Sales POP! Podcasts

Strategic pricing is a growth lever, not a calculation. Companies that align price with customer value typically see 15-25% revenue growth in year one. Key Pricing Psychology: The 3-Tier Model: Used by 70% of B2B SaaS companies, this model leverages psychology. The premium tier makes the middle tier (where most profit is captured) look like the "reasonable" choice. Persona-Based Pricing: Design pricing around the customer's jobs-to-be-done rather than linearly scaling features. Dan Balcauski - https://www.producttranquility.com/

In the world of high-ticket coaching, generic pitches are dead. Episode Host John Golden sits down with expert strategist Caroline Onyedinma to unpack the essential formula for scaling to seven figures: blending deeply human storytelling with the efficiency of AI content. Caroline confirms that for premium offers, trust isn't a bonus—it's the only currency. Stories are the most effective way to build that emotional resonance and establish brand authority with prospects considering a significant investment.

If your sales team feels unpredictable, you're not wrong—they are. Sales coach Andy Gole argues that salespeople are professional "platypuses": a one-of-a-kind blend of entrepreneurial spirit and corporate loyalty. They're independent and coachable. This psychological hybrid nature is key to their success, but also the root of their unique challenges. Ignoring this distinction is costing you top performers.

Stop losing leads to spam flags and regulatory fines. In today's hyper-regulated outbound world, AI and TCPA compliance are no longer optional—they are the core engines of revenue growth. In this must-listen episode, Sales POP! host John Golden sits down with Nima Hakimi, CEO of Converso, to break down how to achieve superior results while staying 100% compliant. Nima shares actionable insights from two decades of experience, including how his team leverages machine learning for caller ID reputation management and contact rate optimization (with up to 50% reported uplifts).

Meet Stela Roznovan, the TEDx speaker and insurance agency head whose personal transformation holds the key to next-level sales success. In this illuminating episode, Stela shares her inspiring story of pivoting from a concert pianist career to leading a multi-million dollar business, highlighting the vital role of adaptability and continuous learning in any high-stakes environment. We unpack the psychology of elite selling, moving beyond generic pitches to focus on genuine connection. You'll learn how to implement Stela's proven fundamentals for advancing sale and fostering deep client trust:

If your retirement strategy feels like riding a daily market rollercoaster, it's because you've been playing by Wall Street's rules. The standard advice—heavy on 401(k)s, mutual funds, and bonds—leaves your entire financial future dangerously exposed to volatility. This reliance on "cookie-cutter" portfolios is the single biggest blind spot in modern retirement planning. As institutional strategist Ben Mohr highlighted on the Sales POP podcast, the path to true financial resilience lies outside the public market. The solution is uncorrelated assets—investments whose returns aren't tied to the S&P 500.

Generating leads is one challenge; scaling your business without descending into chaos is another. On the Expert Inside podcast, Shawn Quintero outlined a two-part strategy to master sales and delivery simultaneously. 1. The High-Converting Offer: Why Challenges Beat Webinars Passive, lengthy webinars are out. Focused, 3-to-5-day challenges are in. Why? Because they create momentum and build belief in a micro-result. Shawn's "One Client Away Challenge" is a perfect example: it solves the immediate need (getting a client) and sets the stage for the longer-term solution (scaling client delivery). 2. Break the Cycle with the BOAT Method Most service entrepreneurs hit a wall: they sell a lot (feast), get overwhelmed delivering the service, stop marketing (famine), and then start over. The B.O.A.T. method is your operating system for sustainable scale. Growth doesn't happen by doing more; it happens by implementing innovative, focused systems that allow you to grow with intention.

The most overlooked phase in the sales cycle is the silence: the gap between meetings. Master negotiator Andres Lares highlights this as a critical window for influence. Here are the keys to leveraging that time, focusing on the buyer, and overcoming the instinct to discount. 

In the competitive world of business, your clothing is a critical differentiator. We sat down with Anya Cheng, former big tech leader and CEO of Taylor AI, to explore how a custom AI system can perfect the wardrobe of the busy professional. Taylor AI is not just a tech tool; it's an integrated wardrobe solution that addresses the core challenges of men's fashion today: time, relevance, and sustainability. The model works on a feedback loop that continually refines your style profile.

