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If you've been looking for a way to hit or exceed your annual quota, qualify for President's Club, or simply earn a bigger paycheck or bonus, focusing on helping business owners reduce their tax burden by investing in your product, service or software in the final weeks of the year can give you the edge you need get more sales closed. Business Owners are Motivated to Reduce Taxes In the United States there are millions of SMBs and the vast majority of these businesses are what we call pass-through organizations for tax purposes. This means that the owners or partners in these businesses report the profits on their personal tax filings. Unlike big companies, small companies don't have the luxury of rolling profits over to the next year. So whatever they made this year, they have to pay taxes on. As the calendar winds down business owners are often motivated to invest in products, services, and software solutions in order to reduce taxable income. In other words, if a business has shown strong profits throughout the year, its owners might be keen to spend some of that money on improving their operations, expanding their capabilities, or streamlining their processes—right now—rather than hand over a large chunk of their profits to Uncle Sam come tax season. Business Owners Hate Paying Taxes To understand why this year-end period is so critical, let's get into the mindset of a small or medium-sized business owner. Unlike large enterprises with multiple departments and complex accounting strategies, SMB owners are often personally invested in the company's financial results because those results are essentially their income. It's how they pay their mortgage and put food on the table. For this reason, they watch their revenue and expenses closely. As the year comes to an end, they're looking at their bottom line and thinking about the upcoming tax bill. For many of these business owners, profit is a double-edged sword. Don't get me wrong, they want to make a profit. But at some point, too much profit triggers a much higher tax bill. If there is one thing I know about small and medium sized business owners its that they hate taxes. They are always looking for ways to legally minimize their tax liability. One easy and productive way to do this is to make fully or partially depreciable investments in the business before December 31st. That could mean buying new equipment, software, training packages, or services that will not only improve the business long-term but also reduce taxable income for the current year. An Urgent Need to Spend As a salesperson, the key takeaway here is that your prospects have a natural, time-bound incentive to spend. If you can position your product or service as the right investment at the right time, you might find it easier to close those deals that seemed just out of reach during the rest of the year. And by the way, if you are dealing with decision-makers who are pushing off decisions to next year, this is a great way to get past that objection. Framing Your Business Case I want to be clear though that most businesses are not going to spend money for the sake of spending money. Savvy business owners want to reduce taxes and do the right thing for their company. Therefore, you can't just be transactional. You still must follow the sales process and build a bridge to the value of tax savings AND business improvement when making your business case. It's all about framing your product or service as a strategic investment rather than a mere expense. For example: If you sell software tools that improve operational efficiency, make the case for how your solution will help them save on labor costs, reduce errors, and streamline workflows. If you're selling advertising, highlight how a year-end launch of a new campaign will lead to immediate results that set the stage for a strong Q1. If you sell capital equipment walk them through how the new equipment will make them more productive and help them expand their business in the new year. The key is to connect the value of your offering directly to the timing. Consider messaging like: “This is an opportune moment to upgrade your systems, so you'll enter the new year with a competitive edge and potentially lower your tax liabilities this season.” “By getting your campaign locked in before the year closes, you can reap immediate tax benefits while ensuring your advertising starts generating leads in January when you need them the most.” If we get the equipment ordered now it will be delivered in Q1 giving you plenty of time to get a high ROI next year. When you can tie the ROI of your product to both tangible improvements and the financial perks of year-end spending, the business case becomes much more compelling and you will sell more. Tailor Your Approach While the end-of-year tax incentive is a common denominator, not every SMB is identical. Some might be profitable but cash-constrained, while others have capital burning a hole in their pockets. Some may be in sectors that had a booming year, while others are just recovering from a difficult market. The more you understand the unique challenges and goals of each prospect you're targeting, the better you can tailor your approach. Before you pick up the phone, walk through their door, or send an email, do some research. Check out their recent announcements, whether they're hiring or expanding. Look into trends in their industry. Understanding these nuances will help you fine-tune your messaging. If you know a business is tight on cash, emphasize flexible payment plans or financing options. If the business is flush with profit, reinforce the immediate tax advantage and the strategic value of reinvesting those funds. Empathy and relevance are your allies here. Show that you understand their position and that your solution aligns perfectly with their current goals. That personal touch, combined with the natural urgency of year-end, is a powerful recipe for closing the deal. Lead With Urgency: Clear, Direct, Compelling I don't want to sweep under the rug how important timing and urgency are with this tactic. While you don't want to be completely transactional, you do want to be direct. As we approach the end of the year, many SMB owners have a long to-do list: Finalizing paperwork, inventory checks, reviewing vendor contracts, preparing for holiday promotions, and on and on. They're busy. They have limited time to spend on sales pitches. This means your outreach needs to be respectful of their schedule and also clear, direct, and compelling. Say right away: “I'm reaching out before the year ends because I have a solution that can help you maximize your tax benefits this year and help you grow your business next year." Being direct and to the point respects their time and sets the context immediately. If you need more help with direct and to-the-point messaging, grab your copy of my book Fanatical Prospecting and review Because Statements. It's crucial that you create and maintain a sense of urgency. Not the aggressive, pushy kind, but a natural urgency rooted in a real calendar event: The year-end. The clock is ticking, and if they don't make their purchase by December 31st, they miss out on the potential tax advantages. This deadline isn't artificial—it's a reality. Use it to frame your conversations. Urgency helps prospects prioritize your offer over other distractions in their busy schedule. Handling Objections You might encounter objections like: “We're too busy to consider new solutions right now,” or “We don't have enough budget.” In these cases, it's wise to highlight the cost-saving and tax benefits again. Stress that investing now can actually put them in a better position financially. Remind them that waiting until next year could mean missing out on an opportunity to reduce this year's taxable income. If time is an issue, propose a quick and efficient implementation plan. Show them that you can be agile and help them integrate the solution without massive downtime. If budget is a concern, consider promotions, discounts, or favorable financing terms. Sometimes, offering a small year-end incentive can tip the scales in your favor. The Five Keys to Selling More to SMBs at the End of the Year SMBs have a natural incentive to invest before year-end: They want to reduce their taxable income and set themselves up for a strong next year. Frame your product as a strategic investment: Highlight the value, ROI, and tax benefits that come with a year-end purchase. Avoid being transactional: Follow the sales process and position yourself as a partner who can help them navigate this critical period. Tailor your approach to each SMB's situation: Research their needs and adjust your prospecting message accordingly, showing empathy and relevance. Create urgency with a real deadline: The calendar itself is your ally; emphasize that the benefits come from acting before December 31st. Here's the deal though. Do not wait. Start this process now. The low-hanging fruit is out there but it will rot on the vine if you fail to pick before the sand runs out of the hourglass this year. Check out the BRAND NEW Jeb Blount Ultimate Sales Success Box Set. It's the perfect gift for the sales professional in your life!
In this episode, we break down the most valuable lessons drawn from working with more than 250 salespeople and sales leaders over the past 12 months across trade, construction, industrial, and commercial settings.From electricians and plumbers through to equipment suppliers, renewables businesses, finance providers, and commercial specialists, the same challenges—and the same solutions—have surfaced time and time again.Today, we unpack the five most consistent sales patterns we've observed, why they matter, and how you can apply them straight away to drive stronger results and sustained Sales Growth as you head into 2026.This episode serves as both a reality check and a roadmap—helping you cut through the noise and focus on what genuinely moves the needle in modern sales.Key Takeaways:Sales success requires intention and consistencyPlaying to strengths beats spreading effort too thinClarity on your ideal customer increases close rates Value is created by understanding, not talkingMeaningful change can happen faster than you think1% improvement, stacked daily, creates long-term Sales GrowthTime Stamps:00:00 Intro00:45 Working With Over 250 Sales People1:35 Key Lessons From Working with Sales People3:26 Sales Just Don't Happen4:50 Leveraging Strength5:59 Getting Clear On Who You Serve7:18 Creating Value9:28 Recap10:18 Wrap-Up10:57 OutroTo learn more about our Coaching Program that is seriously growing our Customers sales: https://strongersalesteams.com/program/To book a time to Meet with Ben directly: https://strongersalesteams.com/strategy/This podcast helps the entrepreneur, founder, CEO, and business owner in the trade, construction and industry segments, regain focus, build confidence, and achieve measurable results through powerful sales training, effective sales strategy, and expert sales coaching—guiding every sales leader, sales manager, and sales team in mastering the sales process, optimizing the sales pipeline, and driving business growth while fostering leadership, balance, and freedom amidst overwhelm, stress, and potential burnout, creating lasting peace of mind and smarter decision making for every California business and Australia business ready to scale up with excellence in sales management.
A Rare Skill Only Top Salespeople Have
What does modern sales leadership look like when AI is in the mix? In this episode, host Susan Diaz and sales leadership coach Kirsten Schmidtke unpack how AI and humanity can peacefully coexist in sales, why scale starts with clarity and process (not tools), and how leaders can shift from output-obsessed hustle to outcome-focused, identity-level leadership in an AI-forward world. Episode summary Susan sits down with sales leadership consultant Kirsten Schmidtke to talk about AI, scale, and the "identity-level shifts" leaders need to make in modern sales. They start at the intersection of mindset and skillset - why AI is now part of the sales skill stack, but can't replace the human mindset, judgment, and presence required to sell well. Kirsten shares how sales organizations have moved from using AI as a basic copy/research tool to embedding LLMs in meetings, CRMs, and internal platforms, and even building their own AI features once they deeply understand their market and product. From there, they zoom out to the trust recession, spammy AI outreach, and the difference between being AI first and AI forward. They discuss AI as a way to free people into their zone of genius (hello, The Big Leap), the historical pattern of tech disruption and new job creation, and why AI should be seen as a massive upgrade to human potential - not a replacement. In the second half, they dig into scale and operations: why AI will only scale chaos if you don't have clear goals, processes, and SOPs. Why many sales orgs still lack documented sales and go-to-market processes. And how documenting before automating is the hidden unlock for using AI well. Kirsten closes with her identity-based leadership model (be → do → have), her outcome-over-output philosophy, and practical invitations for leaders who want to use AI to reduce burnout instead of fuelling hustle culture. Key takeaways Modern sales lives at the intersection of AI and humanity. AI is becoming part of the sales skillset, but the mindset - who you are being as a leader or seller - still drives how effectively those tools get used. Sales orgs have evolved past AI as copy tool. Early use was mostly email drafting and light research. Now teams are: choosing an LLM of choice (ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, etc.) and tailoring it to their sales strategy embedding AI in meeting tools to surface questions and summaries in real time building AI into internal platforms based on deep knowledge of market, product, and GTM. We're in a trust recession - and lazy AI is making it worse. Spray-and-pray LinkedIn DMs and generic AI pitches erode trust and make buyers more sceptical and confused. Being AI forward means intentional, human-centred use of AI, not pushing AI for its own sake. AI should move you toward your zone of genius, not further into busywork. Borrowing from Gay Hendricks' The Big Leap, Kirsten and Susan talk about AI as a way to strip away tasks in your zones of incompetence/competence so you can spend more time in your zone of genius - and potentially unlock higher human experiences and contribution. Scale requires clarity and process before tools. AI isn't a magic scale button. Without a clear what and why, it can't help with the how. Leaders must: define the outcome and purpose of what they're scaling decide what not to do document the current process (SOPs) before asking AI to automate or optimise it. Otherwise AI just scales the chaos. Most salespeople are executors, not system builders. They're brilliant at doing the thing - calls, meetings, negotiation - but often not trained to design processes and ops. Pairing them with ops-minded people (and AI) to document and structure their best practices is where real scale lives. Identity-level leadership: be → do → have. Instead of "when I have the title, I'll be a leader", Kirsten coaches leaders to start with identity: "I am the leader of an AI-forward sales organization." That identity shapes thinking, then actions, then results. Shift from output to outcomes to avoid AI-fuelled burnout. If you treat AI as a way to cram more tasks into the same day, you just recreate hustle culture. Focusing on outcomes (what actually changes for customers, teams, and the business) allows you to use AI to create space - for thinking, rest, and higher-value work - instead of filling every spare minute. Episode highlights [00:01] Meeting Kirsten and why you can't talk about modern sales without talking about AI. [01:07] Mindset + skillset at the intersection of AI and humanity in sales. [02:35] How sales orgs first used AI as a copy / research tool—and what's changed. [04:45] Embedding AI in meetings and tools vs building AI features in-house. [06:11] The "spray and pray" LinkedIn problem and AI's role in the trust recession. [08:53] Being "AI forward" instead of "AI first." [10:39] Why humans remain safe: discernment, judgment, spidey senses, and taste. [11:39] Arianna Huffington, Thrive, and using AI to free time for human development. [13:19] The Big Leap and using AI to move into your zone of genius. [17:01] Tech history, job loss, and why we're in the messy middle of another big shift. [19:34] What scale really means: more impact with less time and effort. [20:33] Why AI can't fix a lack of clarity—and how it can accidentally add work. [23:32] "AI will scale the chaos" if you skip documentation and SOPs. [25:08] Salespeople as executors, not ops designers, and the power of pairing them with systems people. [27:47] Branding, buyer clarity, and why AI can't replace the hard work of positioning. [31:00] Identity-level shifts for leaders: adopting "I am…" statements. [35:21] AI and burnout: from productivity for productivity's sake to outcome-focused leadership. [37:25] Newtonian vs Einstein time and rethinking how we use the time AI frees. [39:59] "Outcome over output" as a leadership mantra in the age of AI. [40:38] Kirsten's invitation: a Sales Leader Power Hour to work on your mindset and identity. If you're leading a sales team - or are the sales team - and you're feeling the tension between AI, scale, and leadership start here: Pick one sales process and document it end-to-end. Identify one step where AI could genuinely reduce effort or time. Ask, "Who do I need to be as a leader of an AI-forward sales org?" and let that identity shape your next move. Connect with Susan Diaz on LinkedIn to get a conversation started. Agile teams move fast. Grab our 10 AI Deep Research Prompts to see how proven frameworks can unlock clarity in hours, not months. Find the prompt pack here. To go deeper on mindset and identity shifts, connect with Kirsten Schmidtke on LinkedIn and book a Sales Leader Power Hour here: https://www.kirstenschmidtke.com/sales-leader-power-hour
This week, Mark Hunter is joined by master business coach and sales expert David Neagle. Together, they dive deep into the power of discipline, mindset, and intentional routines for achieving top sales results. David Neagle shares his personal journey, reframing discipline from something punishing to becoming a "disciple of" your craft. He explains how dedicating yourself to what you truly love transforms discipline from a chore into a passion-driven routine. Top performers aren't just skilled—they're incredibly focused and disciplined. Mark Hunter and David Neagle explore how true motivation and energy come from setting meaningful, personal goals and continuously investing in self-improvement.
