Skinned Knees Blog

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Building Robust Sales Pipelines: Expert Insights for CEOs, Managers, and Sales Professionals – E73

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Building Robust Sales Pipelines: Expert Insights for CEOs, Managers, and Sales Professionals – E73

In this enlightening episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey delve into the perennial challenges sales professionals face: the need for more leads and adding value to existing leads. They share their expert insights on building robust sales pipelines, identifying ideal customer profiles, and effective strategies for increasing sales efficiency. Whether you’re a CEO, sales manager, or a salesperson, this episode offers valuable guidance to enhance your sales performance.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. Building a More Robust Pipeline: Strategies to improve pipeline quality for sustained income generation.
  2. Ideal Customer Profiling: Understanding the difference between short-term accessible prospects and long-term ideal customers.
  3. Resource Management: Tackling the universal challenge of limited resources in sales organizations.
  4. Prospecting Techniques: The importance of referrals, networking, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn.
  5. Prioritizing Sales Efforts: Focusing on the probability of closing deals rather than just deal size or closing dates.
  6. Consistency in Sales Activities: How regular, focused efforts in different stages of sales lead to better results.

Key Quotes

Kevin Lawson:

“We actually encourage them to manage their deals and their communication priorities by the probability of closing… When all these things come together, it’s insane how fast your pipeline will grow and how fast deals will close.”

Sean O’Shaughnessey:

“You have to be stingy. You have to choose where to invest appropriately, and you have to constantly invest… Every quarter, every month, every week, every day, you need to set aside time that you are investing in your business.”

Summary

This episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” is a goldmine for anyone looking to enhance their sales process. Kevin and Sean offer a deep dive into the nuances of building a strong sales pipeline, effectively utilizing resources, and the art of prioritizing prospects. Their conversation is not just theoretical; it’s filled with practical, actionable advice that can be implemented immediately. This episode is a must-listen if you’re seeking to transform your sales approach, be it as a CEO, a sales manager, or a frontline salesperson. Tune in to discover how you can revolutionize your sales strategy and achieve remarkable results.

Boosting Profitability in Sales: Mastering the Art of Negotiation – Video 11 of the New Year Motivation Series

Boosting Profitability in Sales: Mastering the Art of Negotiation – Video 11 of the New Year Motivation Series

As we dive into the New Year, it’s crucial for sales professionals, managers, and CEOs of small companies to reflect on one pivotal aspect of their sales strategy – the art of negotiation. I am committed to guiding you toward more profitable deals this New Year and beyond.

Evaluating Past Deal Profitability

Take a moment to review your deals from the previous year. Were they as profitable as they could have been? The ease of offering discounts can often overshadow the challenge of selling at list price. However, your company’s profit model heavily relies on effective negotiation.

Look back at your past deals. Pinpoint the aspects where negotiations fell short. Set a clear goal for this year to avoid repeating these mistakes. Improvement begins with recognizing what didn’t work well in the past.

Embracing Continuous Learning in Negotiation

As I’ve emphasized in a previous video, continuous learning is crucial. This is particularly true in negotiation. A slight improvement in your negotiation skills can significantly impact your bottom line. Consider attending a class, webinar, or consulting with an expert to hone this skill.

If negotiation is not your forte, reach out for assistance. I’m here to offer suggestions, recommend training resources, or even provide personal training to help you negotiate more effectively.

Preparing for Negotiations Proactively

Prepare a list of items you can afford to discount and those you cannot. Develop scripts and strategies for common negotiation scenarios. This preparation will help you remain steadfast during negotiations, ensuring you don’t make concessions on a whim.

Identify services or add-ons you can offer during negotiations that provide value to your client but don’t significantly impact your costs. This strategy can be a game-changer in making your proposals more attractive while maintaining profitability.

This is the year to enhance your negotiation tactics. By doing so, you’re not just closing deals; you’re maximizing the value and profitability of each transaction. Remember, effective negotiation is not about conceding profits but finding a mutually beneficial ground where your company’s value is rightly recognized and compensated.

Happy New Year, and here’s to your profitability and success in the New Year!