Are you losing 25% of your high-value talent after parental leave? For sales organizations, turnover isn't just an HR metric—it's a severe revenue drain. Replacing a seasoned sales pro costs up to $200,000, making retention a strategic priority. This week on the podcast, we unpack the critical, often-overlooked moment where organizations hemorrhage talent: the return from parental leave.  We sit down with Karla Calinawan, founder of Fand Foundry and a leader who navigated three parental leaves in high-stakes tech environments. She argues that the post-leave transition is where leaders earn loyalty.

In this highly-anticipated episode, we host Shannon Lucas, co-CEO of Catalyst Constellations and author of Move Fast Break Burnout. She distills her 20+ years of corporate innovation experience into an essential guide for change agents. Discover the critical difference between a positive catalyst and a divisive disruptor (it's all about emotional intelligence). Learn the non-negotiable self-awareness techniques—like body scans and brief check-ins—to shield yourself from exhaustion. Plus, Shannon reveals how C-suite leaders can finally support catalysts and overcome deep-seated organizational resistance.

The rise of AI has redefined the job market, making single-skill expertise obsolete. That's why the journey of Serhiy Leshchenko, the founder of Ukraine's Beverly Productions, is mandatory listening for every modern creator and entrepreneur. Serhiy built his successful video and podcast agency by rejecting the one-track path, embracing what he calls a multifunctional skill set—the secret weapon for career longevity in the age of automation.

The evolution of search demands a tactical shift from generalized SEO to hyper-specific AI Optimization (AIO). We're moving beyond just keywords and focusing on the structured data AI models consume. Schema: The AI Translator: Your content is brilliant, but is it legible to an AI? Schema Markup is the language AI uses to understand context. Implementing structured data allows your information to appear in rich results, featured snippets, and—most importantly—in AI-generated answers.

Are you spending hours on social media only to generate lukewarm leads? The problem isn't the platform; it's the strategy. High-stakes clients—the ones who make or break your year—don't hire an entertainer; they hire an advisor. In this tactical episode featuring branding guru Nathan Schiess, we zero in on the exact content plan that separates the top-tier agents from the tire-kickers. It's about being intentional, empathetic, and relentlessly practical.

Matthew Pollard on The Introvert's Hidden Sales Advantages The sales floor is no longer a stage for the loudest performer. As Matthew Pollard, author of The Introvert's Edge, shared with John Golden, the modern, complex sales environment actually favors the quiet, strategic mindset of the introvert. It's time to retire the belief that introversion is a hurdle to overcome; it is, in fact, the source of your competitive advantage.

Why Your Ideal Investor Isn't Who You Think It Is Are you wasting time chasing billion-dollar funds that will never write a check your size? A critical mistake in startup fundraising strategy is poor investor targeting. The key to successful funding lies in aligning your capital need with the investor's fund size and expertise. In this actionable segment, industry veteran Jeffrey Fidelman pulls back the curtain on investor qualification and the strategic importance of choosing partners who bring more than just money to the table. We'll teach you how to analyze a fund's typical check size and portfolio focus to optimize your outreach.

If you're a founder, owner, or key leader, a health crisis—like a cancer diagnosis—is a seismic event that impacts more than your personal life. It can paralyze your business. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Deb Krier, a certified integrative cancer coach who successfully navigated her company through multiple health battles. She shares the essential, human-first strategies every entrepreneur needs to implement before the storm hits. This isn't theoretical advice; it's a proven roadmap for continuity, trust, and resilience.

Don't mistake high income for financial freedom. That's the hard-earned lesson from CPA and tech strategist Catrina Kraft. After losing 80% of her income overnight, Catrina realized that true wealth isn't about how much you earn, but how much you strategically protect. In this powerful episode, we break down the critical tax strategies and structural changes every entrepreneur, coach, and consultant must implement now to achieve resilient financial security.    

The biggest barrier to optimizing your sales operation isn't technology—it's a cultural one. Many teams view "process" as corporate handcuffs, believing it stifles the creativity needed to close deals. Process expert Nesanel Moeller breaks down this misconception: A clear process is actually the reliable, repeatable foundation that enables high-level creativity and customer connection.

