Tech Sales Insights

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Dave and Joe O'Callaghan, co-founders of Vation, about their journey and experiences as a father-son duo in the tech industry. They discuss the importance of go-to-market strategies and what leaders can learn from the innovation ecosystem. Sponsored by Sandler, a sales training provider, the discussion delves into the significance of sales training, especially for first-line managers, and explores the evolving roles of technology leaders. Joe and Dave share insights on the challenges emerging tech companies face, the importance of execution and humility, and the growing role of AI and data security. They also highlight the importance of cold calling, the shift in sales training needs, and the evolving skill sets required in the tech industry.KEY TAKEAWAYSFirst Father-Son Duo: Episode features Dave and Joe O'Callaghan, co-founders of Vation Ventures, discussing their father-son dynamic. Business Focus: Highlight on go-to-market strategies from the innovation ecosystem. Importance of Sales Training: Emphasized by Sandler, focusing on training necessity due to promotions during COVID. AI and Security: Special focus on AI trends and the importance of secure AI. Channels and Relationships: The enduring importance of trusting relationships in the channel for effective advice and sales. Cold Calling: Seeing a resurgence, combined with high-quality, AI-supported research. Mentorship and Humility: The fundamental value of being humble, inquisitive, and learning from great mentors. Innovation and Execution: Balancing innovation with execution in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape.QUOTES"Innovation is hard. Innovation at scale is really, really hard." "Humility and inquisitiveness are key in driving innovation and leading teams." "The only person that likes to hear you talk about yourself is your mom." "Distributors can lean into orchestrating everything from Dataiku to Cisco Meraki for a comprehensive solution."Find out more about Dave & Joe O'Callaghan through the link/s below:Dave O'Callaghan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveo4/Joe O'Callaghan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyocallaghan/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Crawford Del Prete, President at IDC, to discuss IT trends for 2025 and what every seller should know about the market direction. The conversation covers Crawford's extensive career path, the role of AI in sales, infrastructure growth, and IDC's new Tech Match product. They delve into the importance of understanding customer needs, leveraging AI for sales preparation, and the transformation in application software businesses. Crawford shares insights on successful sales strategies, the significance of mentorship, and how IDC is positioning itself for future technological trends. The episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo and brought to you by the Sales Community.KEY TAKEAWAYSAI in Sales: Embrace AI tools for significant enhancements in preparedness and effectiveness in sales meetings. Lean into AI to stay competitive.Industry Growth: Infrastructure layer investments will continue growing, driven by AI advancements, with notable 55% growth in the past year.Customer-Centric Approach: Successful companies understand and address the specific "jobs to be done" by customers, leveraging deep market intelligence.IDC Tech Match: IDC's new platform helps IT buyers with AI-assisted RFP generation and vendor shortlisting, easing the buying process.Leadership & Training: Continuous training and adapting to industry trends are crucial for maintaining relevancy and operational excellence.Use of Data: Effective data sovereignty and orchestration are vital in AI adoption for mitigating risks and ensuring data control.QUOTES"If you're a seller and you're not getting prepared for meetings with AI, you're going to get screamed at.""Michael Dell has an uncanny ability to capitalize on industry transitions effectively.""Technology has reinvented itself five times since I started. You gotta love that transition to keep up.""Companies that use IDC services effectively are those that deeply understand customer problems."Find out more about Crawford Del Prete through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/crawford-del-prete-082221/This episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo, the GTM Platform sponsor of the Sales Community. ZoomInfo is the go-to-market platform that helps businesses find, acquire and grow their customers. Businesses use ZoomInfo data and platform to increase efficiency, align sales and marketing teams, and consolidate technology stacks.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Dr. Courtney McCashland, Chief Officer of Science and Strategy at AuctusIQ, to discuss data-driven strategies for improving sales performance. The conversation delves into the significance of understanding key attributes in top sales performers, the benefits of using talent assessments, and how AuctusIQ provides actionable insights to align talent with commercial success. Dr. McCashland shares her extensive background in positive business psychology and how it helps identify what drives success in individuals. Additionally, the episode touches on the unique challenges and opportunities for women in sales, as revealed by recent research.KEY TAKEAWAYSPositive Psychology in Sales: The importance of leveraging natural talents and behaviors for success in sales is emphasized, advocating for positive psychology approaches over trying to change inherent traits.Effective Talent Assessment: AuctusIQ's approach to sales performance assessment focuses on identifying behaviors and competencies directly linked to successful sales outcomes, helping organizations align talent strategies with commercial goals.Transformation Through Training: The necessity for tailored, individualized training plans is highlighted to effectively develop sales reps and managers, thereby improving performance and revenue growth.Gender in Sales: Research shows that women in sales often outperform their male counterparts, though they remain underrepresented. Organizations are encouraged to recruit more women and leverage their unique strengths.Sustained Development: Continuous measurement and re-measurement, combined with coaching and training, significantly enhance proficiency in sales competencies, directly impacting revenue.QUOTES"What we're doing is we're really getting underneath those natural patterns of behavior, those talents that explain why some people succeed.""Everything we measure is anchored in what explains success.""You see that mental edge differentiates professionals even more than at a collegiate level.""Positive psychology is aligning your natural gifts that help you be great at certain things into doing those things so you can reach excellence.""The biggest thing is you've got to make sure you're measuring what matters."Find out more about Courtney McCashland through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-mccashland/This episode is sponsored by AuctusIQ, the Sales Performance Assessment sponsor of the Sales Community. AuctusIQ is a sales data and science software company with the mission of providing the right data to solve your three biggest challenges: selecting and retaining exceptional talent, coaching to ensure readiness to meet or beat quota, and winning more deals.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Denise Millard, Chief Partner Officer at Dell Technologies. They delve into the best practices for channel selling, the evolution of partnerships, and the importance of building strong, accountable relationships within the tech industry. Denise shares her incredible 27-year journey from EMC to Dell and her strategic role in fostering partner ecosystems. Learn how Dell embraces AI, marketplace dynamics, and the critical role of mentorship in career development. For anyone in tech sales, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-life success stories.KEY TAKEAWAYSDenise Millard's Career: Denise has had an impressive career spanning 27 years between Dell and EMC, focused on partners and ecosystem roles.Channel Selling Best Practices: Simplicity and accountability are key—choose 2-3 focal points, align sponsorship, and hold teams accountable.Partner Relationships: Successful partnerships stem from mutual trust and alignment, with ongoing communication and support.Challenges in Channel Sales: Challenges often arise from a lack of early engagement and understanding of local partner ecosystems by sales reps.Importance of Marketplace: Marketplaces provide access to a vast customer base, enhancing opportunities for partners and customers.AI Integration: AI is increasingly used to drive demand generation, proposal automation, and content management within the channel.Mentorship: Mentorship, both formal and informal, plays a crucial role in professional development. Denise values the advice and support from mentors like Bill Scannell and Linda Connly.QUOTES"When we do [hold each other accountable], we typically see great results.""Winning drives that [channel engagement]. So, you know, when you have success, people get excited around seeing the opportunity.""Having informal mentors who see you in action and provide real-time feedback is incredibly important.""AI has an important role in enabling partners with insights and capabilities.""Exercise is a big part of my life—it has physical and mental benefits."Find out more about Denise Millard through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-millard-0407b632/This episode is sponsored by TitanX (formerly Phone Ready Leads), the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial to connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Richard Hegberg, a notable figure in the semiconductor and entrepreneurial startup space, currently CEO of Aspinity. The main topic discussed is the biggest issue for startup companies, which is the go-to-market strategy. Richard shares his extensive career journey from starting at Motorola to leading various successful exits. Emphasizing the importance of early wins, he touches on the key considerations for product-market fit, the value of CEO-led sales in early stages, and strategic customer profiling. Richard also delves into effective lead generation tactics, the role of partnerships, and the significance of having a strong sales training program. The conversation offers rich insights on scaling startups, balancing compensation structures, and the essentials of building value-driven customer relationships.KEY TAKEAWAYSRick Hegberg is a renowned figure in the semiconductor industry and an entrepreneurial leader involved in multiple startups and boards, currently the chairman of Aspinity.Significant career highlights include leadership roles at Motorola, VLSI Technology, Lucent Microelectronics, ATI Technologies, and involvement in critical acquisitions like AMD's buyout of ATI and subsequent integration.Effective go-to-market strategy is the biggest issue for startup companies, emphasizing the importance of generating sustainable revenue quickly.Early stage companies should focus on establishing a clear customer value proposition and securing initial wins that are strategic and sticky, even if they are not massive in size.The importance of CEO-led sales efforts, building a strong sales organization through a combination of trusted hires and young talent, and robust partnerships for scaling.Engaging in meaningful customer interactions and ensuring all team members, including non-sales roles, are well-prepared to contribute to the sales process.Early lead generation often relies on effective use of platforms like LinkedIn Navigator, content marketing, and leveraging partner ecosystems.QUOTES"You can have the best technology in the world, but if you don't have revenue coming in, it just doesn't matter."