AI will replace low-level sales, but not emotional intelligence. The future belongs to the communicators who can connect, frame, and persuade.Learn how to invest in real estate with the Cashflow 2.0 System! Your business in a box with 1:1 coaching, motivated seller leads, & softwares. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com/Want to work 1:1 with Ryan Pineda? Apply at ryanpineda.comJoin our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://tentmakers.us/Want to grow your business and network with elite entrepreneurs on world-class golf courses? Apply now to join Mastermind19 – Ryan Pineda's private golf mastermind for high-level founders and dealmakers. www.mastermind19.com--- About Ryan Pineda: Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue. Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generated over 1 billion views online. Starting as a minor league baseball player making less than $2,000 a month, Ryan is now worth over $100 million. He shares his experiences in building wealth and believes that anyone can change their life with real estate investing. ...
Podcast Description In this episode, Leigh breaks down a real — and almost unbelievable — case study from a simple trip to buy a microwave. Max walked into the store ready to buy. The salesperson had a willing customer, a simple product, and an easy win… yet still managed to lose the sale spectacularly. Why? Because the salesperson made the fatal sales mistake: They made it about themselves. You'll hear the story of how an ego-driven, self-absorbed salesperson talked over the customer, ignored his needs, flexed his knowledge, and missed every buying signal in the book. It's a masterclass in what not to do in sales. From this breakdown, we explore:
Summary In this episode of the AI for Sales podcast, host Chad Burmeister speaks with Piyanka Jain, CEO of Ask Enola, about the transformative impact of AI on customer experience and decision-making. They discuss the importance of clarity in AI interactions, the misconceptions surrounding AI, and the necessity of maintaining a human touch in an increasingly automated world. Piyanka emphasizes the ethical considerations of AI and the need for conscious capitalism, while also highlighting emerging technologies and the skills salespeople need to thrive in this new landscape. Takeaways AI is changing how customers interact with technology. Clarity in desired outcomes is crucial for effective AI use. AI can drastically reduce the time needed for data analysis. AI enhances human roles rather than replacing them. Misconceptions about AI can lead to fear and misunderstanding. Human oversight is essential in AI applications. Ethics in AI development is critical for responsible growth. Salespeople need to focus on clarity and critical thinking. Finding personal downtime is essential for mental health. AI should complement human interaction, not replace it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Sales 02:58 Transforming Customer Experience with AI 05:58 The Importance of Clarity in AI Interactions 08:49 AI's Impact on Decision-Making 11:40 Misconceptions and Realities of AI 14:40 The Human Element in AI Automation 17:17 Ethics and Responsibilities in AI Development 20:11 Emerging Technologies and Future Trends 23:09 Balancing AI and Human Touch 25:47 Final Thoughts on AI and Humanity The AI for Sales Podcast is brought to you by BDR.ai, Nooks.ai, and ZoomInfo—the go-to-market intelligence platform that accelerates revenue growth. Skip the forms and website hunting—Chad will connect you directly with the right person at any of these companies.
Big news, Martyn Cohen is officially joining Cockerill & Co. After a decade plus leading sales and ops across major flooring names, then launching MC Growth Consultancy earlier this year, Martyn is bringing his people first approach into the community. In this episode Tom digs into why he said yes, what he has learned helping retailers, commercial contractors and manufacturers, and how he will add firepower for our members in 2026.About MartynFormer senior leader at Headlam and Carpetright, now growth consultant working across retail, commercial and manufacturing. Known for building high performing teams, fixing recruitment bottlenecks, improving buying terms, and making complex installer set ups work in the real world, HMRC included.What we coverThe announcement, why Martyn is joining Cockerill & Co, and how the partnership worksFrom redundancy to momentum, the first 8 to 9 months of MC Growth ConsultancyThe £2 to £3 million ceiling, when systems, people and process become the growth leverTwo magic moments, franchise results and a commercial client that needed to scale capacity before salesPeople first performance, recruitment done right, culture, and honest conversations that avoid formal performance casesThird party fitter networks, pricing, VAT, HMRC headaches, and how to stay on the right side of the lineBuying power, where the hidden points are in supplier terms, and why a thirty minute call can save tens of thousandsUnplanned services that now matter, recruitment search, interview support, and prep for sale or full business exitsWhy the Cockerill & Co community works, who not how, and proof from peer results, not pitch decksKey takeawaysGrowth is usually blocked by capacity and capability, not just leads or ordersRecruit well, train well, support well, and you will keep good peopleBuying smarter puts profit straight to the bottom line, many miss it through sheer busynessCommunity beats going it alone, the right room saves time and moneyIf we cannot add value, we will say so, the goal is impact, not invoicesWho this helpsIndependent retailers who want to scale without losing sleepCommercial contractors hitting operational limitsManufacturers building UK routes to market or fitter ecosystemsOwners preparing to sell in the next two to three yearsChapter guide00:00 Welcome back, and the announcement 02:00 Martyn's journey, redundancy to consultancy 06:30 Early wins, franchise systems and commercial capacity 11:45 Risk, reputation, and why the pipeline kept growing 14:30 What Martyn brings, people, recruitment, HR and culture 18:30 Installer networks and HMRC, lessons from Carpetright 21:30 Buying power that moves the P and L 24:30 Recruitment as a service, interview help, and search 26:30 Prep for sale, valuation thinking and finding buyers 29:30 Why the community matters more than the features 33:00 Values, saying no when it is not a fit, doing the real work 39:00 How to get involved and next stepsLinksWatch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsCockerill & Co, join the community or request a consultConnect with Martyn on LinkedInWork with usWant a straight talking plan to grow, sort your people challenges, or unlock margin, reach out and we will set up a proper call.CreditsHost, Tom Cockerill Guest, Martyn Cohen Produced by The UK Flooring Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's Friday and we're back with another Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob! This week, we dive into one big theme that kept showing up in every conversation I had: the power of telling your unique story.From my chat with LA startup lawyer Alex Bruno to conversations with founders, mentees, and friends, I was reminded that even in an era dominated by AI, our humanity and our personal stories remain our greatest advantage.In this episode, I reflect on why storytelling matters more than ever—how it shapes trust, influences business decisions, and opens doors we didn't even know existed. I also share how Diana and I are rethinking our own story as The Storytellers Company moves into 2026, and why so many leaders struggle to communicate the vision they see so clearly in their own minds.If you're building something, leading a team, or simply trying to better express who you are and what you stand for, this episode will push you to think deeper about your story and how you choose to tell it.Thanks for spending your Friday with me. Peace, love, joy… and clarity on your story.Chapters00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business05:58 Connecting Through Humanity and Technology11:38 Embracing Your Unique Narrative
The Sales Management. Simplified. Podcast with Mike Weinberg
In Episode 101 Mike brings back a favorite phrase (procurement weenies) from his book #SalesTruth and shares a fresh story about one of his own sales situations to challenge sales leaders on the topic of CLARITY. Do your sellers have absolute clarity on… Your company's mission/purpose/why? Whom they're supposed to be targeting for new business? Exactly what they should be selling (your offerings)? Their messaging (sales story) and the value your solution brings to the market? YOUR sales process and rules of engagement? RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Sales Management. Simplified. December 12 Free Web Session #SalesTruth February 3 Supercharge Your Sales Leadership Event ____________________________ This episode is sponsored by Pursuit Sales Solutions. If you are looking for help adding A-player talent to your team, contact Mike's friends at pursuitsalessolutions.com/weinberg
Listeners Maureen and Sue had some great ways to politely say, "leave me alone!"
In this episode of We Have A Meeting Podcast, we sit down with Gabe Lullo, CEO of Alleyoop - the SDR engine behind some of the fastest-growing startups and enterprise brands in the world. Gabe shares raw, unfiltered insights from building a 175-strong SDR organisation, firing his top performer, creating a culture built on grit, developing future leaders, and pioneering a brand new model for outbound sales. If you're scaling a sales team, leading SDRs, or want to understand what world-class demand gen really looks like, this conversation is an absolute masterclass. What you'll learn in this episode: Why most companies fail at building SDR teams The mindset, grit and emotional resilience required for top performance Why great reps rarely make great leaders (and how to spot the difference) The exact hiring process Alleyoop uses to find elite SDR talent Why cold calling is more valuable than ever The truth about tech stacks, data, and the death of spray-and-pray How Alleyoop trains SDRs to perform under pressure Why AI won't replace SDRs - but poor leadership might What makes a product truly “sellable” in today's market How to create consistency, confidence and culture in a remote sales environment Gabe's transparency, energy and depth of experience make this one of the strongest conversations we've had on outbound, leadership, and building high-performing teams. If you lead a sales team, ARE an SDR, or want to understand what the future of demand generation looks like… you'll want to watch this one start to finish. Let us know in the comments: What was your biggest insight from Gabe? And don't forget to subscribe for more world-class conversations with the industry's best sales operators and leaders.