Why do we sabotage our own success, even when we know what we should be doing? The answer lies in evolutionary psychology. Our brains are wired for ancient survival—seeking immediate safety and comfort—often directly opposing our modern goals of long-term achievement and risk-taking. Serial entrepreneur Kalin Karakehayov created the Grow Younger framework to combat this, arguing that self-improvement isn't about vague platitudes; it's about "tricking" your biology into better behaviors.

For many entrepreneurs, the goal isn't just surviving; it's building genuine financial resilience and freedom. But the self-employed life comes with hidden risks—no sick pay, no employer benefits, and total income volatility. Expert Financial Adviser Lisa Conway Hughes shared her top strategies for future-proofing your business.

Struggling with team alignment, scattered priorities, or communication breakdowns? This Expert Inside Interview episode with leadership specialist Will Watrous delivers the proven solutions you need to overcome these common challenges and build a thriving organization. Host John Golden guides this insightful conversation with Will Watrous, an experienced EOS implementer who specializes in helping leadership teams eliminate misalignment and accelerate growth. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Watrous reveals the fundamental principles that turn good managers into exceptional leaders.

In a digital-first world, your website is often the first impression a potential customer has of your business. But what if that impression is leaving a huge part of the population behind? In our latest episode, we sat down with digital accessibility expert Mike Barton to discuss how shifting your mindset from legal compliance to strategic growth can unlock a world of new opportunities. Mike broke down why accessibility is a major business imperative, not just a feel-good initiative. He pointed out that people with disabilities and their support networks represent a market with a staggering $18 trillion in spending power—a market that is highly loyal and actively seeking brands that value inclusivity.

In this revealing conversation, John Golden sits down with Tamara Jackson, founder of Lead Reviver and strategic sales advisor, to uncover why most companies are implementing sales AI wrong—and how to fix it. Jackson challenges the common misconception that AI should replace salespeople. Instead, she advocates for a strategic partnership approach where AI handles data-driven tasks while humans focus on relationship building. "AI is most powerful when it supports your human sellers," Jackson explains, warning against the "easy button" mentality that leads to generic, ineffective automation. The conversation reveals a critical success factor many organizations overlook: comprehensive AI training. Just as with onboarding a new employee, your AI systems require extensive knowledge about your company's mission, products, and proven sales methodologies. Without this foundation, AI generates communications that prospects immediately recognize as automated.

What if the biggest challenge you face at work isn't a difficult client or a tight deadline, but something within you? On this week's episode, we're diving into the concept of the "shadow," a term for our hidden, unconscious behaviors. Drawing on insights from Steven D'Souza's work, we discuss how these unseen forces impact everything from team dynamics to major company decisions. You'll learn about D'Souza's unique four-lens framework, which helps you identify your own shadow patterns through a psychological, social, biological, and even spiritual perspective. Get ready to stop projecting and start owning your behavior. We'll offer practical tips for bringing more authenticity and self-awareness to your leadership and transforming your workplace culture from the inside out. Don't miss this one.

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we're talking about a counterintuitive but powerful marketing strategy from the brilliant Laura Ries: defining a "strategic enemy." The concept is simple yet profound. Instead of trying to be a vague, all-encompassing "best," your brand gains credibility and loyalty by clearly stating what it opposes. This isn't just a marketing gimmick—it's how the human brain works. Our minds latch onto conflict and contrast far more easily than abstract claims. A brand that stands against something—be it a competitor, an industry convention, or even an old way of thinking—creates a tribe of followers who share that opposition. This strategy demands ruthless focus and the courage to make sacrifices. It means letting go of the fear of missing out and doubling down on a single, powerful idea.

What's the most powerful tool a leader has? It's not a business strategy or a software program. It's their own self-awareness. In a recent conversation with author Justin Long, a key theme emerged: The path to exceptional leadership starts with an internal journey. By understanding your own emotional patterns and motivations, you can make the shift from reactive to intentional leadership. This is about being deliberate in your decisions and actions, rather than just responding to external pressures. Once you know yourself, you can truly see your team. Every person is different, and the most effective leaders understand these differences. Using personality frameworks and simply asking questions can help you communicate better and empower people to do what they do best.