“Product market fit is critical. If the value proposition isn't clear and easily understood, scaling becomes very difficult.”"In early-stage companies, eliminating the nonsense and having an all-hands-on-deck mentality is crucial.""I don't spend time on titles or hierarchies; whatever it takes to get a deal done, everyone must be willing to do it.""Achieving minimal viable product (MVP) quickly is crucial; perfecting a product can take too long and consume too many resources.""First engagements must be strategic and built to be long-lasting; the expense of acquiring early customers must be justified by long-term value.""Finding the right partners for a mutual go-to-market strategy is essential for early-stage companies to scale effectively and economically."Find out more about Richard Hegberg through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hegberg-ba627a63/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Dave Greenberger, VP and Head of North America at CHEQ, to discuss the intricacies of building effective go-to-market strategies for new product launches. Sponsored by Titan X, the episode delves into outbound sales effectiveness, customer engagement, and the role of culture in sales execution. Dave shares insights on leveraging sales ops, identifying product-market fit, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in sales. The episode also highlights tools like Gong and ZoomInfo that are instrumental in their sales processes. Together, Randy and Dave provide valuable lessons from Dave's extensive experience in tech sales and startup environmentsKEY TAKEAWAYSImportance of Hard Work and Culture: Emphasis on a culture of constant learning, adaptation, and hard work for successful product launches and enterprise sales.Sales Ops and Technology: Vital role of sales operations and leveraging technologies like Gong and ZoomInfo for better sales performance and forecasting.Channel Partnerships: Strong partnerships and utilizing channels are crucial, especially when selling to large enterprises.Customer Focus: Ensuring customer satisfaction and iterating based on feedback is essential for achieving product-market fit.Complacency in Sales: The importance of avoiding complacency and continuously striving for improvement and additional insights within sales processes.Coaching and Training: Leveraging tools like Gong for coaching and training is pivotal, using structured programs and methodologies.Mentorship: Value of having mentors and learning from experienced professionals in the field.Goal Setting: Implementing structured goal-setting frameworks for personal and professional growth can drive sustained success.QUOTES"The thing that separates the good from the great is just continuing to go that little extra mile.""You need a whole machine and sales ops and a set of analysts that are throwing data in your face, testing every intuition you have.""When you can go at the high range and people still spark their interest, that's when you know you start to got something."Find out more about Dave Greenberger through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgreenberger/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Steve Hershkowitz, the CRO of Rimini Street, to discuss the importance of building a committed culture in sales teams. Sponsored by Sandler, this conversation delves into the crucial role of sales training, the value of face-to-face meetings, and the challenges of leading a sales-driven transformation in a service-oriented company. Steve shares insights into his extensive industry experience, the significance of genuine relationships, and his goals for net new logo acquisitions. The episode also highlights tools like Clary and Zoom Info, alongside strategies such as Challenger Selling and the importance of continuous learning and training. Peppered with personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, this episode offers valuable lessons for sales leaders aiming to drive growth and accountability in their teams.KEY TAKEAWAYSCommit Culture: Emphasis on a commitment-driven sales culture where performance and accountability are prioritized.Sales Strategy: The importance of research, relationship-building, and face-to-face interactions in large-scale sales.Training & Development: Role of tailored sales training and development programs in equipping the sales team with essential skills.Tools & Technology: Utilization of advanced sales tools like Clary and ZoomInfo for data-driven insights and effective lead generation.Executive Support: Strong leadership support and cohesive executive team collaboration are crucial for achieving growth targets.Hiring Philosophy: Focus on hiring experienced individuals with a strong network and a proven track record in sales.QUOTES"Hope is not a strategy.""My goal is to make the AI tool inaccurate to the good.""If you don't enable your people, you can't hold them accountable to be successful.""We have to suit up, show up, and present our solution.""It's about profitable revenue growth, not just growth."Find out more about Steve Hershkowitz through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hersh/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by David Nour, the founder and CEO of Avnir, and a 22-year founding partner of the Nour Group. David shares his expertise on leadership with five valuable tips for continued growth in the new year: 1) Executives in transition should ensure they truly belong; 2) In corporate dynamics, be a statesman; 3) Prioritize MEI (Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence) over mediocrity; 4) Revisit assumptions and zero-base everything; and 5) Leverage AI but humanize the last mile. David also discusses the development of Avnir, an AI platform to identify hidden relationship value, his journey in writing 12 books, and the importance of building meaningful relationships for long-term success.KEY TAKEAWAYSExecutive Due Diligence: Emphasize the importance of thorough due diligence and cultural fit when considering new roles.Statesmanship in Leadership: Advocate for a 'we' mindset over 'me,' encouraging inclusive and discerning communication.Merit-Based Hiring: Prioritize merit, excellence, and intelligence (MEI) over mediocrity to build a successful team.Zero-Based Thinking: Regularly revisit and recalibrate goals, assumptions, and strategies to ensure efficacy and innovation.AI and Human Touch: Leverage AI for heavy tasks but retain human elements for meaningful relationship-building and decision-making.QUOTESOn Leadership: “Just because you fit doesn't mean you belong.”On Corporate Culture: “The grass is never greener on the other side; it's greener where it's fed, nurtured, and taken care of.”On Relationships: “Relationships are never between buildings and logos; they are always between individuals.”On Talent Acquisition: “You can't get to the promised land with mediocre talent; double down on merit, excellence, and intelligence.”On AI Integration: “AI-enable the heavy lifts, humanize the last mile.”Find out more about David Nour through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnour/This episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo, the GTM Platform sponsor of the Sales Community. ZoomInfo is the go-to-market platform that helps businesses find, acquire and grow their customers. Businesses use ZoomInfo data and platform to increase efficiency, align sales and marketing teams, and consolidate technology stacks.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Dave Donatelli, CEO of Riverbed. They discuss go-to-market best practices from a CEO's perspective and delve into Dave's extensive career across various technology companies, including EMC, HP, and Oracle. Sponsored by ZoomInfo, the episode also touches upon sales strategies, leadership, and the importance of building strong relationships and delivering consistent value. Additionally, personal anecdotes and career advice underscore the importance of perseverance, focus, and ethical leadership in the tech sales industry.KEY TAKEAWAYSImportance of Relentless Customer Focus: Dave emphasized the critical need for maintaining strong customer relationships and how showing up consistently can make a significant difference.Value of Simplifying Sales Processes: Having straightforward and achievable comp plans can drive better sales performance.Impact of Organizational Changes: Dave's experience shows the importance of focusing on fewer accounts for deeper engagement and better results. Consistency and pushing through initial resistance are crucial.Leveraging Analytics: The role of sales ops and tools like Clary to provide actionable insights and guide decision-making was stressed.Career Growth Tips: Delivering consistent results in your current role is the gateway to more significant opportunities. Self-assessment and honesty about one's performance are key.Power of Long-term Relationships: Building and maintaining relationships over the years is invaluable both personally and professionally.QUOTES"Do an incredibly good job at the job you have. That gives you the right to the next job.""If you execute well all the time, then you free up all these selling hours because one of the customers is happy with what you've done, which gives you the right to then sell them the next thing.""Focus always wins in the end.""Your best performing reps, the really smart ones, figure it out early and they go do it. And everybody else literally, it takes at least six months, half a year is a long time, sometimes nine months."Find out more about Dave Donatelli through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-donatelli-29854825b/This episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo, the GTM Platform sponsor of the Sales Community. ZoomInfo is the go-to-market platform that helps businesses find, acquire and grow their customers. Businesses use ZoomInfo data and platform to increase efficiency, align sales and marketing teams, and consolidate technology stacks.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Motti Finkelstein, Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Intel. Motti shares his career journey, starting from his early days in the Israeli Air Force computer unit to his current role at Intel. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the importance of understanding customer challenges in sales, leveraging AI at Intel, and the value of long-term business relationships. Motti also emphasizes the need for IT to align closely with business objectives and shares insights on effective sales strategies, including value selling and relationship building.KEY TAKEAWAYSIndustry Relationships: Long-term professional relationships are invaluable for navigating corporate roles and leveraging collective insights.AI Integration at Intel: The primary focus areas for AI at Intel include manufacturing, pre-silicon design, silicon testing, and software development.Importance of Client Understanding: Effective sales strategies hinge on understanding clients' specific business challenges and tailoring approaches accordingly.Leadership Lessons: Emphasizing focus, execution, and discipline can drive success in demanding environments.Value of Mentorship: Learning from industry leaders can shape one's career significantly by providing insights and fostering growth.Customer Priorities: Understanding the diverse needs and constraints of business units is crucial for delivering tailored value and solutions.QUOTES"The best experiences I've had are with salespeople who understand the challenges of their customers.”"Understand the business if you don't study it; learn it.""At the end of the day, Pat is the CEO. He has to decide the right approach, the right time for the right thing.""Intel's business model involves designing, manufacturing, and selling, offering a competitive advantage by controlling more of the supply chain."Find out more about Motti Finkelstein through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mottifinkelstein/This episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo, the GTM Platform sponsor of the Sales Community. ZoomInfo is the go-to-market platform that helps businesses find, acquire and grow their customers. Businesses use ZoomInfo data and platform to increase efficiency, align sales and marketing teams, and consolidate technology stacks.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by John Hinshaw, owner of Blackbird Vineyards, and previously an executive at HSBC, HPE, Boeing, and Verizon. The discussion focuses on sales lessons, the importance of relationships and trust in business, and the strategic value of partnerships. John shares anecdotes from his career, insights on sales strategies, and the role of philanthropy in building strong relationships. The episode also highlights John's transition from corporate roles to acquiring and managing a vineyard.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuilding trust and relationships is essential in sales and partnerships. Effective communication and understanding of the customer's business needs are crucial.Collaborating with partners on product development and exploring joint market opportunities can enhance business growth.Philanthropy and doing good together can strengthen business relationships and create positive impacts.Combining technology expertise with business acumen and strong communication skills is key for successful technology leadership.Smaller vendors should consider trials and leveraging venture funds to gain trust and break into larger enterprises.QUOTES"It's totally about trust and relationships.""Technology doesn't matter unless it's got a business outcome.""In every corporation, your ability to balance revenue and costs is super important.""Understanding your customer's business and what drives them makes a huge difference.""Doing good together is an amazing opportunity."Find out more about John Hinshaw through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hinshaw-96433b121/This episode is sponsored by SmartSource, the Event Success sponsor of the Sales Community. With over 35 years of experience, SmartSource provides comprehensive IT, AV, and interactive technology solutions to a wide range of industries, from legal and finance to entertainment and events. Their national presence, extensive inventory, and deep expertise in logistics and technical support ensure that businesses can successfully communicate and operate, no matter the challenge.