2020年高考（山东I卷）英语听力 长对话（1）Hello,Global Travel Agency. May I help you?你好，环球旅行社。需要帮忙吗？Hello.你好。Do you have a package tour to Seattle? If you do, how many days will it last?有去西雅图的旅行团吗？如果有的话，大概会持续多少天？Yes,we do. Four days and three nights. It's available every Monday and Wednesday.是的，我们有去西雅图的旅行团。四天三夜。每周一和周三都有。Please help me register two people for the tour for this Wednesday.请帮我登记两个人参加这个星期三的旅行。I'm sorry. This Wednesday is already fully booked. It's the traveling season, you know. Would you go for next week?我很抱歉。这个星期三已经订满了。你知道，现在是旅游旺季。你可以下周去吗？Okay.Can I book it now?可以。我现在可以预订吗？Yes,of course.是的，当然。Now,when will you start your holiday, Monday or Wednesday?你要什么时候开始度假，星期一还是星期三？Well,I'm teaching on Monday. So Wednesday, please.嗯，我星期一要教课。所以请帮我登记星期三。2020年高考（山东I卷）英语听力 长对话（2）I have been trying hard to choose a gift for Kate for her birthday.我一直在努力为凯特挑选生日礼物。That's been hard for me too.这对我来说也很难。Would you like to go in with me and choose something together?你愿意和我一起去选些东西吗？Yes,two heads are better than one. So, what does Kate like doing? That might help us choose something.三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮。那么，凯特喜欢做什么？这可能会帮助我们选择一些东西。She seems to enjoy listening to music, reading novels, and going to the movies.她似乎喜欢听音乐、读小说和看电影。Maybe we could get her a concert ticket. What do you think?也许我们可以给她弄张音乐会的票。你觉得呢？That's a good idea. But we don't know what concert she likes.这是个好主意。但我们不知道她喜欢什么音乐会。Jane can help us. She knows Kate very well.简可以帮助我们。她很了解凯特。You're right. Let's see Jane this afternoon after class.你说得对。今天下午下课后我们去见简。Okay.可以。2020年高考（山东I卷）英语听力 长对话（3）Hey,I think I found a job that might interest Lisa. Where is she?嘿，我想我找到了一份可能会让丽莎感兴趣的工作。她在哪里？She went to Liverpool visiting friends, I think. What is it?我想她去利物浦拜访朋友了。是什么工作？Well,it's from London Week, which claims to be the only newspaper for visitors to London.嗯，是《伦敦周报》的工作，《伦敦周报》号称是唯一一家为伦敦游客准备的报纸。What do they want, a reporter?他们想要招什么职位，记者吗?No,it's what they call a sales representative.不，他们想要招聘销售代表。Hmm.Could be interesting. How much does it pay?嗯。可能很有趣。工资多少？Not bad. Three thousand pounds a month. That's five hundred pounds more than what she made in her last job.还不错。每月三千英镑。相比她上一份工作要多赚500英镑。Not bad at all. Any requirement?真不错。有什么要求吗？Salespeople with no less than two years of experience, not necessarily in advertising. Lisa'sgot plenty of that.要求销售人员有不少于两年的工作经验，不一定要有广告经验。丽莎的经验很符合。Any other details about the job?关于这项工作还有其他细节吗?No,just the paid trips to Paris on top of the salary.没了，只是去巴黎的带薪旅行。Well,let's tell Lisa. She'll be back tomorrow l expect.好吧，让我们告诉丽莎。我想她明天会回来的。2020年高考（山东I卷）英语听力 长对话（4）Hi,I'm Sarah.嗨，我是莎拉。Hello,Sarah. My name's Ricky.你好，莎拉。我叫瑞奇。Hi Ricky. Are you a new student here?嗨，瑞奇。你是新来的学生吗？Yes,I just had my first lesson this morning. Are you a new student too?是的，我今天早上刚上了第一节课。你也是新生吗？No. I've been here for a year.不，我在这里已经一年了。A year? That's a long time.一年？那是很长的一段时间了。Yes,it is. I went through three months of language training after I first arrived in this college, and now I'm a psychology student here. Today I've come to visit my teacher in the language center. How long have you been here?是的，很久了。刚到这所大学后，我接受了三个月的语言训练，现在我是这里的一名心理学学生。今天我来语言中心看望我的老师。你在这里多久了？Only a week.只有一个星期。Oh,not long. Where do you live, with a family?哦，没多久。你住在哪里，和一家人住在一起吗?Yes,I'm staying with a retired couple at the moment. They're very nice, but I'm looking for a new place where I can hang out with more people of my age. Do you know of any good places?是的，我现在和一对退休夫妇住在一起。他们很好，但我正在找一个新的住所，让我可以和更多同龄人交往。你知道有什么好地方吗？Yes.Actually, my friend John has a spare room in his apartment. And he is looking for a roommate. Would you like his phone number?我知道。实际上，我朋友约翰的公寓里有一间空房。他正在找室友。你要他的电话号码吗？That would be great! Thanks for your help.那太好了！谢谢你的帮助。
Send us a textWhat happens when a family brand treats a shed lot like a destination—and runs it with the precision of a top retail showroom? We sit down with Joe Schneider, Vice President at Kloter Farms, to explore how a single location in Ellington, Connecticut became a regional magnet for sheds, garages, pavilions, and custom indoor furniture. The story starts with horse-drawn carriages and lands in a modern playbook built on transparent pricing, meticulous displays, and a culture that puts the customer at ease.Joe explains how the team translates an onsite “wow” factor into digital discovery. Think professional photography at real homes, cohesive visuals across platforms, and strong local SEO for sheds, garages, greenhouses, and outdoor living in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. We dig into the product roadmap shaped by listening—steeper roof pitches, screened rooms, and eventually multi-car garages with engineered kits assembled on site. The move upmarket required dedicated project management, tighter vendor coordination, and realistic timelines. The payoff is trust: buyers of bigger buildings feel guided, not pushed.We also unpack the operating habits that keep conversions high. Every display is priced with current discounts, so Sunday visitors can browse freely and pre-qualify themselves. Salespeople are not on commission, which keeps the tone helpful and focused on fit. Each year, roughly 100 display models are replaced, creating urgency for discounted display units and a fresh look that invites return trips. Behind the scenes, long-term vendor relationships ensure quality and capacity, while leadership flexes with the seasons—delivery support before winter, sales intensity in spring, and presentation all year.If you've wondered whether to chase more lots or build one great destination, this conversation offers a rare, field-tested alternative. You'll hear how a third-generation team balances volume with quality, leverages repeat buyers, and uses small structural choices—clear pricing, photography, promotions—to create outsized impact. Enjoy the story, then subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to tell us which strategy you'll try next.For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Would you like to receive our weekly newsletter? Sign up here.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.This episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Shed ProShed ChallengerLuxGuardMaking Sales SimpleDigital Shed BuilderIFAB
Think you're a good listener? Try this: Can you remember the exact words your last prospect used to describe their biggest problem? If not, you weren't listening—you were waiting to talk. In this episode, Art reveals the Two P's framework (Purpose and Pause) that will transform how you show up on sales calls. Learn the 2-second technique that gets prospects to reveal what they really mean, not just what they're supposed to say. Resource mentioned: Art's coaching and training app: http://Studio.com/Art
Ian Cartwright thrives on maintaining headspace through disciplined organization, both physically and mentally. Drawing inspiration from his training routine, he likens his approach to rowing—focusing on executing every stroke perfectly rather than worrying about the outcome. For Ian, success in sales, much like athletic performance, comes from controlling the controllables: dedicating time to preparation, fitness, and structure. By keeping his environment and routines in order, Ian believes the desired results will naturally follow.Joining me is Ian, a New Zealand-based sales coach, speaker, and author of "The Six Fundamentals of Sales Know How To." Known for his clear, actionable advice, Ian shares how structured fitness routines can sharpen mental resilience, increase motivation, and help you achieve that all-important sense of accomplishment—even in the face of sales' toughest challenges. From 5:15 a.m. gym sessions to mastering the art of "keeping the water up," Ian reveals the habits that fuel his energy and productivity, both in his business and his life as a masters rower. Whether you're a road warrior battling travel temptations or simply searching for ways to boost your daily focus, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world wisdom to help you bring your A game—physically and professionally. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Career benefits of a morning gym routine [04:16] Ian's fitness and hydration habits [08:22] Prioritize your health because it's constant [10:53] Three key essentials for wellbeing: Exercise three times a week, find quiet time for reflection, and maintain proper nutrition [11:08] Fresh air and quiet space allow you to collate your thoughts [13:01] Improve creativity and professional performance by getting fitter and altering your relationship with alcohol Fitness as Mental Fitness Ian Cartwright emphasizes that fitness isn't just about looking good—it's about sharpening your mental edge. He likens sales to rowing, an activity he's passionate about: "You can't control the outcome, but you can try and execute 200 perfect strokes." In both sales and sport, discipline over your activities—preparation, practice, routines—matters more than fixating on results. He recommends: Early Morning Workouts Whether at home or traveling, Ian makes it a point to visit a gym; this consistency sets the tone for his entire day. Hydration Keeping the water up—especially in a profession built on back-to-back meetings and endless coffee—is vital. Dehydration quickly leads to mental fog, sapping focus and productivity. Rowing (Erging) As a master rower, Ian includes long sessions on the rowing machine. This routine not only works the body but also provides extended periods for thinking and processing, combining physical exertion with creative reflection. Well-Being in High-Pressure Sales Sales can be a grind. Targets are moving, deals take time, and rejection is part of the territory. That's why Ian sees fitness as an essential part of resilience. Physical health helps salespeople bounce back, stay persistent, and "top up their tank"—staying sharp and ready for opportunities. He draws clear parallels between celebrating small gains in fitness (lifting an extra kilo, running a little further) and maintaining consistent sales activities. Both reinforce confidence and momentum. Common Challenges—and How to Overcome Them Travel, social gatherings, and high-pressure environments often undermine healthy habits. Ian humorously refers to these hazards as "buffets, booze, and bum warming," highlighting the sedentary and indulgent lifestyle that salespeople can fall into. His antidote is kindness and realism. Don't set yourself up to fail; start with attainable routines—three workouts a week, daily hydration, and making time for fresh air and reflection. Don't compare yourself to others; focus instead on what you can control. Recognizing Burnout and Countering the "Fog" Fatigue and burnout manifest as mental fog and unproductive days. The key, says Ian, is knowing your own rhythms and triggers: "If you know your own rhythm, then you can set yourself up better for success." If you miss a session or slip up, avoid self-criticism—just get back on track the next day. Sales isn't just a numbers game—it's a human endeavor. Prioritizing physical health, nurturing routines, and cultivating a resilient mindset transforms how you show up, both for your clients and for yourself. So lace up your trainers, fill up your water bottle, and invest in your most important sales asset—yourself. Resources & People Mentioned Admiral William H. McRaven The 6 Fundamentals of Sales Know-How Ian Cartwright — The Practical Sales Academy Connect with Ian Cartwright Ian Cartwright on LinkedIn Connect With Paul Watts LinkedIn Twitter Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com
I have noticed recently how businesses have become reliant on data to determine whether their business development efforts work or not - over-reliant maybe. The numbers, lead indicators or whatever the performance metric will tell you what is working on that campaign but what is there to tell you how well your 'brand' is performing overall in the minds of your potential or existing customers. Well executed outreach will generate meetings and begin sales cycles but doesn't impact the sentiment rating (my words...not sure if they're the right words but bear with me) - what the brand means to the customer or the way it makes them feel. It seems that data has become omnipotent in many marketing campaigns at the expense of creativity and experience. It goes back to the notion that marketing isn't an expense but an investment - advertising and sales aren't marketing they are "channels" of marketing. Other channels are available.
In today's episode, I sit down with Matt Curl, the COO of Apollo.io, to talk about how AI is reshaping the way sales teams work. We explore why the best companies treat their go-to-market process like a tech stack, how Apollo simplifies complex systems, and why the real power of AI lies in augmentation—not replacement. Matt explains how AI assistants can streamline lead management, personalize outreach, and free sales professionals to focus on the human side of closing deals. From cutting wasted time to multiplying results, this conversation unpacks how the future of sales belongs to those who learn to work smarter with AI.
On the show this week, I'm joined by renowned sales expert Mark Hunter—also known as "The Sales Hunter"—for a dynamic conversation about the powerful link between physical fitness and sales performance. Mark shares personal stories and actionable insights, drawing from decades of experience, including his global speaking and best-selling books like "A Mind for Sales" and "High Profit Prospecting." We explore how daily fitness habits foster energy, resilience, and relentless discipline—essential ingredients for thriving in the demanding world of professional sales. You'll hear real-world examples of how consistency in health routines translates directly to consistency and high-level achievement in sales, along with practical tips to help you start strong, stay motivated, and sharpen your competitive edge. Tune in as we challenge assumptions, debunk myths, and uncover why taking care of yourself just might be the ultimate sales superpower. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Making life changes to help others as a salesperson [04:14] Consistency in morning routines boosts focus and productivity throughout the day [07:30] Connection between self-care and the ability to care for clients and others [09:17] Fittest individuals outperform less fit versions of themselves [12:24] Scheduling workouts in the morning ensures discipline and consistency [14:37] When you're disciplined with your physical fitness routine, you're much more disciplined with everything else [20:16] Perseverance in sales mirrors workout persistence How Physical Fitness Powers Elite Sales Performance What if one of the most powerful tools for sales success is actually outside the boardroom and starts in your own living room or at the gym? Mark Hunter has observed firsthand how physical fitness isn't just about looking good—it's about performing better. He outlines the direct benefits: increased energy, sharper listening skills, better time management, and confidence. For Mark, starting each day with a fitness routine is non-negotiable. When you're physically fit, you are far more productive with how you use your time. This productivity transfer is crucial in sales, where consistent effort compounds into extraordinary results. Mark associates his discipline in fitness directly with his ability to maintain consistency in prospecting, following up, and closing deals. If you can't be consistent with how you treat yourself, you won't be consistent throughout the day. There's a feedback loop between self-care and professional reliability. Mark Hunter's Morning Blueprint for a Winning Day Mark doesn't just advocate for fitness—he lives it. His daily morning routine begins two hours before his first "official" work activity. In that time, he lifts weights for around 13-14 minutes, does 100 sit-ups, and runs two to three miles. This isn't about setting world records but about setting himself up for success. What's interesting is his multitasking approach: during workouts, he regularly listens to podcasts at double speed, sharpening his focus and learning as he trains his body. There's also a crucial mental component—time for meditation and gratitude—which Mark credits with helping him stay grounded and positive. The Ripple Effects: Fitness and Emotional Resilience Beyond physical health, Mark outlines how exercise strengthens mental resilience and stress management—the unsung heroes of sales performance. He admits there are days when motivation lags or the routine feels tedious, but consistency pays off in unexpected ways. The discipline to show up for himself each morning translates directly to discipline in client interactions and follow-through. Paul adds his own experience: if he skips his morning swim, patience decreases and excuses creep in. Both agree that morning routines eliminate the possibility of procrastination and help salespeople develop the resilience to weather rejection and setbacks that the job inevitably brings. Discipline, Not Perfection One of the most prevalent challenges sales professionals face is just "finding the time." Mark's advice: Schedule self-care like you would any critical business appointment. Putting exercise first reduces the risk that the demands of the day will crowd it out. Whether it's a run, swim, or other activity, consistency is the secret weapon. For those who worry they're shortchanging work for fitness, Mark flips the narrative: investment in well-being pays immediate dividends in energy, productivity, and creativity. Sales, after all, is a game of stamina. Your Health Is Your Edge Maybe you're not training for a marathon. Maybe you don't see yourself as an athlete. But, as both Paul and Mark emphasize, the fittest, healthiest version of yourself will always outperform the least fit version. The key takeaway? "If you can't be disciplined with yourself, why are you in sales?" Mark asks. "Success comes from discipline." Consistent self-care—mental, emotional, and physical—isn't just "nice-to-have." It's the fuel for creative thinking, laser focus, and the emotional durability needed to thrive in today's demanding sales environment. Salespeople who integrate regular fitness into their lives don't just see improvements in energy and health—they're tougher, more focused, and better equipped to serve clients. Every sales pro should start their path to peak performance before the day's first call: by putting themselves first. Resources & People Mentioned Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy The Sales Hunter Sales Logic Podcast The Sales Hunter Podcast Connect with Mark Hunter Mark Hunter on LinkedIn Connect With Paul Watts LinkedIn Twitter Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com
In this episode, Doug and Jess break down the seven essential attributes that separate top sales performers from the rest. While automation and AI dominate today's conversations, Doug argues that sales is losing its art and that true success comes from mastering the fundamentals that technology can't replace.For updates on new episodes, follow us on:LinkedIn: Lift Enablement, Doug Davidoff, Jess CardenasSubscribe to our YouTube channel!You can access the show notes and watch the video version of the show on our page. Thanks for listening and remember to just say no to shitty RevOps!