Sick of paying full price for travel? We recently sat down with travel expert Julia Menez to learn how to fly in business class and stay in luxury hotels for a fraction of the cost. Julia shared her top strategy: focus on flexible points programs like Chase and Amex. These points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners, giving you far more value than a single-brand credit card.

In a market saturated with AI-generated content, your business must focus on what makes you irreplaceable. This isn't just about taking photos; it's about the entire client experience. Start by selling the experience, not just the image. Emphasize your ability to interpret a client's vision and solve problems in real-time. Share case studies that showcase the high-impact results of your expertise. Next, master the art of "authentic" content. While everyone wants images that feel real, clients still demand professional quality and control. Your skill lies in delivering that perfect balance. Finally, focus on high-value niches. The low-end market is vulnerable to AI. By specializing in areas like complex commercial shoots or high-end editorial work, you can command higher prices and build a business that AI can't touch. Your expertise is your most powerful tool. Stewart Cohen

Feeling burnt out? You're not alone. Our society has conditioned us to believe that busyness equals value, but what if that's a lie? In a recent interview, Dr. Angelo Valenti, a leading expert on leadership and well-being, challenged this very idea. His message is clear: You don't have to make life so hard. Dr. Valenti provided a practical roadmap for anyone seeking more contentment. We learned about the psychological toll of comparing our lives to social media highlights and the simple steps we can take to break free. He also shared a profound insight: True growth comes from amplifying your strengths, not just fixing your weaknesses.

In the competitive world of e-commerce, it takes more than a great idea to succeed. It takes a strategic mindset and a deep connection to your audience. On a recent podcast, Kris Dehnert, founder of the wildly successful Dugout Mugs, shared the key lessons that transformed his unique product into a multi-million-dollar business. Dehnert's first big lesson: sell the experience, not just the product. Dugout Mugs isn't drinkware of sale; it's selling nostalgia and the emotional power of a unique gift. By focusing on this deeper value, they've built a loyal customer base with a high repeat purchase rate.

What if your biggest struggles—like ADHD and anxiety—could actually be your greatest entrepreneurial strengths? In a fascinating new interview, author and business leader Rick Culleton challenges conventional wisdom and reveals how he's harnessed his own neurodiversity to build a life of purpose and success. We dive into his game-changing insights on brain health, decision-making, and the science of productivity. Discover why a simple morning routine is more powerful than a 14-hour workday, and learn how to implement his strategies for a more focused, fulfilling life.

Ready to upgrade your game? In a fascinating interview with Sales POP! Online Sales Magazine, author and former pro athlete Dre Baldwin broke down his system for disciplined execution and dominance. This isn't your typical "work harder" advice. It's a strategic framework built on four critical pillars. First, Dre introduces his "third day" concept, highlighting how discipline separates pros from amateurs. He explains that it's about showing up consistently, even when motivation is gone. Second, he challenges the myth of "too much confidence," arguing that true confidence is built by giving yourself permission to become the best version of yourself, your "Super You." Third, Dre teaches us to distinguish between physical and mental errors, a key to developing mental toughness. Lastly, he stresses that personal initiative is what turns knowledge into real-world results.

How can a community help you earn a $60,000 raise? The answer lies in the power of peer support and authentic relationships. On the Sales POP! podcast, Together Digital CEO Amy Vaughan shared powerful stories of how their trust-first business model empowers women in tech and creative fields. Amy highlights that true career growth often comes from third-party advocacy and a supportive network. Together Digital's "Ask and Give Exchange" and peer-led "Power Circles" provide members with the tools and confidence to navigate challenging conversations, like advocating for pay equity. The lesson is clear: by leveraging a community that invests in coaching and celebrates your success, you can unlock your full professional potential and achieve outcomes you never thought possible.

Are you tired of the old-school sales mantras that feel pushy and inauthentic? In a recent interview, sales and leadership coach Sue Heilbronner introduced a groundbreaking concept that's changing the game: Passionate Ambivalence. This isn't about being indifferent; it's about being genuinely enthusiastic about your product (passion) while maintaining a healthy detachment from any single outcome (ambivalence).

As a founder, your biggest asset isn't just your business—it's your financial health. But in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, financial fraud, particularly from a seemingly trusted investment advisor, is a very real threat. So how do you protect your hard-earned success from sophisticated schemes? In a recent conversation with financial expert Timothy Smith, we uncovered key strategies for entrepreneurs. The bottom line: vigilance and due diligence are non-negotiable.

