Sales Talk for CEOs

Manuj Aggarwal hit a wall: too much work, too little time, and no content writer who could capture his vision. That's when he turned to OpenAI—and everything changed.In this episode, hear how the founder of TetraNoodle Technologies used AI not just to scale, but to differentiate. Drawing on his backgrounds in neuroscience and cybersecurity, Manuj created a private, secure AI platform focused on storytelling, content synthesis, and control.This is the episode for CEOs ready to scale smarter and use AI not just to keep up—but to lead.Connect with Manuj AggarwalLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/manujagroInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@manujagroPodcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bootstrapping-your-dreams-show/id1453077497Connect with Alice Heimanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/https://www.linkedin.com/company/alice-heiman-llc/

Sales teams keep losing deals not because of product—it's how they frame value. Messaging expert Tim Riesterer shares research-backed insights on how today's B2B buyers make decisions, and how CEOs can guide their teams to win more by reducing risk and aligning with real buying behavior.Connect with Tim Riestererhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-riesterer/Learn more about Tim's Podcast, The Emblazers Show here https://www.emblazegrowth.com/podcastConnect with Alice Heimanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/https://www.linkedin.com/company/alice-heiman-llc/

Samantha McKenna didn't just start a sales consultancy—she launched it with customers waiting in line. In this episode, she reveals how building an authentic presence on LinkedIn before starting #samsales set her up for immediate success. Learn how she transitioned from being a top rep at LinkedIn to bootstrapping a fast-growing company and how CEOs can do the same.Listen to how one founder defied convention, ditched traditional sales tactics, and built a business on human connection, one LinkedIn post at a time.

Most GTM strategies miss the mark—and CEOs are often the reason why. In this episode, Garrett Mehrguth reveals the critical mistake leaders make and how to align sales, marketing, and messaging around the right buyers.Connect with Garrett Mehrguthhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmehrguth/ (25) Directive: Posts | LinkedInConnect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Sales training alone isn't enough. In this solo episode, Alice Heiman explains why coaching is the missing link that turns average sellers into top performers—and what CEOs must do to fix the gap.Connect with Alice Heiman LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Amanda Kahlow shares her story of stepping away from her company, navigating IVF and adoption, and launching her new venture, 1mind. A candid look at reinvention, leadership, and what really matters. About Guest Amanda Kahlow is a confident, brave, positive, passionate, and spiritual individual with an abundance of energy, love, empathy, and enthusiasm for life. Amanda is a serial entrepreneur. She is the founder and former CEO of 6sense. She started her first company at 21 and is now working on her next AI venture.  Amanda is an eternal optimist with a healthy dose of skepticism and curiosity, always seeking purpose and new ideas. She is dedicated to creating a different kind of Silicon Valley startup, emphasizing passion, discipline, integrity, and accountability while leading with compassion.  Amanda is focused on giving back both personally and professionally. Years ago she got clear her personal mission statement "I am a passionate positive spiritual warrior to EMPOWER women and girls." She uses her aptitude for humanistic motivational speaking to share her story every chance she can to inspire others. She is an advisor to the organization, Girl Rising. Amanda is committed to their mission to educate girls in developing countries as a way to build thriving, prosperous, healthy communities and effect positive social change. About Guest Company1mind is a platform that deploys AI-powered Superhumans for revenue teams. These Superhumans have a face, voice, and deep technical and product knowledge. They lead unlimited, simultaneous conversations, 24/7—to qualify and pitch leads on websites, join conference calls as active participants, run custom demos, provide real-time support, and work alongside your team in deal rooms. 1mind Superhumans integrate with your existing workflows, scale instantly, and help you grow revenue, reduce headcount, and drive pipeline all the way to closed won.Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakahlow/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/1mindai/Book recommended by Amanda: The greatest salesman in the world by Og Mandino Amazon.com : the greatest salesman in the worldPodcast recommended by Amanda: Pattern Breakers with host Mike Maples Jr. https://greatness.floodgate.com/ Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

After scaling 6sense to a $5.2B valuation, Amanda Kahlow stepped away to focus on family and rediscover what mattered most. She shares her IVF and adoption journey, lessons in leadership, and why she's building her new company, 1mind, with a completely different approach.Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakahlow/https://www.linkedin.com/company/1mindai/Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Every CEO wants their sales team talking to decision-makers — but getting in front of the C-suite isn't easy. Caryn Kopp has been opening high-level doors for 26+ years, and in this episode, she reveals her 5-plank framework for landing executive meetings.You'll learn how to build smarter prospect lists, craft messaging that gets noticed, and develop an outreach rhythm that actually works. If you're tired of cold calls and email blasts falling flat, don't miss this conversation.Social Links https://koppconsultingusa.com/https://koppconsultingusa.com/blog/https://www.linkedin.com/in/carynkopp/Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Most CEOs are missing out on millions in potential revenue simply because they're invisible online. In this episode, branding and LinkedIn expert Brandon Lee joins Alice Heiman to reveal how CEOs can build their reputation, attract sales opportunities, and grow their business in just one hour a week.Brandon shares how he learned—through failure—that traditional sales methods no longer work, and why personal branding is the new demand generation. Learn the five biggest myths CEOs believe about LinkedIn, why neglecting your online presence is costing your company, and exactly what to do to fix it.

Your go-to-market workflow might be costing you sales without you even realizing it. Many companies still rely on outdated workflows that don't align with the way customers buy today—creating friction instead of closing deals. In this episode, Alice Heiman breaks down what's broken in most GTM workflows and how to fix it so your sales team can move faster and convert more leads. If you want to streamline your marketing-to-sales handoff, eliminate bottlenecks, and boost revenue, this episode is for you.Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Could chocolate and AI hold the key to peak human performance? Shahreen Reza, founder of Astreas, explains how a chance conversation about pizza with an astronaut led to NASA-approved chocolate truffles infused with nutrients designed to boost mental clarity and endurance. Now she's taking performance coaching to the next level by combining wearable tech data with AI-driven insights. Shahreen shares how CEOs can use these cutting-edge approaches to stay at the top of their game.Connect with ShahreenLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahreen-reza-2824a125/https://www.linkedin.com/company/astreasCompany Website: https://astreas.co/Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Every CEO wants a team of top-performing sellers—but is it actually possible? Sales expert Tania Doub reveals why most sales teams struggle and how to fix it. Discover the key framework that helps sellers gain confidence, build momentum, and consistently exceed quotas. If you're ready to transform your sales team, this episode is a must-listen.About GuestTania Arakelian Doub is the CEO and Founder of Mindful Quadrant, a groundbreaking sales enablement company. With a passion for guiding sales professionals to achieve extraordinary success, Tania combines her extensive experience in the demanding field of sales with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by salespeople. Her innovative approach is rooted in her own journey of navigating the pressures of a high-stakes sales environment while also balancing personal responsibilities. Tania is committed to helping others not only meet but exceed their sales targets by connecting them with their intrinsic motivations and strengths. She has developed practical tools and strategies to inspire sales teams to embrace and overcome challenges, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for growth.About Guest CompanyMindful Quadrant is a leading sales enablement company that empowers salespeople to excel in their careers by offering a comprehensive array of resources designed to enhance their skills and performance. The company provides training sessions, workshops, tools, books, and personal coaching to equip sellers with the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their sales goals. At the heart of Mindful Quadrant's philosophy is its focus on personal motivation and the belief that embracing challenges can lead to significant achievements. The unique approach developed by Tania Arakelian Doub is built on her personal experiences of thriving in a challenging sales environment while maintaining a balanced family and work life. This approach enables individuals to transform difficulties into a driving force for action and success. Additionally, Mindful Quadrant offers a complimentary assessment that provides a personalized report, helping individuals identify and overcome barriers to their sales performance.Social Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/taniadoub/ https://www.mindfulquadrant.com/ https://twitter.com/taniadoub https://www.instagram.com/taniadoub/ https://www.facebook.com/mindfulquadrant https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtaniadoubConnect with Alice Heimanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/https://aliceheiman.com/

After struggling to hire the right sales team, Russ Macumber made a bold decision—he returned to founder-led sales. The result? A 40% increase in revenue. In this episode, he shares the hard lessons learned from scaling a startup, hiring salespeople, and building a high-retention client base. Tune in for real-world insights on what it takes to grow a sales-driven company.About GuestRuss Macumber is a seasoned entrepreneur and digital marketing expert known for his innovative approaches and thought leadership in the digital realm. With a passion for helping businesses grow their online presence, Russ co-founded Impressive Digital, a leading digital marketing agency focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions. His experience spans various aspects of digital marketing, including search engine optimization (SEO), conversion rate optimization (CRO), and marketing automation. Russ is recognized for his strategic mindset and ability to tailor marketing campaigns that yield significant results for clients. Additionally, he is adept at fostering client relationships and ensuring that the services provided align with the unique goals of each business. Through his leadership, Russ has been a driving force behind the success and growth of Impressive Digital.About Guest CompanyImpressive Digital is a dynamic digital marketing agency headquartered in Austin, known for its comprehensive approach to boosting businesses' online presence. The agency utilizes a strategic combination of SEO, Google Ads, and social media to increase web traffic and brand visibility. Impressive Digital's services extend beyond attracting visitors; they focus on converting these visitors into loyal customers using Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) techniques and custom-designed landing pages that enhance user experience (UX). The company is also proficient in maintaining customer relations through CRM systems, email marketing, and automation, thus fostering customer loyalty and repeat business. Impressive Digital's hallmark approach, the GAS™ system, seamlessly integrates all facets of digital marketing to create a synchronized and effective marketing strategy. The agency is renowned for its proven track record in driving substantial results for leading clients by elevating traffic, conversion rates, and revenue through meticulously crafted campaigns. More than a service provider, Impressive Digital positions itself as a partner, dedicated to exceeding business objectives and propelling growth.Social Links 

Most CEOs think they're doing thought leadership, but the truth? They're doing it wrong—if they're doing it at all.In this solo episode, Alice Heiman breaks down the biggest mistakes CEOs make when it comes to thought leadership and why those missteps are costing them sales. She reveals why most CEOs struggle to build their personal brand, how it impacts their sales team, and what they should be doing instead to drive revenue.If you're a CEO who wants to make sales easier, attract high-value customers, and become the go-to leader in your industry, this episode is for you.Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

How does a CEO turn a passion for solving business challenges into a billion-dollar company? Katherine Kostereva, CEO of Creatio, shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from her beginnings at IBM to building a globally recognized no-code platform. Discover how she bootstrapped her company for six years, secured $200 million in funding, and created a collaborative culture that fuels growth. Learn actionable strategies on prioritization, building strong sales teams, and leveraging partnerships to scale efficiently. About GuestKatherine Kostereva is the Founder and CEO of Creatio, a global vendor of an AI-native platform designed to automate CRM and workflows using no-code. With a lifelong passion for technology, she launched Creatio in 2014, bootstrapping the business with a clear mission to empower businesses to automate their ideas in minutes without writing a single line of code. A decade later, in 2024, Creatio achieved unicorn status and raised $200 million at a $1.2 billion valuation. The funding is aimed at advancing AI capabilities and driving further innovation in the no-code and CRM space.Social LinksShe's Building A No-Code CRM And Workflow Automation Empire B2B tech startup Creatio is latest female-founded unicorn | Fortune Creatio CEO Katherine Kostereva on origin story, 'founder mode,' mentoring, Ukraine - Bizwomen Katherine Kostereva | CEO | Creatio (27) Katherine Kostereva | LinkedIn Book recommended by Katherine: https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Unlocking-Hypergrowth-Expectations-Intensity/dp/1119836115Podcast recommended by Katherine: https://www.blitzscalingvc.com/podcastConnect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: (27) Alice Heiman | LinkedInAlice's Website: Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOs

What happens when two QA professionals turn their frustrations with the industry into a groundbreaking solution? In this episode, Alice Heiman sits down with Ivan Barajas Vargas, co-founder of MuukTest, to explore how he and his partner transformed the QA automation process using AI. Ivan shares his journey from bootstrapping to landing funding, his pivot to a top-down sales strategy, and the lessons learned from building a thriving startup. If you're a CEO looking to scale smarter, embrace innovation, or rethink your sales strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.About GuestDuring the 15 years that Ivan Barajas Vargas worked in QA and test automation, he realized that testing was slow and required an army of QAs to get it automated. In 2019, he and Renan Ugalde founded MuukTest, an AI-powered solution that effortlessly automates software testing in days instead of years. Since being part of top startup accelerators like MassChallenge and TechStars, MuukTest received grants from the National Science Foundation's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, as well as being included in Google for Startups' Latino Founders Fund for 2023, among other grants.Social Links Connect with Ivan Barajas VargasOur website: MuukTest - Test Automation ServicesIvan's LinkedIn Profile: (50) Ivan Barajas Vargas | LinkedInMuukTest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muuktest/Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Referrals are an often-overlooked yet highly effective way to boost sales. In this episode, Alice Heiman dives into the transformative impact of a formal referral selling process. Learn why referrals outperform cold outreach, how they lead to higher-quality leads, and why they drive stronger customer retention. With real-world statistics and practical advice, you'll gain the tools to build a referral system that consistently delivers results for your sales team.Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Dan Pontefract, author of Work-Life Bloom, joins Sales Talk for CEOs to share a groundbreaking approach to leadership. Key takeaways include redefining CEO responsibilities to include care, balancing humanity with execution, and fostering engagement through positive reinforcement. Dan also introduces a unique framework for navigating work-life cycles, offering practical advice for CEOs to inspire their teams and drive sustainable success. About GuestMy new book, WORK-LIFE BLOOM is a Thinkers50 Top New Management Book for 2024 and won the Gold Medal - Axiom Business Book Awards. Otherwise, I'm a leadership strategist, author, consultant, and keynote speaker. Other award-winning books include LEAD. CARE. WIN., OPEN TO THINK, THE PURPOSE EFFECT & FLAT ARMY. I help leaders realize that the future of work is now. Dan Pontefract is a renowned leadership strategist, author, and keynote speaker with over two decades of experience in senior executive roles at companies such as SAP, TELUS, and Business Objects. Since then, he has worked with organizations worldwide, including Salesforce, Amgen, the State of Tennessee, Nestlé, Canada Post, Autodesk, BMO, the Government of Canada, Manulife, Nutrien, and the City of Toronto, among others.As an award-winning and best-selling author, Dan has written five books: WORK-LIFE BLOOM, LEAD. CARE. WIN., OPEN TO THINK, THE PURPOSE EFFECT, and FLAT ARMY. Dan also writes for Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and other outlets.Dan is a renowned keynote speaker who has presented at four TED events and has delivered over 600 keynotes . He is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business and has received over 25 industry, individual, and book awards.Dan's career is interwoven with corporate and academic experience, coupled with an MBA, B.Ed, and multiple industry certifications and awards. Notably, Dan is listed on the Thinkers50 Radar, HR Weekly's 100 Most Influential People in HR, PeopleHum's Top 200 Thought Leaders to Follow, and Inc. Magazine's Top 100 Leadership Speakers.About Guest CompanyDan offers a range of options to help you, your team, your entire organization, or your event with various leadership and corporate culture insights. Options include keynotes, workshops, strategic planning sessions, assessments, master classes, and various learning modules. Tailored or off-the-shelf, Dan's repertoire of knowledge and solutions is as wide as his musical tastes. (hint: very wide) Inquire: speak@danpontefract.comSocial Links https://www.danpontefract.com/content/https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpontefract/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pontefract-group/Books: https://www.danpontefract.com/content/booksbydan/Podcast: https://www.danpontefract.com/content/podcast/Blog: https://www.danpontefract.com/content/blog/Book recommended by Dan: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/Podcast recommended by Dan: https://munkdebates.com/listen/Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Meta DescriptionDiscover the journey of a CTO turned co-founder who mastered founder-led sales and embraced the power of niche specialization to scale a thriving business. Learn how strategic focus and teamwork drive success.About GuestJamon is a software developer, business owner, husband, father of four, and new grandpa, located in southwest Washington state. He is co-founder of Infinite Red, Inc., a fully remote React Native app consultancy located across the USA and Canada. He learned to code at age twelve in order to make games and that led to a lifelong obsession with coding. He is still making games to this day, and also plays ice hockey (as a goalie) on a Finnish-American team and takes any excuse that he can to drive his tractor around his 3 acres.Social Links Jamon (@jamonholmgren) / XJamon (@jamon.dev) — Bluesky(20) Jamon Holmgren | LinkedInJamon Holmgren's Personal Websitehttps://infinite.redBook recommended by Jamon: The Culture Code | Unlock The Secrets to the Most Successful TeamsPodcast recommended by Jamon: The Leadership Podcast – We Study Leaders – The Leadership PodcastConnect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile: (20) Alice Heiman | LinkedInAlice's Website: Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOs

