Stronger Sales Teams with Ben Wright

In this episode of the Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the profound impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on sales teams across the globe. As professionals navigate the fast-paced adoption of AI tools, Ben highlights essential entry points for harnessing technology with purpose and precision. Acknowledging the anxiety and hesitation that often accompany such shifts, he underscores the pressing need for sales teams to develop AI fluency in order to stay ahead of the curve. Ben offers a comprehensive perspective on integrating AI throughout the sales lifecycle — from prospect research and preparation to training and client engagement. Key Takeaways: Embrace AI for research and preparation as it significantly uplifts sales teams' productivity. Tools like ChatGPT and Grok can enhance customer insights. Rely on AI for ideation, but be wary of using it for full content creation as it may lack personalisation and authenticity. Use AI tools for phone-based teams to provide call coaching and analysis, maximising performance insights and coaching efficiency. Maintain human involvement in critical areas like strategy formulation and contract negotiation to ensure effectiveness and personal engagement. Start integrating AI now in minor tasks to build adaptability and keep pace with evolving technological advances in sales operations. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:12 Where To Start Using A.I. 5:30 10 Activities On Whether To Use A.I. Or Not 6:13 Research and Preparation For Team Meetings 8:13 Outreach 9:40 Sales Decks and Sales Pitches 12:37 Strategy and Ideation 13:55 Training and Coaching Implementation 17:27 Content Creation 18:48 Admin 21:51 Contract Negotiations 23:10 Long Term Customer Relationships 24:17 Recap 24:55 Road to Cairns 25:57 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright is joined by Robyn Djelassi – a dynamic, strategically focused HR leader with a wealth of experience spanning multiple industries. Robyn shares her insights into the art of building high-performing sales teams, underscoring the value of diversity and complementary skill sets over the tendency to hire in one's own likeness. The conversation offers practical, actionable advice for leaders looking to shape resilient and effective sales teams. About the Guest: Robyn Djelassi is a seasoned HR professional and the founder of Impact People Solutions. With two decades of experience across a diverse range of industries – including banking, finance, gaming, and entertainment – Robyn is recognised for her forward-thinking approach to Human Resources. She brings a unique ability to balance strategic insight with hands-on execution and is deeply committed to aligning individual performance with broader organisational goals. Her work reflects a passion for creating impactful, people-driven outcomes that support long-term business success. Key Takeaways: Avoid hiring clones of yourself; aim for a mix of experiences, thoughts, and backgrounds to meet diverse client needs. Hire those who genuinely believe in your product and care about customers over merely chasing numbers. In tougher economic climates, early and honest communication is crucial for managing team morale and transitions. Foster a working relationship with HR as a valuable ally, not just a regulatory entity. Implement processes to consistently check in with team members to understand their evolving needs and motivations. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:15 Guest Introduction 3:23 What Makes Robyn Tick 4:20 Key Mistakes Leaders Make When Growing Teams 6:15 How To Build Out Teams 7:05 How To Assess If Candidates Actually Care 9:27 How To Make Sure That Interviewees Actually Care 11:55 Getting The Most Out Of A Diverse Team 15:32 Managing The Restructuring 18:27 Building Relationship With The HR Department 20:11 Guest Socials 20:40 Road to Cairns 21:52 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright chats with top sales consultant Don Lazarri about building high-performing B2B sales teams. Don shares his proven “sales vital signs” framework, offering practical tips on driving consistency, lead conversion, and team accountability. They unpack smart hiring, strategic resourcing, and the role of strong leadership in keeping sales momentum alive. Whether you're scaling a start-up or leading a mature team, this episode is packed with sharp insights to boost performance and drive growth. About the Guest: Don Lazarri is President of Delivering Value, a leading sales performance consultancy helping businesses and entrepreneurs fast-track growth. With over 15 years' experience across sales strategy, training, and consulting, Don has worked extensively in sectors including software, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. He's also the author of Entrepreneur Sales Secrets Revealed and holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, blending deep practical know-how with strong academic grounding. Key Takeaways: Focus on five key sales metrics: New to funnel, new to pipeline, pipeline value, performance to quota, and exceeding quotas. Align sales hires with pipeline pressure rather than initial growth targets. Consider support staff over additional sales personnel to boost top-of-funnel activities. Effective sales management requires understanding the unique drivers for each team member and adapting coaching styles accordingly. Emphasize the benefits of AI-driven call coaching to free up time for deeper, personalized coaching discussions. Foster a competitive, high-performance culture that rewards meeting and exceeding sales targets, strengthening team cohesion, and motivation. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Guest Introduction 3:01 Delivering Value 4:58 Building A Team For A Solopreneur 6:32 Metrics 8:36 Qualified Leads 11:49 Growing The Team And The Volume of Sales 14:56 How To Build Momentum On The Team 19:13 Revving The Growth Tap 24:47 Guest Socials 25:03 Four Words From The Guest Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright is joined by Cole VanDee, co-founder of Inboxing Engine, for a compelling exploration into the ever-evolving landscape of email marketing. With a wealth of experience in building scalable email systems, Cole offers a nuanced perspective on the true value of email marketing in today's business environment. Together, they examine whether email remains a powerful tool for driving ROI and adapting to AI-driven technologies — or if it's becoming a thing of the past. About the Guest: Cole VanDee is a recognised authority in scalable email marketing systems. As the co-founder of Inboxing Engine, he has helped countless brands unlock hidden revenue through strategic and results-driven email campaigns. With over 327 million emails sent and $106 million in recovered revenue to his name, Cole's tried-and-tested frameworks consistently turn underperforming email lists into high-converting assets. He works primarily with rapidly growing businesses in the $10 to $50 million range, helping them drive measurable returns while steering clear of the pitfalls of spam folders. Key Takeaways: Email marketing is a viable and potent tool for sustained growth, focusing heavily on adding value before making asks. Building a scalable email marketing system involves automation, strategic timing, and personalisation to enhance engagement. Crafting powerful subject lines should focus on avoiding spam triggers to ensure messages land in the inbox. Key elements of successful email strategies include leveraging the sender name's reputation and implementing intelligent automation flows. Continuous value delivery through text-based communication bolsters email reputation and encourages consistent engagement. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:12 Guest Introduction 3:35 Inboxing Engine 4:48 Email Marketing: Funeral or Rebirth 7:09 Building Out A Scalable Process With Email 9:01 Format For Building Out Scalable Process with Email 11:13 Building A New Email List 12:50 Systemising The Structure of Building An Email List 17:10 Spam Folder: Myth or Real? 17:54 Subject Line Recommendations 19:35 Scary Tips For Increasing Engagement or Open Rates 21:07 Revving The Growth Engine For The Next 12 Months 22:16 Guest's Socials 22:41 Road to Cairns 23:41 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the essential elements of building a high-performing sales team — from creating genuine customer value and setting strategic goals to enhancing team capabilities. Ben also addresses the growing need for sales managers to take a proactive approach in their annual planning, particularly as traditional planning cycles shift in today's evolving landscape. Covering everything from goal-setting and systems implementation to the smart use of AI tools, he presents actionable steps to help sales teams align, adapt, and succeed. Key Takeaway: Identifying and articulating the unique value your company brings to customers is crucial for standing out in competitive markets. It's essential to set clear and achievable sales goals that align with broader business strategies, involving team members to foster accountability. Conduct a thorough analysis of your team's current capabilities against the skills needed for future success, and create a development plan to address any gaps. Embracing technology and AI-driven processes can significantly enhance your sales team's efficiency and effectiveness. Simple, clear metrics are vital in tracking progress and ensuring that sales strategies are effectively guiding teams toward their objectives. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:00 Key Areas To Focus As A Sales Leader This Year 4:14 Getting Really Clear On Where You Add Value To Your Customers 6:32 Sit Down, Set Some Goals 9:24 Be Clear On The Capabilities Of Your Team 12:11 Have A Program For Team Development 14:30 Invest On System To Increase Cadence On The Team 16:20 Measure Your Progress 18:30 Get Out There and Carry The Bag Yourself 18:50 Recap 20:10 Road to Cairns 21:42 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the vital role a well-structured training program plays in driving success for B2B sales teams. He highlights the power of tailored, succinct, and impactful training sessions, illustrating how these can significantly boost team performance, morale, and retention. Despite its often-overlooked value, Ben makes a compelling case for formal training as a strategic investment in revenue growth and long-term sales success. Key Takeaways: Effective training programs are customised, concise, compelling, consistent, and coaching-focused. Tailor training to suit the current stage and experience level of your team members. Train teams specifically on areas they need improvement to optimise their sales process. Ensure your team can clearly communicate the unique value propositions of your business. Focus on making your team more efficient in their processes to maximise customer engagement and sales opportunities. Download our free Training Calendar HERE Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:20 Episode 115 Recap 3:59 What Does A Great Training Program Looks Like 6:57 How to Build Out The Training Program 7:25 Looking At Your Team Life Cycle 10:12 Be 100% Clear on What Your Sales Process Is 11:47 Looking At Areas Where You Have Competitive Advantage 13:36 Recognize Where The Team is More Efficient 15:00 Recap 16:19 Road to Cairns 17:42 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright delves into the critical discipline of key account management—a fundamental pillar for cultivating enduring client relationships and securing ongoing revenue. Shifting focus from simply acquiring new business, Ben underscores the value of strengthening existing client partnerships to drive repeat sales. He highlights the necessity of a systematic approach to key account management and urges sales leaders to prioritise customer lifetime value. Key Takeaways: Establish a consistent approach for engaging customers throughout the delivery cycle, ensuring repeat sales through deep trust and strong relationships. Focus on maximising the value provided to a customer over their entire journey, from initial purchase to future sales. Implement a regular schedule for communicating with customers to address satisfaction, solicit feedback, and build future business opportunities. Develop tailored strategies to offer insightful advice and additional services that resonate with client needs. Expand relationships within client organisations to uncover more sales opportunities and safeguard against turnover or shifting priorities. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:00 Strategy for the Future 4:00 Key Account Management 5:55 What is Key Account Management? 7:15 Where Does Key Account Management Starts 9:45 Engaging With Customers 14:07 Adding Value to the Customer Base 20:25 Expansion of Customer Relationships 23:25 Recap 24:07 Road to Cairns 25:18 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the rapidly growing influence of artificial intelligence on sales coaching and training—an emerging essential for modern sales leaders and professionals. Through a clear, structured lens, he unpacks key concepts using high-impact search terms like “AI sales coaching,” “AI call agents,” and “B2B sales management,” highlighting the game-changing potential of tools like data scraping, email automation, and independent AI systems. This episode offers valuable insights into how forward-thinking sales leaders can harness these innovations to streamline operations, empower their teams, and invest more time in meaningful customer relationships. Key Takeaways: Discover how AI tools can enhance the likelihood of closing deals by analyzing and guiding sales through each stage of the process. Solutions like Gong and Icana provide real-time analyses of sales calls, offering actionable insights to refine sales strategies and improve team performance. AI agents can automate tasks like lead generation and post-sales support, allowing sales teams to focus on high-impact activities. Explore the potential of AI agents to handle straightforward sales roles, freeing up human sales teams for complex customer interactions. AI insights guide personal development within sales roles while identifying capabilities to be addressed at the team level. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Impact of A.I on Sales 2:00 SNAKE! 4:02 A.I. 4:40 A.I. Tools For Deal Coaching 7:21 A.I. Tools For Broader Call Coaching 8:25 A.I. in Coaching 13:20 Independent A.I. Call Agents 17:00 Recap 19:59 The Road to Cairns 21:11 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright is joined once again by Brian Dietmeyer, CEO of CloseStrong, for a forward-looking discussion on the evolution of B2B sales strategy. Building on his insights from Episode 89, where he unpacked key principles of negotiation, Brian returns to introduce the transformative concept of precision-guided selling. This conversation is essential listening for forward-thinking sales leaders eager to enhance team performance through the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies that scale coaching efforts and boost deal closure rates. About the Guest: Brian Dietmeyer is the CEO of CloseStrong, a company at the forefront of advancing AI-driven sales strategies. With over two decades of experience, Brian brings a rare blend of strategic insight and practical expertise to the world of sales and negotiation. Brian has penned three influential books on negotiation and sales strategy. His unconventional professional background, which also includes time spent as a dump truck driver and mechanic, lends a grounded, real-world perspective to his executive and coaching roles. This diverse experience underscores his unique ability to connect with sales professionals at every level. Key Takeaways: Guided selling moves beyond generic training events to deliver direct, deal-centric coaching in real-time. Precision-guided selling uses AI to provide continuous, customized support, enabling sales reps to close deals more effectively. Intelligent applications can drive sales strategy execution by offering actionable insights that align with company goals. Studies indicate sales reps prefer deal coaching over skill enhancement, favoring strategies that help directly with current sales opportunities. CloseStrong's platform represents a shift towards reducing the dependency on manual coaching, providing constant guidance without necessitating extensive input forms from sales reps. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:38 Guest Introduction 4:11 Guided Selling 5:06 CloseStrong 8:04 30 Day Cliff With Sales Training 12:10 Impact of Guided Selling On The Direction of Sales Teams 17:04 On The Job, Realtime Deal Coaching 20:15 Sales People Reaction on A.I. Support 24:02 Guest's Socials 24:33 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright introduces his exclusive framework, the “3 Ds”—Deliverables, Decision Makers, and Deadlines—as an essential tool for simplifying the sales process. The episode highlights the significance of clearly defining deliverables, identifying and engaging with decision-makers, and securing commitment to deadlines, all of which help streamline sales activities. By embracing the 3 Ds, sales teams can foster consistency and alignment, ultimately driving improved sales outcomes and cultivating long-term customer relationships. Key Takeaways: Understanding customer deliverables is essential for defining and structuring effective sales strategies. Engaging and being known by decision-makers increase the likelihood of winning deals. Setting and aligning with clear deadlines enhances organizational efficiency and controls the sales process. The 3 Ds framework helps in simplifying complex sales dynamics and driving consistent results. Regular check-ins and questions ensure sales teams remain aligned with clients' expectations and deadlines. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:50 Mini Framework Around A Sales Process 3:23 The Three D's 5:03 Deliverables 8:37 Decision Makers 11:00 Deadlines 13:31 Recap 14:56 Road to Cairns 16:25 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben takes a deep dive into the art of problem-solving in B2B sales management. Drawing from his experience in launching multiple sales programs across various organisations, he highlights the challenges of understanding and respecting customer boundaries. With years of industry knowledge, Ben shares a practical problem-solving framework that's applicable to both straightforward and complex sales scenarios. Key Takeaways: Develop a comprehensive understanding of sales problems by categorizing them into controllable and uncontrollable factors. While you can't change uncontrollables, identify areas where you can still exert influence and devise strategies accordingly. Encourage team involvement in identifying solutions and executing strategic sales plans. Explore opportunities to convert challenges into growth and improvement projects for the sales team. Emphasize the connection between personal well-being and professional success to drive a motivated and effective sales team. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 3:25 Problem Solving Framework 4:40 Looking At Triggers 5:44 Classifying the Triggers Into Controllable and Uncontrollable 7:02 Uncontrollable 13:10 Controllable 16:40 Road to Cairns 18:21 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the often-overlooked challenges that arise when sales teams face unforeseen hurdles, despite thorough preparation and strategic planning. Drawing a comparison to the early optimism of an AFL season, Ben examines why sales targets can sometimes fall short and the necessity for organisations to adapt in order to remain competitive. Throughout the discussion, he stresses the significance of proactive change management within sales strategies to avoid stagnation and decline. Key Takeaways: Ensure that sales goals are well-defined and aligned across the team to maintain focus and coherence in efforts. Identify and concentrate on the ideal customer profile to improve lead quality and close rates. Develop effective communication strategies that clearly convey the value and outcomes of your products or services. Encourage active listening in sales teams to better understand and meet customer needs, aiding in relationship building and shortening sales cycles. Monitor sales activities through key metrics like sales numbers, pipeline size, and customer quotes to maintain motivation and detect performance gaps. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:15 AFL Season 4:35 What To Look At When Changing the Results of Our Team 5:30 Strategy 10:30 Talent 13:50 Energy 16:48 Recap 18:33 The Cairns Ironman Prep 19:55 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the strategic development and application of sales literature in B2B sales management. Addressing the common challenge of content creation and drawing inspiration from the dynamic global sales landscape, Ben outlines key strategies to boost the impact and efficiency of sales teams. This discussion highlights the significance of crafting engaging, informative, and inspiring sales materials to build and sustain a high-performing B2B sales team. Key Takeaways: Introducing customers to your brand through concise and impactful presentation decks can set the stage for deeper client relationships. Detailed and engaging quotation templates are essential for standing out in a saturated market and effectively communicating your offerings. Leveraging capability statements filled with case studies and testimonials can boost credibility and inspire customer confidence. Prominently featuring customer testimonials and successful case studies acts as powerful tools for validating your brand's capability. Utilizing digital signatures and easy-to-read formats can optimize the client experience and streamline administrative processes. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:35 Types of Sales Materials or Sales Literature That Sales Teams Need 4:49 Engaging the Customers 6:10 Baseline Presentation Deck 13:44 Informing the Customers 18:00 Inspiring Customers 21:00 Recap 22:06 Iron Man Triathlon 22:57 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the essential skill of shortening B2B sales cycles. Ben outlines five proven strategies to accelerate sales processes: targeting the right customers, understanding client needs, engaging with decision-makers, clarifying decision timelines, and leveraging internal reviews to add value. By honing in on these key areas, sales teams can streamline their efforts, boost revenue, and enhance client relationships. This episode serves as an invaluable guide for sales managers looking to optimise their processes and achieve outstanding results. Key Takeaways: Concentrate efforts on potential clients who align with your business profile to increase close rates and sales cycle efficiency. Clearly define customer expectations and success metrics at the outset to streamline proposal processes and reduce roadblocks. Ensure all key decision-makers are familiar with your brand to build trust and expedite decision-making. Establish clear decision deadlines with clients to align sales efforts and maintain momentum. Leverage team expertise to enhance value propositions and address client needs more effectively to speed up deal closure. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:10 Best Phone Call With A Customer 2:40 Top 5 Ways To Shortened Sales Cycles 6:33 Be Clear To Target The Right Customers 8:10 Be Clear In The First Meeting With Customers 10:48 Make Sure To Know And Be Known By The Decision Makers 12:37 Be Clear on Decision Times 13:18 Use Your Best Knowledge On Your Business 14:00 Recap 15:00 Honorable Mentions 17:10 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the key elements involved in running successful B2B sales meetings. As a seasoned expert in sales process management, Ben takes listeners through the often-overlooked aspects of the sales journey, with a particular focus on the crucial meet-and-greet phase. He highlights the value of a structured sales approach, noting that systematising around three-quarters of sales activities can bring consistency and effectiveness to every customer interaction. The episode further delves into the three critical stages of a successful sales meeting: the pre-meeting, during the meeting, and post-meeting phases. Key Takeaways: Sales processes should be largely systematised to provide consistency and effectiveness across sales teams. Conduct comprehensive research and preparation to make impactful first impressions and set clear objectives for customer meetings. Spend significant time building relationships and understanding client needs to create a robust foundation for successful collaboration. Align on clear deliverables, deadlines, and decision-makers to ensure everyone is on the same page and focused on achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. Consistently communicate and create value between meetings to keep clients engaged and invested in the ongoing relationship. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:40 The Sales Process 3:40 Creative Value Through the Meet and Greet Meeting 4:45 Pre Meeting Phase 9:35 During Meeting Phase 13:00 The Three D's 17:08 Post Meeting Phase 18:35 Recap 20:28 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright is joined by John Horan, a trailblazer in the renewable energy industry. Ben explores John's journey in establishing and expanding Horan & Bird Solar, focusing on his distinctive approach to business management and growth through strategic decision-making and the integration of artificial intelligence. The discussion unveils John's innovative strategies, particularly his use of AI to boost efficiency and optimise operations, fundamentally transforming his customer service framework. About the Guest: John Horan is an experienced entrepreneur and a leading figure in the Australian renewable energy sector, recognised for his strategic insight and innovative approach. He founded Horan & Bird Electrical, growing it into a $35 million success before selling it to Origin Energy, where he played a key role in establishing Origin as the largest commercial solar installer in the country. With numerous accolades, including awards from the Master Electricians Association and being named Australian Small Business of the Year in 2012, John has recently reacquired his company. He continues to drive business innovation through AI-driven systems and serves as a director on the Board of Solar Accreditation Australia. Find more about John here: https://horanandbirdsolar.com.au/ https://www.igrowbusiness.com.au/electrician-ai-services/ (John's AI agent) Key Takeaways: John Horan has utilised AI to drastically reduce the operational workforce while maintaining the same level of output, proving its efficiency in managing large-scale businesses. By understanding which products yield the most profit and strategically targeting those markets, businesses can significantly increase their profitability. AI applications, like automated bots, have improved the customer service experience by providing consistent and coherent support, even during high-demand periods. Streamlining lead generation and database management with AI tools has allowed John to focus on scaling his business more effectively. John's new venture, AI Electrician, aims to offer similar AI efficiencies to other trades, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in small businesses. Time Stamp: 0:00 Intro 1:10 Guest Introduction 3:16 Horan & Bird 4:37 John's AI Experience in Business 5:33 140 to 15 Staff 7:04 Lead Generation 9:41 Impact of AI on Customers 12:53 Downsides of Using A.I. 14:55 Using Data To Have Advantage in Business 18:25 Using A.I To Have Bang For Your Buck 20:36 Guest's Advice to Turn on the Growth Tap this Year 22:15 Next Up in the John Horan Journey 23:00 Guest Socials 23:52 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the "Ten Commandments of Great Sales" from 1989 and assesses their relevance in the modern sales landscape of 2025. Drawing on his extensive experience, Ben offers valuable insights into how these core principles have withstood the test of time—or adapted to meet today's challenges—providing crucial lessons for sales leaders looking to build high-performing teams. This episode offers practical advice aimed at boosting sales performance while maintaining strong, authentic customer relationships. Key Takeaways: Engaging personally and genuinely with clients is as crucial today as it was decades ago, reinforcing the importance of communication and presence. Some sales principles have evolved, like finding focused value over generalized relationships, reflecting changes in consumer expectations and technology. Actively engaging with and understanding customer opinions leads to more effective relationship building and sales success. Timely communication and consistency in interactions stand out as critical for exceptional customer service in modern sales strategies. Even for seasoned professionals, revisiting and honing fundamental skills such as relationship building and customer understanding can lead to continued growth. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:38 The Ten Commandments of Great Sales 4:15 Speak to People 6:30 Smiling at People 7:45 Calling People by Name 9:13 Being Friendly and Helpful 10:49 Be Cordial 12:25 Be Genuinely Interested in People 14:44 Being Generous with Praise, cautious with Criticism 16:35 Be Considerate of the Feelings of Others 19:00 Thoughtful of the Opinions of Others 20:15 Being Alert to Giving Service 22:15 5 Traits That Hold True in 2025 24:21 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright engages in a conversation with Jemimah Ashleigh, a renowned expert in visibility and personal branding, to delve into the complexities of establishing and sustaining a high-performing sales team. Jemimah provides listeners with a fresh perspective on how visibility and personal branding can significantly drive sales success. Jemimah shares proven techniques to enhance a sales team's performance, highlighting the influential role of media, public relations, awards, and public speaking in fostering business growth and cultivating trust. About the Guest: Jemimah Ashleigh is a highly regarded entrepreneur, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, with a varied career that includes a notable tenure with the Australian Federal Police. Named one of Australia's Top 10 entrepreneurs in 2022, Jemimah is the Founder of The Visibility Lab, where she empowers businesses to scale and thrive through effective visibility strategies. With a wealth of international experience, she has shared the stage with prominent figures such as Gary Vee and advisors to Barack Obama. Jemimah's expertise focuses on crafting powerful visibility and personal branding strategies, particularly for small business owners. The Visibility Lab: https://jemimahashleigh.com/the-visibility-lab Key Takeaways: Establishing a strong personal brand is essential for sales professionals to create a credible and trustworthy image. Consistency in social media engagement and business messaging builds authority and visibility, leading to better sales outcomes. Pursuing business awards and recognition can considerably enhance business profiles, offering free PR and media exposure. Being consistent in the right media outlets that align with your target audience is crucial for effective visibility. Building a supportive network of knowledgeable individuals can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:02 Guest Introduction 3:22 Australian Federal Police 6:30 The Visibility Lab 8:04 Skills From AFP That Translated to the Visibility Lab 10:19 Importance of Visibility 13:38 What Does Good Visibility Look Like 16:26 What Does Poor Visibility Look Like 19:06 Where to Start With Visibility 22:06 Revving the Growth Engine as a Sales Leader 24:31 Guest's Socials 25:34 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the strategies and techniques behind building exceptional B2B sales teams. Ben shares a powerful framework for developing sales teams based on behavioural change, strategic goal setting, and performance assessment. His discussion outlines how this systematic approach can guide sales managers and their teams through a transformative journey. By employing the team step model, which includes strategy, energy, and talent, sales leaders can align and elevate their teams' behaviours, resulting in sustained improvements in sales performance and overall business outcomes. Key Takeaways: The initial focus on behavior development is crucial for setting a stable foundation for sales team growth. The team step model helps refine strategy, energy, and talent, aligning behaviors effectively. Thorough strategic goal-setting should follow behavioral adjustments to ensure successful sales outcomes. Allow 12-18 months for transformative growth in a sales team, requiring patience and structured planning. Consistent measurement of actions and outcomes is vital for sustaining team growth and ensuring alignment with goals. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Evolution of the Growth Program 2:28 Expected Growth Appearance in Our Teams 3:31 Behaviours 6:14 Team Step Model 11:58 Rolling Out Strategic Plans 16:05 Actions and Results 19:30 Wrap Up 21:38 Health and Fitness Tip 22:54 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of the Stronger Sales Teams podcast, host Ben Wright sits down with marketing expert Phil Ohren to delve into the intersection of marketing and sales. The conversation explores how digital strategies can be integrated into sales processes, the critical role of data in crafting bespoke customer experiences, and the importance of aligning sales and marketing teams. Phil offers valuable insights into modern marketing approaches and sales funnels, setting the tone for an engaging discussion filled with practical takeaways. About the Guest: Phil Ohren is a highly experienced marketing professional and the founder of Intender Marketing, a firm dedicated to digital strategy and helping businesses engage with their target audiences. With more than 20 years of expertise in the marketing industry, Phil has worked alongside renowned global brands including Chanel, Land Rover, Bupa, and Unilever. His focus is on developing cutting-edge digital strategies and assets that leverage zero-party data, enabling more tailored and impactful marketing efforts. Additionally, Phil is a strong advocate for sustainability, demonstrating a broader commitment to ethical and innovative business practices. Key Takeaways: The integration of marketing and sales through shared data can significantly enhance customer engagement and conversion rates. Utilising zero-party data allows businesses to better understand and cater to the specific needs and intents of their clients. Successful marketing and sales efforts require a firm understanding of both present and future customer pipelines. Emotional connections play a substantial role in creating meaningful relationships with clients, impacting long-term business success. Businesses must continuously audit and adjust their strategies to maintain relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing marketing landscape. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 3:06 Intender 7:05 Selling Without Selling 10:41 Interprise Level 13:40 Zero Party Data 18:05 Role of Emotion ini Purchases 20:30 Sorting Out Sales Approach to Into Thirds 21:40 Growing the Sales Engine 24:01 Guest Socials 24:34 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the timeless craft of storytelling and its crucial role in B2B sales. Ben begins by highlighting the importance of storytelling in both personal and professional contexts, underscoring how a well-crafted narrative can elevate engagement in any environment. Drawing on his own experiences and industry knowledge, Ben offers listeners practical advice on creating powerful stories that resonate with audiences.Key Takeaways: Always start with the end in mind, focusing on the purpose and outcome of your story to keep it on track. Grab your audience's attention early and often using curiosity, visuals, or changes in tone and pitch. Deliver stories with genuine belief and passion, making them relatable and memorable. Use a four-part structure—problem, impact, solution, and outcome—for effective narrative delivery. Write down and rehearse your stories to improve effectiveness and delivery in various contexts. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 4:20 Story Telling 5:35 What Makes A Great Story Teller 9:55 Where To Start in Story Telling 15:20 Frame Work Around Story Telling 23:07 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In the highly anticipated 100th episode of the Stronger Sales Team podcast, host Ben Wright brings you an unmissable blend of expertise from three powerhouse professionals: Steve Plummer, Akeem Shannon, and Nick Capozzi. This special milestone episode dives deep into the game-changing skills of storytelling, persuasive communication, and cutting-edge marketing strategies – all packed with insights that will supercharge your sales team's performance and engagement. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation as Steve Plummer reveals how powerful words can work magic in the world of sales and marketing. Then, Akeem Shannon takes you on his journey from entrepreneur to success with Flipstick, showing how personal and customer stories can create unbreakable bonds. Finally, Nick Capotzi unwraps the secrets behind video marketing and how personalised videos are revolutionising the sales landscape and boosting customer interaction. Key Takeaways: Steve Plummer emphasizes the power of language in sales, suggesting that the words we choose can significantly influence the outcome of business communications. Akeem Shannon illustrates the importance of personal and customer narratives in creating a meaningful connection with the audience. Nick Capozzi highlights the value of personalized video messages in enhancing sales pitches and cementing relationships with clients. The episode offers rich, actionable insights on copywriting, storytelling, and video strategies tailored for sales leaders. Through his anecdotes, Akeem Shannon exemplifies how overcoming rejections can lead to unexpected opportunities in business ventures. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:03 100th Episode!!!! 1:52 Steve Plummer 12:55 Akeem Shannon 26:06 Nick Capozzi 50:11 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright shares his insights on creating sales incentive programs that really work. With years of experience working with startups, fast-growing businesses, and established companies, he offers practical tips on designing pay strategies that align with company goals, boost team morale, and deliver outstanding sales results. This episode is a goldmine of advice on shaping sales incentive structures for businesses at any stage – whether you're just starting out, in the growth phase, or fully established. Key Takeaways: Startups, growth-phase, and mature businesses should each design remuneration packages that reflect their specific needs and growth stages, balancing base salaries, commissions, and bonuses. Sales compensation should weigh both revenue and gross margin growth, particularly in growth and mature businesses, ensuring compensation drives both short-term and long-term value. Offering uncapped commissions in growth-oriented environments can attract top sales talent and incentivize exceptional performance. As businesses mature, shifting focus to non-monetary benefits like career progression and unique perks can be vital to retaining top sales talent. Recognizing different sales roles and competencies allows for flexibility in pay structures, enabling businesses to attract and retain high performers or “career gorillas.” Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:58 Types of Business Framworks In Rumeneration Strategies 3:30 For Star Up Business 6:50 For Growth Driven Businesses 12:35 For Mature Businesses 16:00 Other Frameworks 22:24 Recap 23:18 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright explores the critical role of strategic planning in aligning sales teams' objectives with the broader goals of the business. As the new year commences, Ben underscores how crafting clear, actionable, and effective strategies can turn business aspirations into measurable results. He highlights common challenges in strategic planning, stressing the importance of prioritisation and focus to avoid the pitfalls of spreading resources too thin across too many objectives.In addition to strategic development, Ben emphasises the significance of regular quarterly reviews and maintaining consistent momentum to ensure sustained success over time. Key Takeaways: Transform broader company goals into actionable sales team strategies to align efforts and optimize impact. Prioritize the most high-impact ideas from brainstorming sessions to streamline objectives and focus execution. Engage sales teams in the planning process to boost ownership, accountability, and execution success. Utilize financial waterfalls to align qualitative strategic objectives with quantifiable, financial outcomes. Maintain momentum with regular reviews, refinements, and engagement of project champions to ensure strategic plans do not lose focus. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:00 Strategic Planning Format 4:38 Looking At Broader Company Goals 6:16 Revenue Growth Target 7:25 Strategic One Sentence Pitch 8:45 Involving The Team 11:56 Building Plans 13:55 The Financial Waterfall 17:30 Review, Refine, and Reroll Out Program 19:30 Recap 21:07 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben provides valuable guidance for sales managers on how to maximise existing customer databases to drive revenue growth. He explores the potential of re-engaging past customers and prospects, transforming previous interactions into profitable sales opportunities.Ben masterfully demonstrates how to use data to revive dormant customer relationships, highlighting the critical role of a reliable CRM system such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho. He offers practical advice on segmenting customers based on their last purchase and understanding the reasons behind the cessation of past transactions. The episode emphasises key strategies such as setting measurable targets, integrating automated solutions, and establishing long-term sales objectives for sustainable growth. Key Takeaways: Use CRM systems effectively to classify and analyze existing customer data, identifying prospects who haven't transacted recently. Understand the reasons why customers stopped engaging with your business and categorize these reasons to build customized re-engagement strategies. Develop a sales playbook that includes varied offers and strategic campaigns to bring inactive customers back to life. Set clear targets for customer reactivation and monitor progress, integrating this into overall annual growth plans for your sales team. Balance professional ambitions with personal well-being by focusing on sleep, diet, stress management, exercise, and toxin reduction. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 3:32 How To Impact Repeating Customers 4:18 Understanding Data 6:05 Segregating Customers to Periods 6:45 Breaking the Data Down 9:03 Offers in Bringing Customers Back in the Business 1037 Building Out That Playbook of Offers 16:30 Key Encouragements 17:10 Health and Fitness Tip 19:57 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

To kick off an exciting year ahead, Ben Wright presents the 2025 episode of the Stronger Sales Teams podcast, focusing on the core essentials of B2B sales management. Ben delivers a compelling narrative for sales leaders, revisiting the key factors that contribute to high-performing sales teams. As the festive season draws to a close, this episode is a crucial resource for those looking to refine their strategic approach to sales by emphasising the importance of aligning team goals with broader corporate objectives. Key Takeaways: A well-defined sales strategy aligned with company objectives is critical for setting a clear direction and fostering business growth. Sales success is bolstered by consistent and well-documented sales processes that guide teams through lead generation to closing deals. Implementing appropriate metrics and celebrating achievements are vital to motivating sales teams and ensuring progress. Continuous learning through structured training and coaching ensures that sales teams remain knowledgeable and agile. Encouraging gradual progress in personal and professional goals can lead to sustained improvement and success. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:50 Best Possible Way to Achieve Your Sales Goals 3:19 Having A Sales Strategy 7:24 Sales Process 9:20 Metrics 12:39 Training Program 13:56 Coaching Program 16:21 How to Take Action 16:58 Health and Fitness Tip 18:11 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

Merry Christmas!!! In this special festive edition of the Stronger Sales Teams podcast, Ben Wright offers a timely discussion that resonates with the personal and professional goals of sales leaders during the holiday season. He reveals the Three Christmas Wishes that are top of mind for many sales leaders as they look ahead to the new year: improving pipeline quality, fostering team hunger, and finding personal balance. Throughout the episode, Ben explores the deep desire for sales teams to thrive. He highlights the need for a strong and reliable sales pipeline, sharing insights on how leaders can distinguish between high-potential opportunities and those less likely to close. Key Takeaways: Sales leaders seek to enhance pipeline robustness by focusing on the quality and predictability of leads. Nurturing a motivated sales team requires setting examples, celebrating achievements, and having engaging meetings. Effective time management and prioritizing urgent and strategic tasks can help sales leaders find personal balance. Continuous learning for sales teams leads to higher competency and reduced reliance on leadership intervention. Engender intrinsic motivation in teams by recognizing progress and setting the right examples. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:35 Top 3 Christmas Wishes on Sales Leaders Minds 3:00 Improving Pipeline Quality 9:14 Fostering Team Hunger 15:58 Finding Personal Balance 20:24 Recap 20:48 Health and Fitness Tip 22:04 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright is joined by Matthew Whyatt, a distinguished sales leader from Australia renowned for his expertise in crafting high-impact sales strategies. The discussion kicks off with Matthew offering valuable insights into the science of buyer-centric selling, effective sales leadership, and his broad experience across various industries. The conversation takes a deep dive into the concept of the "buyer's process," stressing the critical importance of understanding customer behaviour in the sales journey. Matthew introduces a structured, four-step framework designed to guide sales interactions and convert potential into measurable success. About the Guest: Matthew Whyatt is an accomplished sales professional with extensive experience across a range of industries, including IT, software consultancy, real estate, healthcare, and business licensing. As the founder of Teck Torque Systems, he specialises in providing strategic sales consultancy and training, helping technology businesses expand and thrive. With a proven track record of leading organisations to generate over $100 million in sales, Matthew has a deep expertise in both managing and mentoring high-performing sales teams. Formerly the CEO of Velocity Sales Training, he collaborated with prominent sales experts and worked closely with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. A strong advocate for buyer-centric selling, Matthew is dedicated to empowering businesses to make informed, strategic decisions.Key Takeaways: Understand the buyer's process with a four-step framework to navigate successfully through “Just looking,” avoiding “Free consulting,” handling “Proposal requests,” and overcoming customer “Hiding.” Empower teams with a strong belief in the product and company to excel in sales engagements. Create actionable customer interaction plans, such as booking follow-up meetings during initial conversations to maintain momentum. Break up emails as a powerful tool to re-engage disengaged prospects and manage resource allocation effectively. The importance of leaders staying connected to frontline sales activities to enhance credibility and effectiveness in decision-making. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Guest Introduction 6:21 Broad Thoughts and Questions 12:19 The Framework 18:51 How To Turn on the Growth Tap and Where To Start 21:24 Guest Socials 22:37 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of the Stronger Sales Team, Ben Wright offers up some valuable strategies for closing deals as the year comes to a close. As the Christmas period approaches. He discusses effective negotiation strategies and highlights the importance of maintaining robust pipelines that accurately reflect business potential. The episode further delves into the optimal timing and approach for introducing pricing in sales conversations, with practical advice on aligning with client budgets from the outset. Additionally, Ben introduces a straightforward yet impactful negotiation framework, featuring walk-in, fallback, and walk-away positions, to help ensure successful deal closures. Key Takeaways: Implement a thorough needs analysis to fully understand customer requirements and decision-making criteria early in the sales process. Introduce pricing discussions early to align customer and business expectations, identifying potential budgetary constraints beforehand. Utilise a clear negotiation framework with walk-in, fallback, and walk-away positions to navigate complex deal negotiations effectively. Leverage the advantages of offering multiple options to the customer to encourage flexibility and final agreement. Revisit and reflect upon negotiation successes and failures to continuously improve sales strategies and outcomes. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 3:00 Bringing To A Close Open Pipelines 3:30 Negotiation Frameworks 4:00 Understanding What it Takes to Get a Deal Closed 10:34 Bringing Pricing Up Early 14:54 A Negotiation Framework 21:00 Recap 22:11 Health and Fitness Tip 23:38 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben delves into a practical exercise that can be used to improve and refine your sales process. As the year concludes, sales teams are in a prime position to evaluate their accomplishments and devise strategies for the forthcoming year. Ben introduces a review exercise that is both simple and effective, with the objective of identifying areas that require refinement. Key Takeaways: Consider a structured review of your sales process at the end of the year to uplift sales performance and strategy. Ask critical questions about each stage of your sales process to identify improvement opportunities and enhance team efficiency. Evaluate the effectiveness of your CRM system in capturing necessary sales data to optimise customer interactions and internal processes. Avoid focusing solely on internal processes—incorporate customer journey mapping to view performance from the client's perspective. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:34 The Sales Process Exercise 4:30 5 Steps For Sales Process 5:30 Review Around Broad Stroke Sales Process 7:58 Lead Generation 13:44 Meet and Greet or Needs Analysis 16:30 Quoting and Presentation 20:08 Closing 22:18 Post Sale Process 26:12 Health and Fitness Tip Download our FREE Sales Process here: https://www.strongersalesteams.com/salesprocess Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright introduces Wes Schaeffer, also known as "The Business Fixer", to deliberate on practical strategies for improving B2B sales. Wes illustrates the significance of segmenting the sales process into distinct, manageable segments through a variety of personal and professional experiences. Throughout the course of the discussion, Wes Schaeffer divulges details about the strategies that have consistently increased his close rates. He provides an explanation of his sales management method that assists firms in attracting, bonding with, converting, delighting, and endearing consumers while also discussing the cyclical nature of sales.About the Guest:"The Business Fixer" Wes Schaeffer is well-known for his expertise in sales tactics and optimisation. He is a veteran of the Air Force and the author of numerous books and 700+ podcast episodes. Wes brings an air of calm professionalism to his business dealings along with a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As a sales coach, he focuses on assisting companies in honing their messaging, increasing their closing rates, and efficiently distributing their products to customers. Wes brings a plethora of life experience and strong sales training to his clients, drawing on his roles as a father of seven and grandfather of three. Discover more about Wes at www.fixerwes.com Key Takeaways: Emphasise each step of the sales process to ensure comprehensive execution and maximum impact. Address potential objections and critical details upfront to streamline the closing process. Utilise a cyclical approach (Attract, Bond, Convert, Deliver, Endear) to foster repeat business and referrals. Prioritise establishing trust over simply being liked to create sustainable client relationships. Protect leads from falling back with a systematic approach ensuring progression through the sales pipeline. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:56 "To Make Any Sale, You Must Make Every Sale" 9:49 The System 13:12 The Five Methods to Close Every Sale 17:00 Closing First Then Presenting 21:09 Sales Dog 26:30 Guest Socials 26:59 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright engages with Mike Latch to explore the complexities involved in establishing an effective sales process and the role of technology in business scaling. Emphasising the importance of integrating a structured sales process with technology, Mike presents straightforward strategies that are accessible for businesses of all sizes. The conversation underscores the significance of onboarding programmes, scalable processes, and the strategic utilisation of technological solutions to bolster performance rather than impede it. Drawing from his extensive technical expertise, Mike offers practical guidance on managing sales teams, illustrating how well-defined sales processes can transform even large sales teams into efficient, revenue-generating entities without sacrificing quality.About the Guest:Mike Latch is the CEO and co-founder of Patter AI, an innovative sales enablement technology firm located in the United States. With more than 20 years of experience in both technical and sales domains, Mike possesses a diverse background that includes electrical engineering, physics, and strategic sales. His distinctive combination of skills was instrumental in scaling his previous venture from $50 million to over $1 billion in revenue, culminating in its acquisition by ADT. Furthermore, Mike is a co-author of the book titled “Sales Sucks”. https://www.salessucksbook.com/ Key Takeaways: A small sales team should focus on hiring skilled individuals, while a larger sales force requires robust processes to ensure consistency and scalability. Technology integration should focus on solving specific problems or seizing opportunities rather than simply implementing tools without clear purposes. Clear, well-crafted onboarding programs and well-defined sales processes can dramatically reduce onboarding times and improve overall sales team performance. Mike emphasises the power of consultative sales processes that leverage storytelling to help customers better understand and engage with offerings. Strategic use of tech in sales calls can enable average sales reps to effectively handle complex objections and close more deals. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:03 Guest Introduction 3:17 About Mike Latch 6:19 Getting The Sales Process Right 8:51 Dealing With Sales Leaders on Having Functioning Sales Processes 10:54 Where To Start in Building a Sales Process 13:56 Blending Tech in the Sales Process 18:10 Using Tech and Sales Processes To Scale Your Business 23:35 "Sales Sucks" 25:25 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright engages in a discussion with Brian Dietmeyer about the intricacies of negotiation strategies within the B2B sales landscape. Brian, the CEO of CloseStrong and a distinguished negotiation strategist, imparts valuable knowledge drawn from his extensive experience in global negotiations, aimed at assisting sales leaders in developing effective teams. The episode explores the nuances of buyer tactics, with a particular emphasis on utilising alternatives and driving concessions to successfully finalise deals.About the Guest: Brian Dietmeyer is a highly experienced negotiation expert, boasting over 20 years of experience across 47 countries. He is currently the CEO of CloseStrong, an innovative brand that is enhancing AI coaching with an emphasis on negotiation strategies. Prior to establishing CloseStrong, Brian served as the CEO of ThinkInk, a negotiation consultancy, where he worked alongside a Harvard Business School professor to refine techniques for deal negotiations. His extensive career commenced at Marriott, where he rose from the position of busboy to Vice President of National Account Sales. Additionally, Brian is the author of several books, including “Strategic Negotiation,” “B2B Street Fighting,” and “Negotiating Blueprinting for Buyers.” His diverse experiences also include roles as a dump truck driver, mechanic, and labourer, which have provided him with a comprehensive perspective in the business realm. https://www.closestrong.ai/ Key Takeaways: Negotiation Predictability: Brian highlights that negotiations follow predictable patterns that can be analysed and addressed with a structured approach. Understanding Alternatives: Successful negotiators must thoroughly understand potential alternatives available to buyers and leverage this knowledge to their advantage. Holistic Deal Structure: Focusing on only one element like price can lead to ineffective deals. Negotiations should consider all commercial terms together. Offering Multiple Solutions: Presenting multiple solution options can help diagnose buyer needs and lead to more collaborative negotiations. Consequences Analysis: Evaluating the consequences for both sides if a deal doesn't go through is crucial for balanced and effective negotiation strategies. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:44 CloseStrong 5:52 Negotiation Skills 8:04 Difficult Buyer Tactics 10:38 Preparing for Whats Coming 14:55 Preparing Around the Two Levers 27:53 Guest's Socials 28:40 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Stephen shares his extensive knowledge on the development and management of large sales teams, focusing on effective recruitment and onboarding processes. He highlights his company's innovative strategy for scaling field teams while maintaining quality. Ben and Stephen examine the intricacies of sales management and team development, providing valuable strategies for sales leaders aiming to improve their recruitment and onboarding practices.About the Guest: Stephen Rhyne is the CEO and founder of ConveYour, a company that specialises in the onboarding, training, and retention of sales representatives for large enterprises. With two decades of experience in sales, Stephen began his career in direct sales with Cutco, where he honed his skills in both sales and technology. He subsequently moved into software development, concentrating on creating efficient systems for managing large, field-based teams. ConveYour is recognised for its ability to optimise back-office and administrative tasks, allowing companies to significantly scale their sales operations.Key Takeaways: Use your current sales team to recruit more talent by creating simple referral mechanisms that require minimal effort from current employees. Increase the volume of potential recruits to set a higher standard for talent acquisition, enabling the cutting of under-performers more readily. View onboarding as an extension of recruitment, creating a smooth, engaging, and logical process to maintain new hires' enthusiasm and commitment. Develop a strong offer message based on interviews with recently recruited, high-performing employees to attract similar candidates. Utilise technology to streamline the onboarding process, ensuring new hires have a clear, uncomplicated, and engaging introduction to the company. Time Stamp: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:08 ConveYour 5:28 Business Scaling Their Sales Teams Without Compromising Quality 8:53 Using Existing Sales Team to Attract Top Talent 13:11 Onboarding Sales Representatives 18:54 Tips on How To Grow Your Team 22:00 Guest Socials22:41 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright explores the complexities of lead nurturing, a crucial element of effective B2B sales management. Ben highlights the essential process of nurturing leads from initial contact to meaningful engagement with prospective customers. He presents a comprehensive list of 15 actionable strategies designed to empower sales managers in enhancing team productivity and cultivating enduring customer relationships. Key Takeaways: The personalised thank you - this can significantly enhance relationship building with prospective clients. Personalised videos - providing valuable content can strengthen connections and keep potential clients engaged. Social Media - connecting with prospects via their preferred channel is a great way to stay connected. Content Generation - putting enough content out there so that prospects can get to know who and what you're about. Recommendations - provide opportunities for prospects to broaden their knowledge and skills. Structured follow ups - ask your prospects when and how they want you to engage and re-engage. Help them solve a problem - find ways to share knowledge and/or resource that might be easy for you, but really helps them. Sponsorships - these will generally allow for multiple opportunities to get in front of your prospects. Webinars (and podcasts) - an opportunity for you and your team to share your expertise, showcase your product or service in an engaging way. Case Studies - show prospects how your service or product can improve their lives. Get products in hands - there's nothing quite as simple, yet powerful, as being able to test drive before you buy. Product demonstrations or training sessions - an extension of #11 - where a physical product isn't available consider how else you might showcase your product or service. Think video, 3D renders, VR, etc. Snail mail - might sound "old school" but with the decline in volume of physical mail sometimes receiving something in the mail can be quite a pleasant surprise. Drip Campaigns - often with the support of marketing or comms teams, setting up a sequence of follow up communications that will be sent to prospects post that initial meeting can be a great way of nurturing them over time. Cross-threading - seek out others across the business you're working with as this can accelerate moving leads through the sales funnel. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:12 Top 15 Recommendations In Nurturing Leads 4:34 Personalised Thank You 5:30 Personalised Videos 6:15 Social Media 6:53 Content Generation 7:53 Providing Recommendations 8:35 Structured Follow Up 9:25 Problem Solving 10:23 Sponsorships 10:57 Webinars 11:30 Case Studies and Site Visits 12:18 Getting Physical Products In Hands 12:55 Product Demonstrations 13:32 Physical Mail 14:00 Drip Campaigns 14:45 Cross Threading 15:30 Recap 18:08 Health and Fitness Tip 18:56 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright outlines his top 15 lead generation strategies that have consistently proven effective. He underscores the significance of thorough preparation and persistence while moving away from traditional approaches such as cold calling and social media outreach, encouraging sales professionals to adopt innovative methods. Key Takeaways: Effective lead generation requires grit, determination, and consistent effort, often needing multiple attempts before success. Past customers and their networks can be invaluable for generating return business and referrals. Utilise personal networks, leadership teams, and community groups to enhance reach and prospecting potential. Move beyond traditional methods by considering sponsorships, aged opportunities, and trade show networking. Explore training Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro0:29 Top 15 Lead Generation Activities3:35 Going Back to the Well- Past Customers (1)4:34 Referrals from Past Customers (2)5:51 Referral Partners (3)6:22 Networking - Events & Groups (4)7:00 Networking - Leveraging Your Personal Network (5)8:24 Networking - Leveraging the Networks of Your Senior Leadership Teams (6)9:02 Community, Sports & School Groups (7)10:00 Sponsorships (8)12:10 Aged Prospects (9)13:09 Aged Opportunities - Lost Deals (10)14:40 Trade Shows (11) 15:25 Interdepartmental Cross Selling (12)16:02 Training Events and Programs (13)16:55 Social Media - Strategic Outreach (14)17:41 Tender Relationships (15)18:20 Recap20:25 Health and Fitness Tip22:14 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright continues his insightful discussion with Cameron Schwab, a transformational leader and the driving force behind Design CEO. Cameron delves into essential themes such as the significance of a personal leadership brand and the pivotal role of accountability in enhancing team performance. He introduces the concept of “Lift, Shift, Challenge,” which provides a structured methodology for nurturing connection, improving capabilities, and developing character within teams. Cameron underscores the importance of defining reality and instilling hope as fundamental leadership strategies that can facilitate sustained growth and resilience, even amid adversity. About the Guest: Cameron Schwab is a prominent figure in sports management, widely recognised for his tenure as CEO of several AFL clubs, including Melbourne, Richmond, and Fremantle. He began his career as a recruiter for the Melbourne Football Club and made history as the youngest CEO of an AFL club at just 24 years old. Beyond his impressive achievements in sports, Cameron is also a talented artist currently pursuing Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts. Additionally, he founded Design CEO, a consultancy dedicated to leadership and team development, showcasing his commitment to fostering effective leadership in various contexts. Key Takeaways: Establishing a personal leadership trademark that guides your behaviour and decision-making can significantly influence your effectiveness as a leader. Using the framework of storytelling (Lift), implementing actionable ideas (Shift), and challenging oneself (Challenge) fosters a culture of accountability and performance. Successful leaders define the current reality with clarity and offer actionable hope to inspire progress and resilience within their teams. Techniques such as Cameron's "Easy, Tiger" mantra can help leaders maintain composure and make thoughtful decisions under pressure. Simplifying complex situations and focusing on core priorities ("Simplify", to "Amplify") can help drive meaningful and impactful actions. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:39 Leadership Trademarks 11:15 Lift, Shift, Challenge 15:02 How to Apply Life, Shift, Challenge 16:11 Where to Start As A Leader of A Business 19:58 Guest Socials 21:32 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of the Stronger Sales Team Podcast, host Ben Wright explores the complex realm of leadership and team management with Cameron Schwab, a distinguished figure in the Australian Football League (AFL) and an accomplished corporate leader. Cameron offers valuable insights drawn from his extensive career, which included several challenging roles as CEO of various AFL clubs. The conversation centres on the fundamental attributes of leadership, the necessity of maintaining self-composure in challenging circumstances, and the significant influence of personal integrity and awareness in navigating teams through adversity. About the Guest: Cameron Schwab is a prominent figure in sports management, widely recognised for his tenure as CEO of several AFL clubs, including Melbourne, Richmond, and Fremantle. He began his career as a recruiter for the Melbourne Football Club and made history as the youngest CEO of an AFL club at just 24 years old. Beyond his impressive achievements in sports, Cameron is also a talented artist currently pursuing Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts. Additionally, he founded DesignCEO, a consultancy dedicated to leadership and team development, showcasing his commitment to fostering effective leadership in various contexts. Key Takeaways: Cameron Schwab highlights a technique where he writes down what each moment in a negotiation or a meeting requires from him, focusing on traits like calmness, humility, kindness, and bravery. Leadership is about managing the most challenging and ambiguous situations effectively, not just about fulfilling a role. The impact of having strong, insightful support systems—like family or mentors—during tough times can profoundly affect a leader's performance and mindset. Building relationships that combine personal integrity with insightful advice can create meaningful, productive support networks. Maintaining a balance between professional demands and personal wellbeing is crucial for sustained leadership effectiveness. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:35 Players are Leaders 7:10 What The Situation Requires From Me 13:26 Having Good People Around You 23:29 Guest's Socials 25:24 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this special edition of the Stronger Sales Teams Podcast, host Ben Wright invites Laban Ditchburn, renowned as the world's foremost courage coach, for a comprehensive dialogue on the importance of having an effective support system. Recorded in person at Ben's residence, this episode offers an unscripted and genuine exploration of coaching, mentoring, and personal growth. The episode's central theme underscores the significance of self-help, the transformative nature of forgiveness, and the necessity of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Laban also shares his insights on the impact of meditation in fostering balance and coherence in life, which has greatly enhanced his personal and professional relationships. Through these discussions, the episode provides valuable lessons for leaders and individuals seeking personal and professional development. About the Guest: Laban Ditchburn is renowned as the world's foremost courage coach, with a profound history of overcoming personal challenges such as alcohol and drug addiction, gambling, and significant health issues. His background in IT recruitment, coupled with his journey of personal transformation, enables him to provide valuable insights as a courage coach. Laban facilitates growth by establishing judgment-free environments where individuals can explore possibilities and borrow courage until they reach their own breakthroughs. His transformative journey is chronicled in his book, and he frequently shares his wisdom across various platforms. Key Takeaways: Forgiving oneself and others can be a massive catalyst in overcoming personal challenges and addiction recovery. Leaders should understand the value of listening to their teams, as a problem shared is a problem halved. Engaging in activities like meditation or exercise can help create balance and help one show up as the best version of themselves. Fronting up with the best version of yourself increases engagement and can magnetically attract the right opportunities and people. Exploring concepts like quantum field and quantum entanglement can transform how you approach achieving goals and attracting positive outcomes. Timestamps:0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:36 Laban Ditchburn's Journey 9:20 Forgiveness 12:38 Meditation 19:42 Balance 22:58 What Impactful Thing A Leader Should Do 26:25 Guest Socials 27:08 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright speaks with networking expert and seasoned marketer, Luke Hawley. Together, they explore the complexities of joint business planning, highlighting the importance of fostering strategic partnerships to achieve mutual growth. Luke defines joint business planning as going beyond conventional negotiation techniques; it focuses on developing symbiotic relationships that maximise shared resources, intellectual property, and innovative marketing strategies. The discussion also examines practical applications for businesses of all sizes, stressing the value of leveraging existing customer relationships and the profound impact of asking the right questions. About the Guest: Luke Hawley is an experienced marketer, entrepreneur, and adept networker. He began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he contributed to prominent products such as Olay and ClearBlue, working closely with leading Australian retailers including Coles, Kmart, and Target. Presently, Luke serves as the Managing Director of Matters Magazine, a B2B organisation based on the Sunshine Coast, and leads several LinkedIn local chapters. Renowned for his outstanding networking skills, Luke utilises his extensive expertise to cultivate substantial business connections at both local and national levels. Timestamp: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 4:51 Joint Business Planning 6:03 What Joint Business Planning Looks Like 8:19 I.P. 16:41 Rolling Out Joint Business Plan to Customers 19:35 Application to Smaller Businesses 22:38 What to Focus on as a Sales Leader 24:10 Guest Socials 24:35 