Welcome to a new era of investing. For decades, the rules were simple: buy stocks, own bonds, and trust in economic growth. But the game has changed. The U.S. economy has undergone a seismic shift, moving from a growth-based model to one fueled by debt. In a recent interview, financial expert Brandon Thor explained why the strategies that worked from 1980 to 2000 are now failing. Back then, high interest rates and a strong dollar were the norm. Today, we're navigating a world of near-zero rates, exploding national debt, and a weakening currency.

Want to stop leaving money on the table? Here's a secret from conversion expert Trevor Levine: your free and paid offers might be too similar. If your free content is too good, your audience has no reason to upgrade. The key is to widen the value gap. Think about what you can add to your paid offer to make it clearly superior. More content? Longer access? Exclusive bonuses? For example, Trevor worked with a client who ran an online summit. By significantly increasing the value of the paid upgrade, they saw a massive boost in conversions.

Today, we're cutting through the noise and getting straight to a sales strategy that actually works. We're joined by Katie Nelson, a sales veteran who has helped countless businesses—and her own—achieve extraordinary results by doing one thing differently: niching down. Katie shares her step-by-step framework for success. You'll learn how to move past the myth of the broad pipeline and get granular with your targeting. She'll provide actionable advice on identifying your ideal clients, speaking their specific language, and aligning your sales and marketing efforts for maximum impact.

In this week's episode, we're sharing a powerful conversation with master landscape architect Steve Griggs. With over 40 years in the business, Steve has built a multi-million dollar business almost entirely on referrals. How? He prioritizes the client's emotional journey. Steve's insights are a blueprint for any service-based business owner. He shares how to blend high-tech tools, such as 3D renderings, with old-school craftsmanship, and why being a great communicator is more important than being the best designer. He also reveals his secret to building a loyal client base: focusing on the client's feelings and staying connected long after the job is done. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to elevate their business and turn clients into lifelong advocates.

We hear it all the time: "Our company is like a family." But according to Kidcaster co-founder Ryan Estes, that might be a huge mistake. While well-intentioned, the "family" model can create messy dynamics and pressure employees into a mold they don't fit. In our new episode, Estes makes a compelling case for a different approach: building an intentional professional community founded on mutual respect, clear boundaries, and shared values.

Modern leadership often feels like a battle against the clock, your inbox, and your own exhaustion. But what if you could access a source of energy that never runs out? That's the core question we explore in this week's transformative episode with Suzanne Roberts, a master somatic coach with four decades of experience helping leaders thrive. Suzanne argues that burnout isn't a time management problem; it's an energy disconnection problem. We've become severed from our "soul current"—the vital, life-giving force that fuels clarity, creativity, and resilience. When our minds are chaotic and our nervous systems are in constant "fight or flight," we effectively block this internal power source.

Feeling the pressure of AI, ghosting, and skeptical buyers? Your old sales toolkit needs an upgrade. This isn't about more automation; it's about mastering the human element. We brought in Rob Herbst, founder of SPA Selling and author of Inspire Sales Culture, to break down the essential skills that separate top earners from the rest in today's market. Tune in to learn three game-changing tactics: Leverage AI as Your Sidekick: Learn how to use AI for efficiency without losing the human touch that actually closes deals. Master the Art of Observation: In a world of Zoom calls, learn to read the digital "room" and hear what's not being said. Build an Unbeatable Culture: Discover the three anchors—Personal Development, Clear Expectations, and Visible Achievement—that create high-performance teams. Ready to build a resilient, future-proof sales career? This episode is your blueprint.

Selling your business is more than a transaction; it's the final act of your entrepreneurial story. But a great ending doesn't just happen—it's written years in advance. Far too many entrepreneurs approach a sale unprepared, letting common (and avoidable) mistakes destroy the value they've worked so hard to build. We brought in expert Chris Spratling, a coach and author who has mastered the art of the successful exit, to lay out a proven blueprint. He explains that buyers are looking for specific signals that a business is a low-risk, high-reward investment. Your job is to build those signals into your company's DNA long before you're ready to sell.