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Kevin Guthrie, EVP of Sales at Alight Solutions. They discuss the importance of values-based leadership, sharing experiences from Kevin's illustrious career spanning companies like Oracle, Hyperion Solutions, and Tableau. Kevin highlights his leadership philosophy, the significance of fostering competitive camaraderie within teams, and the value of maintaining strong relationships. The episode also touches on the impact of mentors and peers in shaping Kevin's approach to leadership and sales success.KEY TAKEAWAYSValues-Based Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of clear values in leadership, fostering environments where employees align with company values.Customer Success: Prioritizing customer success creates loyal advocates and drives long-term business success.Mentorship and Development: Effective leadership involves mentoring, providing clear feedback, and fostering professional and personal growth.Relationship Building: Strong relationships and networking are critical in professional growth and business development.Adaptation and Resilience: Embracing challenges and learning from both peaks and valleys in one's career are crucial for growth and success.QUOTES"Be the leader that you want to have.""Happiness fuels your success.""Individual success must never come at the expense of the team success.""Nervous can't exist in service.""We exist to help people be healthy and financially secure.""Treat people how you want to be treated; practice the golden rule.""By virtue of my success at work, when I build a new relationship, when I work in the right, I live in the right house or have the right job or drive the right car, I'm going to be happy, but instead, happiness fuels your success."Find out more about Kevin C. Guthrie through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevincguthrie/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world's leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this Tech Sales Insights episode, Randy Seidl is joined by Chuck Smith, VP of Business Development at IBM Infrastructure Group and Sales Community Advisory Board member. Chuck shares insights on IBM's infrastructure services, their pivot to 'as a service' models, and the importance of product-market fit and positioning. The discussion also covers Chuck's career trajectory, the role of sales engineers, and the evolving sales culture at IBM. Chuck emphasizes the value of networking, and maintaining personal relationships, and offers practical GTM tips for sales professionals. Sponsored by Sandler, this episode provides a deep dive into the strategies shaping IBM's market approach.KEY TAKEAWAYSIBM's GTM Strategies: Discussions about IBM's focus on modernizing through AI and Hybrid Cloud technologies with an emphasis on go-to-market (GTM) strategies.As-a-Service Model: Chuck details IBM's transition towards offering flexible “as-a-service” models to meet modern business needs.Importance of Partners: Emphasis on the critical role of channel partners in driving sales and customer relationships.Sales Enablement: The significance of sales enablement and training for successful GTM execution.Cultural Shifts: Tackling cultural shifts within IBM to support an annuity-based sales model as opposed to traditional transactional models.Career and Mentorship: Chuck shares insights on career growth, emphasizing the importance of mentors and maintaining professional networks.QUOTESOn Sales and Customer Relationships: "Salespeople are your customers. Always ensure you're supporting them to the fullest."Regarding IBM's Strategy: "IBM is much more modern than many perceive, given our investments in AI and Hybrid Cloud."On As-a-Service Models: "Adopting an 'as-a-service' model helps IBM offer cloud-like experiences for on-premise infrastructure."Sales Insights: "Know the company you're selling to, understand their business needs, and remember you're selling yourself."Market Positioning: "The value proposition is critical. Understand what you're replacing or improving for the client."Tech-Sales Synergy: "Pre-sales resources, like sales engineers, are often the unsung heroes. They are vital to closing deals."Career Advice: "Keep your professional network in tune, and never take it for granted."Find out more about Chuck Smith through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chucksmith3/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Matt Horner, Executive Vice President of Global Enterprise Sales at Worldwide Technologies (WWT). They discuss the role and impact of generative AI in enterprise businesses, the importance of company culture at WWT, and the innovative ways WWT integrates new technology partners. The conversation also covers Matt's career journey, including his start in inside sales, his rise to leadership at WWT, and his approach to fostering enterprise relationships. Matt emphasizes the significance of preparation and adaptability in sales, and the ongoing need for training and development within teams. The episode highlights WWT's commitment to mentorship, community involvement, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in both innovation and customer engagement.KEY TAKEAWAYSGenerative AI's Impact: Compared to the industrial revolution, it can revolutionize modernization, profitability, and efficiency in enterprises.Enterprise Adoption: It is crucial for enterprises to leverage AI to avoid disruption and address cyber threats.Sales Team Strategy: Focuses on highly structured training and enablement, including AI driver's licenses and certifications.Company Culture: Emphasizes respect, innovation, and continuous improvement, protected as the company scales.Industry Relationships: New relationships within large enterprise accounts are important to gain advocates and deeper engagement.QUOTES"Generative AI is the modern-day industrial revolution in terms of technological advancement." — Matt Horner"Our net new logos in the enterprise space are net new relationships." — Matt Horner"Preparation for separation is key; you need to bring something that catches the client's eye to differentiate yourself." — Matt Horner"If you ignore the necessary adoption of AI in your enterprise, you risk being disrupted by industries leveraging it." — Matt HornerFind out more about Matt Horner through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-horner-a38b713/This episode is sponsored by Iternal, empowering enterprises to become Idea Factories with its Turnkey AI solutions. By rapidly deploying patented AI technology and innovative methodologies, Iternal helps organizations transform the way their teams collaborate, engage with customers, and scale their best ideas seamlessly.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, to discuss his transformative leadership journey with host Randy. Greg shares his approach to decision-making, mentorship, and the critical role of clear communication. Reflecting on Motorola's significant growth through over 40 acquisitions and a 1400% increase in shareholder returns, he underscores the importance of customer engagement and listening over telling in sales. The episode also explores effective team dynamics, a meritocratic management approach, and the value of diverse perspectives. With insights on navigating Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), sales leadership, and genuine communication, Greg emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning and authenticity in leadership. The discussion includes personal anecdotes, lessons from industry leaders, and the significance of integrating knowledge with wisdom for successful decision-making.KEY TAKEAWAYSTransformational Leadership: Under Greg's tenure, Motorola has made significant transformations including over 40 acquisitions and a 1400% total shareholder return.Sales and Customer Engagement: Emphasis on real, unfiltered feedback from customers and the importance of CEOs engaging directly with sales calls.Decision-Making Philosophy: Effective managers should listen and make data-driven decisions but also rely on gut feelings when necessary.Team Dynamics: Encourages a culture of candid feedback, adaptability, and resilience; mentorship and nurturing talent within the team are crucial.Leadership Style: Combining knowledge and wisdom, balancing fact and intuition, and continuously learning and challenging conventional thinking.Values and Culture: Family-oriented, values-driven leadership with a focus on integrity, energy, and positivity.Lessons from Experience: Reflecting on mistakes made early in his career, Greg highlights the importance of transparency, communication, and appreciating company culture.QUOTES- "Wisdom is experience." - Greg Brown- "Don't read the label. You'll never have it." - Greg Brown- "At the end of the day, there's always an intuition." - Randy Seidl- "It doesn't matter where we're from. It matters where we're going." - Greg Brown- "When you're the senior person in the room, speak less, speak last." - Greg Brown - "You learn by your mistakes." - Greg Brown- "It's not the cards you're dealt. It's how you play the hand." - Greg Brown- "People say Oh, you're a very good communicator. You're good on your feet. That has nothing to do with it." - Greg BrownFind out more about Greg Brown through the links below:https://www.motorolasolutions.com/newsroom/leadership/greg-brown.htmlThis episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Scott McNealy, former CEO of Sun Microsystems, unfolds his vast career insights and personal anecdotes. The discussion, primarily focusing on sales tips, touches on various topics such as McNealy's parenting philosophy, experiences as a sales leader, and humorous personal stories from his life. The script highlights McNealy's sales strategies, the importance of leadership involvement in sales, and maintaining ethics in business. Also included are McNealy's ventures post-Sun, his involvement with his sons' careers, and the personal values that have guided his life and work.KEY TAKEAWAYSSales Tips: Emphasis on the importance of building strong relationships and being present.Leadership: McNealy's focus on ethical leadership and employee fulfillment.Parenting Wisdom: McNealy discusses his strict but loving approach to parenting.Company Culture: Sun Microsystems' culture fostered numerous future leaders.Innovation and Persistence: Notable stories of overcoming business challenges with creativity and resilience.Personal Growth: Transition from being shy to becoming an effective public speaker and leader.QUOTES- 'Sales is a contact sport. You've got to be there. You can't zoom your way to B2B success.' — Scott McNealy- 'No deals ever lost. It's only postponed.' — Scott McNealy- 'You're not your kid's friend. You're their parent and too many parents want to, have sleepovers, go water skiing with their kid and do all of these other things.' — Scott McNealy- 'If you're going to bring a child into the world…you ought to take full responsibility until they're out of the nest.' — Scott McNealy- 'It's your responsibility to keep skills current, not the company's.' — Scott McNealy- 'Everything will be fine. Don't you dare cheat.' — Scott McNealyFind out more about Scott McNealy through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/smcnealy/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Steve Jow, EVP of Sales at TD SYNNEX, to discuss strategies for building a winning sales culture. Steven shares insights from his 34-year career at TD SYNNEX, emphasizing teamwork, customer focus, and leveraging partnerships. The role of culture in sales performance is highlighted, along with the integration of AI and technology for enhanced efficiency and solutions selling. Steve's experiences and anecdotes provide a personal touch to his professional philosophy, underscoring the value of optimism and a service-oriented approach in the tech sales industry.KEY TAKEAWAYSCompany Profile: TD SYNNEX is a leading technology distributor, emphasizing a holistic approach that includes market planning, comp design, and channel setup.Sales Culture: A winning sales culture involves creating a team that celebrates wins, adapts to challenges, remains optimistic, and values customer experience.Team Synergy: Best team practices include strong internal relationships across all functional areas, highlighting the importance of teamwork and individual contributions.Customer Experience: Focusing on customer satisfaction and feedback is crucial, leveraging tools like QBRs and NPS scores to maintain high customer experience levels.Evolving Competencies: Modern sales require a balance of traditional and new skill sets, including technical acumen, accurate forecasting, and the ability to leverage AI and digitization.Portfolio & Solution Selling: An emphasis on solution selling across various verticals helps drive comprehensive portfolio selling, supported by strong vendor partnerships.Efficiency through Systems: Utilizing integrated systems and AI to streamline processes and enhance seller productivity is a focal point.Family and Culture: Maintaining a family-oriented culture within the company is valued, supporting employees' personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities.QUOTES"It's always good to drive success with optimism. Remember, pessimists sound smart, but optimists make money.""Focus on the customer experience because that is part of our culture.""It's important to have a winning culture. A team that wants to win, that likes to celebrate those wins, and can adjust to any challenges.""It's not just getting the order out the door; it's about understanding the entire customer experience.""Family means everything. A good company culture values both personal and professional family.""Look, success breeds success. And everybody wants to be a superhero.""As long as tech is about improving productivity and experience, there's always a wildcat opportunity.""Sellers must remember: you're not just selling a product but a solution.""Customer experience trumps everything. If you get the customer experience right, you'll have successful sales orders."Find out more about Steven Jow through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-jow-279806/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world's leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Scott Harvey, Chief Customer Officer of Sprinkler. They delve into Scott's career journey, from broadcast journalism major to tech sales leader. They explore the importance of outcome-based selling and value creation in the sales process, emphasizing the critical role of customer relationships and consultative selling. Scott shares insights on transitioning strategies at major companies like VMware, ServiceNow, and Stripe, highlighting the significance of personalized engagement and value selling in post-sales and customer success. The conversation underscores the need for continuous sales training and the collaborative effort of teams in achieving success. Sponsored by Octus IQ, the episode offers a deep dive into modern sales strategies and leadership in a rapidly changing market.KEY TAKEAWAYSOutcome-Based Selling: Focus on understanding customer priorities and aligning your product capabilities to drive specific business outcomes.Customer Value: Continuously create, realize, and measure value post-sales to improve customer retention and satisfaction.Sales Enablement: Importance of thorough training and enabling sales teams to speak the customer's language and have consultative conversations.Old School Tactics: Leveraging traditional methods like cold calling to enhance lead generation and build stronger customer relationships.Team Collaboration: Success in sales requires a collaborative effort across various teams such as SDRs, sales enablement, and RevOps.Leadership Lessons: Importance of being genuine, maintaining high energy, and having a strong emotional connection with the team and customers.RevOps Importance: Using data-driven insights for accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and understanding customer lifecycles.Innovative Tools: Utilizing advanced tools and methods for pipeline generation and account management.QUOTES"Talent's a lifeblood, man. Talent's a lifeblood." - Scott Harvey"If you focus on the outcomes, it's at the C level that you need to be." - Scott Harvey"It's all about value; if you can tie to their key priorities and initiatives at sea level, then you can build a value mountain." - Scott Harvey"Sales is a team sport; winning as a team is about all functions in the go-to-market working together." - Scott Harvey"The more the customers educate you on their business, the better engagement and outcome you can have for both of you." - Scott Harvey"It's okay if you ask a dumb question or say something wrong. Be willing to be vulnerable." - Scott Harvey"If you keep focusing on the customer's language, you build better strategies." - Scott Harvey"We built what we called the value life cycle: enable value, create value, realize value, and champion success." - Scott Harvey"Realized value through the operational process is what drives your renewal and upsell." - Scott Harvey"Getting to the customer's personal and measurable value is crucial in a successful sales engagement." - Scott HarveyFind out more about Scott Harvey through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottharvey2/This episode is sponsored by AuctusIQ, the Sales Performance Assessment sponsor of the Sales Community. AuctusIQ is a sales data and science software company, with the mission of providing the right data to solve your three biggest challenges: selecting and retaining exceptional talent, coaching to ensure readiness to meet or beat quota, and winning more deals.