In this episode of the “Stronger Sales Team” podcast, host Ben Wright unpacks the key habits that distinguish top-performing sales professionals and shares actionable strategies to boost individual results. With his trademark clarity, Ben revisits proven sales tactics and behavioural traits that continue to drive success in today's competitive market. He highlights the importance of understanding client needs, handling objections with confidence, and maintaining a strong professional network. Packed with practical insights, this episode empowers sales leaders to elevate performance and sustain excellence across their teams.Key Takeaways:• Successful salespeople continually grow their network through strategic networking and leveraging existing relationships.• Focus on understanding customer needs before presenting solutions, emphasizing strong problem-solving skills.• Develop a structured approach to addressing and overcoming customer objections, crucial for building trust and closing deals.• Cultivate strategies to consistently engage and influence key decision-makers early in the sales process.• Foster an insatiable appetite for learning to adapt to changes and avoid stagnation in sales practices.Time Stamps:0:00 Intro1:27 Blast From The Past2:51 Recap3:20 Talent Management4:51 Expanding Reach7:07 Understanding the Problem9:11 Handling Objections12:45 Reaching to the Decision Maker15:25 Contributing to Team Success17:04 Learning New Things19:58 Using Metrics21:36 Customer is the Focus23:36 Recommendations25:27 Health and Wellbeing Tip 27:40 OutroRate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.
What you'll learn in this episode:Why leadership requires a different skill set than salesThe hidden costs of a bad hire (and how to avoid them)How to attract top talent with vision, not perksThe “Leads and People” formula Gary Keller taught for business growthWhy building your team should be as strategic as client acquisitionHow to create a culture where high performers thrive
The Brutal Truth about B2B Sales & Selling - The show focuses on Hacking the Sales Process
Here is a FAQ Video on the Courses: https://youtu.be/0F7imrzjXWs Here is a deep dive into which course is best for you: https://youtu.be/JM_jgS8M-iU https://www.b2bRevenue.com - Get Your Free E-Book on How Companies make Decisions. FAQ: 1 YEAR ACCESS, PAY MONTHLY OR ANNUALLY NOT A SUBSCRIPTION OFFICE HOURS EVERY OTHER WEEK VIA ZOOM. 1 HOUR GROUP Q&A. UNLIMITED 1-ON-1'S ARE FREE AS LONG AS THEY CAN BE SHARED IN THE COURSE. 1-ON-1 ARE FULL ACCESS ON DAY ONE - NOTHING IS GATED OR TIME RELEASED. ALL CONTENT IS VIDEO BASED AND SELF PACED I RECOMMEND TAKE COURSE ONCE WITHOUT NOTES OR APPLYING IT SO YOU UNDERSTAND THE BIG PICTURE FIRST. THEN TAKE AND APPLY IT STEP BY STEP. YOU START WHEN YOU WANT AND GO AS FAST OR SLOW AS NEEDED. Email me additional questions: briangburns@me.com — SAMPLE EMAIL TO EXPENSE THE COURSE MGR, I have been listening to the brutal truth about sales podcast for X months and it speaks to the issues we face. They currently offer a course that includes video instruction, group Q&A and One-on-One coaching. I'm committed to my own personal development and would like your help in expensing the course. It would pay for itself if I closed only one new deal of $X value. Please let me know by Friday if I can move forward with this 1 year course. Thanks, ME Here are some student interviews from the courses: ———————————————————————————————————— Audible 30 day Free Trial: http://www.audibletrial.com/BrutalTruth
The Sales Management. Simplified. Podcast with Mike Weinberg
In this episode, Mike ties together observations from his past month's work with sales leaders and sales teams in a variety of industries — all of whom seem to be struggling with the same challenges. Reviewing these "common reasons" salespeople are not winning new business at the desired rate prompted Mike to get in the way-back machine and pull out the tried-and-true list from Chapter 2 in his first book, New Sales. Simplified. If your salespeople are not creating, advancing, and closing as much new business as you'd like, share this episode and the free PDF of Chapter 2 with them! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Free PDF of Chapter 2: The "Not-So-Sweet 16" Reasons Salespeople Fail at New Business Development New Sales. Simplified. book 5 "Buckets of Blame" Podcast Episode The Fastest Way to Increase Sales Podcast Episode YOUR SALES STORY with AI Assist
In this curated episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Andy Price from Artisanal Ventures and Artisanal Talent. With over 30 years of experience in the recruiting industry, Andy shares valuable insights on why it's crucial for sales leaders to own the recruiting process. The discussion delves into the pitfalls of delegating recruitment to HR, the importance of building a strong internal talent acquisition team, and the impact of recruiting quality talent on overall sales success.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:41] The Importance of Sales Leaders Owning the Recruiting Process[00:00:53] Pitfalls of Delegating Recruitment to HR[00:01:36] Building an Internal Talent Acquisition Muscle[00:02:15] The Impact of Economic Changes on Recruiting Strategies[00:02:53] The Importance of Consistency in Sales Team DNA[00:03:47] The Role of Networks in Successful Recruiting[00:05:02] Evaluating Sales Leaders Based on Their Recruiting Ability[00:04:16] The Consequences of Poor Recruiting on Sales Organizations[00:04:44] The Significance of Having a Vision for Talent DevelopmentHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:00:53] "You cannot delegate it to anybody else because you're recruiting your own team, and your team is going to determine your own success and your own career."[00:01:36] "The HR team was a central function, more administrative and compliance, comp benefits."[00:02:53] "You end up with inconsistent talent across the board and things start to vibrate."[00:03:29] "When you recruit a bunch of C's and D's, you're going to burn through a lot of money."[00:05:02] "Who are they going to bring? Who are they going to recruit?"[00:06:16] "Salespeople want to win."Listen to the full episode with Andy Price through this link: https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/investing-in-the-future-of-b2b-software-with-andy-priceCheck out John McMahon's book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management's Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Do you ever look at other property management companies and wonder how they were able to grow and scale to thousands of doors? In this episode of the #DoorGrowShow, property management growth experts Jason and Sarah Hull share insights they gleaned from successful founders and CEOs of multi-billion-dollar companies. You'll Learn [00:59] Execution is More Important Than Good Ideas [11:51] Narrowing Your Focus to What You're Best At [19:41] Ask Your Target Market [30:33] Everyone Should be Focused on One Goal Quotables “There's no shortage of ideas. It's execution that's the hard part.” “Everyone thinks… if I scale, I've got to do more. And actually, you have to do less to be able to scale…” “A lot of times we get caught up in creating systems, inventory, things that actually cause waste or over-optimizing each individual department or each individual step, but it actually reduces the overall goal of optimizing.” Resources DoorGrow and Scale Mastermind DoorGrow Academy DoorGrow on YouTube DoorGrowClub DoorGrowLive Transcript Jason Hull (00:00) a lot of times we get caught up in creating systems, inventory, things that actually cause waste or over optimizing each individual department but it actually reduces the overall goal of optimizing for making more money. All right, I'm Jason Hull. This is Sarah Hull, the owners of DoorGrow, the world's leading and most comprehensive coaching and consulting firm for long-term residential property management entrepreneurs. For over a decade and a half, we have brought innovative strategies and optimization to the property management industry. At DoorGrow, we believe that good property managers can change the world and that property management is the ultimate. high trust gateway to real estate deals, relationships, and residual income. At DoorGrow, we are on a mission to transform property management business owners and their businesses. We want to transform the industry, eliminate the BS, build awareness, change perception, expand the market, and help the best property management entrepreneurs win. Now, let's get into the show. Okay, so we recently kind of split paths, right? so that you could go learn some stuff and I could go learn some stuff. So we usually do everything together. So, but we had, which I love, but we had two really cool opportunities. One I was very much more interested in than the other, because I was learning about AI, which I've been geeking out on. And then you went off to go to a profit event. And was really cool. We went to the first day together, but the second and third day I was in. AI workshop, geeking out with some of the best on AI. Cool. I would love to hear what you took away from this event and what you learned, and maybe you can share that. I wanted to go over my notes on one speaker in particular. I was kind of going back and forth between two of them and I think this is the one that I landed on. at a different date I could talk about the other one because you weren't there for either one of them. But on the second day, I'm just gonna call this like notes from a billionaire and not just a billionaire but a multi. Billionaire and not just multi-billionaire but someone who is the founding member and CEO of I think they said they grew it to like it was a ridiculous number like 740 billion or it was a big it was a big number it was a very large impressive number and he was so nice I actually had a conversation with him before I even realized who he was I was chatting with him I wish I would have known Like I recognized the name and then I saw him speak and I went man. I would've asked him a different question So I'll do a quick little intro and then I'll kind of share my notes from what I wrote down while he was presenting so intro his name is Jeff Hoffman and For those of you that don't know the name Like I didn't know the name before as soon as I say the name of the company you'll instantly go. okay No, know the company The company is Priceline. So he is one of the founding members of Priceline. They started it and scaled it to many hundreds of billions of dollars. This is some of the advice that he had shared with us in his Speech because I got to hear him get up and speak and present to the entire room. So The first thing that I wrote down I Don't know if he can be credited with saying this or if he was quoting someone else But he said it so I wrote it down because it resonated very much was ideas are welcome here But execution is worshiped And I think that's really powerful because how many times do we all have this great idea, right? my God, I had this idea. my God, I had this idea. my God, we should do this. We should do that. What if we did this? There's no shortage of ideas. It's execution that's the hard part. It's turning an amazing idea into something and bringing that to life and bringing it to fruition. So I love it so much. That's good. Yeah. too much attention a lot of times on the idea and the planning and all this stuff, but actually executing and actually getting something done, that's really all that matters. It doesn't matter. You can have a million ideas. If there's no execution, then who cares? So, okay. So I think my mom is a great example of this. Everyone, think mostly everyone knows Elf on the Shelf. So my mom, before Elf on the Shelf was a thing, she created it. She just didn't do anything with it. She only used it like for me and my brother, but we had an elf that would come and visit and kind of keep an eye on us. And he would do fun things and he would pop around to different places in the house. So every time in the morning we would wake up and he would be in a different place or sometimes he would be doing like an activity. He'd be like baking or, you know, riding a bike or whatever. And it was so funny because when you look back on it, I went, mom, like, that was off on the shelf and it's like multi-million dollar company. And she went, yeah, I wish I knew that. But she was just trying to do something fun for her kids. So she had taken that idea because it was, it was a great idea. And she executed on it, but she never brought it public. Can you imagine what would have happened if the execution was done on a larger scale? So she'll probably hate the fact that I'm calling her out on that. But I think that'll be her. multi-million dollar missed story. Yeah. Yeah. So some of the questions that Jeff had asked when we're thinking about ideas, because we all have ideas. Some of them are good. Some of them are questionable. And some of them we can say like, yeah, that was a dud. So this is kind of a framework to take you through to figure out, is this worth executing on? One is. Is this a problem? So you have to ask yourself, is this an actual problem? Like what you're doing, does this solve some sort of problem? And then bonus points if it's a big problem, right? So if we go back to the story of Priceline, many, many years ago, those kiosks that are in every airport that you can just check in on, you do not need to go and talk to a gate agent or a ticketing agent. They didn't used to exist. You used to have to go stand in line and wait forever to get your ticket and your boarding pass and perhaps give somebody physically give somebody your bag and a lot of times people would miss their flight because the line was so so so long and you never knew ahead of time like is this gonna be a 10 minute line or is this gonna be a two hour line so people would miss their flight And at one point, he turned around and he was in the airport, turned around, looked at the line and went, wow, this is such a crazy long line. And he decided, I'm going to start interviewing people right here and right now. And he went around asking people individually, how long have you been waiting? Wow, what happens if you miss your flight? Wow, what would you do? Would you think it would be valuable or beneficial if there was some sort of service where you didn't need to talk to the gate agent? And people were bidding on it. They were bidding. They were like, I'll give you $10 if you can get me my ticket without talking to the gate agent. And then somebody else will go, no, forget $10. I'll give you $50 for that. And somebody else will go, oh, I must get there today. I will give you $70 to get there today. People were bidding on it in line. So he realized, one, there's a problem, but actually it's a big problem. So he knew he was on to something right there. The second question is, is there a better way to do this? So is there a better way to check in for your flight than waiting in line and talking to a gate agent? Yeah, there sure is. It just hadn't been invented yet. But is that the best way to do it? No, absolutely not. So there was a better way to do something. And the third is, is there a value equation, which all that means is would somebody buy this? And he knew that one, he had a problem and it was a big problem. Two, there was a better way to do it. And three, people would definitely pay for it because people were bidding on it while he was standing in line. People were like, wait, do you know something we don't know? Like, I will give you money if you can just get me on the front line because I need to get on this flight. So hence how Priceline was born. So those are three questions that you can kind of ask yourself. If you're going, okay, I have this idea, should I? Should I do this? Should I act on it? Should I create something with this? Yeah. Seems pretty simple. think a lot of times we get really disconnected. you know, we study stuff, we learn stuff, we think we know, but when you actually go talk to your target audience and do a little bit of product research interview, you know, you can find out a lot of things that problems they have, things they need, and actually connect with, you know, what you're wanting to sell them may not actually work. So yeah, I think that'd be super helpful. All right. So then he kind of gave tips on, well, if you are looking to seriously, massively scale a company because it's not, let's face it, not every company gets to a million, certainly not even to a billion and absolutely not to hundreds of billions of dollars. Right. So These are tips that he had given the room in order to help you scale. And everyone thinks, you know, if I scale, I've got to do more. And actually you have to do less to be able to scale at that large of a size. he said, find your gold metal product or service. So for them, if you remember, if you would go on Priceline when it first launched, there