Discover how CEOs can lead their teams to secure larger corporate deals, transition upmarket, and build strategies for landing transformative accounts with expert insights from Jamal Reimer.About GuestJamal Reimer is an experienced coach, best-selling author, product developer, and ambitious multi-million-dollar Enterprise Seller with more than 2 decades of experience in the field. After closing three 50-million-dollar deals at Oracle, he found his passion in helping others achieve the same. He's coached hundreds of B2B sellers, teaching them the art of closing mega deals. Jamal has also cultivated a thriving community of more than 600 sellers, all dedicated to supporting and elevating each other's success.About Guest CompanyEnterprise Sellers is a company that is dedicated to helping sales professionals close mega deals. This company offers training and mentorship to B2B SaaS sellers. They aim to help sales professionals navigate and understand the best strategies to secure large deals with potential customers. The Enterprise Sellers focuses on strategies that have been tested and proven to be effective by experienced industry professionals.Outboundless, where Jamal is a co-founder, focuses on helping companies scale their sales operations. By offering services like on-demand sales teams and tailor-made growth plans to suit each client.Social Links Episode Social LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamal-reimer/Company Website: https://www.enterprisesellers.com/https://jamalreimer.com/Company LinkedIn (Enterprise Sellers): https://www.linkedin.com/company/enterprise-sellers/Company LinkedIn (Outboundless): https://www.linkedin.com/company/outboundless/Link to Mega Deal Secrets: https://www.megadealsecretsbook.com/order-587089631679443322419Book recommended by Jamal: https://heathbrothers.com/books/the-power-of-moments/Podcast recommended by Jamal: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-firstConnect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

Alice Heiman reveals critical strategies to ensure your sales team is at peak performance before expanding your team.Connect with Alice HeimanLinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/Alice Blog: https://aliceheiman.com/want-more-sales-hiring-more-salespeople-may-not-be-the-answer/

Chapters01:54 Dave Brock's EntryIntroducing guest Dave Brock, a seasoned sales expert and author, discussing the dynamics of executive involvement in sales.02:07 The CEO's Role in SalesUnderstanding the strategic involvement of CEOs in sales, particularly in early-stage companies.02:46 Current Roles and InsightsDave illustrates his current role advising large companies and the unique challenges of early-stage companies.04:04 The Sustainable Role of CEOsDiscussion on how CEOs should balance their involvement in sales to ensure sustainability and growth.05:22 Leveraging Executive PresenceStrategies on how and when CEOs should intervene in sales processes to leverage their authority and experience.06:57 Opening Doors in SalesAnecdotes on how executive titles can accelerate business development and client engagement.07:45 Transition in CEO InvolvementExploring why CEOs might reduce their direct involvement in sales over time and the importance of empowering sales teams.09:56 Effective Use of Executive InfluenceDave shares how CEOs should be strategically used in sales, not just for authority but for significant business impact.10:01 Anecdote: CEO as a Symbolic PresenceHighlighting a quirky yet strategic use of a CEO's presence in international negotiations.11:29 CEO Missteps in Sales InterventionsA discussion on the potential risks and pitfalls when CEOs overstep in sales situations.16:17 The Importance of Strategic Executive InvolvementUnderlining when and why sales teams should leverage their CEOs, with a focus on access and displaying commitment.19:43 CEO Preparedness and CoordinationInsights into how sales teams should prepare and justify the involvement of senior executives in sales discussions.23:15 Establishing Organizational Support StructuresHow companies should structure executive support to ensure agility and efficacy in sales support.27:06 Long-term Strategic EngagementEncouraging CEOs to engage deeply with sales processes to drive organizational success and growth.44:59 Closing RemarksRecapping the essential points of CEO involvement in sales and the benefits of strategic executive participation.About GuestProvided:  Dave is author of the Sales Manager Survival Guide and the upcoming Sales Executive Survival Guide. He is CEO of Partners In EXCELLENCE, boutique consulting company working with Global 500 technology, industrial product, and professional services company.  He is also a highly sought after coach to CEOs, CROs and other executives. AI: Dave Brock is a seasoned professional with a knack for helping businesses navigate the fast-paced and often complex world of sales. He operates as the CEO of Partners in EXCELLENCE, a consulting firm that aids companies in becoming top performers in their fields. Known for his remarkable ability to analyze data and implement strategies that yield tangible results, Brock is admired by many in the industry. Brock carries with him a rich experience and deep understanding of the corporate environment, which allows him to provide effective solutions to companies struggling to cope with change. His forte lies in simplifying the intricacies of the business world, enabling organizations to seize opportunities and launch effective action plans with ease.About Guest CompanyPartners In EXCELLENCE is a consulting firm renowned for its solutions that help business leaders and sales teams deal with today's intricate and dynamic corporate landscape. Their primary aim is to work closely with their clients, helping them innovate, transform and eventually emerge as leaders in their respective fields. Their team of experts provide invaluable coaching and design customized solutions based on the individual needs of each business. According to testimonials, they have a proven track record in rapid data analysis, isolating distraction from useful information, and in devising strategies that lead to practical results. In a nutshell, Partners In EXCELLENCE equips businesses to manage change effectively and succeed in the ever-evolving world of commerce, ensuring they can excel and outperform their competition.Social Links LinkedIn: (27) David Brock | LinkedInCompany website and blog: Home - Partners in EXCELLENCEemail: dabrock@excellenc.comLink to Dave Brock's book Sales Manager Survival Guide: Book - Partners in EXCELLENCELink to Dave Brock's article that spurred the conversation: https://partnersinexcellenceblog.com/the-ceo-card/Link to book recommended by Dave Brock, Co-intelligence by Ethan Malek; Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI: Mollick, Ethan: 9780593716717: Amazon.com: BooksLink to podcast recommended by Dave Brock: Armchair Expert Armchair ExpertAdam Grant Podcast Podcasts – Adam GrantDave Brock's answer to the question What does every CEO need to know to win in this market?  We need to actually be in the business, working with our people. And I don't mean micromanaging but helping them understand our strategies. Working in the business, actively engaging your people, creates workplaces where people feel challenged and want to work and want to perform. 

Chapters01:06 Guest Introduction01:13 Dakota's Dual Business Model02:39 Origin Story of Dakota03:10 Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur05:06 Early Days and Initial Client Acquisition06:37 Growing the Company and Sales Team Development07:42 Implementing the 'Dakota Way'09:01 CEO's Role in Sales Process10:32 Sales Team Expansion and Developing Leadership12:07 Introducing AI in Sales13:14 Utilizing AI for Enhanced Customer Targeting16:03 Cold Outreach Strategies18:50 Building a Sales Culture Focused on Belief and Persistence20:28 Importance of the Human Element in Sales25:07 Final Insights and Advice for CEOsAbout GuestGui Costin is an entrepreneur and thought leader with a track record of success in the field of sales and marketing. He is the founder and CEO of Dakota, a sales and marketing company specializing in investment services. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Gui possesses an extensive knowledge of the global economy and investment world. Throughout his career, he has successfully launched and managed numerous businesses in the investment space. His expertise lies in sales strategy, business development, market research and product management.About Guest CompanyDakota is an industry leader when it comes to sales and marketing in the investment services sector. The company was established by Gui Costin with a vision to revolutionize investment sales and marketing efforts through technology. Today, Dakota boasts a comprehensive sales platform – Dakota Marketplace, which is the first-ever search engine for investment strategies. The platform connects asset managers with potential investors. Alongside Dakota Marketplace, the company offers various other services like fund placement, investor research, data sync service that help drive revenues of businesses in capital raising.Links Connect with Gui CostinLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guicostin/Company Website: https://www.dakota.com/Gui Costin's book 'Millennials Are Not Aliens' on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Millennials-Are-Not-Aliens-Everything/dp/1946633429Gui Costin's book ‘The Dakota Way': Stay Tuned - Scheduled to be released in February 2025!Dakota's YouTube Channel featuring Gui Costin: https://www.youtube.com/@DakotaLivePodcastBook recommended by Gui : Amazon management systems The Amazon Management System - Ram Charan - Author, CEO AdvisorPodcast recommended by Gui: Chris Lockhead Podcast : Category Pirates (2) Category Pirates

Episode DetailsChapters00:01 Introduction and Importance of Modern Sales Strategies01:40 Understanding and Organizing Sales Opportunities03:16 Differentiating Leads from Opportunities04:47 Tracking and Managing Opportunities06:13 The Funnel vs. The Pipeline07:33 Analyzing Pipeline Health and Sales Quotas09:02 The Significance of Periodic Reviews10:51 Avoiding Common Pipeline Review Mistakes12:24 Conducting Effective Funnel and Deal ReviewsSocial Links Connect with Alice on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Alice's Website: https://aliceheiman.com/

 Chapters01:21 Guest IntroductionIntroduction to guest Jay Aigner, a founder of a QA software testing company, sharing glimpses into starting his business.01:39 Current Company Operations Jay Aigner explains his company's role in alleviating QA bottlenecks and providing quality assurance services to software companies.02:17 Initial Inspiration for Starting a BusinessJay recounts his career journey leading up to entrepreneurship, inspired by personal life challenges and a lack of job opportunities.03:17 Side Gigs Before Entrepreneurship Jay discusses managing multiple consulting gigs while holding a full-time job and how that transitioned into his business.04:02 Transitioning to Full-Time Business The turning point when Jay decided to focus solely on his business, pursuing an opportunity after being laid off.05:02 First Steps in Growing Business Details on how Jay's business acquired its first customers through Upwork and networking in local business groups.06:21 Building a Team Jay describes the initial team-building phase, stating the importance of offloading tasks to focus on growth and leadership.07:34 Addressing Sales Challenges  The struggles and learning curve involved in establishing an effective sales framework and team within the company.08:43 Utilizing AI and Technology Discussing how the company integrates AI for enhanced efficiency while focusing on personalized client interactions.10:11 Sales Strategies and Customer Relationships Insights into maintaining customer relationships and developing targeted sales strategies through localized networking.11:54 Importance of a Structured Sales FrameworkThe critical role of a formal sales framework and accountability in scaling and managing sales efforts effectively.12:40 Strategic Partnership and Lead Generation Jay emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and localized lead generation in scaling the business.14:24 Utilizing, Training, and Implementing AIHow AI is utilized for list building and data analysis, providing a competitive edge in personalized marketing.16:18 Growth Through Strategic PartnershipsJay elaborates on the future growth strategies focused on forming strategic partnerships within the industry.19:31 Value of a Podcast in Business NetworkingJay shares the benefits of running a podcast for networking, brand building, and direct business opportunities.About GuestJay Aigner is the founder and CEO of JDAQA Software Testing, a leading provider of QA solutions for modern software platforms. With over a decade of experience across various software domains, Jay has expertise in development, quality assurance, and product management. He transformed JDAQA from a startup consulting firm into a prominent software testing company operating nationally and internationally. Jay also hosts The First Customer Podcast, interviewing successful software entrepreneurs and leaders. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, astrophotography, flying, skateboarding, and fishing.Social Links Connect with Jay on LinkedIn:(13) Jay Aigner | LinkedInThe First Customer YouTube Channel:The First Customer - YouTubeBooks recommended by Jay: Ecosystem Lead Growth. https://a.co/d/bM2siVqFanatical Prospecting: Fanatical Prospecting - Jeb BlountAlice's Website:https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

Imagine freeing up hours in your day while boosting your team's productivity and engagement. With the right AI tools, that's possible. In this Sales Talk for CEOs episode, Alice Heiman speaks with Gillian Utesch, CEO of Broken Glass Ceiling Marketing, about how AI-driven tools can help your team to streamline marketing, personalize engagement, and tackle sales in a whole new way. Here's what you need to know about AI to enhance your go-to-market strategy without stretching your team to the limit.From Pharmacist to Marketing Innovator: Gillian's JourneyGillian's story starts in a surprising place—a pharmacy. Transitioning from a pharmacist to a marketer, makes sense right? LOL, I think she has a whole book in that story. She started a firm to do traditional marketing and she quickly realized there were a lot of things she didn't want to do. That set her on a path to automate those tasks so she could get them off her plate. She was so successful that she realized that her clients might like to do the same. They wanted to automate the repetitive tasks that often bogged down teams. So she built out the tools so that everyone can use them. Now, her company helps clients minimize time on routine activities, allowing CEOs and their teams to focus on growth. As Gillian puts it, “I didn't build a business around what I loved doing—I built it around what I didn't want to do, so others wouldn't have to either.”Key Insights for CEOs Embracing AI in Marketing and SalesReaching Clients in Multiple Time ZonesAfter COVID, work styles and locations became more dispersed, with clients now spread across global time zones. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to communication, AI can help you identify ideal times for outreach, increasing the likelihood of engagement without adding work to your team's plate.Cutting Through the Noise with Personalized CommunicationEmail inboxes are overflowing, making it harder than ever to connect meaningfully with customers. AI can analyze your audience's preferences, enabling your team to deliver highly relevant content that resonates. Rather than sending blanket emails, think about messages that address your clients' specific industries and needs.Engagement Over Posts: Building Authentic Connections on LinkedInPosting on LinkedIn isn't enough. True engagement happens through interaction, which is often time-consuming. AI tools can handle initial connections and automate responses in line with your brand voice, freeing you to jump into conversations when they matter most.Action Steps for CEOs to Implement AI EfficientlyAssess and Integrate AI Tools with PurposeDetermine which tasks are ripe for automation—think of repetitive, high-volume activities like initial outreach or follow-ups. Tools like xiQ allow for deep research and message personalization, helping your team engage meaningfully without sacrificing time.Build Authenticity into AutomationAI tools should support authentic connection. Personalization doesn't just mean using a contact's first name; it's about showing real knowledge of their challenges. Setting up guidelines for your team can ensure AI outputs reflect your brand and bring value to every interaction.Scale Strategically Without Losing Personal TouchAs your reach expands, so does the need for genuine, tailored responses. AI can assist in automating responses that sound natural and caring, allowing your team to handle larger volumes without compromising quality.Leveraging AI to Free Up Time and Maximize ImpactThe real value of AI for CEOs isn't just about saving time; it's about allowing you and your team to focus on what matters most—building relationships, strategizing for growth, and driving impactful outcomes. As Alice Heiman notes, “AI is here to stay, and those who embrace it will outpace those who don't.”For more on how to apply AI to your business and improve your sales and marketing strategy, tune into the full episode of Sales Talk for CEOs with Alice Heiman.Episode DetailsChapters00:00 Introduction01:27 Guest Introduction02:33 From Pharmacy to Marketing03:17 Business Challenges and Innovations04:25 Application of Pharmacist Skills in Marketing06:10 Changing Workspaces and Marketing Strategies07:59 Adapting to Global Clientele10:02 Evolution of Communication and Marketing Tools11:50 Customization and Personalization in Marketing13:57 Leveraging AI for Efficient Marketing17:01 The Impact of AI-Driven Tools on Business Growth19:45 Automating Interactions and Engagement23:13 The Crucial Role of CEO in Marketing26:24 Efficacy of AI in Crafting Genuine Engagement32:09 Summation and Special Advice for CEOs39:27 ConclusionAbout GuestI come from the ‘lost and found' marketer bin. At the fourth-grade career fair I didn't choose Marketing as my field, life chose it for me. Twenty years later (at 29 years-old!) I still love chasing new ideas and reinventing better, smarter, cooler ways to do old things. I live in Raleigh, NC with my little family and 2 silly dogs. I wanted to connect with you about your podcast because as an entrepreneur I was stressed and overwhelmed leading my own company. So in a moment of desperation, I pulled pieces from my creative and technocrat background to create an envelope-pushing proposition: harness artificial intelligence to revolutionize how businesses go-to-market in a human way. I truly had to figure it out, or my business wasn't going to survive. I needed to design a way to blend the analytical power of AI with the resonant touch of human storytelling. Storytelling is the secret sauce of marketing success. People want to be seen, heard and connected with in a genuine way, but how do you scale that? That single question drove me to design, iterate, break and rebuild until I had created a brand, agency and platform that wasn't just a business but a manifesto: a marketing renaissance where technology amplifies creativity, and every strategy remains a personalized narrative. I'm trying to dispel any fears folks may have about using AI in their lives + business. AI is just the instrument; the human heart remains the composer.About Guest CompanyIn a digital age craving innovation, our visionary Founder and SheEO pulled pieces from her creative and technocrat background to create an envelope-pushing proposition: **harness artificial intelligence to revolutionize how businesses go-to-market in a human way**. Broken Glass Ceiling Marketing was born from this dichotomy, and was welcomed into the world with skepticism as we drove to blend the analytical power of AI with the resonant touch of **human storytelling.** Storytelling is the secret sauce of marketing success. People want to be seen, heard and connected with in a genuine way, but how do you scale that? That **single question** drove us to design, iterated, break and rebuild until we had created a brand, agency and platform that wasn't just a business but a manifesto: **a marketing renaissance where technology amplifies creativity, and every strategy remains a personalized narrative.**Social Links Gillian's Website: brokenglassceilingmarketing.comFollow Gillian's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/brokenglassceilingmarketingConnect with Gillian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gumoney/Connect with Gillian's company page on LI https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-glass-ceiling-marketing/Alice's Website:https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