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by his longtime friend and esteemed guest, Frank Hauck, a retired executive with an impressive career spanning DEC, EMC, and NCR. The conversation touches on commemorating 9/11, the importance of sales training, and Frank's journey from a finance manager at Digital Equipment Corporation to becoming a key figure at EMC. Frank discusses his methodologies for maintaining high standards in sales, the significance of leadership working for the sales team, and the relentless commitment required to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Personal anecdotes about learning from mentors like Mike Ruettgers, Jack Egan, and Joe Tucci highlight the importance of humility, accountability, and continuous learning. The episode also explores the evolving role of technology in sales, with a specific focus on the impact of AI and prospecting in a post-COVID world. With contributions from industry peers such as Eric Mann and insights into the cultural ethos at EMC, this episode provides a comprehensive look at what it takes to succeed in sales and customer service.KEY TAKEAWAYSHonoring 9/11 Sacrifices: Acknowledgement of 9/11 and the sacrifices made by many.Sales Training Importance: Emphasis on the critical role of sales training in organizational success.Career Highlights: Frank's extensive career, spanning roles at DEC, EMC, NCR and more.Customer Focus: Stories illustrating the importance of maintaining strong customer relationships, especially through challenges.Sales Best Practices: Insights on what makes top sales performers, including preparation, continual learning, and teamwork.Leadership and Mentorship: The influence of mentors like Mike Rutgers, Jack Egan, and Joe Tucci on Frank's career.Adapting to Post-COVID Work: Strategies for maintaining client relationships in a remote/hybrid work environment.Embracing Technology: The role of AI and technology in enhancing sales and customer interactions.Cultural Lessons: Anecdotes highlighting the value of showing up, humility, and constant improvement.QUOTES"It's part and parcel to a successful organization. You got to keep them fed and you got to give them the insight and the knowledge of what it takes to be successful.""When things went bad, we sold the product that when it didn't work, planes didn't fly. Banks didn't process checks. GM didn't make cars.""It's about being accountable. Being able to do the things other people aren't willing to do to be successful. And really it's the extra effort.""He goes, but you didn't come here to be good. You came here to be great."Find out more about Frank Hauck through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankhauck/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Burke Mesta, founder of Belsa Inc., to discuss the importance of balancing trust and relationships versus the role of AI in sales. Burke shares his extensive career journey, including his experiences in engineering, sales, and management at renowned firms like PTC, Bicis, and Temenos. The conversation delves into the critical role of trust and personal relationships in business, the evolving landscape of revenue intelligence and performance management, and the necessity for effective leadership over mere management. Burke also highlights the value of mentorship, drawing from his own experiences and insights from industry veterans like John McMahon and Tom Mendoza. The episode concludes with a light-hearted anecdote about a skiing adventure, reinforcing the theme of personal connection throughout the conversation.KEY TAKEAWAYSImportance of Relationships: Highlight the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the business for long-term success.AI vs. Relationships: Discuss finding the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining personal relationships. Berk emphasizes that AI is a tool and should not replace human interaction.Power of Trust: Trust is fundamental in building successful business relationships. It is difficult to build and easy to destroy.Mentorship: Discussion on the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth. Berk mentions several mentors who have influenced his career.Leadership vs. Management: Berk's perspective on leadership – leading by example and building personal connections with your team rather than just managing.Revenue Operations: Insight into how revenue operations can bridge the gap between marketing and sales and improve overall efficiency and growth.Performance Feedback: Highlight on the necessity of regular and constructive feedback in improving team performance.QUOTES“We're in the business of profit, but not at the business of, of hurting someone for that profit.”“Feedback isn't even criticism. Is it negative? It's productive for improvement, continuous improvement.”“The power of trust is key.”“I'm going to get personal with my customers. I'm going to get personal with my team, and then we're going to be able to break down these barriers and we can have a more clear and open communication path.”“We know all these old strategies that we learned going back to my McMahon days and PTC days of consultative selling, strategic selling, but relationships are what's key to be able to enable that.”Find out more about Berk Mesta through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berk-mesta/This episode is sponsored by Avnir, the Relationships Excellence sponsor of the Sales Community. Avnir leverages AI and decades of Relationship Economics® insights to help businesses unlock the hidden value in their connections, enhancing human interactions and driving strategic growth through organized, activated, and monetized relationships.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Paul Irving and Scott Barker from GTM Fund to delve into the dynamics of go-to-market (GTM) strategies and best practices. Scott, who also runs the GTM podcast and newsletter, along with Paul, the Platform Director, share their extensive experience and insights from investing in B2B SaaS companies. They discuss the evolution of outbound sales, leveraging relationships for warm introductions, and the impact of AI on sales tactics. Additionally, they touch upon the importance of personalized communication, the value of data-driven strategies, and the significance of marquee hires. With humorous anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers a comprehensive overview for anyone looking to enhance their GTM approach.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Power of Relationships: Leveraging your network and warm introductions is key to successful outbound sales, especially in the competitive B2B SaaS space.Outbound Sales are Alive and Thriving: Despite challenges, outbound sales remain a critical component of GTM strategies. Creativity and critical thinking are essential for success.The Value of GTM Expertise: GTM Fund's unique approach, combining investment with operational support, has proven invaluable for startups looking to scale effectively.Respecting Social Capital: When asking for introductions, be meticulous in your preparation and mindful of the social capital you're leveraging.QUOTES"Outbound sales are not dead; they just require more creativity than ever before.""Capital is a commodity; value lies in the network and the execution support we provide.""Treat every warm introduction with care; it's social capital that you must respect."Find out more about Scott Barker and Paul Irving through the links below:Scott Barker's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssbarker/Paul Irving's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsirving/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial-to-connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Tom Boccard, EVP of Sales at SmartSource, to discuss strategies for achieving maximum ROI from events and tips for selling to new accounts and markets. Tom shares his career journey, provides an overview of SmartSource's services, and delves into best practices for event planning, including cost control, leveraging technology, and proactive engagement with potential customers. He highlights the importance of relationship-building, utilizing sales tech stack tools like ZoomInfo and Outreach, and the advantages of collaborating closely with marketing teams. The conversation also touches on hiring new sales talent, training, and fostering a collaborative company culture focused on continuous improvement.KEY TAKEAWAYSMaximizing Event ROI: Learn practical steps to improve your return on investment from events, focusing on aligning marketing and sales efforts, understanding your audience, and leveraging technology to create immersive experiences.Sales and Marketing Alignment: Discover the importance of a unified revenue team and how to break down silos between sales and marketing for more effective go-to-market strategies.Leveraging Relationships: Understand how to build and maintain strong client relationships that lead to long-term success, and how to train your sales team to do the same.Evolving Sales Strategies: Explore the significance of staying curious and continually developing sales skills, from early career lessons to advanced sales tactics.QUOTES"Stagnation is the equivalent of death. You've got to keep evolving, learning, and fine-tuning your skills.""Maximizing event ROI isn't just about having a great event; it's about what you do before, during, and after the event to ensure you're driving value.""The key to a successful sales and marketing alignment is viewing both as one team with a common goal, not as separate entities with competing interests."Find out more about Tom Boccard through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tboccardThis episode is sponsored by SmartSource, the Event Success sponsor of the Sales Community. With over 35 years of experience, SmartSource provides comprehensive IT, AV, and interactive technology solutions to a wide range of industries, from legal and finance to entertainment and events. Their national presence, extensive inventory, and deep expertise in logistics and technical support ensure that businesses can successfully communicate and operate, no matter the challenge.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined with Dave Cronk, SVP of Sales for EMEA at Tricentis, about his extensive experience in building and managing international sales teams. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the importance of cultural understanding in international sales, effective sales strategies, tech stacks, and the pivotal role of sales ops and rev ops. Dave shares insights from his career journey, including his time at HP, SolarWinds, and Tricentis, and emphasizes the significance of relationships and authenticity in sales. The episode also touches on personal anecdotes, career advice, and the value of mentorship.