That "always-on" feeling isn't a measure of success—it's a symptom of a broken system. But it doesn't have to be this way. In our game-changing conversation with Marchem Pfeiffer, author of Navigating Leadership: From Toxicity to Triumph, we unpack the blueprint for burnout-proof leadership. In this episode, you'll discover: The #1 Cause of Burnout: Why it's about misalignment, not just long hours. Interview Red Flags: Questions to ask that instantly reveal a company's toxic culture. The Empathy Blueprint: Key traits of leaders who create psychological safety and drive high performance. Your Personal Recovery Plan: Actionable steps for healing from a toxic work environment and building resilience. Ready to transform your team and your career? Listen to the full episode for your step-by-step guide.

Are you tired of pouring effort into sales and marketing only to hear crickets? The problem might not be your product—it might be your process. According to business strategist Michael Barbarita, most companies fail because they sell their solution before they've truly understood the customer's problem.

Your product is great, your service is exceptional, but your sales numbers aren't where you want them to be. The problem might not be your skills—it could be your mindset. In a recent conversation, business expert John Nieuwenburg shared profound insights into the psychology of successful selling. He argues that your beliefs about sales directly impact your effectiveness. If you secretly think sales is "sleazy," you'll struggle, no matter how good your pitch is.

Ever wonder what it takes to succeed in real estate for the long haul? Author and hard money lender Joel Miller, with 35 years of experience, shared his wisdom with us on a recent podcast episode. His book, Build Real Estate Wealth, isn't just a read—it's a manual for building a legacy. Miller's core philosophy is simple: success comes from a blend of knowledge, action, and integrity. He emphasized the importance of: Avoiding "Paralysis by Analysis": Learn the fundamentals, then start small. The real education begins when you take action. Finding the Right Property: How to spot a good deal and avoid the common "yeah, but" pitfalls. Screening for Success: Tenant selection is a critical skill that starts with attracting the right people to your property. True Wealth vs. Riches: Miller distinguishes between simply having money and using it to build a life of purpose and community. Listen to the full episode to get a masterclass in building real estate wealth that lasts.

Commercial real estate can be intimidating, but what if you had a roadmap from a seasoned expert? Ben Reinberg, CEO of Alliance Consolidated Group, reveals his insights on smart investing. The key isn't just about money, it's about owning and controlling hard assets that generate income and appreciate over time. Reinberg's actionable advice focuses on three pillars: starting now, investing with expertise, and using technology wisely. He dispels the myth that you need massive capital to begin, predicting a wave of buying opportunities in 2025–2026. By partnering with "smart money" and integrating AI for better underwriting and market analysis, you can reduce risk and accelerate growth. Don't forget the power of personal connections—deals are still built on trust. Learn how to combine these strategies to build your portfolio and secure your financial future.

What's the one thing that separates a good coaching experience from a truly transformative one? Accountability. Join us as we dive into a candid conversation with Chris Prefontaine, a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree, who reveals how this single principle drives all meaningful progress. We'll unpack the myths—from unrealistic expectations to the self-doubt that holds us back. Discover why your own commitment to the process is more important than any secret formula. We'll also touch on how the best coaches are guides, not just experts, and how to find a partner who sees your whole life, not just your business. If you're ready to take ownership of your growth and invest in yourself, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to shift your mindset from "I can't" to "how can I," and learn to embrace the journey of continuous improvement.

Are you ready to move beyond the AI hype and achieve real results? In a recent episode of the Expert Inside Interview, host John Golden and AI expert Kevin Dean provided a practical roadmap for integrating AI into your sales and marketing strategy. The core message is clear: AI is only as good as the data and systems it runs on. Dean stressed the importance of data quality, outlining his Five C's framework as the non-negotiable foundation for success. The discussion also revealed that digital transformation is a critical prerequisite, as modern, integrated systems are the infrastructure AI needs to thrive. The conversation wasn't just about theory; it delved into the practical future. They explored the rise of AI agents that can automate routine tasks, and how this will allow sales and marketing professionals to focus on high-value interactions. Finally, the experts provided a crucial reminder that governance and culture are key. Companies must create policies that balance innovation with security and invest in training their teams to work alongside AI. Tune in to this episode to get the expert insights and actionable steps you need to build a sustainable AI advantage for your business.