sales have never changed. With a host of new requirements brought by digital media, as well as the evolving expectations of the modern advertiser, it may seem like the game has been completely flipped on its head. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson show that while the media landscape is constantly shifting, the rules remain relatively the same. They explore the importance of setting personal targets, no matter how many overarching goals you have to guide you. They also engage with the idea of being clear with your vision, and how you can underpin your success as a media salesperson by knowing your worth and understanding the limits of your reach. Tune in to hear this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

When operating in a complex and ambiguous marketplace, you need to have your head screwed on the right way. While you might feel like playing it safe at points, it is important to keep a rhythm in the way you do things so that you don't gloss over the small stuff. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson discuss mindset, goal setting and strategies to ensure that you don't slip to the back of the pack. They also look into how you can plan ahead to avoid common pitfalls in the sales process, as well as how to plan ahead and make the most of your goals and future aspirations in order to capitalise on opportunities when they are in front of you. Tune in to hear this and much much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales!

Have you confused ego with confidence? Do you lack confidence or is your confidence driven by your ego? Or are you even conscious of your own ego during the selling process? In this episode of Killer Media Sales Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about why sales people should have high confidence and charisma as this is key to the sales process. They also mention how the ego can be an extension or your own personality and can sometimes “help” in the process of selling, however they warn about personality clashes and letting the ego take over completely. You can't miss this episode of Killer Media Sales as you're going to find out if having an ego is good or bad for you as a sales person.

In their early careers, sales people are so keen to bring the money on board, to hit the target and to move their brands forward that they can fall into the “close the deal” trap. In this episode of Killer Media sales Russell Stephenson and Alex Whitlock talk about some of the early mistakes that salespeople make when trying to bring money to the table and when they accept any deal in order to hit their targets. Alex and Russell also give advice to all the salespeople to be prepared to deal with these types of situations. They also talked about the importance of changing marketing tactics in order to reach the market target you're looking for. You can't miss this one!

Of all the skills a salesperson needs, negotiation has got to be top of the list. The ability to work around a tough situation is something that will benefit you greatly in the long run. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson mull over the ins and outs of good negotiating. They dwell on their experience in trying to get the best out of a bad hand of cards, as well as how you can approach any situation with the right mindset to maximise results. The two also discuss a few case studies from Momentum Media whereby they saw people actively pursuing the best deal through negotiating tactics, and how you can use these tactics to gain a competetive edge in your selling operations. Tune in to hear this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales.

Sometimes it is good to take a step back and gain a view of the bigger picture in the media landscape. Gaining insights into the industry can sometimes be difficult when you are standing in the middle of the crowd, and opinions from the other side of the fence can be extremely valuable.   In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Host Alex Whitlock is joined by Paul Glossop, Director of Pure Property Investment, who is a regular purchaser of advertising on Momentum Media's network. Paul provides a valuable insight into how he uses media as a network to find clients, how he maximises his opportunities through media buying, and how his experience has been in finding the right channel to target.    Alex and Paul also discuss the pitfalls of media sales agents when discussing new products, what media buyers are looking for, and how big words can sometimes deliver very little.   Tune in to hear this and much more on this episode of Killer Media Sales.

The darkest months of COVID-19 had a huge impact on sales teams around the world. However, approaching the end of this financial year 2021, Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about the pitfalls and dangers for salespeople and sales managers to underestimate the market moving forward. They also give advice on how sales people should look back, and set up targets based on the trajectory that they think is out, to trust in their gut and try to avoid limiting themselves by setting up those new sales targets.

Ideally, people who engage with you commercially will value what you have to say. In order to build a profile and a presence, it is extremely important to be engaging and connecting with your chosen industry and audience in order to gain traction and trust. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, Hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson address the pitfalls of some salespeople who spend too much time in the shadows, and explore how you can take small steps in your day to day operations to engage your chosen audience, build awareness of your profile, and enhance your image. They also identify the risks of not engaging with stakeholders, the value of continued online presence, as well as looking at a few case studies within the Momentum Media team of people who have successfully made a name for themselves. Tune in to hear this and much much more on the Killer Media Sales Podcast.

Large media groups in Australia are proactively going out with tight strategies around how they sell native space. They are also digging deep in the creation of content and how to utilise it. In this episode of Killer Media Sales Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson talk about how to proactively put a proposition forward to a client that has native content and a native strategy. They share their knowledge in how to create a deep client relationship of trust and the most effective way to deal with any kind of sales opportunity. But more importantly, they talk about how to deal and educate a client to create an evergreen holistic view on content creation. You can't miss this episode of Killer Media Sales, tune it now to hear much more!