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuilding Resilient Teams: The importance of investing in people and nurturing talent to create a strong, cohesive team, especially in diverse international markets.Crisis Management: How transparency, communication, and proactive customer engagement can turn a challenging situation, like a security breach, into an opportunity to build stronger relationships.Leadership in Sales: The role of a leader in inspiring teams, driving performance, and thinking strategically to meet and exceed goals.Importance of Partner Ecosystems: Leveraging a strong partner network to ensure scalability and customer satisfaction in enterprise sales.Adapting to Market Needs: Understanding and responding to the unique demands of different markets, particularly when expanding into new regions.QUOTES"Sales leadership is a lot like coaching—invest in people, help them grow, and the rewards are immense.""When a crisis hits, the most important thing is to get out in front of it, be transparent, and communicate clearly with your customers.""Building a strong partner ecosystem is key to scaling effectively and ensuring our customers get the best possible service.""In sales, it's not just about making the deal—it's about understanding the customer's long-term needs and building a relationship that lasts."Find out more about Dave Cronk through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalleader-dave-cronk/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial to connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Paul Salamanca, co-founder and CEO of the Top 1 Percenter Academy. They discuss the importance and challenges of sales coaching, share insights on leveraging tools like Gong and Clary, and emphasize the role of resilience, mindset, and discipline in achieving sales success. Paul's journey from door-to-door sales to creating a successful coaching business is highlighted, along with his focus on the top 1% performers. They also touch upon the evolution of sales practices, the impact of COVID on coaching cultures, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships in the sales process.KEY TAKEAWAYSSales Coaching Culture: Creating a true coaching culture goes beyond occasional feedback; it requires structured, consistent, and scalable approaches.Coaching at Scale: Effective sales coaching must be continuous and integrate with existing sales methodologies to drive better performance across the board.Maximizing Top Performers: Investing in the development of top performers can yield significant returns and set a strong example for the rest of the team.Sales Tools: Leveraging tools like Gong can enhance coaching efforts by providing actionable insights into sales conversations.QUOTES"Creating a coaching culture isn't about occasional feedback—it's about consistent, scalable coaching that everyone can learn from." - Paul Salamanca"Investing in your top performers not only boosts their performance but also sets a powerful example for the entire team." - Randy Seidl"The key to successful sales coaching is making it a continuous, integrated part of your team's daily routine." - Paul SalamancaFind out more about Paul Salamanca through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/toponepercenter/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Dave Grant, President of Nasuni, to discuss his impressive career trajectory from CMO to CRO and now President. Dave shares his journey, key insights, and the importance of a holistic go-to-market strategy. The conversation covers the role of rev ops, the importance of a strong corporate culture, and the significance of balancing short-term execution with long-term strategy. Key takeaways include leveraging sales and marketing symbiosis for better outcomes, focusing on transparency within the company, and the value of building a supportive network. Notable quotes from industry leaders highlight Dave's unique blend of strategic and tactical skills. This episode is sponsored by Sandler and Sales Community.KEY TAKEAWAYSCareer Progression: Understand the key skills and mindset shifts necessary to transition from a CMO to a CRO and ultimately to President.Sales and Marketing Alignment: Learn about the importance of integrating marketing efforts with sales to ensure cohesive go-to-market strategies and successful outcomes.Company Culture: Discover how Nasuni's transparent and team-oriented culture contributes to its success and employee satisfaction.Strategic Partnerships: Gain insights into how Nasuni leverages partnerships with hyperscalers and channel partners to enhance its market presence and drive growth.Challenges and Opportunities: Hear about the challenges in brand awareness and the strategies Nasuni employs to overcome them and capitalize on its market potential.QUOTESDave Grant on Team Dynamics: "I think team translates into what goes on in the workplace. As long as you're a good teammate, most of it, the rest of it plays out."Randy Seidl on Marketing Metrics: "MKLs are great, but what's it doing to turn into an SQL and something that's really trying to add value?"Dave Grant on Company Culture: "Paul Flanagan puts it best when he says you take care of your employees. They take care of customers and everything else follows."Dave Grant on Nasuni's Growth: "We believe we have the potential with the addressable market we have in front of us... We can be a standalone publicly traded company."Find out more about Dave Grant through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgrant4/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Chris Scanlon, CRO at human, discusses the nuances of sales leadership across small and large companies. Sponsored by Alexander Group, Scanlon shares insights on building sales culture, the importance of enablement, and aligning executive teams. He also delves into his career journey, including roles at Accuvant, Optiv, and Checkpoint, and the significant impact of his mentors. Additionally, Scanlon talks about the challenges of defining ideal customer profiles and leveraging a comprehensive sales tech stack, including tools like Clary, Sixth Sense, and ZoomInfo. The episode emphasizes the evolution needed for sales leaders to become effective operators in both startup and large organizational environments.KEY TAKEAWAYSDifferent Dynamics in Sales Leadership: Understand the contrasting challenges and opportunities in sales leadership within small startups versus large corporations.Building a Winning Culture: Learn the importance of creating a positive, engaging culture to attract and retain top talent.Staying Customer-Centric: Discover the value of staying close to customers, regardless of company size, to drive sales and innovation.The Evolution of Cybersecurity: Gain insights into the growth and specialization within the cybersecurity industry and its impact on sales strategies.Leadership Lessons: Chris shares his experiences and lessons learned from merging companies, managing large teams, and maintaining a hands-on approach to sales leadership.QUOTES"At the end of the day, it's about creating a culture where people want to work and thrive.""You go from knowing everything about your customers to just checking people's homework. Staying close to the front line is crucial.""In cybersecurity, it's not just about antivirus and firewalls anymore. The landscape has evolved dramatically.""Leading by example is vital. If you want your team to do more sales calls, you have to show them it's possible by doing it yourself.""Building a winning culture starts with hiring the right people and giving them the environment to innovate and succeed."Find out more about Chris Scanlon through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscanlan/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world's leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Vinay Nachani, VP Worldwide Software Sales at Cisco, joins Randy to discuss software sales success, enterprise agreements, and sales transformation. Vinay shares his journey from an engineering background to a pivotal sales leadership role, highlighting the importance of customer trust, strategic partnerships, and the evolution of Cisco's software offerings. The conversation covers effective sales enablement, leveraging customer renewals for growth, and the significance of meditation and personal grounding in navigating a high-stakes career. Vinay also acknowledges the invaluable support of mentors and the diverse talent within his teams.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuilding Trust: Learn how engineers and sales executives can leverage trust to drive customer satisfaction and sales success.Software Transformation: Insights into Cisco's journey from a hardware-driven to a software-driven company, and the pivotal role played by Vinay in this transformation.Customer Engagement: The importance of customer-centric sales approaches and the impact of SEs (Sales Engineers) as trusted advisors.Innovative Sales Models: Explore Cisco's unique enterprise agreements (EAs) model, offering insights into price protection, overconsumption policies, and customer value.QUOTES"Customers fundamentally buy from people they like and trust.""Our focus is on simplifying the customer journey and delivering value.""In software sales, understanding customer needs is as crucial as technical excellence."Find out more about Vinay Nichani through the links below: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vnichani/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Rick Scurfield, CRO of Vast Data, shares valuable insights on becoming a better cross-functional and strategic thinking CRO. Rick, with a rich background in the tech industry, including his tenure at NetApp, discusses the importance of leveraging ecosystems, building robust partnerships, and the evolving role of RevOps in aligning with company strategies. He emphasizes the necessity of face-to-face interactions in sales, the importance of staying focused amidst noise, and the value of sales fundamentals in today's competitive landscape. Rick also highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the fast-paced technology sales environment.KEY TAKEAWAYSCross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasizing the importance of working closely with product teams, engineers, finance, and alliance partners to drive large-scale deals and achieve business outcomes.Ecosystem Leverage: Utilizing an extensive partner and alliance network to augment the sales process and expand market reach.Strategic Thinking: Understanding the full data pipeline and positioning products as solutions to complex business problems, rather than just selling features.Learning and Unlearning: The necessity of unlearning traditional sales tactics and embracing innovative approaches tailored to modern market demands.Adaptability in Sales: The need for sales teams to be agile, adopt new strategies quickly, and focus on continuous improvement.QUOTES"In the fast-paced and competitive world of technology sales, Rick's leadership serves as a shining example, inspiring others to emulate his approach and values.""Our mission right now is to sell more, faster. Everyone wants to sell more and sell faster, but it really creates an energy around the company that's fantastic.""Don't tell me why you're going to win. Tell me why you're going to lose. Focusing on potential gaps can reveal missing information and overlooked influencers.""It's not just about storing data; it's about managing the entire data pipeline and delivering business outcomes.""We're in the unlearning mode. It's about understanding how Vast Data does things differently to sell to our customers effectively."Find out more about Rick Scurfield through the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-scurfield/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Jim Karrh, a Consultant & Professional Speaker at Karrh & Associates, shares his expertise on building consistently effective sales communications and conversations. He emphasizes the need for strategic thinking and offers insights into how sales organizations can structure their conversations to improve results. Other topics include the use of AI and technology in enhancing sales effectiveness, and the critical elements of successful sales playbooks.KEY TAKEAWAYSSequence of Effective Sales Conversations: Understand the stages of change, urgency, and differentiation in sales dialogues.Messaging vs. Commoditization: Differentiate your message to resonate beyond industry jargon and technical features.The Impact of Confident Messaging: Confidence in delivering your message enhances engagement and trust.Managing Sales Teams: Implementing structured training, coaching, and tools to ensure consistent messaging and performance.QUOTES"Confidence in the value of what you offer is crucial, but equally important is having confidence in how to talk about it.""Avoid the pitfalls of commoditization by developing a unique, compelling message that resonates with your audience.""Sales success often hinges on having the right conversations with the right people at the right time.""Consistency in sales messaging is key—it's not about scripting but about having a common language and approach across the team.""Preparation and practice are fundamental; they transform foundational techniques into effective, fluid conversations."Find out more about Jim Karrh through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkarrh/This episode is sponsored by Humantic AI. Humantic AI is a Buyer Intelligence platform for revenue teams. Top revenue teams use Humantic's Personality AI to identify early adopters, help their BDRs personalize outreach and enable their AEs with vital customer insights for every deal.