Check out my video below (the final video in this year’s series to start the New Year with confidence and capability).

Revolutionize Your Sales Strategy: The Power of Streamlining Your Sales Process – Video 10 of the New Year Motivation Series

Revolutionize Your Sales Strategy: The Power of Streamlining Your Sales Process – Video 10 of the New Year Motivation Series

As we embark on this new year, it’s time to reevaluate and refine our sales strategies. My mission is to empower salespeople, sales managers, and CEOs of small companies to achieve remarkable growth this New Year. One crucial aspect that often goes overlooked is the efficiency of your sales process.

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is more than a digital Rolodex; it’s a strategic tool that, when used effectively, can transform your sales process. Ensure that your CRM reflects and aids your sales process. If it doesn’t, you face a gap in your strategy and tools that needs immediate attention.

Take the time to map out your current sales process within your CRM. This exercise isn’t just about documentation; it’s about identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Once you spot these, you can start making targeted improvements.

You may not solve all the problems overnight, but identifying and addressing even one bottleneck can significantly enhance productivity. A small change, like streamlining a step in your process or improving communication flow, can have a compound effect throughout the year.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Your sales team, operations staff, and even your customers can provide invaluable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Collaborate with them to find ways to make your sales process smoother and more customer-friendly.

Your goal should be to make dealing with your company as seamless as possible for your clients. Imagine a scenario where your customers view working with you as the easiest part of their day. This level of customer experience can set you apart in a competitive market.

As we move forward in the New Year, I challenge you to enhance your sales process proactively. A well-optimized sales process increases your team’s productivity and elevates the customer experience.

Make this year count by refining your approach to sales. Good luck, and here’s to a year of effective selling and remarkable growth!

For more insights into this process, watch my video below.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Cultivating Multi-Threaded Relationships in Sales – E72

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Cultivating Multi-Threaded Relationships in Sales – E72

Welcome to another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” with hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey. In this episode, we delve into the nuances of building a robust sales pipeline, focusing on creating a team of buyers rather than sellers. This discussion is crucial for sales leaders, managers, and salespeople across various industries, whether involved in enterprise sales, repetitive sales, consumable sales, or professional services.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. Building Multi-Threaded Relationships: The importance of establishing connections with multiple decision-makers and influencers in the client’s organization.
  2. Strategies for New Salespeople: Tactics for entering new territories and identifying potential clients.
  3. The Role of Sales Leaders: How sales managers can support their team in expanding their client base and building a more robust sales pipeline.
  4. Understanding the Buying Committee: Navigating through the dynamics of group decision-making in sales.
  5. Effective Pipeline Management: Strategies for maintaining and enriching the sales pipeline throughout the year.
  6. The Power of Referrals and Trust: Leveraging trust and referrals to enhance sales effectiveness.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin: “It’s not about how complex our questions need to be to get crazy insightful answers… it’s really about doing the simple things well.”
  • Sean: “Don’t just focus on the VP or director… remember that every influencer in the organization will sway that top person.”

Additional Resources

  • RACI – https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/raci-chart/
  • MEDDPICCC sales methodology for identifying key decision-makers and influencers – http://newsales.expert/2023/10/unlocking-sales-potential-with-meddpiccc-a-comprehensive-guide/
  • The concept of the Power Matrix in sales – https://www.thetrapper.com/2021/11/18/welcome-to-the-power-matrix/

Summary

In this episode, Kevin and Sean provide valuable insights into building a successful sales pipeline, emphasizing the importance of multi-threaded relationships and understanding the dynamics of the buying committee. They offer practical strategies for new and experienced sales professionals and guidance for sales leaders on supporting their teams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their sales process and achieve better results in their sales endeavors. Join us next week for more on building quality relationships and effective pipeline management in sales.

Embrace Continuous Learning for Sales Success in 2024 – Video 9 of the New Year Motivation Series

Embrace Continuous Learning for Sales Success in 2024 – Video 9 of the New Year Motivation Series

In the ever-evolving world of sales, resting on your laurels is not an option. My mission is to inspire small company sales professionals, managers, and CEOs to seek knowledge and improvement constantly. As we venture into the New Year, let’s focus on embracing continuous learning to elevate your sales game.