Imagine your sales team leveraging tools that analyze data, predict trends, and create personalized messages in real-time. This isn't some futuristic fantasy—it's happening now in today's AI-driven sales landscape. As Alice Heiman puts it, “Salespeople who don't use AI will be replaced by those who do.”In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice explores how AI can reshape your go-to-market (GTM) strategy. Let's dive into the key takeaways and action steps every CEO should consider.AI's Impact on Customer Success and MarketingBefore tackling sales, let's look at how AI is already transforming customer success and marketing. AI enhances customer interactions by delivering fast, accurate responses, personalizing communication, and even predicting customer needs.In marketing, AI tools handle content creation, manage social media, and even assist with graphic design. This ensures consistent messaging and saves your team countless hours.Sales and AI: Navigating the New FrontierIntegrating AI into sales feels like stepping into uncharted territory. There's enormous potential, but also new challenges. Some CEOs worry AI might dilute their brand's voice or leak sensitive data. The truth? When used properly, AI is a game-changer.Action Steps for CEOs: Implementing AI in SalesEstablish Clear Guidelines: Set rules on AI use to protect data security. Make sure your team knows the risks of free AI tools and has clear directives on approved software.Train Your Sales Leaders: Train sales leaders on AI policies and tool usage. Then, empower them to educate their teams so AI becomes a strategic advantage, not a point of confusion.Use AI for Research and Personalization: Tools like xIQ offer valuable insights into prospects, help with SWOT analyses, and tailor messaging based on personality types. Your team can use this information to connect on a deeper level.Craft AI-Powered Emails and Messages: AI can help create engaging, personalized emails. However, always review and refine the content to ensure it's accurate and fits your brand's tone.Develop Sales Strategies Using AI:AI can analyze account data, spot new opportunities, and suggest next steps. This helps your team make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.Stay Competitive by Embracing AIAI is rapidly changing how sales teams operate. By integrating it into your GTM strategy, you can improve efficiency, boost customer engagement, and drive more revenue. As Alice Heiman says, “AI is here; it's doing great things. We need to use it, but we need to be smart.”Ready to learn more about using AI in your sales strategy? Tune in to the full episode of Sales Talk for CEOs with Alice Heiman for a deeper dive.Chapters00:02 Introduction to AI in Sales01:51 Establishing AI Guidelines and Policies03:25 AI in Customer Success and Marketing06:22 Addressing Fears and Misconceptions About AI in Sales08:53 Training and Implementing AI for Sales Teams10:06 AI Tools for Sales Coaching11:28 AI for Sales Research and Prospecting14:16 AI for Crafting Effective Sales Communication17:05 AI for Developing Sales Strategies20:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

Imagine if the key to faster growth and deeper connections was something as simple as being yourself—authentically. In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Erin Hatzikostas reveals how authenticity, when used intentionally, becomes a powerful tool for CEOs to lead with confidence, build trust, and create a lasting impact in their organizations.Key Insights from the Episode:1. Authenticity is a Strategic AdvantageErin Hatzikostas makes a bold claim: authenticity isn't about just "being yourself"—it's a strategic tool for leadership and business success. She defines authenticity as being genuine, original, and authoritative. By focusing on these traits, leaders can create trust and connection, both internally and externally. Erin explains that many leaders mistakenly believe they are already authentic, but true authenticity is more nuanced and requires intentionality.“Authenticity isn't about you; it's about showing up for others. It's an absolute fast pass to connection, trust, and differentiation,” Erin explains.2. The Myth of "Being Yourself"Erin debunks the common belief that authenticity simply means being yourself. Instead, she explains that authenticity must be in service to others, meaning it's about how you show up for your team, your customers, and your partners in unexpected ways. It's about being genuine in moments where people least expect it, and knowing that being transparent doesn't always mean oversharing.“It's not how you act in a room with your direct staff—that's easy. The real challenge is showing up authentically in high-stakes situations, like board meetings or client interactions,” Erin points out.3. Authenticity in Action: Where It Matters MostFor CEOs, the opportunities to be authentic go beyond one-on-one conversations with direct reports. Erin emphasizes that the real challenge lies in high-stakes settings—like board meetings, client interactions, and public communications. It's in these moments where authentic leadership can truly shine and create a lasting impact.Erin explains, “CEOs need to focus on what's needed, not what's normal. If you're delivering a message and it isn't genuine and authoritative, you're not going to keep people's attention."4. The 50% Rule: Innovate Your Way to SuccessErin shares a practical strategy she calls the "50% Rule," which allows leaders to break free from traditional playbooks. Instead of trying to follow every best practice, CEOs should adapt by taking what works and infusing their own originality. By doing this, leaders can create something that is both innovative and authentic to who they are and what their company stands for.5. Reducing the Zero Moments of TruthErin introduces the concept of "zero moments of truth," explaining how CEOs can reduce the time it takes for potential clients to know, like, and trust them. Building authentic connections early through thought leadership and strategic content allows CEOs to build relationships faster and more effectively. Erin encourages leaders to reduce these zero moments through consistent and authentic interactions, both online and offline.Action Steps for CEOs:Start with Authenticity: Make a conscious effort to show up genuinely in high-stakes settings. Authenticity can be your differentiator.Apply the 50% Rule: Don't feel pressured to follow every rule. Take what works, discard what doesn't, and add your own unique spin.Create Trust through Consistency: Whether it's online content, meetings, or public communication, reduce the zero moments of truth by showing up authentically and consistently.Final Thought:In today's competitive market, authenticity is more than just a personal trait—it's a powerful strategy for success. Erin Hatzikostas shows us that by being genuine, original, and authoritative, CEOs can not only build trust but also differentiate themselves and their companies.Listen to the full episode with Erin Hatzikostas to learn more about how you can use authenticity to transform your business.Chapters00:48 - Introducing Erin Hatzikostas - Erin Hatzikostas is introduced as the guest, with a teaser about the power of authenticity as a strategic advantage.01:42 - Defining Authenticity - Erin begins to explain what authenticity truly means and how it differs from common misconceptions.02:08 - Authenticity as a Strategic Advantage - Discussion on how authenticity can set companies apart in a business world where inauthenticity is the norm.03:30 - The Misconception of Easy Authenticity - Erin challenges the notion that authenticity is a given and explains its complexity.04:13 - The True Meaning of Authenticity - Authenticity is defined through the Greek root as being genuine, original, and authoritative.06:00 - Authenticity in Unexpected Places - The importance of displaying authenticity in places like board meetings and public appearances.08:30 - Genuine, Original, and Authoritative Messaging - How these three elements should guide communication, especially in crises.10:33 - Zero Moments of Truth - Introduction of the concept of reducing zero moments of truth to build trust more efficiently.14:46 - Content Creation and Cold Outreach - How CEOs can leverage content creation and cold outreach to reduce zero moments of truth.16:25 - The 50% Rule - Erin introduces the 50% rule, which encourages leaders to adopt half of established guidelines while bringing their unique approach to the other half.18:23 - Applying the 50% Rule - Examples of how the 50% rule has been successfully applied in various fields, from Broadway to business development.22:47 - Juxtaposition for Impact - The power of combining traditional methods with unexpected elements to create memorable and impactful results.26:20 - The Humans Framework - Erin introduces her "Humans" framework, which includes humility, unexpectedness, modeling, adapting, narrating, and sparking.28:19 - Final Thoughts and Resources - Erin shares final thoughts on using authenticity as a strategic advantage and recommends books, podcasts, and how to connect with her.About GuestErin is the best-selling author of You Do You(ish), a TEDx and keynote speaker, coach-sultant, and the co-host of an offbeat career and leadership podcast, b Cause with Erin & Nicole.Erin's talks have reached hundreds of thousands of people and her thought leadership has been featured on ABC, CBS and published in Business Insider, Fast Company, Well+Good, among several others. ​Erin spent her career “first half” working at a Fortune 50 company, where at the age of 42, she became the CEO of their $2bn AUM subsidiary company, PayFlex. In just three years, she took a struggling company and turned it around, tripling earnings and sending employee engagement skyrocketing. Her secret? Radical authenticity.​Erin holds a BBA in Statistics from Western Michigan University and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Connecticut. She is married to her husband, Manny, who she met while stumbling through (and failing) an early career in the Actuarial field. Erin and Manny have two highly authentic children - Ella (16) and Mick (13). In Erin's free time you can find her coaching basketball, running, skiing, drinking wine in her fat pants, or dancing wherever you're not supposed to dance.Social Links Connect with Erin on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-hatzikostas/Check out Erin's website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/b-authentic-inc/Check out Erin's books: The 50% Rule I Sassy Self-Help & Business Innovation Book | Erin Hatzikostas (the50percentrule.com)Amazon.com: You Do You(ish): Unleash Your Authentic Superpowers to Get the Career You Deserve eBook : Hatzikostas, Erin: Kindle StoreCheck out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

What does it take to build a company from the ground up and lead it to success for 16 years? For Vineet Jain, CEO and founder of Egnyte, the answer is a relentless focus on product excellence and customer satisfaction. In a recent episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Vineet shared how these principles helped him grow Egnyte into a leading cloud-based content collaboration and governance platform, serving over 23,000 customers.Key Insights from Vineet Jain:Product First, Always Vineet credits Egnyte's success to being a product-centric company. By developing a solution that offers a seamless, turnkey experience for mid-market companies, Egnyte solves the critical challenges of content security and collaboration without complicating user workflows.“Our superpower is the product,” Vineet said. “It's easy to manage, saves time, and reduces costs, which is exactly what mid-market customers need.”Customer Satisfaction Over Revenue From day one, Vineet instilled a culture that prioritizes customer happiness over quick revenue gains. He believes that happy customers are the foundation of long-term success, and he's made Net Promoter Scores (NPS) a key metric for success at Egnyte. “A happy customer is more important to me than revenue targets,” he explained. “Without happy customers, the rest won't matter.”Selling with Integrity Jain's approach to sales is simple: don't oversell, and don't treat customers like a quick win. His sales strategy focuses on building trust and long-term relationships, ensuring that customers feel valued well beyond the initial sale. “Integrity matters in sales. It's not about short-term wins but about building relationships that last,” Vineet shared.The Power of Inside SalesEarly on, Jain recognized that the best way to scale Egnyte was by building an inside sales team focused on mid-market customers. This strategy allowed them to efficiently acquire customers while maintaining a personalized approach.“Our inside sales model gave us the ability to scale while keeping acquisition costs low and sales cycles short,” said Vineet.Action Steps for CEOs:Prioritize Product Excellence: Build a solution that truly solves customer problems.Focus on Customer Success: Make customer satisfaction your number one metric.Maintain Integrity in Sales: Build long-term trust with your customers.Leverage Inside Sales: For mid-market companies, inside sales can be more efficient and cost-effective.Vineet Jain's journey with Egnyte highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters: a great product, happy customers, and long-term success. For more insights, listen to the full episode below.Chapters01:11 - What Ignite Does - Vineet explains that Ignite provides a cloud-based content collaboration and security platform, targeting mid-market companies.02:33 - Solving Mid-Market Challenges - Discussion on how Ignite offers a turnkey solution for content management and security, addressing the unique needs of mid-market companies.04:53 - The Genesis of Ignite - Vineet shares the origins of Ignite, including the transition from their previous company and the early development of the product.06:57 - The Early Days of Cloud Computing - Insight into how Ignite started as an "on-demand file server" and evolved as the concept of cloud computing emerged.07:37 - Product-Centric Culture - Vineet discusses Ignite's strong focus on building a robust product before going to market, a practice rooted in their engineering background.08:52 - Early Customer Acquisition - The strategy behind Ignite's initial customer acquisition, relying heavily on search engine marketing and the importance of product-market fit.11:20 - Identifying Target Industries - How Ignite organically identified its primary industries—AEC, financial services, life sciences, and media—and adapted the product to serve them better.14:05 - Scaling Sales with Inside Sales - The decision to build an inside sales team early on, focusing on mid-market clients to optimize sales efficiency.15:19 - Inside Sales Strategy - A closer look at how Ignite's inside sales team is structured, including geographic territories and industry-specific reps.17:40 - Combining Direct and Channel Sales - Vineet explains the importance of blending direct and channel sales to drive growth, with a significant investment in channel partnerships.20:43 - The Role of Channel Partners - The shift in channel partner dynamics, particularly from a perpetual license model to a subscription-based model.22:53 - Vineet's Role in Sales as CEO - As CEO, Vineet focuses on relationship management and strategic involvement in key customer interactions, particularly with larger accounts.About GuestVineet Jain is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder of Egnyte, a leading cloud-based collaboration and governance platform. An entrepreneur at heart, prior to Egnyte, Vineet founded Valdero, a supply chain solution provider that received funding from leading investors like KPCB, MDV, etc. Under Vineet's leadership, Egnyte has grown exponentially, serving more than 22,000 customers globally and having 1,000+ employees worldwide. Vineet started his career at Boots Plc in the United Kingdom and has also worked in various senior-level positions at Bechtel Corporation and KPMG in Silicon Valley. He holds a bachelor's of science in engineering from Delhi College of Engineering and a master's in business administration (MBA) from Santa Clara University.   Social Links Connect with Vineet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineetkjain/Connect with Vineet on Twitter: (1) Vineet Jain (@CloudNotEnough) / XCheck out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