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Jim Delia, SVP of Global Revenue Operations at Workday, to discuss the critical components of successful Revenue Operations. The conversation covers core topics such as the three-legged stool of people, scale, and innovation. They delve into the importance of effective outbound sales strategies, leveraging AI, and optimizing tech stacks. Jim also shares insights from his career path, the importance of mentorship, and his passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). An engaging conversation filled with practical advice for sales and RevOps professionals.KEY TAKEAWAYSPeople as the Core of RevOps: The importance of having the right people in place, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring continuous growth and development within the team.Scaling Efficiently: Strategies for scaling operations, including global site strategies and balancing OPEX versus headcount.Innovation in RevOps: The role of AI and machine learning in transforming sales processes, particularly in B2B markets.Tech Stack Optimization: The need for simplifying and optimizing the tech stack to improve efficiency and productivity.The Future of B2B Sales: Insights into the evolving nature of B2B sales, the impact of digital transformation, and the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making.QUOTES"When you wake up every morning, think about how you can make the sellers more productive.""RevOps is about orchestrating an infrastructure around the seller to make them successful.""AI is definitely a disruptor, especially in the down-market SMB and B2B segments.""The future of B2B sales will heavily rely on AI, machine learning, and innovative strategies to stay ahead."Find out more about Jim Delia through the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdelia/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial to connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Scott Wood, VP and GM of Compute for North America at HPE. Scott shares unique go-to-market strategies inspired by his experiences as a football official. From structured pregame preparations to rigorous post-game reviews, Scott draws fascinating parallels between sports officiating and high-performance sales teams.KEY TAKEAWAYSStructured Preparation: Learn the importance of detailed pre-meeting preparations, akin to pregame routines in football officiating.Post-Game Review: Understand the value of reviewing sales calls using technology to identify areas for improvement, similar to how officials review game footage.Ongoing Certification and Practice: Emphasize the need for continuous learning and practice in sales, paralleling the rigorous certification processes in sports officiating.Effective Communication: Explore strategies for maintaining clear and effective communication within sales teams and how it relates to the teamwork required among football officials.Handling High-Pressure Situations: Gain insights into managing high-pressure scenarios with clients, drawing from Scott's experience handling intense moments with football coaches.QUOTES"If they do that at a high school level for football, why are we not doing the same disciplined preparations for multi-million dollar deals?""You need a culture of practice, not just one-off training sessions. Practice builds confidence, and confidence attracts customers.""The technology we have now for reviewing sales calls is a game-changer. If you're not rigorously using them, you're missing opportunities to have a world-class sales team."Find out more about Scott Wood through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-wood-9828986/This episode is sponsored by AuctusIQ, the Sales Performance Assessment sponsor of the Sales Community. AuctusIQ is a sales data and science software company, with the mission of providing the right data to solve your three biggest challenges: selecting and retaining exceptional talent, coaching to ensure readiness to meet or beat quota, and winning more deals.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl welcomes Rich Kucharski, the Global Field CTO and Transformation Leader at Dynatrace. They discuss a range of topics centered on sales, technology, and transformation. Rich shares insights from his impressive career spanning roles at Sharp Electronics, EMC, XIV, and J.P. Morgan. Key discussions include bridging business goals with technical solutions, the importance of executive briefing centers (EBCs), effective POC processes, and the role of sales engineers in building long-term customer relationships. Rich also highlights Dynatrace's growth, their innovative approach to application performance monitoring, and the company's commitment to outserving competitors. The conversation concludes with Rich providing advice for his younger self, acknowledging key mentors, and emphasizing the critical partnership between sales and engineering teams.KEY TAKEAWAYSUnderstanding Customer Challenges: Rich emphasizes the importance of thoroughly understanding customer pain points and business objectives to tailor technical solutions that drive significant business impact.Building a Shared Vision: Establishing a clear, shared vision with customers can guide them through the transformation process, even when encountering obstacles.The Role of Data: Access to and management of data is crucial for delivering seamless customer experiences and driving organizational transformation.Innovative Customer Solutions: Real-world examples, such as the proactive door monitoring solution on a cruise line, illustrate the tangible benefits of Dynatrace's technology in enhancing customer satisfaction.Cultural Values at Dynatrace: A supportive, accountable culture with a focus on acting accountable and continuous improvement is key to the company's success and employee satisfaction.QUOTES"It's all about the data. If you can provide a platform that provides seamless access to data, it really can help transform a company.""The ultimate home run is you have a proposed sales proposal that the CFO gets really excited about because you're saying, here's how we're going to help you generate revenue, save money, get a competitive advantage, or stay out of jail.""It's important to establish what perfect could look like and then set a journey to get there, which kind of pulls in all the teams at Dynatrace serving a customer."Find out more about Rich Kucharski through the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richkucharski/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world's leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined with Lee Hacohen, Head of Sales at Red Eye, to discuss the pressing issue of pipeline problems in sales and how AI can provide a solution. Sponsored by Alexander Group, the episode dives deep into the evolving landscape of sales, the impact of AI, and practical strategies for leveraging technology to enhance sales productivity. Lee shares his journey from broadcasting to becoming a sales leader, insights on AI's role in sales, and actionable advice for sales professionals facing pipeline challenges.KEY TAKEAWAYSAI in Sales: AI can handle repetitive tasks like identifying prospects, gathering contact information, and personalizing initial outreach, freeing up sales reps to focus on high-value activities.Human vs. Machine: AI is not replacing salespeople but augmenting their capabilities by handling tasks that machines excel at, such as data processing and initial contact personalization.Personalization at Scale: Tools like Reggie enable sales teams to send highly personalized emails and LinkedIn messages efficiently, improving engagement rates.Importance of Training: Continuous training and adaptation are crucial as the sales landscape evolves with technological advancements.Building and Growing: Identifying companies in their growth phase and leveraging AI can significantly impact sales success.QUOTES"There's certain things machines do really well and there's certain things people do really well. AI is here to augment, not replace, the salesperson.""In order to actually connect with someone and get their attention in an inbox that has 60 emails, you have to show them that you know them.""AI can personalize messages based on company performance and individual profiles within seconds, a task that would take a human significantly longer."Find out more about Lee Hacohen through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhacohen/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world's leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl features a conversation with Rachel Cossar, CEO and co-founder of Virtual Sapiens. The discussion revolves around the potential of AI to transform sales coaching by analyzing and improving sales behaviors and human interactions. Rachel, a former professional ballet dancer and now a tech entrepreneur, shares how her company uses AI to help professionals master their virtual and in-person presence, making communication more effective. The episode touches on various topics, including the importance of nonverbal communication, the genesis of Virtual Sapiens, the unique challenges of sales coaching, and how Virtual Sapiens provides individualized feedback for improvement. The conversation also delves into AI's role in behavioral change, the scalability of Virtual Sapiens' technology, and the importance of privacy in AI tools. Rachel shares personal insights, including her transition from ballet to tech entrepreneurship, and the supportive role her mentors and co-founder have played in her journey.KEY TAKEAWAYSVirtual Sapiens utilizes AI to help professionals master their presence, whether in virtual or in-person interactions.Coaching conversations empowered by AI can revolutionize sales behaviors and enhance confidence.Through partnerships with global firms like BTS, Virtual Sapiens integrates AI seamlessly into learning management systems for personalized coaching experiences.Behavioral nonverbal cues play a significant role in building trust and rapport, especially in virtual communication.Effective use of body language and framing can significantly impact how professionals are perceived in virtual meetings.QUOTES"We're at the intersection of AI and human interaction, using AI as a coach in real-time to help humans become more aware of certain blind spots and integrate feedback for behavior change.""The way you show up on video matters—it's the only digital channel where body language truly counts.""First impressions on video are powerful—your setup, background, framing, and lighting all contribute to how you're perceived as a professional.""Nonverbal cues, like hand gestures, can amplify your presence in virtual meetings, making you more engaging and trustworthy.""Mastering presence in virtual interactions requires awareness of behavioral nuances and leveraging them effectively to build connections."Find out more about Rachel Cossar through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cossar/This episode is sponsored by Spotlight.ai, our Value Intelligence sponsor. Spotlight.ai provides a Value Intelligence AI-driven platform to transform sales discovery, auto build differentiated business cases, and optimize value positioning for field and remote teams.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl and Michael Norton delve into the pivotal role of frontline sales managers in modern companies. From their diverse responsibilities to the challenges they face, they explore how these unsung heroes shape organizational success. With insights from industry veterans and personal experiences, they dissect the evolving dynamics of sales management and offer strategies for navigating the complex landscape of sales leadership.KEY TAKEAWAYSFrontline sales managers serve as the linchpins of cohesion within organizations, orchestrating sales strategies, managing cross-functional relationships, and driving revenue growth.Understanding and adapting to the diverse communication styles and learning preferences of sales team members, spanning different generations, is essential for effective sales management.The balance between administrative tasks, such as CRM management, and frontline engagement is crucial for sales managers to maximize their impact.While training is vital for sales team development, empowering salespeople to take ownership of their growth and success is equally important.Successful sales managers excel not only in training but also in facilitating the onboarding process to accelerate new hires' integration and performance.QUOTES"Sales managers are the unsung heroes of business today. They manage up, down, and sideways, orchestrating strategies and relationships to drive success.""Understanding the diverse learning and communication styles of sales team members is key to effective sales management in today's multigenerational workforce.""A successful sales manager strikes the balance between administrative duties and frontline engagement, maximizing their impact on revenue growth."Find out more about Michael Norton through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msnorton/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial to connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.https://phonereadyleads.com/

In this replay episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Joey Gilkey, CEO of Apex Revenue, to discuss the evolution of outbound cold calling strategies in the modern sales landscape. From Joey's journey in sales to the challenges and solutions in improving cold calling pickup rates, this episode offers invaluable insights for sales professionals navigating today's competitive market.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe landscape of outbound sales is evolving rapidly, with traditional strategies becoming less effective over time.Companies must shift from a meeting-centric approach to a market analysis-centric approach, focusing on segmenting the market and curating targeted lists for more effective outreach.Turning sales development reps into market development reps and empowering account executives to self-source from curated lists can significantly improve pipeline generation and conversion rates.Sellers should prioritize selling to prospects the way they want to buy, adopting a consultative and tailored approach to address pain points and provide value.Highly targeted lists are essential for successful outbound efforts, as data saturation increases and traditional list-building methods become less reliable.QUOTES"Sell to people the way they want to buy, not the way we want to sell.""The list is the strategy. Highly targeted lists impact the top of the funnel, which then impacts the bottom of the funnel.""Turning sales development reps into market development reps is key. Identify segments, curate lists, and empower account executives for more effective outreach."Find out more about Joey Gilkey through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeygilkey/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial to connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.https://phonereadyleads.com/

In this replay episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Peter Trizzino, President of North America Sales at Dell. Together, they delve into the pivotal role of culture in driving sales success, exploring how it transcends strategy and shapes behaviors within teams and partnerships. From personal anecdotes to actionable insights, Peter shares his journey from humble beginnings in sales to leading one of the largest sales regions at Dell. Discover how fostering trust, championing collaboration, and prioritizing outcomes can empower sales professionals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving marketplace.KEY TAKEAWAYSCulture Trumps Strategy: Explore how cultivating a culture of trust, collaboration, and customer-centricity drives long-term success in sales.Earning and Giving Trust: Learn the importance of trust-building in both internal teams and external partnerships, and how reciprocity fuels growth.Embracing Change: Understand the value of adaptability and continuous learning in navigating industry shifts and technological advancements.Balancing Work and Life: Uncover strategies for achieving a harmonious work-life blend that fosters productivity, well-being, and a winning mindset.Driving Sales Excellence: Gain actionable insights for aligning sales efforts with customer needs, leveraging partnerships, and maximizing performance.QUOTES"Culture is made up of collective mindsets and behaviors, emphasizing the 'how' over the 'what' in driving success.""The easiest way to earn trust is to give it. Trust is the foundation for high-performing teams.""In today's world, outcomes and value trump product-centric sales approaches. It's about solving customer problems."Find out more about Peter Trizzino through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-trizzino-21791a1/This episode is sponsored by AuctusIQ, the Sales Performance Assessment sponsor of the Sales Community. AuctusIQ is a sales data and science software company, with the mission of providing the right data to solve your three biggest challenges: selecting and retaining exceptional talent, coaching to ensure readiness to meet or beat quota, and winning more deals. Please visit their website at https://auctusiq.com/

In this replay episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl interviews Jennifer Quinlan, the Global Managing Partner at IBM Consulting, discussing the transformative power of Gen AI on customer experience. From IBM's own journey as client zero to real-world success stories, they explore how AI-driven solutions are streamlining processes, improving employee and customer satisfaction, and accelerating business outcomes across sales, service, and marketing.KEY TAKEAWAYSGen AI Impact: Gen AI revolutionizes customer experience by enhancing efficiency, improving response times, and driving better outcomes across various business functions.IBM's Client Zero Journey: IBM's internal transformation journey serves as a blueprint for leveraging AI to optimize workflows, unify processes, and enhance customer engagement.Real-world Success Stories: Examples from industries like agriculture and retail showcase the tangible benefits of AI-driven solutions, including significant reductions in response times, increased throughput, and improved customer satisfaction metrics.Speed to Market: Gen AI accelerates campaign conception, content testing, and deployment, leading to faster time-to-market and remarkable performance gains, as demonstrated by a 26X increase in social performance in a recent campaign.QUOTES"We're able to create a better experience across our sales communities, enabling faster decision-making and deeper customer engagement.""Gen AI transforms low-fidelity tasks into high-impact opportunities, revolutionizing lead generation and pipeline growth."Find out more about Jennifer Quinlan through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferquinlan/This episode is sponsored by TechTarget, the global leader in purchase intent-driven marketing and sales services that deliver business impact for enterprise technology companies. By creating abundant, high-quality editorial content across more than 150 highly targeted technology-specific websites and 1,125 channels, TechTarget attracts and nurtures communities of technology buyers researching their companies' information technology needs.Please visit their website at https://www.techtarget.com/

In this replay episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Lisa Pope, President at Epicor, shares her journey through the world of ERP, from its traditional roots to its modern-day relevance. Randy delves into Lisa's extensive experience, exploring the evolving role of ERP in today's dynamic business environment. From navigating supply chain disruptions to harnessing the power of data as a service, Lisa offers valuable insights and strategies for driving business growth and innovation.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe enduring relevance of ERP in driving digital transformation and business resilience.Leveraging ecosystem partnerships and mindshare growth for enhanced market presence.The pivotal role of data as a service in driving intelligent decision-making and operational efficiency.Adapting sales strategies to meet the evolving needs of diverse customer segments, from SMBs to enterprise-level organizations.Embracing diversity and inclusion practices to foster a thriving and inclusive workplace culture.QUOTES"ERP isn't dead; it's thriving and evolving to meet the demands of the modern business landscape.""Growing mindshare is crucial; it's about building brand visibility and expanding your ecosystem to drive market engagement.""Data is the new currency of business; leveraging insights from ERP systems empowers intelligent decision-making.""Adaptability is key in sales; understanding diverse customer needs and market trends drives long-term success.""Diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of innovation and success in today's global marketplace."Find out more about Lisa Pope through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapopeepicor/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl and Peter Bell, General Partner and Chairman of Amity Ventures, dive into the realm of sales and startups. From Peter's extensive experience as both a sales leader and a venture capitalist, they explore best practices, pitfalls, and strategies for achieving success in sales-driven organizations.KEY TAKEAWAYSFounder-Led Sales: Understand the pivotal role founders play in early sales efforts and the importance of authenticity in customer interactions.Product-Market Fit: Delve into the challenges of finding and validating product-market fit, crucial for sustainable growth and investor confidence.Scaling Sales Teams: Navigate the delicate balance between founder-led sales and hiring experienced sales managers to drive team growth and efficiency.Remote Work Dynamics: Explore the evolving landscape of remote work and its impact on sales team dynamics, collaboration, and productivity.Customer-Centricity: Emphasize the significance of customer relationships and the role they play in product development, sales strategy, and business success.QUOTES"If the founder can't sell the product, it's extremely difficult for anyone else to sell it because the founder has the authenticity that really only the founder can have in an early-stage company.""Finding product-market fit is extremely difficult. Sometimes you don't actually know when you've found it. Many companies feel they've found it before they've actually really found it.""It's not just about making quota and delighting customers; it's about enjoying the journey together."Find out more about Peter Bell through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterwbell/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads average a 21.3% dial to connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make. Visit their website at: https://phonereadyleads.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by John Barrows, CEO of JB Sales, as they explore the timeless principles of sales. They delve into the transformation of sales fundamentals over the years and how staying authentic in the ever-evolving sales landscape is crucial. From sharing personal experiences to discussing the impact of AI on sales coaching, this episode is a treasure trove for both seasoned professionals and those starting in sales.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe importance of authenticity in sales and staying true to oneself.Navigating the shift in sales fundamentals and learning from both old and new practices.Lessons from John's journey in sales, from DeWalt power tools to leading JB Sales.The value of immediate and objective AI-driven feedback in coaching and improving sales performance.Overcoming challenges in the corporate world and finding success by staying true to one's values.QUOTES"Lying is hard. It's easier to be authentic and genuine in sales.""Coaching is the number one thing a manager should do, but it's often not what they do.""If you're surprised that your manager is an asshole during a performance review, you haven't been paying attention.""The endorphin component of immediate feedback is crucial for reps' growth.""AI coaching tools can provide objective insights, eliminating subjectivity in feedback."Find out more about John Barrows through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarrows/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world's leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.https://www.alexandergroup.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl interviews Richard Harris, the author of the upcoming book, "The Seller's Journey." In this episode, they delve into the intricacies of sales, from the importance of understanding the buyer's journey to the art of respecting contracts. Richard shares insights from his extensive experience in sales training and go-to-market strategies, providing valuable tips for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.KEY TAKEAWAYSNavigating the Sales Landscape: Understand the nonlinear nature of the sales process and the importance of having a clear map and compass to guide your journey.Personalization in Sales: Recognize that sales is inherently personal and learn how to effectively connect with prospects on a human level.Respect Contracts: Embrace the concept of respect contracts to set expectations, maintain control of conversations, and foster mutual understanding with prospects and clients.QUOTES"There is no such thing as a buyer's journey. It's all about the buyer's experience through a seller's journey.""Sales is always personal. Don't pretend rejection doesn't sting; acknowledge it and learn from it.""Respect contracts are the foundation of effective communication in sales, setting the tone for productive conversations."Find out more about Richard Harris through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rharris415/The Seller's Journey Book by Richard Harris: https://a.co/d/8B9TA9sThis episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Spotlight: https://www.Spotlight.ai/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl in an insightful conversation with Mohamad Ali, Chief Operating Officer of IBM Consulting, they delve into the transformative impact of generative AI on the IT consulting industry. From disrupting traditional sales processes to enhancing cybersecurity for global organizations like NATO, Ali shares real-world examples of how AI is reshaping the landscape. Discover the secrets behind IBM Consulting Advantage, an AI services platform, and explore the profound productivity improvements witnessed in groundbreaking projects. Learn how IBM Consulting is at the forefront of embracing AI to drive efficiency, security, and innovation.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe IT consulting industry is on the brink of a significant transformation with the advent of generative AI.Gen AI is disrupting traditional sales processes, leading to monumental shifts in client engagement and project timelines.IBM Consulting Advantage provides a consistent approach to building AI solutions, ensuring security, governance, and protection against biases.Real-world examples, such as the NATO cybersecurity project, showcase the immense potential of AI in solving complex challenges.Productivity improvements of up to 52% have been observed in projects utilizing AI assistants, emphasizing the practical impact of Gen AI.QUOTES"We need to bring consistency to AI projects because it's not just about building great solutions; it's about securing, governing, and protecting personal information.""The consulting market is not going to stay labor-based; Gen AI will disrupt the industry in the same way Uber disrupted the taxi business.""Focus on doing a great job and loving what you do. Internal politics will fade away if you genuinely enjoy your work." Find out more about Mohamad Ali through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimohamad/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Collin Mitchell, the Managing Partner at Leadium, as they delve into the dynamic world of outbound sales. They discuss how traditional outbound sales methods are evolving and share insights on what works in today's competitive landscape. From personalized email strategies to the power of cold calling, they explore practical tips and techniques to boost sales effectiveness. Discover the secrets to successful outbound sales in the digital ageKEY TAKEAWAYSThe importance of personalized outreach in email campaigns.Strategies for effective cold calling, including data segmentation and technology tools.Leveraging social media insights to enhance email personalization.Building relationships through podcasting as a unique outreach strategy.Tips for avoiding spam filters and maintaining deliverability in email campaigns.QUOTES"Each line of your email is to get them to read the next line.""The power of the phone is the most effective channel for conversions.""Building relationships through podcasting is a strategy I've used in the past and have driven lots of revenue doing that.""Podcasts are a great way to be different