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.

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.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Elevating Your Sales Game: Key Strategies for Pipeline Development – E66

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Elevating Your Sales Game: Key Strategies for Pipeline Development – E66

Welcome to another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive deep into the crucial topic of building a new pipeline for business growth. In this episode, Kevin shares his expertise on net new pipeline growth, offering valuable strategies for sales leaders and teams to enhance their sales processes and achieve success.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. Net New Pipeline Growth: Kevin emphasizes the importance of building a net new pipeline, focusing on strategic and tactical levels to drive sales success.
  2. Activities That Matter: The discussion highlights the significance of consistent, purposeful activities that contribute to sales success, moving beyond quotas to meaningful engagement.
  3. Sales and Marketing Synergy: Kevin stresses the need for sales and marketing to work harmoniously, focusing on acquiring and retaining customers through collaborative efforts.
  4. Role of Sales Leaders: The episode delves into the responsibilities of sales leaders in ensuring their teams focus on the right activities and engage with the right prospects.
  5. Importance of Sales Process and CRM: Kevin discusses how a well-structured sales process and effective CRM usage are crucial for managing and converting leads effectively.
  6. Personal and Professional Brand Building: The conversation touches upon the importance of salespeople growing their network and brand to attract the ideal client profiles.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin: “Activities do matter… It’s about doing the things consistently over time that we know return success.”
  • Kevin: “Sales and marketing should be complimentary, not adversarial… Our whole goal is to acquire and retain customers.”
  • Kevin: “As salespeople, we have a responsibility to be intentional… about creating enough relevant content via activity to get in front of the right people.”

Additional Resources

  • Sales methodologies like MEDDPICCC, SOAR, and BANT.

Summary

In this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” Kevin Lawson discusses the critical aspect of building a new pipeline for business growth. He provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and activities necessary for sales success, emphasizing the synergy between sales and marketing, the role of sales leaders, and the importance of a well-structured sales process. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for sales professionals looking to enhance their approach to sales and achieve their goals in the coming year. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and elevate your sales game.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Breaking the Sales Rollercoaster: Strategies for Steady Success – E60

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Breaking the Sales Rollercoaster: Strategies for Steady Success – E60

Welcome to another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive deep into B2B sales management, sharing their extensive knowledge and experience. This episode is a must-listen for sales professionals who handle the entire sales cycle, from lead generation to closing deals. Kevin and Sean explore effective strategies to avoid the pitfalls of one-dimensional outreach and the rollercoaster effect in sales. Their conversation is packed with actionable advice, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their sales skills.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Full Sales Cycle Challenge: Understanding the complexities of managing every stage of the sales process.
  2. Diversifying Outreach Strategies: The importance of using multiple channels and methods in sales outreach.
  3. Avoiding the Rollercoaster Effect: Strategies to maintain a consistent pipeline and steady revenue flow.
  4. Building and Utilizing a Robust Contact List: Effective ways to create and engage with a list of potential leads.
  5. The Art of Persistent Outreach: How repeated, varied contacts can lead to successful conversions.
  6. Personalizing Sales Approaches: Tailoring strategies to meet potential clients’ specific needs and preferences.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “We need to be pulling all these threads to weave the cloth that we want to cover our table.”
  • Sean: “You need to make them smarter. And in order to do it, just like when you were in high school, when you were in college, and you were trying to learn a new subject, learn a new thing, did you ever have it where your professor was trying to teach you something? It just wasn’t sticking.”

Additional Resources

Summary Paragraph

In this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” Kevin and Sean provide a treasure trove of insights for sales professionals. They emphasize the importance of a multi-faceted outreach strategy, consistent engagement, and personalization in the sales process. Their practical tips and real-world examples make this episode a valuable listen for anyone in sales, from newbies to seasoned pros. Tune in to learn how to transform your sales approach, build a robust pipeline, and achieve consistent success in your sales career.