was different tabs. the top right you could book a flight you could book a hotel room you could book a cruise you could get a rental car you do a vacation package like they did all the things yeah and they were scaling but it wasn't to the size that they wanted to get to and they went okay if we only did one thing what would it be like what are we the best at the world at and for them it was hotel rooms so they said okay It's not that we have to cut the other stuff. It's just that we're not going to market it. We're not going to advertise it. We're not going to talk about it. We're not going to put any money, time, or energy into that service. It's just there. But what we will do is we'll go all out on hotel rooms. because they were the best in class at hotel rooms. So they didn't cut the other things out. Go on there now, you'll still see, but their bread and butter is hotel rooms. So the other things are still available. It's just that they never, if you look at any Priceline commercials, you'll never see anything other than hotel rooms. Why do think that is? Because they're marketing what they're the best in class at. So that is their top service. Next is find your gold medal talent. So what was their gold medal talent? Any guesses? Don't cheat, don't lie. I know the answer because I was there. I don't know. I would imagine it's related to hotel rooms. So their gold medal talent are probably the best hotels. It was their algorithm. Okay. for connecting people to hotels. So their algorithm was their talent. They had a talent in that. What is Amazon's? Shipping. Shipping. It's delivery. So if you remember, Amazon didn't start selling everything on the planet. It started as a book store. That's it. They only sold books. And what I didn't know is that when this whole internet thing was blowing up. were three companies that were kind of becoming rising to the top all at the same time. It was Priceline with Jeff Hoffman and Partners. There was eBay. His name was Jeff and Pierre. Jeff and Pierre. And then there was Amazon. And that's Jeff Bezos. So somebody had asked him, what does it take to be successful in this internet thing? And he said, just find somebody. who's a really good Jeff. They all had the best, they were the best in class at something and then they had the best in class at a specific talent. So Amazon, they got fantastic at shipping and they only did books. And Jeff Bezos said, you know, when we get, I'm only doing books right now. And then when we get to a certain size with books, Then I want to branch out and then we'll do everything. But I don't want to do everything first right now. I just want to build our name and our reputation solely on books. Why? Because they were amazing at shipping. And now anytime that you buy something online, usually what's the first thought you think? Amazon probably has that. Why? Because you know they'll ship it. And then you need to shape your brand. That's the third piece of this. you need to ask yourself what question are you the answer to? So for them, I need a hotel room. Where do I go? right, priceline. Or, they did a lot of this too, I want a $200 hotel room but I don't want to $200 on it, I only want to spend, you know, $100 or $80. Where do I go? Priceline. So shape your brand around that. And then you've got to, in that arena, you've got to find your brand asset. So everyone goes, know, why should I work with you? I just watched a Jeremy Miner video, like at his live event, and he had a microphone and he went up to someone in the audience and he said, hey, why would someone work with you? I've seen these videos. And he let them answer. And he goes, mm-hmm. Okay, and then he goes to the next audience answer and he goes, why would someone work with you? And he does it again and he goes, okay, so all of you guys really sound the same. You're in wildly different industries and companies, but you all sound the same. Yeah. Right? So you can't sound the same as everybody else and expect to stand out. So if you could only give one reason that somebody would work with you, what would that one reason be? It's not about all the reasons, it's about the one reason and that shapes your brand. Yeah. Yeah. So I thought that was really good. If you aren't sure, you don't know, if you're like, I don't know, there's a lot of reasons why somebody wouldn't work with us. Ask your customers. Yeah, like why did they pick you? Why? What is the one reason? Don't just say why did they pick you because then they'll go, because of X, Y and Z. Great, was it X or was it Y or was it Z? What is the one main reason that you decided to work with us? And do that ask 10 people. If you don't have 10 people, then keep selling until you can get 10 people. Because that data will tell you what is it that your customers have found in your messaging even though maybe you didn't do a great job at delivering it. So I thought that was really interesting. Yeah, that's good. They talk about broadcasting versus what they call narrow casting So this is focusing on the right people not just any person Because for every product for every service for every brand There are the right people and Then there's everybody else So if you're trying to close every deal, it's almost like an impossible game Who do you target? Will we target people? Everyone. People? Really? Who do you target? Well, I work with real estate investors. Well, geez, okay. There's only like hundreds of millions of those in the world. Which ones do you target? Yeah. Right? So some of this goes into our client-centric mission statement when we take our clients through their company culture stuff. But we want to get really, really clear on who are my people. Not just who are people that could buy this. What are the right people to buy this? To work with me, to choose this, right? There's a difference. Right. I mean, this makes sense. know, yeah, you got to really be specific because if you target everybody, you target nobody. Then then you're just more noise in the marketplace. So if you want to be, you know, like we're pretty niche at DoorGrow, we target long term residential property management companies in the U.S. Like that's our target audience that do third party property management. So that's our... Do we get other types of clients? Sure, but that's our bread and butter. That's who we focus on and that's very specific. Those are the people we know we can help. And I'd say we're the best in the world at that. yeah. Right. So I think Sharan calls it a dog whistle. Right? Speak to your people and anyone who isn't your people, they won't hear it. It's not for you. Go ahead, I don't want you to hear it. Just the dogs, Just the right ones. They'll hear it. Okay. This I liked a lot. He said, focus on your second slide customer. So find your yeses instead of overcoming nos. Every sales training in the world goes, let's overcome objections. Let's overcome no. Let's work a no into a yes. Let's see what we can do to turn it around. Overcome objections. No, don't overcome objections. Just find the yeses. Second slide. Yeah, so you know when you have like a whole presentation prepared. Yeah, and The example he gave is he said he went out with one of his sales reps And there was like a 20 slide presentation that they that was like their pitch deck, right? so he spent the day with a sales guy and the first meeting they went to He got through all 20 slides and the woman was like, yeah, this sounds really good. I'm gonna think about it I think we need to go back to you. like, yeah, yeah, like it wasn't a solid yes, because she didn't commit, she didn't sign up. But she was open to it. She's like, yeah, let me think about this. Like, let me take it up to management. We'll do something. So he got out of that meeting and he said to the sales rep, said, how do you think that went? Sales rep was super proud. He went, yeah, that was a great pitch. She's definitely going to buy. Like, she's going to come back around. Like, that's a deal that'll close. It's like in the pipelines. about to close. Jeff said, yeah, I just didn't say anything. It's like, I just didn't say anything. I'm like, I'm not going to skew it. I just want the data, right? So he goes into another sales pitch, same sales rep. Slide two out of 20, two. They look at each other and went, oh my God, you're exactly what I needed. We're ready. And the sales rep was like, well, wait, let me tell you more about the rest. And he's like nudging the guy. He's like, sign them up. They're ready. They don't need more information. They don't need anything else. They're ready to go right now. Stop trying to complete the pitch. It's done. You don't need the other 18 slides. They already said yes, and they said yes on slide two. Find your slide two yeses. Don't try. to keep on going, don't try to turn the nose and do yes, don't overcome their objections, find your slide two customers. So what they actually did, this I thought was so interesting. This lit up my brain because I like data so Okay, I'm going to pause you. So nice little hook. Now we're going to go to our sponsor and then everyone can hear what you're about to Oh, that's so good. All right, so this episode is sponsored by Blanket. So really like the team over at Blanket. Blanket is a property retention and growth platform that helps property managers stop losing doors, add more revenue, and increase the number of properties they manage. Wow your clients with a branded investor dashboard and an off-market marketplace while your team gets all the tools they need to identify owners at risk of churning and powerful systems to help you add more doors. So check it out, it's an amazing property retention platform. Even if it's switching owner hands, you keep the property. So check out Blanket. what he did is he profiled people. know that sounds like nowadays we're elect. Don't profile that. No, profile our best customers who your best ones. Okay. That target audience. Who were your easiest sales? Who are your biggest fans? Right? Figure out what do they have in common. They all have something in common, but what is it? So for them, they figured out that a rep that worked at the hotel chain that went, huh, we have all these extra hotel rooms. What do we do with them? Like, how do we sell them? That was their job. It's just to figure out how do we sell more rooms. Those were like his target audience. The reps that were brand new. like one to two years on the job. That was not it. Because they're so new that they're not willing to take a risk yet. So they were not very likely to close. It's not that they wouldn't close. not that you couldn't close them. It's that it wasn't like almost a guarantee to close them. Also, reps that have been in the job for like 15, 18, 20 years. Yeah. Also not it. Why? Because they know how to give a shit. He's like, they're out the door, they're for the door, they're about to retire. They don't care. They don't care if they sell more hotel rooms. They just care that they keep their job until they can retire. So they're not, again, they're not almost practically guaranteed to close. So if you were in this bracket or in this bracket, he was like, yeah, it's not you. I'm not gonna target those people. It's the people in between. It's the people that have been there for like three to, you know, somewhere between like that three to fifteen, three to fourteen years. Those people were amazing because they're not afraid to speak their opinion. They're looking to kind of make a name for themselves at this point. And they're not afraid to take a risk. But they are looking to do something big. Those were his people. How do think you figured that out? as he profiled his best customers again and again and again. And you went, huh, look at that. The new ones, they don't do it. The old ones, they don't do it either. It's only this slot in the middle. And those, those are our people. Got it. I like that. Yeah, right? Makes me think, like, with our clients, who is almost always a guarantee to close? That's the profile of the target. Yeah. That's exactly what you want to do, because you want to profile the ones. It's like a shoe in. If I didn't close this, it would be insane. Right? They even took it a step further. actually created a 100 points scoring chart. Yeah. And there were different questions. One of the questions was that one, for example, like how long have you been with your company? So if you're like one to two years, he would give them like negative 20 points. yeah. Right? So now it's like, your score just went down. now you answered this way. Your score went down again. Your score went down again. Same thing with those, you know, the older ones. They would be like a negative 40 though, because they really didn't care. It's easier to close the newer ones than it is the older ones. So like, oh, I've been here 18 years. He's like, cool, negative 40 points. In the middle though, he might go, okay, there's like 25 points. Maybe there's 15 points. They just scored 15. Now what else? So you have to ask these questions and what his team got so good at doing once they implemented this hundred 100 point score sheet is They can ask a couple questions do the math in their head and then immediately decide is this worth my time? So if you knew you were talking to a 40 Go to lunch It's not you're not gonna close it. It's a 40 out of a hundred like go home That's it. But when you would get your 80s when you get your 90s, you'd be really excited. Yeah. Oh man. Okay. Let me invest in this So they created this whole scoring chart. I thought that was so brilliant. Yeah. I mean, that's pretty standard feature in a lot of CRMs is lead scoring. coming up with a rubric or an algorithm for scoring your leads can be pretty significant. So yeah, it's a difficult thing to figure out, though. You've got to really know why which customers are good. So you can kind of figure out how do I score someone to duplicate these people. Right. Yeah. So good. And this is probably something that will help you figure out how to score people and what questions to ask and what do they all have in common. He said, spend a day in the life of your customers and do it often. So the story that he told us, there was a company that when it launched, he knew the guy. He was having a conversation with him and he said, Hey, why did you launch your company the way that you did? when every single market expert said it wouldn't work and you did it anyway and it worked and it was wildly successful but what made you go no I'm gonna do it anyway and the answer was well that's easy I didn't even ask the market experts so I didn't know that they didn't think that it wouldn't work because I didn't bother asking the market experts Jeff said well what did you do? He said, well, I asked my audience. Sure. I asked my customers. That's it. He said, OK, well, how did you do that? So in this little town, across the bridge on like the less nice side of town. The owner of this company, and I'll tell you the company in a minute, but the owner of this company, he would be in his office with his team all day. His team had MBAs, they were finance executives, they were accountants, right? Not, not his target audience. So he would get changed into jeans and a flannel shirt and a John Deere hat. He would go across the bridge to the bad side of town. and would sit in a diner all day long. Every Friday he would do this. And he would just talk with people who would come in there. He would just make friends with them. He would chit chat. He would ask them questions. And he would just gather data. And he used that data for his lunch. Do you have any guesses? Did I tell you? I think I told you this story. You probably did. Do guesses on who it was? Uh, no. Walmart. Oh. Sam Walton. Yeah, so this was Walmart. Okay. Every single expert said that will never work. And he said, yeah, I don't need to listen to experts. I need to listen to my customers. Right. Because the customers are going to tell you what they want. Yeah, they're the ones buying. So they know. So it doesn't matter what experts say. It matters what the customer says. Yeah, absolutely. It was so good, right? And he really, he got to know these people. So it doesn't matter what the market says. It doesn't matter what the expert says. It matters what your customers say. If your customers are going to tell you what they want, you shall listen. And now you'll have a successful product, regardless of what the experts say. The experts don't understand everything like your customers do. Listen to what they're telling you. So if you just get that data that allows you to do things that even other people would say, you're crazy, don't do that. And he didn't think it was crazy. He was like, no, I just, they're telling me what they want. I'm just going to do that. And he did. And it's still around today. Huge brand. Sometimes customers don't tell you what they want, but if you are connected with them enough, you can see what they're having problems