and stand out in the sales landscape."Find out more about Collin Mitchell through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collincmitchell/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Matt Dixon, the founding partner at DCM Insights, to delve into the captivating world of Challenger sales and explore the profound insights from Matt's latest book, "The Jolt Effect: How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision." They discuss the evolution of sales strategies, the impact of the pandemic on decision-making, and the crucial moments that define successful sales interactions.KEY TAKEAWAYSChallenger Sales Evolution: Understand the genesis of Challenger sales during the global financial crisis and its continued relevance in transforming sales approaches.The Jolt Effect: Explore the story behind Matt's latest research, which unravels the challenges of customer indecision, particularly after initial interest, and how high performers navigate this critical phase.Sales in the Virtual World: Examine the shift to virtual sales environments, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unique opportunities and challenges it presents.The Two Acts of Sales: Recognize that sales is a two-act play — first, sparking customer interest and then addressing the indecision that arises after the initial commitment.Overcoming Overloads: Dive into the three major sources of indecision - too many options, information overload, and expectations overload - and learn how top performers navigate these challenges.Decision-Making in a Downturn: Explore how the current business landscape, including economic uncertainties and the aftermath of the SaaS reckoning, contributes to heightened indecision among customers.Startup Challenges: Discuss the difficulties faced by startups in breaking into the market due to a lack of track record, customer references, and airtight ROI guarantees.QUOTES"Sales is really a two-act play. The first act is getting the customer interested, answering the 'why change' question. The second act is dealing with the cold feet moment in the sale, navigating indecision after initial interest.""The best salespeople excel at putting their figurative arm around the customer's shoulders, instilling confidence, and saying, 'You're making a great decision. We've got your back.'""We're doing this to ourselves - offering more options, information overload, and ambitious promises. These amplify customer indecision, making even normally decisive people behave indecisively."Find out more about Matt Dixon through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewxdixon/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined with David Schneider, General Partner of Co-Two and seasoned executive with a remarkable track record. Dive deep into the lessons learned throughout Schneider's career, covering topics such as culture, growth, hiring, forecasting, and more. From his early days at UC Irvine's Championship sailing team to leading companies like Data Domain and ServiceNow, Schneider shares valuable insights and anecdotes that shaped his journey. Discover the secrets behind scaling businesses, overcoming rejection, and the evolution of customer success in today's competitive landscape.KEY TAKEAWAYSEmbracing a "beginner's mindset" in tackling unsolved problems can open doors to unprecedented success.Overcoming rejection involves understanding and addressing the specific needs of the situation, whether in hiring or sales campaigns.In the early stages of a business, integrating customer success into the sales function can be more efficient, emphasizing a company-wide commitment to client satisfaction.The importance of learning from failures, maintaining humility, and appreciating the journey, as success often follows struggle.The role of leadership in inspiring and learning from team members, with a focus on continuous improvement and adaptability.QUOTES"If you don't know struggle, you can't appreciate success. Failure is good; it teaches you humility and humbleness.""Great leaders understand how passionate their employees can be. You either bet on the come or you bet on experience and knowledge.""Solving customer problems is the job of everybody in the company. Salespeople are the tip of the spear, bringing every resource to bear for the good of the company.""Every company has its own set of challenges and culture. Helping management teams think about growth and bringing engineering into the product development cycle is crucial.""Building community within a company is about aligning everyone's role with the ultimate goal of dominating a marketplace through exceptional customer service."Find out more about David Schneider through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschneider2/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl engages in an insightful conversation with Sam Nelson, the founder of SDRLeader.com and Agoge Prospecting School. Discover the secrets of successful outbound prospecting, the importance of proper enablement, and the nuances of effective sequence strategies. Sam shares his journey from starting a mission-driven company to becoming a leader in SDR management and sheds light on the key elements that make outbound prospecting a game-changer for businesses.KEY TAKEAWAYSPrioritize Right Prospects: Effective outbound starts with aligning sequences to the right prospects, requiring clear prioritization and careful title targeting.Sequencing Efficiency: Sequences are a series of touchpoints (phone, email, LinkedIn) designed for efficient and personalized outreach, maximizing the impact of personalization efforts.Focus on Meetings Held: The primary goal is to schedule meetings between SDRs and account executives with the right decision-makers, ensuring valuable use of time and resources.Empower Account Executives: Once a meeting is set, pass the prospect to the account executive to ensure a smooth transition and avoid complications in the sales process.Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop between SDRs and AEs to address any issues in the handoff process and ensure effective collaboration for successful conversions.QUOTES“If you get fully attributable meetings with people, it's very valuable.”“The sequence really sets you up to get through to them on the phone and get that initial meeting set.”“Once you have got the meeting scheduled with the right person, that's a good time to pass it to the AE.”Find out more about Sam Nelson through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realsamnelson/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy is joined by John Byrne, President at Dell, for an insightful conversation on the evolution of the customer journey. They explore the dynamic shifts in buyer behavior, the impact of Gen AI, and how technology is reshaping the sales landscape. John shares his experiences and perspectives on leadership, vision, and the critical role of human interaction in the age of digital transformation.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe rapid evolution of customer buying behavior driven by Gen AI.The importance of human interaction in a tech-dominated sales landscape.How AI is transforming decision-making processes in customer interactions.The role of leadership vision in guiding teams through technological advancements.The need for sales leaders to adapt to both outcome and transactional selling.QUOTES"Gen AI is the heart of the change; it's the first time humans and machines come together to solve unprecedented challenges.""In the future, growth will come not just through capacity but through commercial productivity.""As a leader, you're not just leading sellers; you're leading the act of selling in the modern age.""Curiosity is a superpower; being curious allows you to build a vision for the future.""Lead with optimism; life is short, and we're navigating a future full of possibilities."Find out more about John Byrne through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-byrne-966b1720/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, join us for a fireside chat with Scott Strubel, Vice President of the America's Partner Organization at Darktrace, a leading cybersecurity AI company. Scott shares his firsthand experiences and insights from the first 90 days as a new leader in the cybersecurity landscape. From his childhood jobs shaping his approach to leadership to his impressive career journey spanning HP, Oracle, NetApp, Commvault, Hitachi Vantara, and Darktrace, Scott dives into the importance of building strong partnerships and outlines his strategies for success. Learn about Darktrace's evolution, Scott's go-to-market plans with partners, and his emphasis on fostering a collaborative and accountable culture.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe First 90 Days as a New Leader: Scott delves into the critical initial period of leadership and emphasizes the significance of building relationships with partners, sales organizations, and key team members.Navigating Partner Relationships: Exploring the complexities of the cybersecurity industry, Scott discusses the challenges and strategies for enhancing partner collaborations and sales enablement.Strategies for Growth: Unveiling Darktrace's plans, Scott outlines the six breakthrough goals and the structured approach toward achieving them, focusing on measurable results and partnership expansion.Cultural Accountability: Scott shares insights into the cultural elements he prioritizes, emphasizing the importance of shared values, accountability, and consistency in driving success.QUOTES"What partners want from their technology OEM vendor partners is predictability, consistency, and profitability.""Really good partner sellers sell what's profitable and what's easiest to sell.""We consider ourselves highly accountable to our sales organization and partners, measuring success every 13 weeks.""I have this list of 50 things that we hold ourselves accountable to every 13-week quarter in shaping our culture."Find out more about Scott Strubel through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstrubelThis episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl welcomes Amit Bendov, the CEO of Gong, to discuss the profound impact of AI in sales and revenue team transformation. Amit shares the origins of Gong's AI-driven platform, its evolution, and the pivotal role it plays in empowering sales teams. From increased productivity to predictive analytics and integrations with sales methodologies, Gong's technology streamlines processes, enabling teams to focus more on selling effectively.KEY TAKEAWAYSAI's Role in Sales Transformation: Amit describes how AI revolutionized sales processes by autonomously gathering insights from customer interactions, enhancing productivity, and providing data-driven decision-making.Gong's Solutions and Innovations: He highlights Gong's suite of AI-powered products—Engage, Forecast, and Conversation Intelligence—and how they optimize sales productivity, forecasting accuracy, and training effectiveness.AI's Impact on Productivity and Strategy: The conversation delves into AI's influence in improving efficiency, predicting outcomes, refining strategies, and enabling quicker, more informed decision-making.QUOTES"The idea was an autonomous system that would take all the conversations of customers... and create data and insights for leaders and people in the trenches using AI.""AI removes a lot of the work, making teams more effective and efficient. It helps reps do the right thing, especially for rookies, while automating mundane tasks.""Remember, AI can take wherever you are and make you better. But to be realistic, you have to have a good business. AI isn't a miracle; it enhances what's already there."Find out more about Amit Bendov through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitbendov/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl sits down with David Donatelli, CEO of Riverbed, for a candid conversation on "Lessons Learned." David shares insights garnered throughout his illustrious career spanning EMC, Hewlett Packard (HP), Oracle, and his current role at Riverbed. From telemarketing and sales strategies of the past to the evolving landscape of enterprise solutions, they explore the essence of value-based selling, marketing lead generation, and the importance of customer trust. David delves into the significance of product-market fit, team collaboration, and the transformative impact technology can have on businesses, sharing anecdotes that highlight how Riverbed's solutions have streamlined operations for major companies worldwide.KEY TAKEAWAYSValue-based Selling: Understanding and articulating the true business value of solutions are pivotal in driving successful enterprise sales.Customer Trust: Building and maintaining customer trust by honoring commitments and exceeding expectations.Team Collaboration: Emphasizing that sales success is a collective effort involving all functions within an organization.Product-Market Fit: The criticality of product differentiation and market alignment for sustained success in the enterprise technology landscape.Technology's Impact: Real-life examples showcasing how innovative technology solutions positively impact business operations and customer satisfaction.QUOTES"Customers are very smart. They do the research before they meet you. They want to understand how you rank versus others in the industry.""Your reputation is built by honoring your commitments to your customers and exceeding what you promise them.""It's more important than ever to understand the true business value and articulate that to customers.""Sales success is a team sport. Every function within a company has a role to play in achieving success."Find out more about David Donatelli through the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-donatelli-29854825b/This episode of Tech Sales Insights is brought to you by: Sales Community: https://www.salescommunity.com/Sandler: https://www.sandler.com/