Eight of Spades: Defining your corporate sales strategy: Crafting a Sales Process Flowchart: Visualize the stages in your sales process for consistency

Eight of Spades: Defining your corporate sales strategy: Crafting a Sales Process Flowchart: Visualize the stages in your sales process for consistency

The Quintessential Blueprint for Sales Mastery

In architecture, the blueprint guides turn an imagined design into a tangible, functional building. Similarly, a Sales Process Flowchart is the foundational structure upon which sales organizations can build scalable, consistent, and successful strategies. The importance of this tool lies in its ability to crystallize the sales process into a series of actionable steps, thereby providing a roadmap to success. The goal is to achieve consistency, predictability, and scalability, key tenets that enable sales organizations to meet and surpass their revenue targets.

Navigating the Symphony of Sales

Imagine a scenario where each musician in an orchestra independently chooses the tune, pitch, or timing, neglecting the conductor’s directions. The result would undoubtedly be a chaotic cacophony rather than a mellifluous melody. The outcome is no different in a sales organization devoid of structured processes. There would be discord, confusion, and, ultimately, a waste of valuable resources, tarnishing the reputation of the organization. It’s crucial to set the stage with a meticulously designed Sales Process Flowchart, which acts as the conductor, harmonizing the orchestra of sales activities to create a seamless and pleasant experience for both the sales team and the clients.

More Than Just a Visual Representation

One might argue that a flowchart is simply a visual representation—useful but not essential. However, this understates its pivotal role in an organization. A Sales Process Flowchart serves as a multi-faceted instrument, similar to a map charting the course of a river from its source to the ocean. By meticulously documenting each bend, stream, and tributary, one gains understanding and control over its flow. Such a flowchart aids in:

  • Standardization: By laying out a common framework, the flowchart minimizes ambiguities, ensuring that all team members are aligned in their objectives and strategies.
  • Efficiency: When every stage and step is defined, sales representatives can navigate the selling process faster and with more agility, thereby accelerating the sales cycle.
  • Training and Onboarding: For newcomers to the team, the flowchart acts as a quick reference guide, enabling a quicker path to becoming a productive member of the sales force.

Crafting the Masterpiece: Methodological Precision

The development of a Sales Process Flowchart is neither arbitrary nor superficial; it is a blend of art and science. The task begins with identifying key stages in your sales process, such as lead generation, qualification, and closing deals. Each stage must be broken down into actionable components like a skilled craftsman chiseling away at a block of marble to reveal the sculpture within.

Next, these stages are sequenced in a way that makes logical sense. While the sales process can sometimes be iterative, a primary, repeatable pathway is essential for the sake of uniformity. Feedback mechanisms are integrated at crucial junctures to glean insights for continuous improvement. Remember, the flowchart isn’t a static document; it’s a dynamic blueprint that should evolve with market trends, customer preferences, and organizational changes.

The Endgame: Achieving Clarity and Consistency

The ultimate goal of implementing a Sales Process Flowchart is achieving clarity and ensuring consistency. In an age where most buying experiences are shaped by how customers feel they are being treated, consistency is not merely a bonus—it’s a requirement. The flowchart levels the playing field, ensuring that each customer experiences the same quality of service, irrespective of the sales representative they interact with.

Additionally, for the sales team, the benefit is immense. When the fog of ambiguity is lifted, sales professionals can execute their tasks with a well-defined sense of direction, equipped with measurable benchmarks and a clear vision.

Key Takeaways

For sales leaders aiming to elevate their teams to new heights, neglecting the role of a Sales Process Flowchart is not an option. This tool is instrumental in transforming sales strategies into actionable steps, thereby setting the stage for success. Ask yourself, does your organization have a Sales Process Flowchart? If not, it’s time to draw the blueprint for a harmonious, efficient, and wildly successful sales symphony.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Driving Sales Success: Why KPIs Are More Than Just Numbers – Episode 45

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Driving Sales Success: Why KPIs Are More Than Just Numbers – Episode 45