When representing a certain brand or product, salespeople need to be aware of the perceived value of what it is they are selling. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Alex Whitlock & Russel Stephenson dive into the dynamics of price, value and the overarching themes related to connecting organisations with audiences. They explore the capabilities that salespeople have to move beyond the mindset of “just selling ads”, the insights that can be gained by having a detailed look across the media ecosystem, as well as how you can have a real sense of scope when you are analysing the current market. Tune in now to hear all of this and much, much more in this episode of Killer Media Sales!

With the majority of businesses adapting to the changing nature of the market, loyalty is something that is more important than ever. In this episode of Killer Media Sales, Russell Stephenson joins host Alex Whitlock to share insights into how you can enhance client engagement, increase brand recognition, and ensure that stakeholders all feel like they are a part of the equation. They will discuss why you need to focus on small details, how you can increase recognition of your brand, and when it is the right time to celebrate those small wins. Tune in now to hear all of this and much, much more in this episode of Killer Media Sales

In a disrupted marketplace, it is absolutely essential for salespeople to be receptive to evolving circumstances and to harness the opportunities that these new situations are presenting you with. On this episode of Killer Media Sales, hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson outline why in times like these, it’s more important than ever to stop and smell the roses. They also explore the importance of counting milestones, approaching barriers with the right mindset and increasing the frequency of touch points to ensure that relationships and servicing of clients remains as smooth a process as possible.

Sometimes in the sales process, you fall into a rut. The same patterns and habits can lead you down a rabbit hole of mediocrity, but how do you get out? Hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson outline why it’s critical to set the tone from the outset, how to control your workflow without burning yourself out, and what tactics to use when you are stalling. They explain how to apply the appropriate tempo to a particular selling scenario, whether the pace usually increases as you get closer to closing a deal, and why you should always have the bigger picture in mind.

The Killer Media Sales Podcast regularly focuses on success and how to over-deliver on results, but it is a fact of the sales game that not every campaign will meet the expectations of your client.  When a relationship has already been built, these non-successes can be worked through with your client, but what if it is a new advertiser and you haven’t delivered the results that they were expecting for their first campaign? Alex Whitlock and Russell Stevenson, hosts of the Killer Media Sales Podcast, don’t believe that this is necessarily ‘game over’, and in this episode of the show they explain how you can win back their business and regain their confidence.  They explain the risks of discounting, why it is so important to acknowledge the issue, and why communication breakdown is often where these issues arise.  Alex and Russell also unpack the importance of self-reflection, why a new direction could be your best move for your next pitch, and how to navigate the minefield that you face when you believe that their creative or copy could be at fault.

Targets are something that every salesperson has. They are a way of measuring your success and earning that success no matter what barriers get put in your way. The question is, how do you set targets for yourself that are measurable and acheivable, but can also be exceeded if you put in the work? In this episode of Killer Media Sales, your hosts Alex Whitock and Russell Stephenson explore through their own lens the ability for sales teams to fundamentally change the way they set goals and targets, break down their goals into individual steps, and find the courage to overcome the adversity that they may face in this process of transformation. They also explore the pitfalls of certain types of client relationships, the time wasted on superfluous interactions, and the way that you as a sales professional can demonstrate value to your clients in order to underpin your success.

In the second episode analysing the question received from loyal listener Bill surrounding differentiating yourself from your competition, hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson delve deeper into the strategies and tactics that can help you to own your market. Part one of the chat can be found HERE and covered spontaneity, why it is important to separate yourself from your brand, and why you should treat your prospects with respect, and in this episode of Killer Media Sales they look at a specific example from early in Alex’s sales career where he went above and beyond to create opportunities. They explain the importance of having strong relationships with other key players in your business, how this can expand your offering, and address some of the pitfalls of this as a strategy. They also explain why it is so important to find your niche, share a trick that will help you stand above any other proposal emails, and why the old saying that ‘people do business with people that they like and trust’ still rings true today.

In this episode of Killer Media Sales hosts Alex Whitlock and Russell Stephenson dig deep into the fan mail (which they are still getting used to receiving), and tackle a listener question all the way from Texas! Bill contacts the show seeking insights into differentiating your product from others in a competitive market, and Alex and Russ explain why being number one isn’t always the most important thing for your prospect, sharing why in some cases it can even be detrimental. They unpack the importance of knowing your industry, separating your personal identity from your brand, and why a generic pitch should never come before listening to the needs of your potential client. They also discuss the importance of monthly analysis, why you need to look favourably upon your competition, and the power of using ‘I’ rather than ‘we’ when communicating with your clients.