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben speaks with Richard White, the CEO of Fathom Video. Richard, drawing from his extensive experience in the technology and SaaS sectors, shares his journey from software engineer to Founder and CEO. He outlines the development of Fathom and discusses how AI-powered transcription and note-taking tools are improving sales performance by enabling sales professionals to be more engaged and present during meetings. The discussion also covers the broader implications of AI in sales management, including its influence on pipeline reviews, coaching, and its potential future applications in sentiment analysis and non-verbal communication.About the Guest: Richard White is a distinguished entrepreneur and technology innovator, currently holding the position of Founder and CEO at Fathom Video. With a background in software engineering and product design, Richard is dedicated to developing tools that significantly improve user experiences. He previously established UserVoice, a platform for managing customer feedback utilised by both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Richard's expertise extends across SaaS and tech startups, with his current enterprise, Fathom, aiming to transform digital communication through sophisticated AI-driven note-taking solutions. https://fathom.video/ Key Takeaways: Fathom's AI-powered note-taking tools allow sales teams to focus on conversations rather than manual note-taking, increasing overall efficiency and presence during sales calls. Advanced AI can now analyse multiple calls to identify coaching opportunities, helping sales managers to pinpoint areas for improvement without sifting through hours of recordings. The importance of robust security and privacy measures in AI note-taking applications to ensure user data is protected. Leveraging AI tools for outbound sales can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of prospecting efforts, saving time and improving outreach precision. The advancement in AI models now enables better understanding of tone and sentiment during sales calls, providing deeper insights and improving communication strategies. Time Stamp: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:37 Fathom 5:59 How a Note Taking App Revolutionise Digital Communication 13:44 Challenges of a Note Taking App 17:02 Privacy Concerns 19:35 What To Focus On For Growth 22:29 Guest's Socials 23:27 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright speaks with Emma Schermer Tamir about the complexities of distinguishing oneself in a crowded marketplace, with a particular focus on the bustling e-commerce and Amazon sectors. Emma, joining the discussion from the sweltering heat of Las Vegas, shares her extensive expertise, providing practical strategies for sales leaders seeking to improve their teams' effectiveness. About the Guest: Emma Schermer Tamir is a distinguished entrepreneur and a recognised authority in the e-commerce and Amazon sectors. She co-manages an e-commerce marketing agency, Marketing by Emma, which focuses on empowering businesses to succeed on Amazon. With extensive experience aiding over 2,000 businesses, Emma is adept in marketing, e-commerce, and branding strategies. Additionally, she is a prolific speaker and author currently working on a book that delves into her field of expertise. Key Takeaways: Sales, marketing, and branding should not be siloed but closely aligned to ensure a cohesive strategy that effectively attracts and converts the right customers. Developing detailed customer avatars is essential for understanding and targeting your audience, leading to more effective marketing and higher conversion rates. Shifting the brand story to focus on the customer rather than the company can build trust and foster stronger relationships, driving long-term success. Establishing authority in your industry, through consistent presence and engagement, can be a powerful tool for driving sales and building lasting connections. Utilising feedback from sales to inform branding and marketing strategies ensures continuous improvement and relevance in a rapidly changing marketplace. Time Stamp: 0:00 Intro 0:55 Guest Introduction 2:51 About the Guest 4:54 Sales, Marketing, and Branding Standing Out 9:29 Getting Ideal Customers 14:41 Being the Obvious Choice in the Target Market 20:01 Standing Out in a Crowded Market Place 23:23 Guest Socials 24:08 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright welcomes mental toughness coach Chris Dorris. Chris describes mental toughness as a vital strength acquired through thorough training of the inner self. The episode examines how leaders can demonstrate behaviours that inspire their teams, recognise hidden achievements, and employ mental exercises to enhance their inner resilience. About the Guest: Chris Dorris is a distinguished mental toughness coach with a varied professional background. He began his career as a social worker before moving into sports psychology and executive coaching. Chris has collaborated extensively with high-achieving sales teams, Fortune 500 executives, and elite athletes from the NFL and NHL, including Super Bowl champions and billionaires. He is also an author, with his fourth book, Leadership Unlocked, due for release shortly. Make sure you sign up for 'The Daily Dose', a series of brief mental toughness tips delivered in 30 seconds or less. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdorris/ Key Takeaways: Effective leaders need to walk their talk, demonstrating the behaviours they wish to see in their teams. Identifying and celebrating small, everyday successes can significantly enhance team morale and individual self-confidence. This three-step process helps individuals manage their emotions and optimise their mental state for better performance. Leaders can create the emotional states they need to excel and can train their teams to do the same through intentional practice. Engaging in daily mental toughness exercises, such as those provided in the Daily Dose, can lead to long-term improvements in mental resilience. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 3:28 Chris Dorris and Mental Toughness 5:47 Getting Most of out People 9:15 Hidden Wins and Key Traits Around Leading Others 15:15 CATCH, OWN, REPLACE 22:38 The Exercise 25:45 Chris Dorris's Book 28:03 Guest Socials 28:40 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben engages in a compelling conversation with Nick Caruso, the Founder of KnowledgeNet.ai, who offers a distinctive viewpoint on relationship intelligence and its transformative impact on B2B sales management. Nick provides practical advice on how augmented intelligence, as he terms it, can be harnessed to reveal connections that drive business growth. Through engaging anecdotes, including the unexpected benefits of connections from a child's soccer team, Nick highlights the untapped potential within existing networks. Learn how KnowledgeNet.ai automates the identification and prioritisation of valuable connections, turning them into invaluable assets for lead generation and sales. About the Guest: Nick Caruso is a distinguished expert in the technology sector, bringing over two decades of experience to the table. His illustrious career began within the U.S. intelligence community. Renowned for his innovative approach to augmented intelligence, he has made significant strides in national security, financial services, and with Fortune 100 companies. In 2019, Nick established KnowledgeNet.ai, a groundbreaking platform designed to harness organisational data analysis to identify and leverage intellectual capital. His work predominantly centres on advancing business development and sales through advanced data insights and strategic network connections. Key Takeaways: Learn why Nick Caruso prefers the term “augmented intelligence” over “artificial intelligence” and how it enhances human productivity in sales. Understand the untapped potential within existing personal and professional networks to generate leads and grow your pipeline. Explore real-world examples of how relationship intelligence has transformed sales processes in both small and large organisations. Gain insights into practical steps sales leaders can take to utilise relationship intelligence to drive business growth. Discover how KnowledgeNet.ai automates the process of identifying and leveraging network connections to boost sales efficiency. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Guest Introduction 3:24 KnowledgeNet.ai 6:26 Evolution of Relationship Intelligence 8:08 Augmented Intelligence 10:00 Utilising a Broad Network for Business 13:24 Leveraging Your Network 15:36 Tips to Drive Your Business 17:18 Guest Socials 17:54 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of the Stronger Sales Teams, Ben dives into the topic of team selling. Fresh off a family vacation in Fiji, Ben discusses the Salesforce State of Sales Report, which reveals that 81% of sales reps believe that team selling helps them close deals. Drawing on 20+ years of industry experience, Ben imparts his expertise on cultivating a collaborative sales environment. He emphasises the value of diverse skill sets within sales teams and explains how various perspectives and skill sets can collectively achieve substantial outcomes. Ben outlines the sales process in five essential stages: lead generation, initial meeting/needs analysis, quotation/presentation, closing/onboarding, and post-sales management. He offers practical guidance on how to balance team skills to enhance each phase. Finally, Ben provides advice for sales leaders on effectively managing these varied skills, ensuring that team-based selling does not necessitate micromanagement. Key Takeaways: 81% of sales reps find team selling effective for closing deals. Leveraging different skill sets within a team can significantly enhance sales performance. Effective team selling involves specialising skills across the five stages of the sales process: lead generation, meet and greet/needs analysis, quotation/presentation, closing/onboarding, and post-sales management. Leaders can balance different team skills without falling into micromanagement by following structured meeting strategies. Ben emphasises the importance of preparation in maintaining personal health, linking it to better professional performance. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:55 Variety of Skill Sets 3:00 Why Variety is Important 5:2 Balancing the Skillsets Across our Teams 8:52 Lead Generation 12:29 Meet and Greet and Needs Analysis 15:30 Quotation and Presentation 18:35 Closing Onboarding 20:55 Post Sales Management 22:25 Balancing All The Skillsets 26:30 Health and Fitness Tip 28:13 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright engages in a discussion with Kendall Wallace, a distinguished expert in team dynamics and corporate offsites. Broadcasting from the picturesque North Shore of Oahu, Kendall imparts her extensive expertise on designing transformative team-building experiences that cultivate trust and meaningful connections. Kendall explores her personal career journey, transitioning from a notable position at Facebook / Meta to leading a company that specialises in designing bucket-list corporate offsites. She underscores the crucial importance of trust within high-performing teams and provides actionable advice for resolving both overt and covert conflicts within teams. About the Guest: Kendall Wallace is a specialist in crafting impactful team-building experiences and currently heads Executive Offsites. With a decade of experience dedicated to personal and team development, Kendall possesses a distinctive background that merges expertise in user experience research from her tenure at Meta (formerly Facebook) with extensive training in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Now residing on the North Shore of Oahu, she is committed to assisting teams in enhancing communication, reducing conflict resolution times, and achieving balanced work dynamics. Key Takeaways: Understanding the brain's role in bonding and conflict resolution, focusing on minimising cortisol levels to foster a healthier team dynamic. Effective strategies for dealing with visible and invisible conflicts within teams, including surveys and role-playing exercises. The importance of empathy exercises to enhance understanding and cohesion between different departmental roles. Utilising key questions from “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” to diagnose and address team challenges. Implementing fun yet impactful role-playing scenarios to help team members see multiple perspectives and humanise each other. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Guest Introduction 3:16 Executive Offsite 4:54 Switching From a Tech Company 8:21 Neuroscience of Team Building 12:4 Managing and Resolving Conflicts Constructively 16:00 Dealing with Hidden Conflicts 19:05 Go-To Exercise in Resolving Conflicts 21:42 Guest Socials 22:4 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben welcomes Jay Hedley. Jay shares his methodology for enhancing performance, efficiency, and growth within teams. Their discussion explores key elements of leadership, team culture, and personal development, offering practical insights for sales leaders and managers seeking to elevate their teams. Jay delves into his work with the champion Fiji Rugby Sevens Team and the high-pressure environment of the Williams Racing Team, drawing parallels to the sales domain. He underscores the significance of intentional communication, structuring team dynamics, and investing in personal development. Throughout the episode, Ben and Jay discuss how sales leaders can apply these tested strategies to build resilient, adaptive, and high-performing sales teams in an increasingly complex world. About the Guest: Jay Hedley is a high-performance executive coach at The Coaching Room, specialising in coaching leaders, athletes, and teams to unlock their full potential. Jay's extensive experience includes working with notable clients such as the Fiji Rugby Sevens team, Williams Racing Team, KPMG, Optus, and the Australian Department of Defence. His expertise lies in developmental psychology, helping individuals and organisations overcome mental barriers and achieve high-level performance. Key Takeaways: Emphasising the power of clear and purposeful communication in aligning team goals and driving performance. Blending the unique flair of individuals with structured processes to foster innovation and consistency. Highlighting the importance of continuous development and growth of team members to handle increasing complexity. The necessity for sales professionals to deeply understand and align with client needs to drive successful outcomes. Encouraging leaders to explore their cognitive biases and improve flexibility to enhance overall effectiveness. Time Stamp: 0:00 Intro 0:47 Guest Introduction 2:58 The Coaching Room 4:36 Fiji Rugby Team 11:10 Williams F1 Racing Team 16:12 Challenges Around Customer Base 19:57 Tips on Where to Spend Your Macro Level Time 22:54 Guest Socials 23:20 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, Ben engages in a profound discussion with Gabe Lullo, CEO of Alleyoop, regarding the convergence of AI and sales. They explore the key opportunities AI brings to sales, such as enhanced research capabilities that empower sales representatives with deeper insights into their prospects, thereby facilitating more personalised interactions. Gabe also provides insights into various tools like Regie.ai and Aurum that their team employs to enhance their sales development efforts. However, they highlight potential challenges, including regulatory issues and the necessity of maintaining empathy (or the human touch) in customer engagements. About the Guest: Gabe Lullo serves as the CEO of Alleyoop, a highly regarded sales development agency recognised for its innovative approaches in sales, marketing, recruitment, and management. With an impressive CV, Gabe began by establishing and operating his own business specialising in sales training and has since played pivotal roles in the expansion of prominent organisations such as ZoomInfo, SalesLoft, and Outreach. Key Takeaways: AI enhances research capabilities, providing sales teams with valuable insights into prospects, leading to more informed and personalised engagements. Tools like Reggie.ai and Aurum are revolutionising the sales landscape by automating key aspects of the sales process, such as playbook creation and predictive dialling. Sales leaders must navigate the regulatory landscape carefully, ensuring compliance and maintaining trust in AI-driven interactions. Despite AI advancements, human empathy and trust remain irreplaceable, especially in more nuanced and complex sales conversations. Successful sales strategies must integrate strong content creation and thought leadership to support outbound efforts and drive higher engagement rates. Time Stamp: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Guest Introduction 3:15 Alleyoop 5:40 AI from an Opportunity Lens 7:34 AI Copiloting with Sales People 9:00 Tools to Shorten a Client's Knowledge Curve 10:29 Drawbacks of AI 12:11 Personalisation Issues Around AI 15:36 AI Taking Over SDR Role 18:24 Where to Focus for Lead Generation 20:56 Guest's Socials 21:31 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of the Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright introduces Grant Butteriss, a highly regarded entrepreneur, CEO, and strategic leader with more than 21 years of experience in the industry. Together, they explore recruitment and hiring processes. Grant provides valuable insights into the prevalent challenges confronting today's sales executives, particularly the hurdles associated with recruiting, retaining, and nurturing top-tier talent. They delve into the role of psychometrics in enhancing recruitment success rates, presenting pragmatic, data-driven techniques to streamline the hiring process. About Guest: Grant Butteriss is a repeat exited founder and CEO who thrives in unstructured work environments and dynamic, fast-scaling businesses. With a career spanning over two decades, Grant has gained recognition as a top analytical and strategic operator with expertise in identifying key focus areas for businesses to drive significant progress. He currently heads the Butterfly Affect, where he aims to assist founders and companies in optimising strategy, systems, leadership, and talent development. His work emphasises the use of psychometric data to enhance hiring and organisational success. https://butterflyaffect.net/ Key Takeaways: Incorporate psychometric assessments to gain insights into candidates' potential, stress responses, and intrinsic motivations. Establish a standard of evidence in your hiring process to ensure decisions are made based on real-world events and supported findings. Focus on specific behaviours that align with your organisational values for better cultural fit assessment. Create authentic job ads that clearly outline the challenges and opportunities of the role to attract quality candidates. Design and conduct structured interviews, final flexible interviews, and thorough reference checks to make informed hiring decisions. Time Stamp:0:00 Intro 0:58 About the Guest 3:07 Butterfly Affect 5:42 Struggles in Recruiting Talents 10:12 Ways to Increase Success in the Hiring Process 15:48 Process of Recruitment and Hiring 20:02 Cultural Fit 22.30 Guest Socials 23:22 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In this episode of Stronger Sales Teams, host Ben Wright continues his chat with sales training authority Richard Harris. They explore the intricacies of sales leadership, with a particular emphasis on the common challenges encountered by novice sales leaders and the strategic methodologies to surmount them. Richard draws on his extensive expertise in transforming individual contributors into effective leaders, stressing the pivotal roles of interpersonal skills, accountability, and cultivating a culture of enjoyment and involvement within sales teams. They discuss practical steps for building and maintaining team cohesion and morale through engaging activities and strategic planning. Richard also offers actionable advice on how to manage new teams or restructure existing ones, always focusing on building a culture of high performance and mutual respect. About the Guest: Richard Harris is a globally recognised sales trainer and the creator of the Neat Selling System. With a distinguished track record of enhancing sales teams across a spectrum from startups to established corporations, Richard has provided consulting services to prominent clients such as Google, Visa, Zoom, Salesforce, SalesLoft, among others. He is also an experienced podcaster and the author of "The Seller's Journey." Richard is acclaimed for his adeptness at translating sales training theory into practical application, rendering his methodologies both inventive and user-friendly. Key Takeaways: The transition from sales contributor to sales leader requires a strong focus on mastering soft skills, such as effective communication, delivering constructive feedback, and maintaining team morale. Setting clear expectations and accountability measures from the outset is crucial for driving performance and consistency within the team. Integrating fun through contests and incentives fosters a motivated and engaged team environment, encouraging both individual and collective achievements. When forming new sales teams, invest in thorough onboarding and training to instill the right culture and operational standards from the beginning. Address any negative behaviours or toxic team members early to maintain a healthy, productive team atmosphere. Prioritise the overall health of the team over retaining top performers who contribute negatively to team dynamics. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 3:18 Guest's Journey 5:14 Issues Around Sales Leadership Today 6:36 Leadership Problem: Soft Skills 9:34 Accountability 12:20 Fun 16:51 Where Sales Leaders Should Focus On 23:39 Guest Socials 24:33 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

In episode fo Stronger Sales Teams, Ben Wright invites sales training specialist Richard Harris to explore sales strategies, emphasizing the path of the seller in enhancing the buyer's journey. Richard presents his belief that the buyer's journey does not exist; rather, it is the buyer's experience influenced by the seller's journey. This thought-provoking perspective directs the discussion towards practical sales techniques capable of significantly enhancing team effectiveness. The pair delves into essential themes including handling discount requests, the significance of grasping the buyer's economic influence, and the skill of negotiation. Richard imparts valuable strategies for managing discount inquiries, stressing the significance of establishing mutual terms and generating economic value. The discussion also touches upon mental well-being, with Richard underscoring the importance of openness and setting clear objectives in sales leadership. This episode is rich with insights that B2B sales managers can apply to develop, inspire, and retain highly effective sales teams. About the Guest: Richard Harris is a globally recognized sales trainer and the creator of the Neat Selling System. With a distinguished track record of enhancing sales teams across a spectrum from startups to established corporations, Richard has provided consulting services to prominent clients such as Google, Visa, Zoom, Salesforce, SalesLoft, among others. He is also an experienced podcaster and the author of "The Seller's Journey." Richard is acclaimed for his adeptness at translating sales training theory into practical application, rendering his methodologies both inventive and user-friendly. Key Takeaways: Sales conversations should focus on value and experience rather than just features and benefits to differentiate from AI-driven interactions. Understand customer expectations and always seek mutually beneficial terms when negotiating discounts. Shift the ROI conversation to discuss the buyer's current economic challenges and opportunities, making the discussion more relevant and impactful. Incorporate vulnerability and mental health support into your leadership style to create a more resilient and high-performing team. Incorporate specific mutual benefits, such as case studies or customer quotes, directly into contracts to streamline negotiations later. Time Stamp: 0:00 Intro 0:58 Guest Introduction 4:03 The Seller's Journey 7:15 Positive Outcome for the Buyer 10:45 Over Discounting 19:57 ROI Journey 24:15 Mindset 28:43 Guest's Socials 30:01 Outro Rate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode!I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.