The first step towards growth is acknowledging there’s always more to learn. With 38 years of experience in sales, I still actively seek new tools, techniques, and ways of presenting. This mindset is crucial for everyone in sales – from the rookie to the veteran.

Immersing yourself in your industry is key. Subscribe to at least two industry newsletters this week. These resources will keep you updated on your field’s latest trends, challenges, and innovations. It’s vital to stay informed and conversant about the evolving landscape of your industry.

Podcasts are a goldmine of information and can be a convenient learning method. I host two sales-focused podcasts, ‘Two Tall Guys Talking Sales‘ and ‘Driving New Sales,’ which offer weekly insights into sales best practices. However, don’t limit yourself – explore other sales and industry-specific podcasts to broaden your knowledge.

Commit to daily reading about sales and your specific industry. Early mornings or commute times are perfect for catching up on the latest articles and insights. Sharing interesting findings with your team or on platforms like LinkedIn can enhance your professional network and credibility.

If you’re in a leadership role, guiding your team through this continuous learning journey is part of your responsibility. Encourage your team to share new insights and strategies, fostering a culture of knowledge and improvement.

No matter where you are in your career, there’s room for improvement. Set personal goals for learning and betterment this year. It’s not just about closing more deals; it’s about becoming a more knowledgeable, versatile, and successful sales professional.

As we embrace this new year, let’s commit to continuous learning and improvement in our sales careers. It’s not just about staying ahead; it’s about setting a new standard for excellence in sales.

Good luck, and here’s to a year of growth and successful selling! Please enjoy the video below, in which I discuss this concept even more.

Elevating Your Sales Game in the New Year: The Essential Guide to Social Selling – Video 8 of the New Year Motivation Series

Elevating Your Sales Game in the New Year: The Essential Guide to Social Selling – Video 8 of the New Year Motivation Series

Understanding and leveraging social selling has become more crucial in a business landscape where digital presence can make or break your sales success. I guide salespeople, sales managers, and CEOs of small companies through the intricacies of social selling to ensure a solid start to the New Year.

Crafting Your Digital Persona

Your online profile, especially on LinkedIn, is often your first impression of a potential client. Is your profile projecting you as a job seeker, or does it establish you as an industry leader and expert? Updating your social media profiles to reflect your professional expertise and the value you bring to your clients is a crucial step.

Consistently sharing relevant industry content is not just about staying active online; it’s about positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and engaged leader in your field. This could be anything from exciting news articles to insightful blog posts that align with your industry and the solutions your company offers.

Engaging with Prospects on Social Platforms

While direct outreach is valuable, the real power of social selling lies in the research and insight phase. When you find a potential client on a platform like LinkedIn, engage with them by sharing content that resonates with their needs or challenges. It’s about building a connection and demonstrating value before the first sales conversation begins.

Setting Goals for Social Media Interaction

Commit to a regular posting and interaction schedule on your chosen social media platform. Aim to publish new, thoughtful content weekly, and make sure to engage with your network. This consistent presence ensures prospects find an industry professional actively contributing to the industry conversation when they research you.

Are you aware of your Social Selling Index (SSI) on LinkedIn? It’s a valuable metric that helps you gauge your effectiveness in social selling. Set goals to improve your SSI by being more active and engaging and providing value through your posts and interactions.

Attend virtual industry events and webinars. This broadens your knowledge and increases your visibility among peers and potential clients. Aim for at least one event per month to maintain a consistent presence.

In this New Year, your ability to harness the power of social selling can significantly impact your sales results. It’s not just about being present online; it’s about strategically building your digital persona to attract and engage with the right prospects.

For more insights on effectively using social selling to boost your revenue, check out my video series with the latest installment below. Let’s make this year a milestone in your sales journey.

Happy selling, and best wishes for a prosperous year ahead!