Accurate sales forecasting is critical for sustainable growth, with companies that effectively forecast being 10% more likely to increase their revenue year-over-year. Yet, many CEOs struggle with this crucial aspect of their business. If accurate forecasting remains a challenge, it may be time to examine the health of the sales funnel.In a recent episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice sat down with Hamish Knox, a renowned sales consultant and Sandler trainer, to explore why understanding and properly managing the sales funnel is vital for any CEO. Hamish, known for his expertise in creating scalable, repeatable sales engines, shared insights on how CEOs can optimize their funnels to drive growth.Key Insights:Funnel vs. Pipeline: Hamish emphasizes the importance of viewing the sales process as a funnel rather than a pipeline. This approach provides a clearer picture of potential bottlenecks and ensures a healthy flow of opportunities.Ideal Client Profile (ICP): A funnel filled with prospects who don't match your ICP can drain resources and lower win rates. Ensuring alignment on ICP across your sales and marketing teams is essential.Qualifying Leads: Jumping to demos too early can lead to wasted effort. Sales teams should focus on gathering information to ensure leads are genuinely qualified before moving them through the funnel.Maintaining Funnel Health: A bloated funnel, with too many opportunities stuck in the middle, can signal inefficiencies. Regular reviews and a focus on mutual next steps help keep the funnel flowing smoothly.Understanding the Sales Funnel vs. PipelineHamish Knox advocates for the funnel over the pipeline analogy in managing sales processes. While pipelines suggest a linear progression of leads, a funnel better captures the filtering process necessary to identify the most promising opportunities. As discussed previously, the buyer's journey can also be visualized as a bow tie, extending beyond the initial purchase."A glance at the funnel can tell you what's gone wrong, what's happening, and whether the funnel is healthy," says Hamish. This visualization helps CEOs and sales leaders quickly identify issues, such as a funnel clogged with unqualified leads or one that's too narrow at the top, signaling insufficient lead generation.Filling the Funnel with Quality LeadsThe foundation of a healthy funnel is a steady flow of ideal customer profile (ICP) leads. Hamish notes that one of the biggest challenges companies face is ensuring that only high-quality leads enter the funnel. "Anybody and everybody is not an ICP," he stresses, underscoring the need for strict adherence to the ICP criteria.Misalignment between sales and marketing can often lead to a funnel filled with less-than-ideal prospects. CEOs should ensure that both teams are synchronized in their understanding of the ICP and work together to attract and nurture these high-value leads.Qualifying Leads: The Right WayProperly qualifying leads is crucial for maintaining funnel efficiency. Jumping straight to demos without understanding the lead's needs can result in missed opportunities or wasted resources. "Sellers get paid on the information gathered, not the information given," Hamish reminds us. Effective qualification means thoroughly understanding the lead's requirements before moving them forward.This disciplined approach prevents the funnel from becoming bloated with unqualified opportunities, which can distort forecasting and lead to frustration within the sales team.Avoiding the Bloated FunnelA common issue in many sales organizations is the "bloated funnel"—a situation where too many opportunities get stuck in the middle stages of the funnel. Hamish advises that if there isn't a mutually agreed-upon next step within 45 calendar days, the opportunity should be re-evaluated or even discarded. "This helps maintain a healthy funnel and ensures that salespeople focus on genuine opportunities," says Hamish.Regular funnel reviews, focused on next actions and mutual agreements, are key to keeping the funnel flowing and ensuring that opportunities are progressing as they should.Action Steps for CEOs:Audit Your Funnel: Regularly review your sales funnel to ensure it's filled with ICP-aligned leads and has a healthy flow from top to bottom.Align Sales and Marketing: Ensure that your sales and marketing teams are working from the same playbook when it comes to defining and targeting the ICP.Enforce Qualification Rigor: Train your sales leaders to enforce strict qualification criteria to prevent unqualified leads from clogging the funnel.Implement Regular Funnel Reviews: Establish a routine for funnel reviews, focusing on opportunities that are stuck and need attention.Leverage Data for Forecasting: Use insights from your funnel reviews to improve your sales forecasting accuracy, which in turn will drive sustainable growth.By understanding and optimizing the sales funnel, CEOs can significantly improve their ability to forecast accurately, leading to more predictable and sustainable business growth.Ready to transform your sales forecasting? Tune in to the latest episode of Sales Talk for CEOs with Hamish Knox for expert insights on optimizing your sales funnel and driving sustainable growth. Hamish's expertise in sales leadership and funnel management provides valuable insights for any CEO looking to improve their sales process.Episode DetailsChapters00:00 Introduction - Welcome to the sales focus and the essence of sustainable growth.01:45 Hamish Knox Introduction - Alice introduces sales consultant and Full Funnel Freedom podcast host Hamish Knox.02:16 Hamish's Expertise - A brief on what Hamish offers CEOs for sustainable sales growth.03:48 Sandler Method and Sales Methodologies - Discussing the Sandler sales technique and the importance of sticking with a single methodology.06:21 Ideal Client Profile - Emphasizing the necessity for a clear ICP and its significance in forecasting.08:07 Proactive Prospecting Activities - How proper check-ins and prospective activities can maintain funnel health.10:57 Ensuring Top Funnel Quality - Strategies for filling the top of the funnel with quality leads.13:26 Using Events for Lead Generation - Leveraging trade shows and events to garner ideal customer leads.17:28 Networking Events Strategy - Tips for salespeople to maximize their impact at networking events.20:17 Email and Cold Outreach - Discussing effective outbound campaigns and contact marketing techniques for today.22:42 Leveraging Referrals - Utilizing customer referrals as an overlooked yet potent top-of-funnel resource.27:41 Now Open the Opportunity - Turning qualified leads into concrete opportunities.30:21 Keeping the Funnel Moving - Avoiding funnel congestion and enforcing next steps for ongoing sales momentum.33:23 The Funnel Shape Diagnostic - Recognizing and addressing problematic funnel shapes for accurate forecasting.37:20 Final Takeaways and Farewell - Closing thoughts and how to find more from Hamish Knox.About GuestPresident of Sandler in CalgaryA member of the global Sandler network, Hamish supports private organizations in Southern Alberta to create and maintain a scalable, repeatable, consistent sales engines and an engaged, motivated team by holding them accountable to implementing the structures, systems and processes shared in our sessions.Social Media Linkshttps://linktr.ee/sandleryychttps://twitter.com/sandlerinyychttps://www.linkedin.com/company/sandlerincalgary/https://www.instagram.com/sandler_yyc/https://www.facebook.com/sandlerincalgary/Connect with Hamish on LinkedIn: (11) Hamish Knox | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/Podcast:Listen to Alice's appearance on the Full Funnel Freedom Podcast: When to Call in the CEO (fullfunnelfreedom.com)Books:Accountability - https://www.hamish.sandler.com/resources/sandler-books/accountabilityChange - https://www.hamish.sandler.com/resources/sandler-books/change

One question is on the minds of many CEOs: What exactly should sales leaders be doing to ensure their teams are performing at their peak? The answer, while multifaceted, revolves around a critical shift in focus—prioritizing customer experience and empowering sales teams to excel.Shifting Focus: From Internal Metrics to Customer ExperienceTraditionally, sales leadership has often been about hitting targets, managing internal metrics, and ensuring the sales funnel is full. However, the modern approach demands a pivot. The primary role of sales leaders today is to ensure that salespeople are equipped to provide an exceptional customer experience. This customer-centric focus is not just about closing deals; it's about making it easier to be your customer and harder to be your competitor.“Sales leaders need to ask every day, what are we doing to make it easier to be our customer? That means we're providing a great customer experience from hello to 'I'm your loyal customer,'” says Alice Heiman.Empowering Sales Teams: The Role of LeadershipSales leaders are the backbone of the sales team. They are not only responsible for managing their teams but also for inspiring, coaching, and developing them. The challenge lies in balancing the day-to-day management tasks with the need to spend quality time coaching and strategizing with their sellers. The reality is that sales leaders should be spending 80% of their time coaching salespeople to close business effectively.This involves a variety of activities:Strategic Account Management: Sales leaders must be deeply involved in developing account strategies, ensuring the right resources are allocated, and that senior leadership is engaged when needed.Continuous Development: Sales leaders must assess the strengths and weaknesses of their team members and create development plans that include ongoing learning. This could involve reading industry-specific literature, attending webinars, or even engaging in peer learning.Effective Deal Coaching: With many deals stalling or ending in no decision, sales leaders need to provide thorough deal coaching, helping salespeople map out strategies, understand customer pain points, and navigate the complexities of the sales process.Managing the Managers: Who Coaches the Sales Leaders?One of the critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of a sales leader's role is their own development. Who is coaching the coaches? CEOs must ensure that their sales leaders are receiving the guidance and development they need to continue growing. This could mean bringing in external coaches, providing access to leadership training, or fostering a culture of continuous learning within the organization.Final Thoughts: A Call to Action for CEOsIf you're a CEO wondering whether your sales leaders are equipped to lead a peak-performing team, it might be time to reassess. Shadow your sales leaders, understand their daily activities, and ensure that they are not bogged down by non-essential tasks that detract from their ability to coach and lead their teams. By focusing on the development of your sales leaders, you're not only improving their performance but also driving the overall success of your sales team and, ultimately, your company.If you want to discuss improving sales leadership in your organization, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to chat and offer insights tailored to your needs.“The job of a sales leader, all of them, no matter what their title, is to ensure that salespeople can do their job and that customers have a great experience.”Episode DetailsChapters00:02 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:43 Role of Sales Leaders and Customer Experience05:18 Communicating Needs to Leadership and Building Foundations08:02 Daily Activities of Sales Managers11:03 Strategic Planning and Senior Leadership Involvement13:50 Ongoing Development and Deal Coaching15:18 Pipeline Management and Effective Reviews18:02 Development and Coaching for Sales Leaders20:18 Conclusion and Call to ActionSocial Links Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/ 

How can CEOs consistently hire top-tier sales talent? Kristie Jones, a sales leadership expert with over 20 years of experience, shares her strategies for attracting, hiring, and onboarding the best sales professionals in the latest episode of Sales Talk for CEOs. Kristie dives into the hiring process, the importance of structured onboarding, and ensuring long-term success for your sales team.Creating an Ideal Candidate ProfileKristie emphasizes creating an ideal candidate profile over a generic job description. “We need to start by building out an ideal candidate profile, just like we would build out an ideal customer profile,” Kristie explains. This involves analyzing the traits of past successful hires and defining the necessary skills and experience.Your Blueprint to Hiring Effectively:Kristie shares her approach to sourcing and screening candidates, ensuring a smooth and efficient hiring process:Effective Candidate Sourcing: Kristie promotes job postings on LinkedIn, uses paid LinkedIn ads, and leverages Slack channels. “I ask my client to post it on their company page on LinkedIn and promote it,” she says. This multi-channel strategy helps gather a substantial number of qualified applicants.Streamlined Screening Process: The initial screening process is critical to filter out unsuitable candidates. Kristie's assistant conducts phone screens to ask about compensation structure, contributions to past organizations, and reasons for leaving previous jobs. They each get a grade. “If they're a nine or ten, they move forward,” Kristie explains.Behavioral-Based Interviews and Assessments: Candidates undergo a formal interview and an assessment to validate their skills. “We do an assessment review,” Kristie says, involving the prospective manager in the process. This helps ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the role and the company culture.The Verbal Offer Before extending a written offer, Kristie makes a verbal offer and tells them that once the written offer is received it requires a decision within 24 hours. This ensures candidates are committed and ready to join the team promptly.Smooth Onboarding ProcessKristie highlights the importance of an effective onboarding process. “I stay on and support the first two weeks of the onboarding process,” she says. A structured onboarding plan is essential to ensure new hires receive the necessary support and start contributing quickly.Action Steps for CEOs:Develop an Ideal Candidate Profile: Define traits of your best sales performers to guide your hiring process.Leverage Multiple Sourcing Channels: Promote job openings widely to gather a substantial number of qualified applicants.Implement a Structured Screening Process: Use consistent, competency-based interviews and assessments to filter candidates.Ensure Effective Onboarding: Develop a detailed onboarding plan to support new hires and integrate them into the team quickly.Kristie Jones' insights provide a clear roadmap for CEOs and sales leaders looking to build a high-performing sales team. Her experience underscores the importance of a structured hiring process and a supportive onboarding program. To gain deeper insights into Kristie's strategies and how they can transform your hiring process, listen to the full episode below. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established CEO, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration for building your dream sales team.Episode DetailsChapters03:25 Initial Steps in the Hiring Process04:56 Building Ideal Candidate Profiles06:46 Gender Decoder for Job Descriptions09:29 Promoting Job Openings Strategically12:38 Handling Large Numbers of Applications14:50 Initial Screening Process18:16 Behavioral-Based Interview Questions23:11 Assessment Stage31:22 Assessment Review and Manager Conversation34:07 Candidate Engagement36:53 High-Level Executive Interview37:38 Verbal and Written Offer39:37 Onboarding ProcessAbout GuestKristie Jones Principal – Kristiejones.comKristie, author of “Selling Your Way IN”, is a speaker, coach, and sales process consultant. Companies hire Kristie to elevate their sales organization because most sales leaders and professionals are discouraged and frustrated about anemic pipelines, low close rates and missed targets.Kristie's willingness to get her hands dirty and her “take no prisoners” approach when helping companies drive more revenue from their Sales and Customer Success teamsis what makes her so valuable to her clients. Her mission is helping companies find top talent as well as creating a sales accountability culture to ensure revenue growth.Kristie is passionate about coaching sales teams to leverage their superpowers to reach their full potential, and she wants representatives and sales leaders to identify and embody the practices and characteristics of Top Ten Percent achievers.Social Links Connect with Kristie on LinkedIn: (16) Kristie K. Jones | LinkedInCheck out Kristie on YouTube: Kristie Jones - YouTubeFollow Kristie on Instagram: Kristie Jones (@kristiejones.sales) • Instagram photos and videosCheck out Alice's website: Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOsConnect with Alice on LinkedIn: (16) Alice Heiman | LinkedIn

What if the key to your company's success lay hidden in a challenge you're currently facing? David Dulany's journey from sales frustration to creating a thriving business is a testament to this idea.In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice Heiman speaks with David Dulany, founder of Tenbound, about his transition from working at Achieve Global to founding a company focused on sales technology tools. David shares insights on pivoting his business, building a robust sales team, and the importance of niching down to meet market demands.Here's what you'll discover:David's journey from sales training to founding Tenbound.The significance of pivoting and niching in business.Challenges and strategies in building an effective sales team.Insights into the evolving landscape of sales technology.David's advice for CEOs on continuous learning and adaptation.Finding a Niche in Sales TechnologyDavid Dulany, founder of Tenbound, didn't start his career with a clear path to entrepreneurship. Initially working at Achieve Global, a sales and leadership training company, David always had a passion for the tech industry. "I got my foot in the door at Glassdoor when they first started, and we built up the SDR team there," David recalls. His experience at Glassdoor paved the way for his eventual leap into entrepreneurship.The Accidental EntrepreneurDavid describes his entry into entrepreneurship as accidental. "I was between jobs and a friend needed help with his SDR program," he says. This opportunity led to his first client and the birth of Tenbound. David's story is a testament to seizing opportunities as they come and being open to new paths. "I was really interested in the predictable revenue model, and a lot of things converged at the same time," he notes.Building TenboundTenbound initially focused on consulting and training services for SDR teams. "We started doing playbooks, training, and consulting with different companies," David explains. The company's growth was largely driven by word of mouth and referrals. "People I had worked with in the past reached out, and that became a source of business," he says.Pivoting to Sales TechnologyThe major pivot for Tenbound came with the realization of the growing demand for sales technology tools. "Everybody wanted to talk about the tools," David observes. This led to the creation of a comprehensive database of over 2,000 sales technology tools on Tenbound's website. "We've compiled this database where you can research and look into the best solutions for your sales problems," he explains.Overcoming Challenges in HiringHiring the right salespeople was a significant challenge for David. "One person can make such a huge difference to your company," he emphasizes. David's approach involved a lot of trial and error, but ultimately, he found success by hiring individuals with a proven track record in sales.Action Steps for CEOsEmbrace Flexibility: Be open to pivoting your business model based on market demands.Invest in People: Hiring the right talent can make a significant impact on your company's success.Leverage Technology: Utilize sales technology tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.Build a Community: Foster strong relationships with clients and industry peers to create a robust referral network.David Dulany's journey with Tenbound highlights the importance of adaptability, leveraging technology, and the power of community in building a successful business. To learn more about his strategies and insights, watch the full episode of Sales Talk for CEOs below.Episode DetailsChapters00:52 David's Early Career and Foundational Experience01:59 Introduction to Ten Bound and Its Current Focus 02:54 David's Career Ride and Transition to Ten Bound06:03 Becoming an Accidental Entrepreneur07:54 Initial Hiring and Overcoming Early Challenges09:12 Strategies in Growing Ten Bound12:27 Sources of Early Business and Role of Referrals16:07 Launching Sales Development Conferences17:39 Realizing the Shift Towards Sales Technology19:56 Coping with Industry Shifts and Economic Changes22:47 Building the Market Map and Creating the Directory25:23 Interaction with Competitors and Future Plans29:05 Monetization and Customer Engagement30:53 Sales Strategy and Future Events32:59 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways About GuestDavid Dulany is Founder and CEO of Tenbound, a research and advisory firm focused on the Sales Technology industry. Tenbound.com lists over 2500 Sales Technology products and services and offers guidance on the best Sales Tech available.Social Links (39) Tenbound: Posts | LinkedIn(39) David Dulany | LinkedInMain List Signup (tenboundplus.com)Tenbound - YouTubeTenbound | FacebookTenbound (@Tenbound) / XTenbound (@tenbound) • Instagram photos and videosPodcast Supporter Club The Sales Development Podcast (spreaker.com)Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