Get ready to unlock the secrets of mastering the sales game with Two Tall Guys Talking Sales! This episode delves into the nuances of key performance indicators (KPIs), their significance in measuring sales efficiency, and the art of mentorship among salespeople. Listen as our hosts Sean and Kevin uncover the analogy of KPIs and share insights about setting the right measures for salespeople at various career stages.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Understanding Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: Foreseeing future trends and not just measuring past achievements is important.
  2. KPIs and the Marriage Analogy: Setting the right measures to cultivate relationships, just as one nurtures a romantic relationship.
  3. Differentiating KPIs for New vs. Veteran Salespeople: Tailoring strategies for those new to the profession, the company, or the industry.
  4. The Power of Mentorship: Leveraging the experiences of veteran salespeople and fostering growth among younger salespeople.
  5. Sales Training and Coaching: How combining formal sales training with hands-on coaching can amplify results.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “KPIs are not about only the number of deals you sold. It’s about, ‘Am I doing the right behaviors over time?'”
  • Sean: “Those KPIs can’t be a hundred percent looking backward. We need to look ahead and say, what are we doing to generate business?”
  • Kevin: “Activity measures for new salespeople are different. I’m talking about doing the well-researched, planned prospecting call.”
  • Sean: “The real advantage of The RAIN Group is its training combined with my coaching.”

Additional Resources:

With a blend of engaging analogies, actionable insights, and personal experiences, Sean and Kevin illuminate the complex world of sales KPIs. Whether you’re a seasoned salesperson or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom that can transform your approach to sales. Dive deep into the essence of mentorship, discover the right measures for tracking success, and unearth the significance of forward-looking indicators. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your sales strategies and metrics. Listen now and redefine your sales mastery with Two Tall Guys Talking Sales!

August Newsletter

August Newsletter

I hope you enjoy my August Newsletter

I hope you enjoy my August Newsletter

Published: Tue, 08/15/23


Sean O’Shaughnessey
CEO and President
New Sales Expert LLC
[email protected]
513.348.8700

6561 Bluegrass Way
Mason OH 45040
US


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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Revamping Your Outbound Sales Approach: Value Proposition, Touch Points, and Tactics – Episode 43

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Revamping Your Outbound Sales Approach: Value Proposition, Touch Points, and Tactics – Episode 43

Welcome to another exciting episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales with hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey. This episode delves into the vital world of outbound sales in a post-COVID landscape. We discuss strategies for creating an effective outbound pipeline, reflecting on our experiences with trade shows, and how to nail your unique value proposition. Discover how to master omnichannel outreach and understand why persistence is key in today’s competitive market.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. The Trade Show Experience: Kevin and Sean open up about the highs and lows of trade shows and how the pandemic has shifted the industry’s focus from this traditional method of sales and marketing.
  2. Creating an Effective Outbound Pipeline: Our hosts emphasize the importance of having a clear, unique value proposition and understanding how it can resonate with your potential customers.
  3. Omni Channel Outreach: Kevin and Sean highlight the significance of reaching out to prospects across various channels – emails, phone calls, social media, and even traditional mail. They discuss the need for persistence in reaching out and making numerous touches to get a prospect’s attention.
  4. Prospecting and Value Proposition: Sean shares insights on how a value proposition can differ based on the industry and target audience. They talk about understanding and tailoring your value proposition to your audience for better customer engagement.
  5. Leveraging Tools for Sales Outreach: The hosts discuss a range of tools that can assist in streamlining and tracking your outreach efforts, from LinkedIn prospecting tools to CRMs and even task management tools.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “Trade shows in a pre COVID environment were the lifeblood of many sales organizations… But here we are in a post-COVID world, and what we saw in the midst of COVID was pipeline evacuation.”
  • Sean: “The first thing I tell everybody is, “What are you going to say, and what makes it unique and valuable to your prospects?”
  • Sean: “Your unique value proposition may be targeted to a specific customer and you might have a different one targeted to a different customer… but then you need to make unique messaging for every one of those and unique tries for each one of those.”