with and what they're struggling with. And sometimes they just, think that that's normal. They're just like, yeah, this is, hiring's hard, you know? And then I'm like, cool, we built a hiring system that solves this problem, right? And so, but a lot of people just kind of say, yeah, it's, you know, it is what it is. And they don't really think that it's a solvable problem sometimes. So that's, that's where I think, you know, you need to ask your customer, but you also need to, sometimes your customers are wrong. Like they don't know. And you have to be able to be creative enough to figure out what. would they want if it was, you know, if they recognize this problem. And then sometimes you have to sell them, you attract, it's like we attract a lot of people at DoorGrow that think they want leads and they think they want digital marketing and they think they want SEO. And then we have to guide them towards what they actually need and sell them what they actually need, which is totally different. Yeah. So that's, that's, that can be a challenge. Maybe we'd be smarter if we just sold them what they were asking for, but. they wouldn't get as great of results. Yeah, I feel like though, I personally, I just don't feel good about doing it. Yeah. Because to me, that's just a money taker, right? Right. That's an order taker, that's a money taker. That's like, hey, I really need to grow my business and like, I think this will work. And then that's like, yeah, give me your money. sell you that. just give you a whole bunch of leads. And months go by and... Well, how come my business didn't grow? I only closed like four deals. Well, I just don't, I don't think I can really get behind that with integrity. Yeah. Yeah. It's not exciting to me. I know there are companies out there that will, and especially now with AI, like just be super careful with SEO. Be like extra careful at this point with SEO because SEO is literally dying. Like thing. Yeah, the whole game's changed. With AI. The whole game's changed. More people are using chat GPT than Google. It's been a huge disruptor. It's such a big disruptor that the antitrust lawsuit against Google has dropped. I mean that's massive. for those that don't know, just sum it up, the antitrust lawsuit. Well, Google was being sued because they had almost no competition. They dominated the search market like nobody could compete. And the closest competitor was like a small fraction. And so the government was going after them with an antitrust lawsuit. And then ChatGPT broke. All these AI tools and platforms came out. And now Google is no longer viewed as viable you know threat of a monopoly yeah and they may be losing this whole AI race which is super wild right yeah they're fighting they've got their AI tool all over the place Gemini is pretty good it's really good for a lot of things but it's not winning Yeah, yeah. yeah, with like, chat GPT was something nobody knew that could happen. Like we didn't even realize this was something we all wanted. We all wanted like some almost genius thing that we could talk to all the time to get all sorts of information. Yeah, quickly without having to dig and try and do our own research. So, well. Okay, we'll go one more story and then I've got a closing quote. So I think we all know at this point the brand 1-800 flowers they're huge now So before they used to be huge because they weren't always Jeff went out to go visit one of their shops And everywhere everywhere in the shop they had posters printed up like slopped on the walls every wall in every room, in the hallways, in the bathroom, in the garage, in every single room. And it was just printed up on the walls, sell more flowers. Why? Because that is what we're all about. That is the only thing that we care about is selling more flowers. We don't care about anything else. We are only here to sell more flowers. And every single person in this company exists for one reason and one reason only and that is to sell more flowers. So every single person, every single minute of every single day needs to be thinking, how can I sell more flowers? So it doesn't matter what their role was in the business, they need to be thinking, how can I sell more flowers? So he's walking down the hall and there was an admin. She did a lot of paperwork, answering the phones, things like that. She's got this huge stack of papers and she's walking down the hall with a stack of papers. And the owner says, hey, whatever her name is, Susan, hey Susan. And he points up to the wall and he goes, what are you doing right now? And she goes. puts the paperwork down, turns around, walks away. And Jeff said, well, what on was that? And he said, if you're not, we have a rule, if you are not doing something, that can somehow be connected to how does it help us sow more flowers? My rule is you do not do it. Ever. So whatever she was doing, clearly, was not connected to sow more flowers. So therefore, I reminded her, sow more flowers. And she stopped, promptly, what she was doing and went back to what she should be doing, which is sell more flowers. So they continue on this tour. They get back into the back of the shop, into the garage where they've got their van for deliveries. And they have a mechanic. The mechanic is underneath, one inch away. And he goes, hey. He goes, watch this. He goes, hey, Joe. He points at the wall. He goes, what are you doing right now? And Joe says, oh, well, I was installing this new filter on all of our vans because this new filter, it saves us X money dollars in gasoline per tank. I think it was $8. So we save with this new filter. We actually save like $8. per tank of gasoline. So I'm going to install each of the filters on our vans. And then what I'm going to do is I'm going to go inside and tell marketing to print up some coupons for $8 off. of a bouquet of flowers and we're going to run that as a promo because if we just saved eight dollars that means we have eight dollars extra so we might as run a promo and that'll help us sell more flowers. And he goes, yeah, it's brilliant. Do that. So the mechanic is thinking all day every day how do I sell more flowers? Now would a mechanic generally be thinking about selling flowers? No. He'd be thinking, how do I wrench on this? How do I fix that? What about the oil change? What about the tires? What about the spark plugs and the brakes? He's not thinking about selling flowers. But it wasn't lost on him because all day, every day, he's staring at a big sign that says, sell more flowers. So it doesn't matter what you are doing. If it's not connected to helping us sell more flowers, what you're doing does not fricking matter. This goes along with a book called The Goal by Elihu Goldratt. And The Goal, spoiler for everybody that wants to read this. operational book is to make money. And so a lot of times we get caught up in creating systems, inventory, things that actually cause waste or over optimizing each individual department or each individual step, but it actually reduces the overall goal of optimizing for selling more flowers, for example, or making more money. And so sometimes team members standing around doing nothing is more effective than them building more widgets for the next step because it just creates more waste or more inventory or like constraint. And so that's the idea is the goal is to eliminate all the constraints to create momentum so that you get that that money coming in and everybody should be focused on that goal because it's very easy to get caught up and like he could be super caught up and I'm gonna make the cars run hyper effective and efficiently but Maybe that just causes more financial spend or maybe that doesn't help them sell more flowers, for example. And so when everybody understands the overall goal and how they fit into that puzzle, then instead of just focusing on, I did my job or I'm doing this, they're focused on, is this helping the goal? And so I love that. I love that idea. And I think that's super important to get everybody on the team to focus on. Cause a lot of times everything's siloed. They focus on their little department. They focus on their little role and they forget the overall goal of the company is to make money. Right. So even like your property managers, your leasing agents, your operator, like everybody who's on what I would call like back end, they have the same job, which is to get more properties to manage. So even if you're not in sales, it doesn't matter. Salespeople, it's very obvious the connection. It's like, yeah, so close more contracts and close more deals and then I have more properties, duh. Great, but how does that apply to your leasing agent? How does that apply to your property manager? How does that apply to your receptionist who's answering the phone? How does that apply to your AI tool? So everybody and everything is aligned with the one goal of the business, which is I don't care what we do unless... we sell more flowers. I don't care what we do. don't care. There is no point in changing the tires if it doesn't help us sell more flowers. Right? So I don't need to hear just for that thing. If we don't sell more flowers, I don't need to change the tires. So they've got to be connected. And that was a great example of how somebody even so far removed from the back end of the business. He's like, Back end of the back end is the mechanic. And he's still focused on top-lingle. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, if you talk to your team and you ask them, what are you doing? And you had to sign up the set, like, you know, get more property management clients. A lot of you aren't focused on that. A lot of them are like, well, I'm just talking to every tenant all the time. I'm talking to every owner all the time. Is that helping the goal of you getting more clients? No, a lot of things aren't. Is it helping keep clients? Cool. That is part of getting more clients, is keeping the clients. But yeah, if it's not related to keeping clients or getting more clients, managing more properties, then there's a lot of bloat and a lot of waste in property management companies. We see it all the time. So much. Yeah. And we're really good at helping you see it. So if you want to make more money and you've got a decent number of doors, you've got 200 plus doors, come talk to us. Our program will be paid for, but probably just the first stuff we help you with in the first month. It's a no-brainer. Okay. Okay, then I'll close it out with this. Okay. He said, as a quote, don't chase money, chase excellence, because excellence follows money. I like it. Yeah, right? It's okay. Because a lot of that's people want. They're like, I just want to make enough money. I want to make more money. It won't matter if you're not excellent at what you do. Yeah. Yeah, well cool. Well, those of you listening, if you have felt stuck, stagnant, want to take your property management business to the next level, reach out to us at doorgrow.com. Also join our free Facebook community just for property management business owners at doorgrowclub.com. And if you want tips, tricks, ideas to learn about and to learn about our offers in DoorGrow, subscribe to our newsletter by going to doorgrow.com slash subscribe. And if you found this even a little bit helpful, Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on whatever channel you found this on. We'd really appreciate it. And until next time, remember, the slowest path to growth is to do it alone. So let's grow together. Bye everyone.
Being a Christian salesperson is not easy. But, there are principles and practices that will help. In this piece, we look at a starting point for Christian salespeople to becoming effective and confident in their positions. *********************************************** Dave Kahle's goal is to provide sales leaders and small businesspeople with practical actionable ideas that can make an immediate impact on your sales performance. Dave is a B2B sales expert, and a Christian Business thought leader. He has authored 13 books, presented in 47 states and 11 countries and worked with over 500 sales organizations. In these ten-minute podcasts, his unique blend of out-of-the-box thinking and practical insights will challenge and enable you to sell better, lead better and live better. Subscribe to these ten-minute helpings of out-of-the-box inspiration, education and motivation. Dave's Substack page (PW) Subscribe to Dave's Newsletters The Heart of A Christian Salesperson
Here's a question that'll keep you up at night: How do you take a company from $300K in annual revenue to $1.5 million in 18 months, then scale to $3-5 million within five years? That's the challenge facing Greg Hirschi from Colorado. He's the new executive leader of an 18-year-old company selling ethics assessment services to professional licensing boards. They've expanded from an entrepreneurial model to a small team with one salesperson and one customer service person. The goal is aggressive growth, and Greg needs to know where to focus his limited resources to get the biggest bang for his buck. If you're nodding your head right now because you're in a similar situation, pay attention. Because the mistakes you make at $300K will haunt you at $3 million. The Resource Reality Check Let's be brutally honest about what a $300K revenue company means: You have no money. You have a razor-thin budget. You have one salesperson and one leader trying to do everything. At this stage, you have exactly one priority: REVENUE. You don't have the luxury of fixing operations, perfecting your tech stack, or building elaborate systems. You need to sell. Period. But here's where most small companies screw this up. They think selling means taking anything with a pulse. If it can fog a mirror, they'll do business with it. That's a death spiral disguised as growth. The Operator's Dilemma Greg comes from an operations background. He's analytical, process-driven, and systematic. Those traits are incredible assets for building a business, especially when the goal is to scale fast. But they can also be a liability when managing salespeople. Here's what happens: Operators think in systems and logic. Salespeople think in relationships and emotion. Operators want everything organized and predictable. Salespeople throw deals on the table that are messy and unpredictable. If you're an operator trying to lead sales, you need to understand this fundamental tension. Your salesperson is out there getting hammered with objections every single day, building narratives in their head about why people won't buy. You're thinking, "Just brush it off and do it again. What's wrong with you?" They're thinking, "You have no idea what it's like out here." This is why reading New Sales Simplified by Mike Weinberg is non-negotiable if you're an operator managing sales. You need to learn how salespeople think, how they operate, and how to lead them effectively without losing your mind. Start With Your ICP or Die Trying The single most important thing Greg needs to do right now to scale is get laser-focused on his Ideal Customer Profile. Not kind of focused. Not "we have a general idea." I mean obsessively, precisely, ridiculously dialed in on exactly who they should be selling to. Here's why this matters so much at $300K: Greg's salesperson has a $600K pipeline and will close 50% of it. Sounds great, right? But if half those customers churn because they're the wrong fit, requiring constant re-education and hand-holding, Greg's salesperson will get stuck in account management mode. They'll stop prospecting for new business because they're too busy re-selling existing accounts. That's how you stay stuck at $300K forever. Your ICP drives everything. It determines your messaging, your marketing, your presentation materials, and which stakeholders you need to reach inside target organizations. It helps you build relevant social proof stories. It allows you to coach your salesperson on handling specific objections instead of generic brush-offs. Most importantly, it gives you guardrails. You can ask your salesperson in pipeline reviews: "Tell me the strategic reason why we should chase this account. How does it fit our ICP? Why is this worth our limited resources when our singular goal right now is growth?" When you're running a $300K company with one salesperson and one leader, you cannot afford to chase every deal.
Hiring commission-based salespeople doesn't require a big brand—or big salaries.In this episode, Ryan Hohman shares how he helps companies place 1,000+ commission reps every month by using a system built for scale, belief, and retention. No fluff. Just strategy.What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Why most commission hires fail before the first call✅ The 4-step system to recruit at scale✅ How to onboard without burning out✅ Why your systems matter more than your compensation planWhether you're still in the sales seat or ready to build a real team, this episode is your playbook.