In an era where technology evolves at lightning speed, having the right team in place is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. CEOs today face the critical task of ensuring their organizations are equipped for sustained growth and success. Matthew Toth, CEO of C3 Technology Advisors, shares valuable insights from his 15-year journey in building a successful technology consulting firm. Here's what he's learned about hiring, training, and retaining top talent.Building a Foundation for SuccessMatthew emphasizes the importance of laying a solid foundation for business success. "Sales is a lagging indicator of just doing the right things," he says. "If you build the right culture, bring on the right people, and have a good strategy, the numbers will follow." He believes that focusing on long-term goals and creating a strong company culture are essential steps toward sustainable growth.Effective Hiring StrategiesWhen Matthew decided to start his own business, he knew he needed to hire the right people to grow. His approach to hiring involved planting seeds early. "I started seeding my network with, 'When this thing works out, I'm going to come for you one day,'" he shares. This proactive strategy allowed him to build a pipeline of potential hires who were already familiar with his vision and values.Matthew's first hire was someone he saw as a perfect fit for his company culture. Despite the initial challenges, he trained this employee by giving him numerous opportunities to engage in real-world sales activities. "I just decided I'm going to go grind this thing out," Matthew recalls. His emphasis on practical experience and on-the-job training helped his first hire become a successful leader within the company.Training and DevelopmentTraining new hires can be challenging, especially without a formal process in place. Matthew's solution was to provide hands-on training through real-world experiences. By involving new employees in client interactions and sales processes, he ensured they gained practical skills and knowledge. "There's no training manual when you hire your first employee," he admits. "But giving them as many at-bats as possible was a great way to learn."Retaining Top TalentRetaining top talent is crucial for long-term success. Matthew believes that treating employees well and investing in their development is key. "I measure my success by year-over-year retention of extraordinary people," he says. By creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment, he has been able to maintain a high level of employee satisfaction and performance.Action Steps for CEOsBuild a Strong Foundation: Focus on creating a positive company culture, hiring the right people, and developing a clear strategy.Proactive Hiring: Continuously build a pipeline of potential hires by networking and keeping in touch with talented individuals.Hands-On Training: Provide new hires with practical experiences and real-world opportunities to develop their skills.Invest in Retention: Treat employees well, invest in their development, and create a supportive work environment to retain top talent.Matthew Toth's journey from a solo entrepreneur to the CEO of a successful technology consulting firm offers valuable lessons for any leader. His experience underscores the importance of building a strong foundation, proactive hiring, hands-on training, and investing in employee retention. To learn more about Matthew's strategies and insights, listen to the full episode below. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established CEO, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration for your business journey.About GuestI'm the father of one amazing girl, husband to a police officer and founder of C3 Technology Advisors. When I'm not growing C3 into everything it possibly can be, I like to golf, work out, read, and spend time with my friends and family.I started C3 Technology Advisors in November of 2008. I'll never quite forget family and friends questioning the wisdom of starting a company just as the economy started to crumble and stalwarts of the banking industry failing left and right. I just had faith that C3 was what I was meant to do. I didn't want to continue to work for corporate America and be subject to the whims of whoever my next director, VP, or company acquirer would be.I started this journey 15+ years ago as a one-man band. Today, I'm lucky to be surrounded by 38 incredible consultants, engineers, marketers, project managers, and more who now service clients on a wide range of technologies. I couldn't be any more blessed. I'm committed to building an enduring company that our employees, clients, and other stakeholders can be proud of.Social Links Check out C3 Technology Advisors' website: https://c3techadvisors.com/Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c3matthewtoth/Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

In the complex world of company leadership structures, the role of the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) has sparked debates on its necessity and timing. In this episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman dives into the nuances of the CRO role, helping CEOs determine if and when it might be essential for their company.Deciphering the CRO Role:The emergence of the CRO role aims to bridge the gaps between sales, marketing, and customer success. Alice Heiman discusses the strategic integration these departments require, emphasizing that alignment is key to fostering growth and customer retention.When is a CRO Necessary?Alice points out that not every company needs a CRO immediately. She suggests that the consideration for a CRO often becomes relevant as companies approach or surpass the $50 million revenue mark. For smaller ventures, the CEO often needs to handle these alignments directly.Action Steps for CEOs:Assess Organizational Needs: Analyze whether your current setup effectively supports growth and customer alignment.Understand the CRO's Impact: Consider how a CRO could influence your strategic outcomes.Prepare for Integration: Plan how a CRO would fit within your existing leadership framework.Educate Your Team: Ensure your staff understands the potential impact of a CRO on the company's success.Why Consider a CRO?Understanding when a CRO is necessary involves recognizing the potential for better strategic alignment across departments that directly influence revenue generation. "The decision to appoint a CRO should be driven by specific business needs, not just industry trends," Alice explains.Tune Into the Full Discussion:For a deeper exploration of whether your company could benefit from a CRO, listen to the full episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs." Alice offers detailed advice that can guide your decision-making process about this pivotal role.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sales Strategies01:45 Evolution of Sales and Marketing03:13 The Rise of Customer Success04:37 The C-Level Conundrum06:12 The Need for a CRO07:54 CEO's Role in Alignment09:36 Creating Synergy for Customer Success11:08 Evaluating CRO ReadinessSocial Links Connect with Alice on LinkedIn:(40) Alice Heiman | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website:https://AliceHeiman.com

What role does vision play in sales and leadership? John Klymshyn, a Navy veteran turned renowned sales coach, author, and speaker shares his insights on how a clear vision can transform sales teams and inspire individuals to achieve greatness. Join us as John discusses his journey, the importance of vision, and actionable strategies for CEOs to lead their organizations effectively.Vision Precedes EverythingJohn emphasizes that a clear vision is the foundation of successful leadership. "The first three words in my book on sales management are 'vision precedes everything.' Without vision, the people perish. Our employees are our precious inventory," John explains. A compelling vision inspires individuals to go the extra mile and fosters a sense of purpose within the organization.Inspiration Over MotivationAccording to John, the role of a CEO is not to motivate but to inspire. "Motivation fades, inspiration feeds," he says. Leaders can drive sustained performance and commitment by understanding individual motivations and creatively inspiring their teams. This approach helps individuals connect with the company's vision and see how their efforts contribute to a larger goal.Precision of LanguageClear and precise language is essential for communicating vision effectively. John advises leaders to start sentences with "Here's where we're headed" to align their teams' focus. "When the vision can be expressed in one sentence, people either buy into it or they don't," he asserts. Precise language ensures everyone in the organization understands and can articulate the vision, leading to better alignment and execution.Action Steps for CEOs:Develop a Clear Vision: Spend time defining a concise vision for your organization. Ensure it resonates with your team's values and goals.Inspire, Don't Just Motivate: Understand what drives your team members and use this knowledge to inspire them towards achieving the vision.Use Precise Language: Communicate the vision clearly and consistently. Use language that resonates and inspires action.John Klymshyn's insights on vision, inspiration, and leadership offer valuable lessons for CEOs looking to drive their sales teams to new heights. Leaders can align their organizations and achieve lasting success by developing a clear vision, inspiring rather than just motivating, and using precise language. Listen to the full episode below to gain deeper insights into John's strategies and experiences. Whether you're a new CEO or an experienced leader, this episode provides practical advice on inspiring and leading your team effectively.Chapters01:22 The Importance of Vision05:10 Articulating Vision10:18 Crafting a Vision Statement15:10 Implementing Vision Throughout the Organization20:23 Vision and Sales Strategy25:05 Motivating Enterprise Salespeople29:42 Overcoming Misconceptions About Salespeople33:26 Engagement and Contribution38:50 The Lifelong Learner41:59 The Importance of Retention and Recruiting44:08 Closing Remarks and Key TakeawaysAbout GuestJohn Klymshyn spends many of his waking hours Coaching “C” Suite Executives... andthose on the path to those roles. Constructing and Maintaining GREAT Teams is hisFocus.For John: “It's all about the language!”John's clients include: Indeed.com, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, The New YorkTimes, Colliers International, Rent.com (now Apartments.com). Pinehurst Golf resort,Fish Richardson Law and many more. As a professional speaker, John has spoken inMexico City, Cabo San Lucas, Toronto, Montreal, Honolulu, Dublin, Ireland and everymajor city in the United States.He has written 12 books, which have evolved from addressing and exploring creativity, to executive development and leadership of diverse teams. His sales trilogy led to one of his works being translated and published in Russian.In 2017 Klymshyn collaborated with noted Inventor and Designer Isaac Naor on aunique work: | STREAM | an Audio – Book, exploring creativity and flow states.Klymshyn and Terri (his wife of 39+ years) have two grown children, and currentlydivide their time between their home in Southwest Idaho and the world's great winetasting rooms.Social Links John Klymshyn Author Page on AMAZONFind John's website here: https://www.klymshyn.com/Connect with John on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnklymshyn/Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

Having no plans of becoming a CEO, engineer Marko Dinic shares his 18-year journey to becoming the leader of a company that excels in compliance solutions. Leading his company through both triumphs and challenges, Marko, CEO of Jatheon, delves into his experiences, lessons learned, and the unique insights he's gained along the way.Complex Sales Require Technical ExpertiseMarko emphasizes the need for deep technical understanding when selling intricate compliance solutions. Marko states, “In our industry, sales cycles are very long and involve numerous technical evaluations and integrations. Having a technical lead ensures that we can address any technical concerns that arise during the process, providing confidence to our clients and streamlining the sales journey.”Adapting Through Economic TurmoilFacing market turmoil and recession, Marko had to downsize and rebuild, showcasing resilience and adaptability in leadership. He recalls, “We went from 32 people down to six. So it wasn't going according to plan. But we were able to get back to a cash flow positive state by 2013.”Building the Right TeamThe journey to finding the right sales team involved trial and error, emphasizing the need for experienced, senior salespeople who understand the intricacies of the industry. Marko shares, “We arrived at our current setup, which is primarily SEO-based and PPC-based inbound leads. They come to our senior account executives. We do not have SDRs in front of them because we found that young sales executives do not help us at all.”Action Steps for CEOs:Embrace Technical Expertise in Sales: Ensure your sales team includes technical leads to handle complex details and improve the overall sales process.Focus on Resilience: Prepare for economic challenges by having adaptable strategies and a resilient mindset.Invest in Senior Talent: Hire experienced salespeople who can navigate complex sales environments and provide valuable feedback for product development.Marko Dinic's journey from engineer to CEO of Jatheon offers invaluable lessons for any leader. His experience underscores the importance of technical expertise in sales, resilience in the face of economic challenges, and the critical role of hiring the right team. To gain deeper insights into Marko's story and the strategies that have driven his success, listen to the full episode below. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established CEO, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration for your own business journey. Episode DetailsChapters00:49 Overview of Jatheon Technologies02:52 Early Career and Joining Jatheon09:33 Navigating Financial Challenges and Reorganization09:33 Transitioning to CEO and Sales Department Challenges14:25 Structuring and Scaling the Sales Team20:34 Lessons from Trial and Error in Hiring24:30 Remote Work and Open Communication Culture30:51 Alignment and Continuous Improvement42:26 Recommendations and Closing RemarksAbout GuestMarko Dinic is an SaaS B2B entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Jatheon Technologies, a Toronto-based com tech company that is a leader in the archiving and compliance technology sector.With a sharp focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, Marko has spearheaded Jatheon's transformation into a key player in the data archiving space. His strategic vision centers around providing robust and secure archiving solutions that cater to regulated industries, including financial services, healthcare, and government entities. Marko's leadership is marked by a commitment to delivering technologies that ensure compliance with evolving regulations and enhance operational efficiency. His expertise and dedication have been pivotal in Jatheon's growth and its ability to help organizations manage their information governance and compliance challenges effectively.Social Links Connect with Marko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markodinic/Connect with Marko on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mdinicCheck out Jatheon's website: https://jatheon.com/Follow Jatheon on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jatheon-technologiesFollow Jatheon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jatheonCheck out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

In 2015, Sujan Patel faced a common frustration: sales teams failing to follow up with prospects. His solution? Build a tool so effective that it turned into a successful company, Mailshake.In this episode, Alice Heiman talks with Sujan Patel, co-founder of Mailshake, about his journey from solving his own sales problems to building a successful bootstrapped company. Sujan shares valuable lessons learned over the past ten years.Here's what you'll discover:How Sujan transitioned from marketing to sales and founded Mailshake.The importance of pivoting and targeting the right audience.Building a community early for successThe benefits of product-led growth.Advice for CEOs on staying focused and differentiating in a crowded market.A Problem-Solver's BeginningSujan Patel, co-founder of Mailshake, didn't initially set out to create a sales engagement platform. As a VP of Marketing at a SaaS company, he discovered a significant gap in sales follow-up and engagement. "I needed a simple tool to make sure the sales team follows up. Humans, step aside; software, let's go solve this problem," Sujan recalls. His background in marketing led him to develop Mailshake to address his own sales challenges. "I took over the sales team with no real background in sales," Sujan shares. He realized that effective follow-up and engagement were missing, prompting him to create a solution.Building a CommunityInitially targeting marketers, Sujan quickly realized that salespeople were the primary users who benefited most from Mailshake. "We changed all of our branding and copy to focus specifically on the sales use case," Sujan explains. This pivot was crucial for the company's growth and product-market fit. His strategy involved building a community and sharing his journey with potential customers. "I built about a 50,000-person email list and updated them weekly on my journey," he says. This approach not only created early traction but also fostered a sense of involvement among his audience.Scaling the Sales OrganizationAs Mailshake grew, Sujan transitioned from handling sales himself to building a sales team. "I hired a sales assist first, which effectively doubled our conversion rate," he notes. This move allowed him to focus on the company's vision while ensuring that customers received the support they needed. Mailshake's product-led growth strategy enabled them to scale without a massive sales team. "We went from a team of 15 sales reps to a lean, mean five people," Sujan highlights. By focusing on simplicity and ease of use, Mailshake maintained high customer satisfaction and retention.Sujan's Advice for CEOsSujan emphasizes the importance of knowing your differentiator in a crowded market. "You need to have one thing that is your differentiator or what you're amazing at," he advises. By staying focused on their strengths and continuously improving their product, Mailshake continues to thrive.Action Steps for CEOsUnderstand Your Market: Regularly reassess your target audience and be willing to pivot based on feedback and market demand.Leverage Community Building: Engage with your potential customers early and often. Building a community can create loyal advocates and provide valuable insights.Invest in Product-Led Growth: Focus on making your product so good that it sells itself. Simplify the user experience and provide clear value.Scale Thoughtfully: Grow your team and processes in response to demand. Ensure each addition to your team aligns with your strategic goals.Sujan Patel's journey with Mailshake highlights the power of innovation driven by personal frustration and a deep understanding of market needs. To learn more about his strategies and insights, watch the full episode of Sales Talk for CEOs below.Episode DetailsChapters01:00 Introduction & Background02:17 The Origin of Mailshake06:55 Bootstrapping & Finding Product-Market Fit10:03 Early Growth Strategies15:09 Transitioning to Sales-Led Growth18:25 Challenges in Outbound Sales22:02 Focusing on Specific Verticals25:04 Current Organizational Structure29:27 Product-Led Growth and AI Integration36:06 Recommendations for CEOs39:34 Conclusion & Final ThoughtsAbout GuestSujan Patel is the co-founder of Mailshake, a sales engagement software used by 62,000 sales and marketing professionals. He also owns 4 other SaaS companies under Ramp Ventures. Sujan has over 20 years of marketing experience and has led the digital marketing strategy for companies like Salesforce, Mint, Cafepress and many other Fortune 500 caliber companies.Social Links Check out Sujan's website: https://mailshake.com/Connect with Sujan on LinkedIn: (35) Sujan Patel | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website: Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOsConnect with Alice on LinkedIn: (35) Alice Heiman | LinkedIn