Additional Resources:

  • CRM Tools
  • LinkedIn prospecting tools
  • Task management tools (Asana, Trello, Monday.com)

Summary:

In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey offer a practical, insightful guide to successfully navigating outbound sales in our new normal. They share their expertise in creating a compelling, unique value proposition, omnichannel outreach’s importance, and persistence’s role in sales. You’ll gain a wealth of advice, from understanding your value in a specific industry to leveraging various outreach tools to streamline and enhance your prospecting process. Listen to this episode for a deep dive into the tactics and strategies that can reshape your approach to outbound sales.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Bridging the Sales and Marketing Gap: Mastering MQLs and SQLs – Episode 38

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Bridging the Sales and Marketing Gap: Mastering MQLs and SQLs – Episode 38

In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Sean O’Shaughnessey and Kevin Lawson delve into the crucial difference between a Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL) and a Sales Qualified Lead (SQL). They explain how the two require different types of messaging and engagement and highlight the importance of refining the process of transitioning leads from one category to another.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Differences between MQLs and SQLs: Kevin begins the episode by comparing the difference in approach between MQLs and SQLs to the difference in speaking to a large group vs. one-on-one conversations. The messaging and engagement are distinct, and as an MQL transitions into an SQL, the engagement becomes more personalized and directed.
  • Avoiding Pipeline Clutter: Sean reflects on instances when leads aren’t adequately transitioned from marketing to sales, causing clutter and inefficiency in the sales pipeline. He emphasizes the importance of discerning when a prospect needs more time to be ready to progress in the sales process and re-engaging them through marketing efforts.
  • Sales-Marketing Synergy: Kevin stresses the need for sales and marketing teams to collaborate efficiently. Sales leaders should be grateful for the groundwork done by marketing teams as they set the stage for more specific conversations with leads.
  • Understanding Lead Progression: Kevin and Sean recommend salespeople understand a lead’s journey from an MQL to an SQL. Knowing how a lead has interacted with the brand helps salespeople improve lead quality and engagement.
  • The Importance of Problem Identification: Sean insists on the importance of early identification of the problem you’re solving for the lead. If the salesperson is convinced they can solve a specific issue, the lead becomes an SQL, and the task shifts to convincing the customer of the solution.

Key Quotes

  • Sean: “Sales brings in revenue. Customers get a product in return, and that keeps everybody employed and going forward.”
  • Kevin: “Marketing and sales all have the same goal, sell more. It’s how we stay employed.”

Additional Resources

  • ‘The Sales Acceleration Formula’ by Mark Roberge, mentioned by Kevin as a recommended read.

This episode is a must-listen for those looking to understand the crucial transition from MQLs to SQLs, how to avoid pipeline clutter, and the importance of a symbiotic relationship between sales and marketing. Whether you’re in B2B sales, a startup, or an established company, you’ll find invaluable insights to apply to your sales processes.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Navigating Your Sales Pipeline: Effective Strategies for Conversion Success – Episode 37

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Navigating Your Sales Pipeline: Effective Strategies for Conversion Success – Episode 37

On this insightful episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, co-hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive into a crucial aspect of successful sales: managing and organizing a sales pipeline.

Episode Highlights:

  1. The Pipeline Mess: Sales pipelines, just like a room full of kids’ sports gear, can often become chaotic. Sean and Kevin discuss the importance of maintaining a clear and clean pipeline for better sales results.
  2. Salespeople vs. Customers: Sean brings attention to an essential difference between a prospect exploring an idea and a prospect making a purchase. Just because a customer is talking to a salesperson doesn’t mean they’re buying.
  3. Clarifying Sales Terminology: Kevin emphasizes the importance of using correct terminology. He defines a lead as a piece of data and a prospect as someone engaged in an active sales discussion. Establishing this common language helps untangle potential confusion in the pipeline.
  4. Understanding the Buying Process: Sean explains the importance of knowing where you stand with the customer. He suggests asking, “Does the prospect know they’re buying something?” If the answer is no, it may still be early in the buying process.
  5. Economic Buyer and Decision-making: Both Sean and Kevin delve into the role of the Economic Buyer, who can control a budget and make purchasing decisions. They illustrate how understanding the different roles within the buying process can optimize the sales strategy.
  6. Goals vs. Pain: Sean warns against focusing solely on pain points and emphasizes that it’s essential to consider the customer’s goals. The failure to achieve a goal can often be a bigger pain point and, therefore, a more significant motivator to make a purchase.

Listen to the episode to get actionable advice on managing your sales pipeline effectively. Ideal for sales leaders, business owners, and salespersons, this episode is packed with insights, real-life experiences, and strategies to boost your sales results. If you’re looking to tidy up your pipeline and refine your sales strategies, this episode is a must-listen.