Most companies still hire salespeople wrong in 2025.They rely on resumes, gut feeling, and vague interviews instead of testing real skills. In this episode, Raul and Toni explain why that approach fails and how to replace it with a system that actually works.They break down a practical process to identify what you really need, define the skills that matter, and test candidates in realistic scenarios. No fluff, no guesswork, just a repeatable way to hire people who can actually sell.This episode is brought to you by ZoomInfo, the Go-To-Market Intelligence Platform. ZoomInfo gives you high-quality B2B data and sales intelligence on in-market buyers across companies of all sizes, powered by AI-driven automation with integrated outreach tools to help your GTM teams build pipeline and close deals faster. Check them out at zoominfo.com/revenue-formula Want to work with us? Learn more: revformula.io(00:00) - Introduction (01:41) - Hiring is Broken (07:09) - Basics of Effective Hiring (12:35) - The Myth of the Perfect Candidate (14:20) - Understand your Needs and Context (16:56) - Time Pressure in Hiring (22:02) - The Three Step Solution (29:10) - Assessing Candidates: Interpretation (30:16) - Assessing Candidates: Talking (31:21) - Assessing Candidates: Showing (32:53) - Assessing Candidates: Doing (36:53) - Iterating on the Process (39:57) - Roleplaying in Sales Hiring (43:33) - Hiring Sales Leaders (46:00) - Final Thoughts and Takeaways
What if the biggest reason homeowners don't buy has nothing to do with price, timing, or your presentation? In this episode, Sam reveals the missing step in the sales process — explaining what happens after they say yes.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy 70% of homeowners said they didn't know what “Delivery” meantHow uncertainty kills trust (and how to remove it)The step-by-step walkthrough to explain install day clearlyHow predictability creates peace of mindWhy describing the experience builds more trust than any closeResources & Links
In this solo episode Nick breaks down the mindset & habits of the top 1% and explains how success in sales is 80% mindset & 20% tactics (aka skills). In this episode you'll learn about the law of momentum & how it directly applies to selling and how you can leverage it to 5X results. You will learn about the power of perspective & adversity and how they are pivotal to creating some of the greatest salespeople and entrepreneurs of all time. You will learn about persistence of the mind (not of the mouth) and how the greatest salespeople weaponize this mentaility to get disproportionately more results than others. You will learn about the secret edge of empathy and how its the most powerful trait when it comes to why the most influential salespeople all have this skill. Please feel free to leave a review and share this episode!
How did a family business with zero commissioned sales explode into a $70M regional powerhouse? The culture secret that's changing mattress retail…What if everything you thought about retail sales was wrong? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Michael Fiacco, the second-generation owner who transformed Old Brick Furniture from a local legacy into a 2023 Retailer of the Year, now with 11 stores across upstate New York and New England. Discover why Michael refuses to pay commission, never runs “sales” (except for his secret 6-hour event), and bets big on a team-first culture—even when industry veterans said it would never work.If you've ever wondered how to get employees truly invested, why “lowest price, always” builds fierce customer loyalty, or how to launch into new markets without losing your core values, this episode is for you. Michael reveals how his unique approach to service, culture, and real estate (plus a few laundromats and a recruiting firm!) drives both rapid growth and work-life balance—for his team and his family.Industry pros and sleep enthusiasts alike will hear actionable strategies about:- Driving word-of-mouth through legendary service (not expensive ads)- Creating a team culture that eliminates high-pressure tactics- Why real estate is the “unfair advantage” fueling expansion- The hidden power of in-stock mattresses for immediate sales- How to survive market downturns without discounting your brandStay tuned for insights that challenge conventional wisdom and could change how you think about selling sleep.Timestamps:- 00:56 – The “No Commission, Team Culture” Advantage Revealed- 03:39 – Why Service Trumps Advertising (and Pays Off More)- 07:16 – Real Talk: How Team Bonuses Actually Work- 09:33 – The Work-Life Revolution for Salespeople- 12:42 – From Mom's Consignment Shop to $70M Retailer- 15:07 – How Real Estate Became Michael's Secret Weapon- 19:20 – The Mattress Business: 23% of Sales, 100% Strategy- 22:22 – Why Inventory Speed Wins Mattress Customers- 24:43 – Old Brick's No-Sale, No-Gimmick Marketing Playbook- 26:41 – The Rochester Experiment: Opening Store #11- 33:24 – The Little “Warehouse” Detail That Changed EverythingConnect with The FAM Podcast:
I've been intrigued by all of the LinkedIn posts lately from sales professionals, leaders, and experts proclaimings the phone is back! Even the “phone-is-dead” evangelists seem to have had a change of heart and are encouraging salespeople to “phone a customer.” My favorite posts are from salespeople who took this advice, called a customer, and were surprised—even stunned—to discover that their customer actually wanted to talk. It's more proof that buyers are starving for real, authentic, human-to-human conversations with their sales reps and account managers. When Sellers Make Their First Call in Years I saw one post yesterday from an account manager who said that, for the first time in years, he had picked up the phone and called a customer. In his post, he described how rewarding it was to have a real, live conversation—as if this was some new revelation. He said that even though the phone was “old school,” he had given it a try because his customers weren't responding to his emails anymore. Although I'm super pleased to see that salespeople are rediscovering the power of the humble phone, I was bothered by this particular post because it is an indictment of just how far the sales profession has fallen over the past few years. It also exposes the malpractice of this guy's leadership team. Seriously, how is it possible that his leaders and company allowed him to avoid having actual conversations with his customers for years? Pick Up the Phone and Talk to Your Customers Account managers who are not talking with their customers, the ones who keep their customers at digital arm's length and send random “just checking in emails,” are swinging the door open and inviting competitors in. When you fail to proactively manage relationships—when you don't talk with your customers—those customers end up talking to your competitors and considering other options. Nearly 70 percent of customers are lost due to neglect. Not prices, not products, not the economy, not aggressive competitors. Neglect! They feel the sting of being taken for granted. If you've ever been taken for granted (and I bet you have), you know that it makes you feel unimportant, small, and resentful, which can lead to the feeling of contempt. Resentment and contempt are the two most powerful negative emotions in the pantheon of human emotions. They are the gangrene of relationships, festering below the surface, slowly rotting away the connections that bind people together until the relationship is destroyed. The good news is the secret to defending accounts is completely in your control. It's simple. Pay attention to your customers. And guess what? A simple, regular phone call can make all the difference. Just pick up the phone, dial their number, and ask or say: How are you doing? What can I do to help you? I have an idea for you. Have a great weekend. Thank you for your business. Regular telephone contact ensures that you are top of mind with customers. Hearing your voice lets them know that you care. It doesn't need to be anything particularly special. You don't need to schedule it on their calendar. You don't need a reason to tell your customers that you appreciate them. Pick up the phone and say “hello” because it doesn't cost a thing to pay attention to your customers. A “How AI Will Replace You” Reality Check But it's not just that account manager and his company. Rather than picking up the phone and talking with people, sales professionals everywhere have replaced this beautiful, synchronous sales communication tool with email. This aversion to talking with people by phone has become so acute that at least half of Sales Gravy's training and consulting engagements have focused on one thing: Teaching and compelling salespeople to pick up the damn phone and just have real-time human conversations. So, let's start with a reality check: The telephone is not old school.
What if the worst mistakes of your past became the fuel for your greatest success?
Send us a textSales isn't the problem. Focus is.If your sales team is following the process but still missing the mark, this episode will hit home.Brandon sits down with sales coach Ian Nix to uncover why most salespeople lose deals, and how to fix it without becoming “that” pushy salesperson.They unpack three quiet killers of sales performance that cost businesses thousands every month and how to replace them with simple, customer-first conversations that close more deals with less pressure. Inside this episode:Quoting before understandingPushing the quoteQuoting and hopingIf your marketing's working but your closing ratio isn't, this episode might change everything.For entrepreneurs wanting to grow without wasting money, join the Maven Marketing Mastermind → https://www.mavenmethodtraining.comOur Website: https://frankandmaven.com/Instagram: /frankandmavenmarketingTikTok: /frankandmavenLinkedIn: /frank-and-mavenHost: Brandon WelchCo-Host: Kyle DeVriesExecutive Producer: Carter BreauxAudio/Video Producer: Nate the Camera Guy #SalesTraining #SalesProcess #ClosingRate #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingPodcast #CustomerExperience #MavenMethodDo you have a marketing problem you'd like us to help solve? Send it to MavenMonday@FrankandMaven.com! Get a copy of our Best-Selling Book, The Maven Marketer Here: https://a.co/d/1clpm8a
Summary In this episode of the AI for Sales podcast, host Chad Burmeister speaks with Ignacio Pastor, AI Engineering Director at Singular and co-founder of Conectoma.ai. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on customer experience, the evolving role of consultants in AI integration, and the importance of understanding AI's limitations. Ignacio emphasizes the need for a personal touch in automation, highlights emerging technologies, and shares essential skills for salespeople in an AI-driven world. Takeaways AI is reshaping customer experiences across various industries. Consulting is evolving, not disappearing, as businesses seek guidance in AI integration. Organizations are looking for cost-effective solutions and in-house development capabilities. AI can help automate processes, allowing consultants to focus on strategic guidance. Misconceptions about AI include the belief that it can operate without human oversight. Personal touch remains essential, even in an automated environment. Emerging technologies like agentic tools are crucial for future automation. Salespeople should focus on system thinking and no-code tools for automation. Quality of interactions can improve with AI-driven automation. Understanding process mining is key to enhancing sales performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Sales 01:42 Transforming Customer Experience with AI 05:52 Innovative AI Use Cases 09:14 Debunking AI Misconceptions 12:24 Maintaining Personal Touch in Automation 15:10 Emerging Technologies and Automation Tools 16:45 Maximizing Sales Potential with Automation 20:45 Essential Skills for Sales Professionals The AI for Sales Podcast is brought to you by BDR.ai, Nooks.ai, and ZoomInfo—the go-to-market intelligence platform that accelerates revenue growth. Skip the forms and website hunting—Chad will connect you directly with the right person at any of these companies.
The Client Stampede - An Unconventional Marketing Podcast by Julie Guest
That “free water” offer? It came with a $15,000 sales pitch. In this episode, we unpack why desperate selling kills trust and how smart brands make buyers chase them instead. GET MORE MARKETING & SALES TOOLS:Are you interested in becoming the published author of a powerful book to help you attract more ideal clients and set you apart from the competition? Imagine holding your own book in your hands as quickly as 3-6 weeks without you ever having to write a word. We do all the work, you get all the glory! Find out how we Capture Your Genius at our sister publishing house Lunch Break Books - powerful books for entrepreneurs with big growth goals.Are you subscribed to Marketing Gold? Get more marketing tools, tips and strategies delivered to your inbox most Mondays. Sign up here.Is your business doing $2M+ and you're ready to take it to the next level? We'll show you how. Get your free marketing roadmap by taking the Client Stampede Assessment. It's fast, free (Value $197) and your 20+ page report is emailed to you instantly.Enjoying the podcast? You'll love the audio book. Get The Client Stampede audio book on Amazon.