Imagine this: every person reporting directly to you is not just competent, but an A-player, fully aligned with your vision and driving your company's growth. Sounds ideal, right? This is not just a dream—it's an achievable reality that can transform the way you lead. Today on "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman delves into why having the right people in the right roles is not just beneficial but essential for your company's success.Key TakeawaysEvaluate Your Team: It's crucial to assess if each team member is an A-player who contributes positively to your company's performance and culture. Alice notes, “You do not need to struggle with the people who work for you. It's not good for you, it's not good for them, and it isn't good for the rest of the company.”Leverage Individual Strengths: Encourage team members to operate in their "genius zone" where they excel and are most passionate, boosting morale and efficiency. Alice emphasizes, “Know what you're good at and do that. Let's figure out how to get someone else to do things you're not good at, rather than having you do them poorly.”Strategic Restructuring: Be willing to make tough decisions. If team members are not suited to their roles, consider reassignments or changes to better align their strengths with the company's needs. Don't just live with it. As Alice points out, “It's just really not fair to anyone and it doesn't make your company grow faster, that's for sure.”Alice discusses the common challenges CEOs face with team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of not just filling positions, but filling them with people who truly fit the company's vision and values.Action Steps for CEOs:Conduct a Performance Review: Identify who truly meets the A-player criteria.Focus on Your Strengths: Ensure you are working within your genius zone and encourage your team to do the same.Clear Communication on Roles: Have honest discussions with your team about their performance and future within the company.Alice challenges leaders to envision a team that not only supports but propels company growth. She poses a critical reflection for every CEO, "What would your world be like if every team member was an A-player?"Aligning your team with your company's goals isn't just beneficial—it's crucial for thriving in today's competitive market. Tune into the full podcast for a deeper dive into how you can lead your team to success.Chapters00:00 Introduction - Alice Heiman kicks off the podcast addressing CEOs and discussing the challenges with sales strategies.02:14 A Player Struggles - Exploring the common CEO issue of having underperforming team members and the desire to turn them into A players.04:24 CEO's Role in Team Performance - The harsh truth that a part of the struggle with team performance lies with the CEOs' decisions.06:23 Genius Zone Concept - Alice Heiman introduces the concept of working within one's 'genius zone' to enhance personal and company growth.08:02 Team Structuring - Discussing the importance of aligning team members' roles with their strengths and talents.09:24 Personnel Changes - Insights on making tough personnel decisions to ensure each team member is playing to their strengths.11:14 Impact on Customer Experience - How internal team dynamics directly influence customer satisfaction and sales.13:04 Call to Action for CEOs - Alice Heiman urges CEOs to evaluate themselves and their teams to optimize company performance and growth.13:50 Conclusion - Wrapping up by emphasizing the CEO's role in building a strong company culture and inviting listeners to the next episode.Connect with Alice on LinkedIn:(40) Alice Heiman | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website:https://AliceHeiman.com

Landing big deals, or "whale hunting," is crucial for small and mid-sized businesses aiming to grow. In a recent episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Barbara Weaver Smith, an expert in whale hunting, shared invaluable insights on how CEOs can successfully target and secure these significant accounts.From Strategy to Action: The Essence of Whale HuntingWhale hunting is a systematic process for scouting, hunting, and harvesting large accounts. Barbara explains, “A whale is a customer that could give you a deal that's ten to twenty times bigger than your current average deal.” This approach requires the involvement of the CEO and senior leaders to succeed. "Selling is a team sport. The salesperson is an orchestrator,” says Barbara.Why Whale Hunting MattersSecuring large accounts is one of the safest and least expensive ways to grow your business. Barbara highlights, "If you get one big company and understand strategically how to move in that company, you can do a lifetime of business with that one customer."Key Strategies for Whale HuntingIdentify the Right Targets: It's essential to know which companies to target. Barbara advises picking a specific geography and industry to build brand recognition and power.Mitigate Risks: Big companies have significant fears about working with smaller companies. Barbara suggests preparing materials to address these fears, such as detailed onboarding plans and financial stability assurances.Leverage Networks: Use your network to gain introductions to key decision-makers. Barbara shares, "The idea that you picked them out because you have a set of criteria and they fulfill it perfectly... they just beam."Involve the CEO: The CEO must play an active role in the sales process, especially in building trust with potential clients. Barbara notes, "They need to know you, and they need to know you know what the sales team is doing."From Insights to Implementation: Key Action Steps for CEOsTo transform these strategies into successful outcomes, CEOs need to take deliberate actions. Here are the crucial steps to effectively pursue and land whales:Emphasize Personal Interaction: Build trust by having direct engagement at the right level with potential clients.Understand the Risks: Prepare in advance to mitigate the risks the leaders of large companies will have. Build a Dedicated Team: Train a team that can effectively execute your whale hunting strategy.Barbara Weaver Smith's insights provide a roadmap for CEOs looking to elevate their sales game by targeting and securing large accounts. For more detailed strategies and expert advice, watch the full episode below.Chapters00:00 Introducing Barbara Weaver Smith - Host Alice welcomes Barbara Weaver Smith. She is an expert in "whale hunting" — landing major accounts.01:33 The Excitement of Sales Talk - Barbara expresses her anticipation for discussing her area of expertise.01:53 Defining Whale Hunting - Barbara explains whale hunting as a business strategy. She emphasizes CEO involvement for successful large deals.03:07 The Importance of Teams in Sales - Emphasizing sales as a team sport. Lone wolves are a thing of the past.05:50 Scouting and Engaging Targets - The process of identifying ideal clients. The role of scouts and engaging teams in whale hunting.07:44 The Value of Large Accounts - Barbara discusses strategic growth through large client accounts. She explains their impact on businesses.08:03 Repeat Success - Addressing the challenge of replicating the success of landing a first-time whale. This requires a deliberate and structured approach.10:35 Overcoming "Whale Fears" - Introducing the notion of mitigating big companies' fears. This includes dealing with smaller vendors and financial risks.14:11 Building Effective Sales Teams - The need for sales teams to be business-savvy. They must also be capable of leading a buyer's journey.17:31 Crafting a Precise Customer Approach - Using customer dossiers for targeted engagement. Proper introductions are key.21:54 Establishing the Buying Journey - Sales teams lead the buying journey. They identify key stakeholders in a large deal.25:04 CEO Involvement - Discussing the strategic role of a CEO in sales meetings. This is crucial during complex negotiations.28:01 After the Whale Hunt - Post-sale strategies are vital. The importance of onboarding new large accounts for long-term success.31:21 Introducing The Whale Hunters Institute - Barbara reveals her new project. It offers resources and a digital coach to help companies in whale hunting.About GuestI am Barbara Weaver Smith, the founder of The Whale Hunters Institute. At The Whale Hunters, we are passionate about pioneering innovative sales strategies. With the introduction of Barbara AI, we are revolutionizing sales coaching, making it accessible 24/7. Our mission is to empower businesses of all sizes with practical tips for success. Let's navigate the sales world together!Social Links Barbara Weaver Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraweaversmith/Whale Hunters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whale-hunters/Barbara Weaver Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewhalehuntersCheck out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

Episode Summary: Ever felt the frustration of navigating customer service bots that just don't get your problem? Alex Levin of Regal.io understands this pain all too well and is transforming customer interaction with a human touch. He shares his journey from working to build Angie's list to cofounding Regal.io, getting customer feedback in the early days and growing sales to $3M ARR in the first year. Here's what you'll discover:After taking Angie's List from 1 million to 1.5 billion, why Alex craved the startup world.The founding story of Regal.io and its mission.How personalized customer interactions can drive sales.The importance of a hands-on approach in the early stages of a startup.From Angie's List to Regal.io: The Founding Story After helping Angie's List grow from 1 million to 1.5 billion in revenue, Alex Levin yearned for the dynamic environment of a startup. Recognizing a gap in how companies interact with customers online, he co-founded Regal.io. “People were nervous about making big decisions online. What worked was actually talking with the customer,” says Alex. He found that for complex services, customers preferred real conversations to feel reassured and confident.Personalized Customer Engagement Regal.io was born from the insight that certain industries, like home services, healthcare, and education, benefit immensely from personalized customer interactions. At Angie's List, Alex saw that conversion rates improved significantly when customers had real conversations. He explains, “We had a team of 5000 people engaging directly with customers, but the tools were not made for proactively engaging them.” This meant using a large team to personally interact with customers, build trust, and guide them, even though existing tools weren't designed for this proactive approach.Building the Business Alex and his co-founder took a calculated risk, leaving their jobs to build Regal.io without a finished product. They validated their concept by showing potential customers mockups and iterating based on feedback before raising money. Alex emphasizes, “Don't raise any money until you've convinced yourself it's a real business.”Scaling and Sales Strategy Initially, Alex led the sales efforts himself, leveraging his industry knowledge and personal network and was able to close $3M in ARR the first year. When you are doing all the selling and decide you are ready for some help, he advises, “Get somebody to shadow you, see what you're doing, figure out how you're doing it.” This hands-on approach helped them get others up to speed more quickly.The Role of Human Interaction In a world increasingly driven by digital interactions, Regal.io stands out by emphasizing the value of human touch. “If you're lucky, people go to that one feature they like, and you end up spending years building that,” Alex notes. This approach has helped Regal.io grow rapidly, reaching significant milestones in a short time.Action Steps for CEOsEmphasize Personal Interaction: Identify areas where direct engagement can significantly impact customer experience and conversion rates.Validate Early: Before investing heavily, use mockups and direct customer feedback to refine your product concept.Build a Dedicated Team: Hire individuals who can shadow and learn from your sales process to create a scalable sales strategy.Making real connections with your customers can make a big difference. Alex Levin's journey with Regal.io shows how personal touch can drive business success. For more insights and detailed strategies, watch the full episode below.Chapters01:02 Guest Welcome - Introduction of Alex Levin, founder of Regal IO, and his journey from Angie's List to starting his venture.01:32 Regal IO Explained - Alex provides insights on Regal IO's conception from his experiences at Angie's List and the gap in the home services industry.02:48 Customer Engagement Realities - The revelation of conversational engagement increasing conversion rates and how Regal IO addresses this in various industries.05:03 The Human Touch in Digital - Discussing why despite digital trends, human interaction remains crucial in customer engagement and business dealings.05:56 Startup Leap - Alex shares the motivations for leaving a large company and deciding to build a startup addressing sales engagement difficulties.07:37 Founding Moments - Strategy behind launching Regal IO, including initial market research and the philosophy of avoiding premature funding.09:13 Entrepreneurial Grit - The importance of perseverance and adaptability in an entrepreneur's journey from concept to successful company growth.10:24 Sales Strategies - Alex reflects on the early sales approach of Regal IO and the lessons learned about pricing and building a sales team.13:23 Scaling Sales - From sales tactics at 3 million ARR to scaling up operations and transitioning to an enterprise sales model and channel partnerships.16:55 Customer-Centric Sales Structure - Alex stresses the significance of customer experience during onboarding and maintaining executive involvement in the sales process.18:39 Role of the CEO in Scaling - Alex advises CEOs on evolving their roles in sales strategy as their company grows, using both personal involvement and strategic delegation.20:14 Growth and Sales Team Evolution - An overview of how Regal IO went from a solitary sales front to a robust 30-member team tailored to market needs.24:10 Executive Participation - Navigating the balancing act in bringing senior executives into sales conversations to provide value and secure customer loyalty.27:30 Final Thoughts and Advice - Alex imparts final advice for CEOs on positioning their products in a cost-conscious market and ensuring they convey unique value.About GuestAlex Levin is Co-Founder and CEO of Regal.io. He leads the GTM teams. Prior to Regal.io, Alex was a product manager at Personal and Thomson Reuters, and then joined Handy (acquired by ANGI in 2018) as an early employee. At Handy and then ANGI Alex led growth and marketing. Alex grew up in New York and received his BA from Harvard.Social Links Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlevin1/REGAL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regal-io/Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

Did you know 95% of Americans eat at least one cookie per month? In today's "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice speaks with Grayson Hogard's entrepreneurial journey from hobby baking to a hugely successful business. As CEO of Grove Cookies, Grayson turned traditional treats into a powerhouse of corporate gifting. Discover how cookies can reshape client relations and strategies.A Sweet StartIn 2020, amidst the pandemic, Grayson and his wife began baking as a hobby. Their homemade Oreo cookies were a hit among friends, sparking the idea to sell them. "When I took a bite out of our Oreo cookie, I was like, okay, this is real," Grayson recalls. They quickly set up their business, choosing traditional cookie flavors over trendy ones to stand out in the crowded market.From Home Kitchen to Corporate GiftingGrayson's logistics expertise and initial positive feedback led them to focus on corporate gifting. They realized the potential when a financial advisor requested hundreds of cookies as client gifts. "When you get a client that wants to send out 500 gifts a year, you just are like, oh, there's a market here, let's explore it," Grayson explains. This insight shifted their business towards serving corporate clients, offering a memorable and delicious touch to business relationships.Navigating Business GrowthDespite no formal business background in baking or sales, Grayson's experience in logistics helped streamline their operations. They refined their offerings based on customer feedback, ensuring their cookies always arrived intact and delicious. "All that mattered to them at the moment was cookies do not break. And we succeeded on the first try," Grayson notes about their packaging efforts.The Key to Success: Listening and AdaptingListening to their clients has been crucial. Grove Cookies adapted their packaging and expanded their range based on client needs, maintaining high standards and customer satisfaction. Grayson emphasizes, "Really listening to your customers, which is always important, and executing off of that."Action Steps for CEOs:Identify Unique Opportunities: Like Grayson, look for unique angles in crowded markets.Leverage Personal Passions: Turn personal passions into business opportunities.Listen to Your Customers: Use client feedback to refine and adapt your offerings.For more insights and the full story of how Grove Cookies turned a simple idea into a thriving business, make sure to watch the full episode of Sales Talk for CEOs. Discover the power of combining passion with business acumen!Chapters01:42 Overview of Grove Cookie - Grayson explains the focus of Grove Cookie, specializing in corporate gifting and sales and marketing.02:23 Popularity of Cookies - Discussion about the universal appeal of cookies and their role in corporate gifting.04:01 Choosing the First Cookie Flavor - Grayson talks about selecting the Oreo cookie as their first flavor and how it became a favorite.05:27 Packaging and Shipping Challenges - The initial challenges of packaging and shipping cookies without them breaking.06:36 First Sale and Realization of Market - Grayson's first sale to his mother and the realization of a market for corporate gifting.07:51 Networking for Initial Clients - The importance of networking in securing their first major clients and building relationships.09:33 Cold Calling Strategy - Grayson shares his experience with cold calling and the success it brought in securing clients.10:40 Ideal Customer Profile - How they identified financial advisors as their initial target market.12:53 Learning from Feedback - The significance of customer feedback in refining their products and services.16:52 Expanding Customer Base - How the ideal customer profile has changed and the benefits of partnering with gifting platforms.18:05 Using Gifting for Prospects - Grayson discusses their strategy of using cookies to initiate contact with potential clients.20:27 Sales Techniques - Insights into effective sales techniques, including personalized outreach and follow-up strategies.22:31 Building Partnerships - The role of partnerships with gifting platforms in expanding their market reach.25:22 Organic Marketing Success - The impact of organic marketing and social media in growing Grove Cookies' brand presence.28:30 Challenges of Scaling - The challenges and learning experiences of scaling the business while maintaining quality and service.About GuestFounder of Grove Cookie Company. My wife and I launched our company from our townhome in 2021 with a focus on B2B gifting with cookies.We are the premier B2B cookie company focused solely on enhancing your professional relationships.What started as a fun side hustle crafting small batch, soft and delicious cookies became a fun and exciting business that quickly outgrew our home kitchen.In 2022, we moved our operation out of our home and into our very own production facility in Tigard, Oregon.We use quality ingredients from companies known for their ethical treatment of animals and a commitment to sustainability, like Ghirardelli & Bob's Red Mill.We offer nationwide shipping, DoorDash delivery, and pickup.Cookies delivered - 2021, year 1: 13,990Cookies delivered - 2022, year 2: 52,437Cookies delivered - 2023, year 3: 220,186Cookies Delivered - 2024, year 4: TBDSocial Links Connect with Grayson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysonhogard/Grove Cookies LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/grovecookiecompany/Grove Cookies Website: https://www.grovecookiecompany.com/Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