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Expanding Your Sales Horizon: Conquering New Territories in Consumable Sales – E71

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Expanding Your Sales Horizon: Conquering New Territories in Consumable Sales – E71

Welcome to another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey delve into new territories’ challenges and strategies, especially in consumable sales. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for salespeople and leaders navigating the competitive landscape of selling products that are regularly consumed by customers. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting in a new territory, this episode offers valuable insights into crafting successful sales strategies.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. Strategies for New Salespeople in Established Territories: Understanding how to enter and grow in a territory with established competition.
  2. Importance of Being a Trusted Advisor: The role of salespeople in becoming integral to their customers’ operations and decision-making processes.
  3. Selling Beyond the Product: Emphasizing the value of the salesperson and the company in addition to the product itself.
  4. Differentiating in a Competitive Market: How to stand out when selling products that are similar to what competitors offer.
  5. Leveraging Non-Traditional ICPs (Ideal Client Profiles): Finding success by targeting non-traditional clients who may only purchase specific items from the sales line.
  6. Building and Sustaining Customer Relationships: Strategies for maintaining long-term customer relationships in consumable sales.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin: “You’ve got to give somebody enough reason to give us a try. Whether you’ve gone through Sandler, that ‘give us a try’ is a strategy or it’s a pricing strategy, product strategy, and where you play in the market.”
  • Sean: “You need to get that prospect, that company that isn’t buying from you today, to buy something from you. You need to start to develop that relationship. You earn the right to sell more to them.”

Additional Resources

  • Book: “Challenger Sale” – Recommended by Sean for understanding how to challenge and drive customer businesses – https://a.co/d/hOtMIGp.
  • Sandler Training – Mentioned by Kevin as a resource for sales strategies – https://www.sandler.com/.

Summary

In this episode, Kevin and Sean provide a comprehensive guide on effectively breaking into new territories, especially in industries where products are consumed regularly. They emphasize the importance of being more than just a salesperson; being a trusted advisor and an integral part of the customer’s business. The discussion covers strategies for differentiating in a competitive market, leveraging non-traditional client profiles, and building sustainable customer relationships. This episode is a must-listen for sales professionals looking to expand their reach and deepen their impact in new territories. Join us next week for more insights on “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales.”

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – The Trusted Advisor: Excelling in Consumable Product Sales – E70

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – The Trusted Advisor: Excelling in Consumable Product Sales – E70

Welcome to another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where hosts, Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey, delve into the often-overlooked realm of consumable sales. In this episode, they explore strategies for making that initial sale and ensuring repeat business in a competitive market. Whether you’re selling paper, steel, lubricants, or any consumable product, this episode is packed with valuable insights for sales professionals at all levels.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Importance of Being a Trusted Advisor: Understanding the significance of building solid customer advisory relationships in consumable sales.
  2. Selling Beyond the Product: How to add value and differentiate yourself when selling widely available products that are similar across competitors.
  3. Strategies for New Territory Development: Tips for sales leaders and salespeople on effectively breaking into and growing new sales territories.
  4. Crafting a Unique Selling Proposition (USP): The necessity of developing a compelling USP, even for distributors of similar products.
  5. Role of Sales Managers and CEOs: The importance of leadership in providing tools and processes to support the sales team in delivering value.
  6. Maintaining Customer Satisfaction: Strategies for keeping customers engaged and ensuring repeat business in a competitive environment.

Key Quotes

  • Sean: “The value you bring is you. The value you bring is your ability to understand the prospect, your ability to guide the prospect.”
  • Kevin: “Figure out for yourself what makes the most value for your customers. When they say, ‘thank you,’ what do they say thank you for?”

Additional Resources

  • Book: “Challenger Sale” – Recommended for understanding the concept of challenging and driving customer business – https://a.co/d/cIUwphe.
  • Book: “Eliminate Your Competition” by Sean O’Shaughnessey https://a.co/d/4qCVNEP.

Summary

In this episode, Kevin and Sean provide a deep dive into the world of consumable sales, emphasizing the importance of being more than just a salesperson – being a trusted advisor. They discuss the necessity of understanding your product and your customer, crafting a unique selling proposition, and the critical role of sales managers and CEOs in empowering their teams. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting, this episode offers practical advice and strategies to excel in the competitive market of consumable sales. Tune in to “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” for these and more invaluable sales insights.

The Follow-Up Formula: Driving Sales Success in the New Year – Video 7 of the New Year Motivation Series

The Follow-Up Formula: Driving Sales Success in the New Year – Video 7 of the New Year Motivation Series

As we venture into the New Year, the key to propelling your sales, whether you’re a seasoned sales manager, a striving CEO of a small company, or an enthusiastic salesperson, lies in one critical skill: effective follow-up. My video series aims to arm you with best practices to ensure this year is your most successful yet.

A common pitfall in sales is failing to follow up swiftly and effectively. Every interaction with a client or prospect should be promptly followed by a thank you note or email. This small act signals your dedication and interest in the client’s needs. If you’re leading a team, make it a non-negotiable standard – a follow-up within 24 hours is a must.

A well-implemented CRM system is a game-changer for managing follow-ups. It should facilitate sending personalized emails with just a few clicks. If your CRM process is cumbersome, it’s time to reassess and streamline your approach. Remember, if following up feels like a chore, you’re not using your CRM effectively.

One of the golden rules in sales is to schedule the next one before ending a meeting. This practice helps maintain momentum and keeps you at the forefront of your client’s mind. It eliminates the hassle of tracking someone down later and significantly reduces the chances of being ‘ghosted.’

Consistency in follow-up is vital, but so is adapting your strategy to fit your industry’s unique rhythm. Whether it’s a few days or a month later, re-engage with clients who haven’t responded. This persistence shows your commitment to providing solutions. However, constantly tailor your follow-up timing to suit the client’s needs and industry norms.

Make following up a habit, not an afterthought. Whether you’re a VP of Sales ensuring your team adheres to this practice or a CEO looking to make a significant impact this year, diligent follow-up can be the difference between a good year and a fantastic one. Set reminders, use calendar alerts, and let your CRM be your guide in this journey.

This year, let’s resolve to excel in our follow-up game. It’s not just a sales tactic; it’s a fundamental aspect of building lasting relationships and driving success. Check out my other videos for more insights and strategies to kick-start your sales year with a bang. With the right approach, 2024 can be a year of remarkable achievements in your sales career.

Happy selling, and here’s to making this year not just great but phenomenal!

From Features to Solutions: Rethinking Sales for the New Year – Video 6 of the New Year Motivation Series

From Features to Solutions: Rethinking Sales for the New Year – Video 6 of the New Year Motivation Series

As we navigate the early stages of the New Year, the time is ripe for salespeople, managers, and CEOs of small companies to redefine their approach to sales. My mission is to guide you towards a robust start to the year. Remember, a sluggish beginning can set a challenging precedent, so let’s dive into how to kickstart your sales effectively.

At the heart of every successful sale is the ability to solve a problem. It’s not the product itself that’s key, but the solution it provides. Think beyond the immediate features of what you’re selling – drill down to the core issue it addresses for your client.

There’s a classic saying in sales: You don’t sell the drill, but the hole it makes. However, I encourage you to take this even further. It’s not just about the hole; it’s about what your client does with that hole. Your job is understanding and articulating how your product or service facilitates your client’s goals.

Your communications – proposals, emails, or presentations – should be framed around problem-solving. It’s crucial to showcase your understanding of the client’s challenges and how your product or service offers the solution. This approach makes your proposal resonate with your direct contact and with anyone else who might view it.

Documenting case studies where your product or service solved a specific problem can be incredibly powerful. These real-life examples prove your solution’s effectiveness, making your sales pitch more credible and compelling.

When drafting proposals, focus on the problem you’re solving. Avoid just listing product features or part numbers. Your proposal should narrate a story – the story of how you understand and can solve the client’s unique challenges. This approach is essential, especially when your proposal is passed along to decision-makers who might not know you yet.

In this New Year, your success in sales will hinge not just on what you sell but on how well you connect your product to the solutions your clients seek. Shift from a transactional mindset to a problem-solving approach. This is how you’ll differentiate yourself in a crowded market and drive meaningful, long-lasting client relationships.

Watch my video series for more insights and practical strategies to boost your sales this year. These videos will help you start strong and maintain momentum throughout the year.

Happy selling, and here’s to a successful and prosperous new year!