Welcome to Sales & Cigars—where the only smoke we blow is from cigars. This week, Walter sits down with Rocky Lalvani, the numbers-savvy entrepreneur behind Profit Comes First and the Profit Answer Man podcast. Rocky is on a mission to help business owners truly understand the business of business—from P&L and cash flow to aligning sales compensation with long-term growth. If you've ever had a killer sales quarter but still couldn't figure out where the money went, this episode is for you. Rocky breaks down how to build wealth, why market share is won in tough times, and what business owners need to do before turbulence hits. In This Episode: • Why so many business owners don't actually understand their own numbers • The difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow (and why it matters) • What Rocky learned from growing up in an immigrant family obsessed with money strategy • How your relationship with money shapes your business decisions • Why “cut costs” isn't the only play—and what to focus on instead • Aligning your sales comp plan to drive profit, not just gross revenue • Planning for a downturn before it happens—emotion-free decision-making • Real talk on what freedom actually means for most entrepreneurs Critical Ideas: • Market share is earned in bad times—don't freeze, take action • If your team doesn't understand profit, your comp plan is working against you • Your sales team should be aligned with your operations team, not at odds • Salespeople will follow the money—so incentivize the right behavior • You need to understand why your clients buy—not just what they buy Connect with Michael Cole and Next Level Technician: • Website: https://profitcomesfirst.com/ • Free Book: https://profitcomesfirst.com/the-profit-blueprint • Profit Answer Man podcast: https://profitcomesfirst.com/podcasts/ Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars: Website: Helix Sales Development LinkedIn: Walter Crosby Instagram: @wcrosby248 Facebook: Helix Sales Development Share Your Thoughts: We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars. Never Miss an Episode! Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel: Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Follow on Spotify ...and wherever you listen to podcasts! Subscribe to Us on YouTube: Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads! YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more. Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
In the fast-paced world of sales, gaining a competitive edge is crucial. But what if the key to success lies not in aggressive tactics, but in building trust and creating value? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Castle, CEO of the Negotiator's Edge and author of "The First Domino," to explore the art of negotiation and its impact on sales success. The Power of Trust Building Discover why trust is the ultimate competitive advantage in today's market. Learn how to demonstrate empathy, transparency, and reliability to forge stronger connections with prospects and clients. AI-Enhanced Negotiation Strategies Explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the negotiation process. Tim reveals how AI can help you: Prepare more effectively for client meetings Understand your prospect's behavioral profile Receive real-time coaching during negotiations The "9 Before 9" Strategy Uncover Tim's powerful technique for creating sales momentum. By completing nine revenue-generating actions before 9 AM, you'll plant seeds for future success and start each day with a winning mindset. Believing in the Possible Tim shares his personal motto and how it can transform your approach to sales challenges. Learn to reframe obstacles as opportunities and push beyond self-imposed limits. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your negotiation skills and close more deals. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, you'll gain valuable insights to help you thrive in today's competitive landscape. Are you ready to unlock your full potential as a negotiator and sales expert? Listen now and discover how to create lasting value for your clients and your career. Key Moments 00:00:00 - Building Trust in Sales: The Competitive Edge Trust-building is crucial in sales, especially in the early stages. Demonstrating empathy, transparency, reliability, and capability are key components. Salespeople should focus on humanity and transparency to gain a competitive advantage, as these skills are harder to replicate and differentiate from high-quality products and consistent delivery. 00:01:11 - Introducing Tim Castle: Negotiation Expert and Author Tim Castle, CEO of Negotiators Edge and author of "The Art of Negotiation" and "The First Domino," discusses his background and expertise in negotiation. He explains his concept of being a "negotiation futurist" and the importance of leveraging AI in negotiation strategies. 00:04:48 - The First Domino: Landing Your First Client in 90 Days Tim Castle introduces his new book "The First Domino," which focuses on helping salespeople and entrepreneurs land their first flagship client within 90 days. The book covers strategies for differentiation, credibility-building, and overcoming challenges in the early stages of sales or business development. 00:14:29 - The MAGIC Framework for Sales Success Tim Castle presents the MAGIC framework for sales success: Make connections, Add value, Give value willingly, Inspire others' growth, and Connection. This approach emphasizes building relationships, providing value without expectation, and inspiring growth in others to create a strong network and sales momentum. 00:20:39 - The Negotiator's Edge: Leveraging AI in Negotiation Tim Castle discusses the Negotiator's Edge, emphasizing the importance of using AI for preparation, understanding client challenges, and improving negotiation strategies. He explains how AI can enhance EQ, simulate role-playing scenarios, and provide valuable insights for more effective negotiations. 00:33:04 - The 9 Before 9am Strategy for Sales Momentum Tim Castle shares the "9 before 9am" strategy for creating sales momentum. This approach involves completing nine revenue-generating actions before 9am each day, such as personalized outreach or business meetings. This strategy helps build a strong pipeline and creates a proactive mindset for sales success. 00:35:58 - Negotiation Strategy vs. Tactics: Understanding the Difference Tim Castle explains the difference between negotiation strategy and tactics. Strategy focuses on the overall game plan and long-term outcomes, while tactics are specific moves or techniques used in the moment. He emphasizes the importance of value creation in negotiation rather than relying solely on tactics. 00:42:35 - "Believe It's Possible": A Motto for Success Tim Castle shares his personal motto, "Believe It's Possible," and how it can be applied to overcome challenges and achieve seemingly impossible goals. He encourages adopting this mindset as a default, using it as a decision filter, and reprogramming self-talk to build mental resilience and drive success. About Tim Castle Tim Castle is a negotiation futurist, multi-award winning bestselling Author, notably The Art of Negotiation, The Momentum Sales Model and launching soon The First Domino. Founder of The Negotiators Edge Training Academy, at the nexus of influence, persuasion and value creation in an AI centric world. Recognized in the World's Top 30 Negotiation Professionals 2025. Host of The Tim Castle Show. Follow Us On: · LinkedIn · Twitter · YouTube Channel · Instagram · Facebook Learn More About FlyMSG Features Like: · LinkedIn Auto Comment Generator · AI Social Media Post Generator · Auto Text Expander · AI Grammar Checker · AI Sales Roleplay and Coaching · Paragraph Rewrite with AI · Sales Prospecting Training for Individuals · FlyMSG Enterprise Sales Prospecting Training Program Install FlyMSG for Free: · As a Chrome Extension · As an Edge Extension
Most salespeople fail because they try to do everything at once. They wake up, make a list, get overwhelmed, and forget it the next day. That cycle never ends.The people who win don't think about sales all day. They build habits that make selling automatic. I've sold on the streets, in Fortune 500 boardrooms, and trained thousands of reps. These 5 habits are the only ones that matter if you want to win long-term.Watch this, build them, and never look back.Support the showJoin our weekly calls so you we can help you too!
Here's a question that'll make your head spin: You know AI is transforming sales, everyone's talking about it, but you're still staring at ChatGPT like it's some mysterious black box, wondering what magical question you should type in first. That's the reality for most salespeople in 2025. They know they need to embrace AI, they've heard the success stories, but they're paralyzed by the complexity and overwhelmed by the options. If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. The biggest barrier to AI adoption isn't technical—it's mental. Salespeople are asking the wrong question entirely. The Wrong Question That's Keeping You Stuck Most people approach AI like it's some mystical oracle they need to appease with the perfect question. They think there's some secret prompt that will unlock AI's full potential, like finding the right combination to a safe. Here's the brutal truth: There is no perfect first question for AI. The real problem isn't what to ask—it's how you're thinking about the problem. Instead of asking "What should I ask AI?" you need to flip the script entirely. The Mental Shift That Changes Everything Twenty minutes before recording our latest Ask Jeb episode, I was working on a new training program for Sales University. I had a slide deck and workbook that needed proofreading, and my first instinct was to think, "Who can I get to proofread this thing?" That's how most of us think: "How can someone else do this?" or "How can I get this done?" But I caught myself and asked a different question: "How can AI do this?" I uploaded the slide deck to AI and asked it to proofread for me. Fifteen seconds later, I had a response—not perfect, but a starting point. I refined my prompt, asking for typos organized slide by slide, and boom—seven minutes later, the entire deck was cleaned up. What would have taken me 45 minutes and still resulted in missed errors was done in minutes, with better accuracy than I could achieve manually. Why You're Already Qualified to Use AI Here's what Will Frattini from ZoomInfo pointed out that hit me like a lightning bolt: You already know how to use AI. You've been doing it for years. If you've ever asked Siri for directions, told Alexa to turn up the music, or typed a question into Google, congratulations—you've been using AI. The only difference now is the sophistication and power of what's available. The barrier isn't technical competency. It's the mental block of overthinking it. You don't need to understand large language models or machine learning algorithms. You just need to ask a question and hit enter. That's it. That's the profound simplicity everyone's missing. Think Like a Conductor, Not a Solo Act Here's the game-changing mindset shift: Stop thinking of yourself as someone who needs to learn AI. Start thinking of yourself as a conductor standing in front of a symphony orchestra. You've got Claude for certain tasks, ChatGPT for others, ZoomInfo Copilot for prospecting intelligence, Gemini for research—each AI is like a different instrument in your orchestra. Your job isn't to play every instrument; it's to conduct them all to create something beautiful. The apex predators in sales aren't going to be the people who master one AI tool. They're going to be the conductors who know when to use which AI for maximum impact, iterating and refining until they get exactly what they need. This means developing your prospecting methodology becomes even more critical—you need to know what outcome you're trying to achieve before you can direct your AI orchestra to help you get there. Your Practical Starting Point Stop overthinking this. Here's your action plan: Step 1: Pick one AI tool you have access to. Your company probably already provides something. If not, start with ChatGPT, Claude, or any of the major platforms. Step 2: Identify one recurring task that eats up your time. Email templates, research,
We studied Palantir for 200+ hours to understand how its stock keeps growing, how the company handles sales and marketing, and to understand why it's such a cultural phenomenon. Thanks for tuning in! Catch new episodes every Sunday Don't miss GTM2025 — the only B2B tech conference exclusively for GTM executives. Use code TOPLINE for 10% off your GA ticket. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter. Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Palantir's Enigmatic CEO 00:53 Welcome to Top Line 03:39 Diving into Palantir's Business 09:52 Palantir's Government and Commercial Ventures 22:41 The Role of Sales in Palantir's Success 32:33 Sales Culture and Treatment 34:00 The Role of Salespeople in Product-Led Companies 35:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Sales 38:12 Palantir's Go-To-Market Strategy 45:06 Salesforce vs. Palantir: Market Cap Battle 46:33 HubSpot's Potential and Challenges 55:29 AI Predictions and Impact on Business 59:17 AI in Personal and Professional Life 01:03:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Most salespeople waste their careers fighting over the same crowded prospects. Meanwhile, untapped markets are sitting in plain sight. These are the industries, segments, and territories your competitors don't take seriously—or don't even notice. They're wide open, and they reward the salespeople willing to do the work. On the Sales Gravy Podcast, I spoke with Nicholas Lalla, an economic development expert who helped bring more than $200 million of investment into a market everyone else had written off. His blueprint for revitalizing a forgotten city is the same framework you can use to uncover and dominate untapped markets in sales. Why Untapped Markets Are Goldmines The best markets are often the ones no one is talking about. When the crowd decides a territory is “too small,” “too tough,” or “not worth the time,” they leave the door wide open. That's where the opportunity lives. And let's be clear: An untapped market doesn't have to mean a new zip code. It could be a niche industry your competitors dismiss, a customer population they ignore, or a vertical nobody's paying attention to yet. If you don't know much about a market, chances are your competitors don't either. That ignorance is your advantage—if you're willing to dig in. The Data-Driven Discovery Method Most salespeople gamble on gut instinct when picking new markets. That's why they waste time chasing “big name” logos that never buy, or avoiding prospects who look difficult but actually have massive potential. Top performers take a different path. They go where the data points. Before committing to a market, study the numbers your competition ignores: Industry growth rates – Expanding sectors often fly under the radar. Investment flows – Follow where capital is going before sales catch up. Labor market trends – Job growth exposes emerging business needs. Government spending – Public dollars usually spark private demand. Data doesn't close deals. But it stacks the odds in your favor and ensures you're hunting where opportunity actually exists. The 100-Conversation Rule Numbers tell you where to look. Conversations tell you what's real. Don't just study demographics—talk to 100 people tied to the market. Customers. Ex-customers. Prospects who should buy from you but don't. Even suppliers and partners. Ask them about their challenges, their frustrations, and the gaps they see. Don't pitch—listen. By the time you've had 100 conversations, you'll know more about that market than your competitors ever will. And you'll have built a network of early relationships that pay off down the line. Look for Adjacent Opportunities The breakthrough comes when you stop looking for completely new industries and start examining adjacencies. Instead of jumping into foreign markets, identify prospects that connect to your existing expertise. If you sell to manufacturing, explore adjacent industries like logistics or supply chain management. If you work in healthcare, consider medical device companies or pharmaceutical services. Adjacent markets let you leverage existing knowledge while expanding into less competitive territory. The Focus Formula Most market expansion strategies fall apart because of a lack of focus. Salespeople chase every shiny opportunity and end up spread too thin. The result? Lots of motion, zero momentum. Domination beats diversification. Pick three or four high-potential segments and go all-in. Pour your time, energy, and relationship capital into saturating those markets. That density builds brand recognition, referrals, and trust. Scattershot prospecting creates exhaustion. Focused prospecting creates dominance. Building on Legacy Assets: The Hidden Accelerator Don't ignore what already exists—leverage it. The most counterintuitive insight about untapped markets is that the best ones build on foundations you already have. Your "legacy assets" might include:
Effective Questions Reduce Mistakes in Hiring Hire the Right Ones
Don't miss out! Sign up here:https://link.cpi-crm.com/widget/form/bJZ4NbRp6ZpSVgGoNb4j?notrack=truehttps://link.cpi-crm.com/widget/form/bJZ4NbRp6ZpSVgGoNb4j?notrack=truehttps://link.cpi-crm.com/widget/form/bJZ4NbRp6ZpSVgGoNb4j?notrack=trueShadow Hour Updates to get the latest updates and reminders for our Shadow Hour sessions. Stay informed, stay ahead!What you'll learn in this episodeWhy your business is a sales funnel (and what that means for profits)The 3 ways to generate leads: Marketing, Prospecting, and NetworkingThe success recipe: 1–3 hours a day, 5 days a weekWhy it takes 90 days to see results from consistent effortHow to diagnose why your funnel isn't fillingThe golden rule: never leave an appointment without the next scheduledHow to follow up for months—or even years—without losing momentumThe mindset shift: persistence, value, and believing you're the best choice To find out more about Dan Rochon and the CPI Community, you can check these links:Website: No Broke MonthsPodcast: No Broke Months for Salespeople PodcastInstagram: @donrochonxFacebook: Dan RochonLinkedIn: Dan RochonTeach to Sell Preorder: Teach to Sell: Why Top Performers Never Sell – And What They Do Instead
If you're ready to lead a team where accountability feels empowering, coaching fuels growth, and high standards drive results, this is your next step.Teach to Sell gives you the exact tools to lead with influence, guide clients and teams with clarity, and build a sales business that consistently produces No Broke Months. Whether you're scaling a team or refining your leadership skills, this book will show you how to create trust, alignment, and success through transformational leadership.Preorder Teach to Sell today and start mastering the leadership skills that move people—and results—forward.https://www.nobrokemonths.com/teach-to-sell-preorderWhat you'll learn in this episode:Why transactional and relational sales are not opposites—but work hand in handHow to scale beyond referrals with a system that consistently nurtures your networkWhy every relationship (except with your mama!) starts with a transactionThe truth about today's low inventory and what it means for your sales opportunitiesHow to use the 30-year mortgage as a long-term wealth-building tool for clientsWhy now is the time to build your foundation for future market shifts To find out more about Dan Rochon and the CPI Community, you can check these links:Website: No Broke MonthsPodcast: No Broke Months for Salespeople PodcastInstagram: @donrochonxFacebook: Dan RochonLinkedIn: Dan RochonTeach to Sell Preorder: Teach to Sell: Why Top Performers Never Sell – And What They Do Instead
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