In today's fiercely competitive market, understanding the core of value-driven sales can be transformative. This crucial concept was the centerpiece of our latest "Sales Talk for CEOs" episode, featuring expert Ian Campbell, CEO of Nucleus Research and author of "The Value Sale." In this discussion, we delve into how emphasizing value rather than just product features can revolutionize sales dynamics and lead to enduring customer relationships.Key Takeaways:Accelerating Sales Cycles with Value: Demonstrating the true value of products or services can significantly shorten the sales cycle and enhance customer satisfaction.Sustaining Post-Sale Value: Delivering ongoing value post-sale is crucial for ensuring customer loyalty and facilitating smooth renewals.Essential Value Articulation: It's vital for CEOs to train their teams to articulate value effectively, aligning closely with customer expectations.Action Steps for CEOs:Evaluate Sales Messaging: Refocus your sales conversations to emphasize value over product features.Commit to Training: Continuously train your sales team on recognizing and communicating value effectively.Adapt and Improve: Regularly assess how your team communicates value and adjust strategies as needed.Ian Campbell shared, "When value drives a deal, people shorten the sales cycle. They make better references." This emphasizes the importance of a value-centric approach in modern sales strategies.Alice Heiman underscored the significance of this strategy, stating, "When there's value, you have the momentum you need to keep a sale going and close it."For a deeper dive into how embedding value in your sales process can foster more engaged and loyal customers, be sure to watch the full episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs." This discussion is essential for CEOs looking to refine their sales strategy and cultivate teams that prioritize customer value at every interaction. Don't miss these expert insights — watch the full episode now!You are not going to want to miss this episode with expert Ian Campbell! For a comprehensive exploration of their insights, make sure to watch the entire episode.Chapters00:00 Introduction - Welcome to Sales Talk for CEOs and introduction to the value proposition topic with guest Ian Campbell of Nucleus Research.01:30 The Importance of Value - Exploring why value is essential in sales and how it can shorten sales cycles and foster long-term customer relationships.02:56 Focusing on Customer Value - The discussion shifts to a customer-centric approach and how value shapes their purchasing decisions.04:28 Renewals and References - Ian emphasizes the pivotal role of articulating value for subscription renewals and generating robust customer references.05:34 Beyond the Sale - Delving into how value sustains the customer journey beyond the initial sale, influencing retention and word-of-mouth marketing.06:23 Key Value Aspects - Ian breaks down the critical factors of value that resonate most strongly with customers, aiding in the sales process.07:23 Direct vs. Indirect Benefits - Understanding the difference between direct and indirect benefits and their impact on the value narrative.08:15 Crafting Marketing and Sales Messages - The conversion to align marketing and sales messaging with value-driven content to captivate the target audience.09:39 The Art of Value Language - Learning how to effectively communicate value propositions, translating into successful customer engagement.10:17 Selling Through Value - Ian explains the significance of selling through an individual to make an organization-wide impact.12:08 Assessing Sales Team Culture - A guide for CEOs to evaluate whether their teams are truly embracing value selling tactics.13:14 Training for Value Selling - Highlighting the necessity for CEOs to provide comprehensive training on value selling and relevant tools to their sales teams.18:23 Knowing Your Customer Value - Emphasizing the need for connecting product features to tangible customer value.19:08 Value Selling Methodology - Ian shares practical steps in the methodology of value selling, from early engagement to closing deals.21:16 The Elevator Pitch - The importance of equipping your sales team with a strong value-driven pitch for stakeholders like the CFO.About GuestIan Campbell is CEO of Nucleus Research, where he is responsible for the company's investigative research approach, product set, and overall corporate direction. A recognized expert on ROI and TCO analysis of technology, Campbell is a frequent speaker at industry and business events. He has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, and the Financial Times.Social Links Ian Campbell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancampbellnucleusresearch/Nucleus Research LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nucleus-research/Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

Did you know that collaborative team selling has become a fundamental approach for modern businesses? According to Forrester, nearly 60% of sales leaders now emphasize team collaboration over individual efforts to secure significant deals. In this compelling solo episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice Heiman explores why moving away from traditional sales and marketing silos to a unified go-to-market (GTM) strategy is crucial for thriving in today's competitive landscape.Key Insights for CEOs:Team-Based Selling is Essential: "The days of the lone wolf seller are long gone," Alice explains, highlighting the importance of team collaboration in sales.Cultural Shift is Necessary: A GTM strategy involves reshaping your company's culture so that everyone understands their role in sales success.Marketing Must Contribute to Sales: Alice stresses that marketing should generate sales-qualified leads, directly contributing to the sales pipeline.Include Customer Success Early: Start customer success processes early in the sales cycle to enhance customer retention and satisfaction.Actions for CEO's: How to Implement a GTM Strategy:Evaluate Your Current Processes: Look at how each department supports or hinders sales and customer experiences.Encourage Collaboration: Work towards unified sales goals across all departments.Clearly Communicate Your Vision: Articulate a vision that emphasizes exceptional customer experience across all departments.Adopting a GTM strategy is not just an operational change but a strategic necessity for modern CEOs. For a deeper dive into these strategies, watch the full episode of Sales Talk for CEOs. Equip your team to meet today's market challenges by integrating these insights and encouraging them to adopt a successful GTM strategy.Chapters00:00 Introduction - Alice Heiman uncovers the evolving landscape of sales and the vital shift from siloed functions to a unified go-to-market strategy.02:02 Go-to-Market Importance - Unpacking the necessity for team collaboration in sales and questioning traditional sales, marketing, and customer success isolation.04:28 Marketing's Role in Sales - A deep dive into how marketing must transition from branding to owning sales numbers and generating qualified leads.05:39 Customer Success Integration - Exploring the expanded role of customer success in onboarding and retention, starting long before the sales close.07:17 Cross-Departmental Sales Roles - A call for every department to recognize their part in sales and how they contribute to making it easier for customers.09:20 CEO's Leadership in Sales Alignment - Emphasizing the CEO's unique position to realign the company's vision and culture towards a customer-centric, integrated sales approach.Social Links Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

"It's how you sell that becomes your differentiator in a crowded market," explained Ross Rich. Alice was excited to talk with Ross, whom she's known since the early days of his entrepreneurial journey. Ross, the CEO of Accord, started his company to solve a critical problem in sales: lack of transparency between teams and customers. His insights are not just about Accord's journey from idea to successful product, but about the transformative lessons learned from evolving from a sales rep to a CEO.Key Takeaways for CEOs:1. The Genesis of Accord: A Lesson in Identifying Market GapsRoss's journey began at Stripe, where he recognized a recurring challenge across sales teams—aligning the "why," "how," and "who" of deals was cumbersome and opaque. This realization spurred him to develop Accord, demonstrating the power of addressing specific market needs with precise solutions. “The whole idea behind Accord is taking those best practices that pretty much every top seller uses...and building that into software to make it really easy for both the seller and the customer to understand those three key aspects,” Ross shared.2. Embracing the Entrepreneurial Leap: Overcoming Fear with PreparationRoss's transition from employee to founder wasn't spontaneous. It was calculated and gradual, emphasizing that making 'the leap' should feel like a natural next step, not a risky jump into the unknown. He advised, “It shouldn't feel like a crazy leap at the time...By the time that you're ready to do it, it should be, hey, I have an overwhelming amount of work to do on this project.”3. The Importance of Early Customer Success ManagementOne of the critical early mistakes Ross acknowledged was underestimating the importance of customer success management. Before scaling the product or marketing efforts, ensuring that the initial customers are successful and well-supported is vital. This focus helps in refining the product based on real user feedback and solidifies the foundation for scaling.What to Do Next? Actionable Steps for CEOs:Ross's experiences underline the necessity of not just starting a business but nurturing it through thoughtful steps and strategies. For CEOs aiming to replicate such success, here are actionable steps to consider:Evaluate Market Needs: Just as Ross identified a gap in sales transparency, CEOs should look for unmet needs in their markets that align with their expertise and business vision.Gradual Transition into Entrepreneurship: Transitioning to a full-time entrepreneurial role should be a process rather than a sudden shift. This approach reduces risk and ensures a solid foundation for the business.Prioritize Customer Success: Invest in customer success early on. This focus will not only improve your product through genuine feedback but also increase customer retention and satisfaction.To grasp the complete range of insights Ross offers about enhancing your business operations through these foundational strategies, watch the full episode on our youtube channel.Chapters00:00 Introduction - Alice opens the episode touching on the need for CEOs to update sales strategies and the joy of reconnecting with early-stage entrepreneurs she had met.02:07 Welcome Ross Rick - Ross Rich, founder of Accord, joins the conversation, reminiscing about the initial connection with the show host, Alice.02:41 Discussing Accord - Ross introduces Accord, sharing insights from his early days as a seller at Stripe and the concept behind his company.03:21 Technical Interruption - A sudden audio cut forces a pause in the conversation, prompting troubleshooting efforts.05:43 Resuming Conversation - With technical issues resolved, they restart the discussion, focusing on Accord's role in sales transparency and customer understanding.06:27 Why Accord Was Founded - Ross delves into his journey starting Accord, driven by the essentials of successful deals: the 'why', 'how', and 'who'.08:03 The Genesis of Accord - Insights into the conception of Accord, Ross's realization of an opportunity, and how he transitioned from idea to action.10:04 Discussing Customer Experience - Exploration of why providing a superior customer experience is pivotal in today's competitive sales environment.10:53 First Steps to Entrepreneurship - Ross shares the initial hesitancies and the pivotal moment leading to the full-time commitment to Accord.12:15 The Importance of Customer Success - The conversation shifts to the critical role of customer success and the early challenges faced in onboarding users.14:27 Gaining Your First Customers - How networking and leveraging personal connections allowed Accord to acquire their initial customer base.16:47 Intentional Customer Targeting - Ross emphasizes the shift from an inbound marketing approach to a focused strategy on identifying and securing ideal customers.18:21 The Right Messaging - Continuing the marketing discussion, they explore the importance of crafting messages that resonate with the target audience.19:40 Building the Sales Team - Delving into sales team construction, Ross shares his advice on the timing and type of sales hires needed for a growing startup.21:44 Current Team Landscape - A look at Accord's current marketing, sales, and customer success teams, and the lessons learned in building an effective go-to-market strategy.About GuestRoss Rich is the CEO and Co-Founder of Accord. Accord ensures rigorous deal execution by enforcing your standards for how you sell, onboard, and expand with customers. Before founding Accord Ross spent 4+ years at Stripe where he helped scale the sales team from 3 to 300+ as the top performing rep. In a past life, he worked at Columbia Records with artists such as Calvin Harris, Snoop Dogg, and Pharrell.Social Links Ross Rich - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossrich/Accord - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/inaccord/Accord - Website https://inaccord.com/Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

How does a product marketer end up in the CEO seat? Moving from being an analyst at Forrester to starting at BlueConic as a product marketer and doing many different jobs at the company over the years landed Cory Munchback the CEO seat.Fully backed by the founder, Cory shares her remarkable journey from analyst to CEO, detailing the vital lessons learned and the strategies that have shaped her leadership.Cory's Path to CEOCory started her career at Forrester Research, gaining invaluable insights into marketing leadership and technology strategy. This foundational experience at Forrester was crucial as she transitioned to BlueConic, where she began as the Director of Product Marketing. Reflecting on her diverse roles within the company, Cory notes, "I've always been someone who feels how the system works."Key Takeaways for CEOsEmpathy and Understanding Across Roles: Cory emphasizes the importance of understanding every department's role in achieving the company's objectives. She shares, "I have a deep reverence and admiration for the skills that they bring, because I literally knew I wasn't good enough at them or wasn't passionate about them to do it myself."Replacing the Founder as CEO: Cory highlights the smooth transition from the founder being the CEO to her replacing him as a well-planned succession. "He was fully behind me. This was a thoughtful succession plan...me taking over was something he valued as part of his own legacy," Cory explains, underscoring the significance of support and clear communication during leadership transitions.The Importance of Customer-Centric Leadership: The customer is at the core of Cory's leadership philosophy. Coming from product marketing she knows better than most that you have to stay close to the customer. Don't miss the rapid fire session at the end of the episode where Cory shares her favorite books and podcasts that have influenced her career and leadership style.For an in-depth understanding of Cory Munchbach's strategic approaches and personal influences that have shaped her journey at BlueConic, listen to the full episode.Join us next week on Sales Talk for CEOs for more insights from top executives on driving growth and leadership effectiveness.Chapters00:00 Introduction - Unveiling the critical sales knowledge CEOs need to thrive in modern markets.00:03 Female CEO Spotlight - Kicking off with excitement for female CEOs and the fresh perspectives they bring to the table.01:05 Welcome Cory Munchbach - Introducing Cory Munchbach, CEO of Blueconic, and her unexpected career journey.01:29 Exploring Blueconic - Diving into what Blueconic does, its ideal customer profile, and how their tech drives business forward.02:26 The Importance of Consumer Insights - Discussing the necessity for brands to deeply understand consumer behaviors.02:44 Cory's Path to CEO - A look at Cory's progression within Blueconic and her transition to the CEO role.03:02 From Analyst to CEO - Tracing Cory's professional roots from Forrester Research to her leadership position.05:03 The Lure to Blueconic - Cory shares what drew her to join a fresh, dynamic startup and tackle new challenges.06:07 The Marriage of Sales and Product Marketing - Understanding how product marketing works in unison with sales to achieve success.07:56 Initial Sales Struggles & Strategies - Reflecting on early sales efforts and the push for establishing brand credibility.08:05 Rapid Role Progression - Cory recounts the various roles she adapted on her way to the top.11:14 Cultivating Customer Success - Emphasizing the need for focusing on customer satisfaction to drive sales and business growth.14:15 Journey to CEO - Cory's evolution within Blueconic and the responsibilities she accumulated along the way.17:11 Cory's Role in Sales as CEO - Outlining how the CEO's involvement can significantly impact sales initiatives.About GuestAs the CEO of customer data platform BlueConic, Cory has spent her career on the cutting edge of marketing technology and has years of experience working with Fortune 500 clients from various industries. Before joining the BlueCrew, she was an analyst at Forrester Research where she covered business and consumer technology trends and the fast-moving marketing tech landscape. A sought-after speaker and industry voice, Cory's work has been featured in Financial Times, Forbes, Raconteur, AdExchanger, The Drum, Venture Beat, Wired, AdAge, and Adweek. A life-long Bostonian, Cory has a bachelor's degree in political science from Boston College and spends a considerable amount of her non-work hours on various volunteer and philanthropic initiatives in the greater Boston community. The rest of that time is spent hanging with family and friends; running around with her rescue dog; or – most likely of all – reading.Connect with Cory on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/Corymunchbach/BlueConic LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueconic/Check out Alice's website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceheiman/

What is RevOps anyway and how is it different from SalesOps?  What do I as the CEO need to know about RevOps?In a recent episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Eddie Reynolds, a seasoned expert in Revenue Operations (RevOps), shared crucial insights for CEOs looking to boost efficiency and enhance customer experiences. Eddie's expertise centers on aligning sales, marketing, and customer success teams to optimize overall revenue operations. Here are the simplified, actionable insights from Eddie, aimed at CEOs who are ready to leverage RevOps effectively in their organizations.Key Takeaways for CEOs:Defining Revenue Operations: Eddie describes RevOps as an evolution of sales and marketing operations. It aims to bridge the gaps between siloed departments to streamline the customer journey and improve revenue efficiency. "RevOps looks at the entire revenue engine, aiming to increase revenue efficiently and reduce costs," Eddie explains.Aligning Teams for Greater Efficiency: Misalignment between marketing and sales is a common barrier to growth. RevOps centralizes functions to ensure all departments work towards the same revenue goals, thus enhancing lead conversion and customer retention. Eddie highlights, "RevOps was developed to tackle the classic disconnects between marketing, sales, and customer success."Focusing on Customer Value: Shifting the focus from lead quantity to lead quality—those likely to convert and offer long-term value—is crucial. This strategy demands a deep understanding of customer profiles and targeted marketing. Eddie advises, "Targeting should revolve around the lifetime value of customers, aligning marketing, sales, and customer success."The Role of Technology in RevOps: Adopting the right tech stack is crucial for effective RevOps. Technology should enhance visibility across the sales funnel and support data-driven decision-making, helping track and optimize the customer journey. "While building a tech stack is vital, it's about more than just technology—it's about supporting the go-to-market strategy," Eddie notes.From Theory to Practice Here are a few ways to apply these RevOps strategies within your own organization.Action Steps for CEOs:Evaluate your RevOps strategy: Ensure it aligns with your company's revenue goals and includes all relevant departments.Train your team: Equip them with the knowledge to understand and implement RevOps principles effectively.Invest in technology: Choose tools that enhance data analysis and inter-departmental communication.Watch the full episode here to grasp the complete range of insights Eddie offers about enhancing your business operations through RevOps.Subscribe to Sales Talk for CEOs for expert insights tailored for top executives. Join us next week for more guidance aimed at driving your company's growth and operational excellence.Chapters01:08 Welcoming Eddie Reynolds - Introducing Eddie Reynolds, an expert in revenue operations, to discuss the transformation of sales operations.01:43 Defining Rev Ops - Eddie explains Rev Ops through common problems faced between marketing and sales alignment.03:16 Customer Experience Focus - Discourse on how Rev Ops plays a crucial role in enhancing customer experience and aligning sales, marketing, and customer success.04:23 Why Alignment Matters - Debating the need for congruence between sales and marketing to ensure valuable customer interaction and efficient operations.05:32 The Pitfall of MQLs - A critical view on how misguided marketing goals can lead to poor lead quality and affect sales performance.07:30 Challenging Traditional Metrics - Exploring the flaws in current lead generation and measurement tactics and their impact on the sales process.08:43 Aligning Marketing and Sales - Solution-focused discussion on setting the right goals to align marketing and sales efforts towards revenue generation.09:46 The Place of Rev Ops - Understanding where Rev Ops fits within an organization and the misconception around the Chief Revenue Officer's responsibilities.10:53 Rev Ops as a Revenue Generator - Eddie discusses the value of Rev Ops in devising go-to-market strategies and building sales infrastructures.12:08 The Role of Technology in Rev Ops - How technology impacts Rev Ops activities, from market strategy to analytics.14:13 Finding Qualified Opportunities - Strategies for marketing and sales to identify and pursue high-quality leads more effectively.16:22 Account Scoring and Prioritization - The significance of account scoring in direct outreach and how Rev Ops can help focus sales efforts.21:21 Optimizing Sales Calls - Tactics to ensure salespeople's time is spent on the most promising leads and opportunities.23:50 Starting Point for Improvement - Eddie advises companies lacking leads on initial steps to refine marketing and sales alignment through Rev Ops.About GuestEddie spent +20 years in Sales, Customer Success and Marketing, developing his passion for data-driven strategy and process. He was fascinated by the edge it could give an entire company. During his time at Salesforce, he covered high-growth VC-backed B2B SaaS companies, meeting hundreds of executive revenue leaders. They cared more about that strategic edge than how the software worked. His consulting partners, however, focused on the software, missing the broader GTM strategy. This resulted in many failed implementations and missed revenue targets. It inspired him to start a consulting firm merging system implementation with data-driven GTM strategy: Union Square Consulting.Social Links Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn:(26) Eddie Reynolds | LinkedInUnion Square Consulting LinkedIn:(26) Union Square Consulting: Overview | LinkedInWebsite:Home - Union Square ConsultingConnect with Alice on LinkedIn:(99+) Alice Heiman | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website:Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOs

In a recent captivating episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Clate Mask, CEO and co-founder of Keap, shared his journey from law school to leading a company that's at the forefront of small business automation software. For CEOs looking to streamline their operations and enhance customer engagement, Clate's insights are golden.Key Takeaways for CEOs:Leverage Automation for Growth and Efficiency: Clate explains, "Automation isn't just about saving time; it's about scaling your business efficiently to maximize both growth and profitability." This approach has allowed Keap to support small businesses in achieving more with less—something every CEO should consider.Emphasize Customer Success: Moving from traditional support to proactive customer success can significantly impact business growth. Clate emphasizes the importance of this shift: "By integrating Customer Success Managers into our team, we ensure our clients not only use our product but transform their business with it."Stay at the Helm of Revenue Leadership: Even as the company grows, a CEO's involvement in driving revenue remains crucial. Clate advises, "As CEOs, we must lead the charge on revenue, staying closely connected to the outcomes and processes that drive our business forward."Insightful Reflections:Starting with his initial career pivot, Clate's narrative is a testament to adaptability and passion. He shares, "I was drawn to the fast-paced world of tech and never looked back. It's about harnessing every experience to propel your company forward."Discussing the strategic evolution from Infusionsoft to Keap, Clate offers a candid lesson on market alignment: "We learned the hard way that our strength lies in serving businesses that are ready for automation, not just anyone."Clate also gets real about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship: "Those dark years were tough, but they taught us resilience and the importance of staying true to our vision and our customer."Watch the full Sales Talk for CEOs Podcast:For a deeper dive into how Clate Mask has steered Keap through the ups and downs of tech entrepreneurship and how these lessons can apply to your business strategy, tune into the full episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs."Catch the episode on our YouTube channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform to gain more insights into achieving sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.Chapters01:03 Welcome Clate Mask - Introducing Clate's unique journey from law school to software company CEO.01:29 Keap's Mission - Discussing the services Keap provides to small businesses, focusing on growth, efficiency, and automation.02:54 Niche Software Solutions - Addressing why Keap is the ideal CRM and business automation solution for small businesses, compared to Salesforce and HubSpot.03:33 Clate's Origin Story - Clate Mask shares his transition from law school graduate to co-founding a software company with family.05:24 Company Evolution - How the small custom software company grew into a substantial business focused on CRM products.07:26 Rebranding to Keap - Clate explains the strategic shift from Infusionsoft to Keap to focus on small business automation.09:05 Infusionsoft's Legacy - The integration and enhancement of Infusionsoft within Keap's comprehensive suite of products.09:55 Conquering Sales - Clate recounts his early sales challenges and the transformative advice from his father.11:27 Automating Success - How the implementation of automated follow-ups revolutionized the company's sales process.13:39 Building a Sales Team - Transitioning from lone salesman to establishing a robust sales structure within the company.15:50 Helping Profession of Sales - Aligning sales with a mission of helping customers solve problems effectively.17:58 Customer Success Focus - The inception of customer success management to drive user adoption and satisfaction.20:13 Marketing Alignment - How the Demand Gen and direct sales teams cooperate to generate qualified leads and drive revenue.23:02 Scalable Go-To-Market Structure - Examining Keap's organizational structure and the collaboration between marketing and sales.About GuestNY Times best-selling author, Clate Mask, is the entrepreneur's guide and the CEO and co-founder of Keap, the leader in small business automation software. Keap is an 8-time Inc 5000 winner and is widely used by savvy small businesses to grow with automation. Clate's passion is helping small businesses conquer the chaos and grow their business using the Six Keys to Success. When Clate isn't serving entrepreneurs and building Keap, he loves to spend time with his wife, Charisse, their six kids, and their grandkids. He also loves playing golf and watching sports, with serious passion for the Arizona pro sports teams. He is intimately familiar with the balancing act of entrepreneurs, which is what drove him to discover and teach the Six Keys. Because success as an entrepreneur means having a great business and a great life.Social LinksConnect with Clate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clatemask/Keap LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keap-growing/Keap Twitter:https://twitter.com/keapgrowingConnect with Alice on LinkedIn:(99+) Alice Heiman | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website:Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOs 

This week's episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs" is out of this world, literally! Alice Heiman was joined by Beth Mund, whose journey from NASA to entrepreneurial space storyteller is rich with insights for business leaders. Not only that, we found out Alice is a bit of a space geek and she's a huge fan of Beth's having discovered her when she began her podcast Casual Space. Beth's story from navigating NASA's communication strategies to starting her podcast and founding a nonprofit called Stories of Space underscores the essence of curiosity, the imperative of adaptability, and the potency of storytelling in leadership.Key Takeaways for CEOs:Foster a Culture of Curiosity: Beth's endless questions at NASA showcase the need for leaders to cultivate curiosity within their teams. A curious team is an innovative team, always on the brink of the next big discovery.Embrace Change and Adaptability: Mund's leap into the unknown by leaving NASA for new ventures teaches the importance of adaptability in leadership. Change is not just inevitable; it's an opportunity for growth.Leverage Diverse Testing Groups: Beth's experiences as an analog astronaut demonstrate the value of diverse test groups in gaining genuine product insights. Understand your customers by walking a mile in their shoes, or in this case, their spacesuit.Harness the Power of Storytelling: Mund's transition to storytelling through her podcast and nonprofit work illustrates how narratives can effectively communicate complex ideas and connect with people on a deeper level."Curiosity is one of the key things that salespeople need, and I believe that all CEOs need to be curious...Fostering a culture of curiosity within your organization can lead to the exploration of uncharted markets and the development of groundbreaking products."Beth Mund's transition from the realms of being International Space Station Communications Officer NASA to entrepreneurship offers CEOs a blueprint for navigating their businesses through today's dynamic landscapes. Her journey reminds us that the principles guiding space exploration—innovation, adaptability, and effective communication—are parallel to navigating the intricacies of modern business leadership.Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel to see Beth Mund share her extraordinary experiences and insights that can inspire every CEO to lead with curiosity and courage.By embracing these lessons, CEOs can pilot their companies with the vision, innovation, and resilience needed to explore uncharted territories in business and beyond. Mund's narrative is not just a call to explore outer space; it's a call to explore the vast potential within our teams and ourselves. Don't miss out on this cosmic journey of leadership and innovation—listen to the podcast now.Chapters01:55 Exploring New Horizons - Alice elaborates on the value of seeking inspiration from diverse fields outside of sales, hinting at the innovative insights to come from Beth's experiences.04:22 Beth's Stellar Journey - Beth shares her nostalgic beginnings in space fascination and her journey from gazing at Halley's Comet to working at NASA and beyond.07:27 Finding a Place Among the Stars - Storytelling continues with Beth explaining how her childhood curiosity about space led to a fulfilling career in NASA communications.09:07 Tapping into Curiosity - Alice discusses the parallels between curiosity in Beth's space pursuits and its necessity in sales and leadership roles.09:34 The NASA Chapter - Beth recounts her tenure at NASA, the challenges encountered, and the crucial task of conveying the value of space exploration to taxpayers.12:15 Selling the Stars - Unpacking the concept of 'selling space' and the nuanced role of storytelling and education in both NASA's outreach and the sales process.14:06 Entrepreneurial Leap - Beth talks about the difficult decision to leave NASA and eventually embracing her entrepreneurial spirit by starting her own podcast, Casual Space.16:58 The Power of Narrative - Elaborating on the effectiveness of narratives and stories in both space communication and business, and their potential to engage and educate.18:02 Communication Tips for CEOs - Beth shares valuable insights on how CEOs and businesses can improve their communication strategies based on lessons from her career.23:13 Analog Astronaut Adventures - Beth delves into the world of analog astronauts, explaining how simulated missions on Earth provide insights for real space travel.28:42 Customers on a Journey - Alice draws a comparison between analog astronauts' preparations and the importance of understanding customers' experiences with products.33:28 Tackling Space Junk - The conversation addresses the issue of space debris, the innovations aimed at cleanup, and the implications for businesses.40:18 Stories of Space - Beth invites everyone to contribute their space-related stories to an exciting project that sends these narratives to the International Space Station.About GuestHi, I'm Beth Mund. Analog Astronaut, Keynote Speaker, and Space Communicator.  While working at NASA as a public affairs officer for the Johnson Space Center, and later as a communication officer for the International Space Station, I reported the many scientific innovations that enhanced and sometimes _saved_ people's lives, only to see these stories fall to the wayside, undiscovered. I became a fiercely passionate advocate for the people and their stories of science and space exploration. I share their stories on stage, in workshops, on my podcast, in my blog…any opportunity that showcases people who are making tomorrow's innovations happen today.  About a year ago, I created [Casual Space] (http://www.bethmund.com/casualspace), a podcast that provides intimate conversations each week with astronauts, engineers, authors, educators, architects and many more guests looking to share their love for space while helping to inspire the next generation of difference makers. Thousands of listeners continue to grow our casual community of space enthusiasts and advocates.  I serve on the Space Camp Alumni Board, and as a Space Drinks board member. I became an Analog Astronaut in November at the HI-SEAS research facility on a Mars simulation mission with a crew of 5 other incredible women.  I'm Beth Mund, and I discover, design and deliver stories about space. Beth Mund is a recognized expert in space exploration and story application. She owns her company, Stellar Communications, and is an influential keynote speaker. Beth is the Executive Director of the STORIES of Space Non-Profit, which provides direct access to space through innovative story submissions. In 2024, STORIES of Space launched 300+ stories to the International Space Station, where they are currently orbiting our Earth at 17,500 miles an hour for the next six months.  Beth's work at **NASA **as a science communication advisor helped shape her career in the space industry. As a Public Affairs Officer, Beth helped tell the story of the International Space Station, wrote speeches for astronauts, and showcased the technology, projects, and people at NASA's Johnson Space Center.  Beth is the host and creator of the Casual Space Podcast, delivering insightful conversations with astronauts, artists, scientists, and explorers.  Beth has served as an analog astronaut for several missions, including a simulated Mars mission in Hawaii, living in the Biosphere in Arizona, and a simulated Moon mission in Poland. Beth provides direct access to space, allowing people to apply their innovative ideas, change the way we explore space, and improve our lives on Earth.Social Links Beth MundThe Stories of Space Project™(25) Beth Mund | LinkedInBeth Mund Speaker, Writer, Space Geek | FacebookBeth Mund (@casualspacepodcast) • Instagram photos and videosCasual Space Podcast - YouTubeConnect with Alice on LinkedIn:(8) Alice Heiman | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website:Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOs

"We help sellers consistently execute a Michelin star experience for their buyers instead of a fast food experience." And isn't this what every buyer wants today. On "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman was joined by Mark Fershteyn of Recapped, whose journey from sales struggles to CEO offers a roadmap for innovation in sales strategies. His focus on the customer journey always in the forefront.Elevating the Buyer ExperienceMark emphasizes transforming the sales process into a collaborative and transparent journey; he wants to enable sellers to provide a Michelin Star experience. This approach underlines the shift towards prioritizing the buyer's needs and simplifying their journey. Something he always did as a seller. Embracing Adaptability and ProcessReflecting on his early days in sales where he was struggling and almost got PIP'd. He realized he was too focused on the art of sales and not the science. He recognized that the best sellers had a process and though he didn't consider himself a very organized person he knew he had to do something. So he started project managing his deals, creating mutual action plans and spreadsheets and all of a sudden he was 150, 250, 300% of quota and those principles became the basis for Recapped. "I was too focused on the art of sales and not the science of sales."His story highlights the importance of adaptability, process, and organization in achieving sales success.Learning from ScalingDiscussing the challenges of rapid growth, Mark advises, "You can always speed up. You can't always slow down." He underscores the need for a solid foundation before scaling, advocating for a strategic approach to growth.Key Takeaways for CEOs:Prioritize the Buyer's Experience: Elevate the sales process by focusing on transparency and collaboration, enhancing the overall buyer journey.Innovate Through Adaptability: Embrace change and focus on the science behind sales to develop processes that drive success.Scale with Caution: Ensure a solid foundation and clear processes are in place before accelerating growth to avoid potential pitfalls.For more in-depth insights and practical advice from Mark Fershteyn's experience, CEOs are encouraged to listen to the full episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs."Mark's journey is a testament to the power of focusing on the buyer's experience, the necessity of adaptability, and the importance of cautious scaling in the dynamic world of sales.Chapters00:00 Introduction - Understanding contemporary sales strategies and the shift towards customer-centric approaches.01:59 Recapped's Value Proposition - Mark Fershteyn explains how Recapped elevates the buyer experience through collaboration and transparency.03:36 Eliminating Inefficiencies - Highlighting how Recapped reduces common sales bottlenecks and streamlines buyer-seller interactions.04:48 Origin Story - Mark shares his personal sales challenges and the inception of Recapped as a solution for process-driven selling.06:17 Sales as Science - The transformative moment that marked Mark's shift from artful selling to systematic, results-focused methods.07:17 Early Success Leading to Investment - The journey from an efficient internal tool to securing investment to scale Recapped.09:04 The Accidental Entrepreneur - How Mark went from VP of Sales to running a successful start-up.10:18 User Adoption Challenges - The importance of robust onboarding and user adoption in the early stages of customer relationship-building.12:23 Rapid Scalability Challenges - The pitfalls of aggressive scaling and the subsequent need to pare down and refocus.13:52 Market Downturn and Pivot - Adapting to changing market conditions and making tough decisions to ensure the future of Recapped.16:23 Building a Sales Team - Intention and strategy behind assembling a high-impact sales force.18:49 Learning from Recruitment Mistakes - Reflecting on past hiring practices and how to improve them moving forward.20:02 Pivoting to Product-Led Growth - Mark discusses sharpening the focus on product development and self-service for the buyer's journey.22:05 Scaling for the Future - Preparing to rebuild the team with valuable lessons from past experiences and aiming for profitability.About GuestMark Fershteyn is the CEO of Recapped.io, the easiest way for sellers to execute their deals and provide a better buyer experience. Recapped helps revenue teams accelerate sales cycles, close more deals, forecast with confidence, and stand out from the competition. Before founding Recapped in 2019, Mark spent the last decade selling SaaS products and building sales teams. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:(15) Mark Fershteyn | LinkedInCheck out Recapped's website:Recapped.io - The Customer Collaboration PlatformConnect with Alice on LinkedIn:(8) Alice Heiman | LinkedInCheck out Alice's website:Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOs

Do you know that exceptional customer and employee experiences can be the game-changer for your business? In a recent episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman explores this dynamic duo's profound impact. Here's a sneak peek: