Keep Your Client’s Outcomes in Mind When Creating Decision Timelines

Keep Your Client’s Outcomes in Mind When Creating Decision Timelines

I regularly talk to my clients who have long and complicated sales processes regarding the need to adopt a Decision Timeline. These are known by many different names, but regardless of name, they are a list of action items that both companies need to check off either independently or mutually. This allows both the selling and buying teams to have a project plan to arrive at a decision to move forward with a financial transaction in return for the product or service.

When a selling team first does a Decision Timeline, it is not unusual for it to be very similar to a Close Plan, but the goal is to have mutually agreed-upon outcomes. My friends at Sales Assembly put out a great video to drive home the correct behavior, and it is worth every salesperson’s time to review it.

I talk about Decision Timelines much more in my book, Eliminate Your Competition, and in my blog supporting that book, The Trapper.

You can purchase my book wherever books are sold such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books A Million. It is available in e-book formats for Nook, Kindle, and iPad.
https://salesassembly.hubs.vidyard.com/watch/HqZPfziKhgx7FrKJNS35oi?
Crafting a Sales Process Flowchart: Visualize the stages in your sales process for consistency – Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses – Episode 9

Crafting a Sales Process Flowchart: Visualize the stages in your sales process for consistency – Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses – Episode 9

Welcome to “Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses,” the essential podcast for B2B sales professionals, managers, and CEOs of companies aiming for revenue growth. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the core of any thriving sales organization: the Sales Process Flowchart. Guided by Sean O’Shaughnessey, a veteran in sales strategy, we’ll explore how to craft and refine your sales process for peak efficiency and effectiveness.

Our esteemed sponsor, Kevin Lawson of Lighthouse Sales Advisors and Sales Xceleration, is our sponsor for this episode. Kevin offers unparalleled sales leadership solutions for small businesses, focusing on navigating sales growth challenges and scaling up operations through his extensive experience. Kevin’s fractional consultancy is the answer for those looking for expert guidance in sales team development without the commitment of a full-time executive.

Contact Kevin:
Email: Kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kwlawson

Key Topics Discussed

  • Blueprint of Success: Discover the importance of having a well-defined Sales Process Flowchart as your guide through the sales journey.
  • Stages of the Sales Process: Sean breaks down each stage of the sales process, from prospecting to nurturing long-term relationships.
  • Customizing Your Sales Approach: Learn the significance of tailoring your sales process to fit your unique business model and industry requirements.
  • Visualizing the Sales Funnel: An exploration of how visualizing your sales funnel can identify potential leaks and optimize the sales journey.
  • Leveraging Technology: Insight into how automation tools and CRM systems can enhance your sales process and free up your team to focus on selling.
  • The Dynamic Nature of Sales Processes: Emphasizing the importance of continuous feedback and adaptation to keep your sales process relevant and effective.

Key Quotes

  • “Success doesn’t come from random acts of effort. It requires a blueprint, a master plan that orchestrates every step of the sales journey.”
  • “Imagine your Sales Process Flowchart as the architectural plan for a skyscraper. Without it, you’re merely stacking bricks without knowing how high they should go.”
  • “Technology is the wind beneath our sales team’s wings, freeing them up to do what they do best—sell.”

Additional Resources

  • Sales Management Association Study: Highlights the performance impact of using a formal sales process.
  • Harvard Business Review Study: Shows a significant revenue increase for businesses with a standardized sales process.

Action Items You Can Do Today

  • Develop a Visual Sales Process Flowchart: Start with a simple outline and refine it to suit your team’s needs.
  • Solicit Feedback from Your Sales Team: Use their frontline insights to improve your sales process.
  • Customize Your Approach: Ensure your sales stages align with your business model for increased efficiency.
  • Invest in Training and Technology: Equip your team with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel.
  • Embrace Continuous Improvement: Regularly update your sales process based on feedback and changing market conditions.

Today’s episode with Sean O’Shaughnessey has armed you with the knowledge to construct a Sales Process Flowchart that is the backbone of a successful sales strategy. Implementing the discussed actionable strategies will refine your sales process, making it a powerful engine for business growth. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes to further empower your journey to becoming a sales powerhouse.

Contact Information

  • Sean O’Shaughnessey: Email – Sean@NewSales.Expert

For more expert advice on transforming your sales strategies, don’t forget to subscribe to “Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses.” Join us next time for another deep dive into the strategies that can elevate your sales game. Until then, keep selling smart and forging meaningful connections with your customers.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – From Stories to Sales: Leveraging Narrative Power with Jeff Clair – E75

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – From Stories to Sales: Leveraging Narrative Power with Jeff Clair – E75

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey on “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” for a captivating conversation with special guest Jeff Clair, a fractional VP of sales and the brain behind ClairVoyant Consulting LLC. In this episode, Jeff shares his invaluable insights on the power of storytelling in sales, offering practical tips for salespeople to engage and connect with their prospects effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or new to the field, this discussion is packed with advice to elevate your sales approach through compelling storytelling.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Art of Storytelling in Sales: Jeff emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a memorable and impactful way to communicate with prospects.
  2. Remembering and Crafting Stories: Insights into how salespeople can remember and craft stories that resonate with their audience, making the prospect the story’s hero.
  3. The Role of Salespeople as Guides: Drawing parallels from popular movies, Jeff illustrates how salespeople should position themselves as guides in their storytelling, akin to characters like Yoda in “Star Wars.”
  4. Practicing Storytelling: The significance of practicing storytelling within sales teams, including role-playing exercises to refine this skill.
  5. Connecting Stories to the Buyer’s Journey: Jeff connects the dots on how storytelling fits into the buyer’s journey, providing a framework for new and seasoned sales professionals to enhance their sales strategies.
  6. Role-Playing and Feedback: An exploration of effective training techniques, including role-playing, to help salespeople become more engaging and confident storytellers.

Key Quotes

Jeff Clair:

“People tend not to remember the facts, but they remember stories…great storytellers infuse different senses, which is really great.”

Kevin Lawson:

“Practice makes easy. Not practice makes perfect…there’s always room for improvement.”

Sean O’Shaughnessey:

“Practice allows you to figure out how to do it better…those people in small organizations tend not to practice enough.”

Additional Resources

  • The Story Brand by Donald Miller: Recommended reading for salespeople and marketing professionals to master the art of storytelling in business.

Summary

This insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” dives deep into the transformative role of storytelling in the sales process. With his rich experience in sales leadership, Jeff Clair shares why stories captivate, how to craft them effectively, and the importance of salespeople seeing themselves as guides for their prospects. Through role-playing and practice, Jeff underscores the significance of confidence and personalization in storytelling, ensuring that each story resonates deeply with the intended audience. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of storytelling to not just sell but to connect and inspire action.

Elevate your sales game with the art of storytelling. Download this episode now and transform how you engage with your prospects.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Navigating the Sales Process: Insights from Jeff Clair of ClairVoyant Consulting – E74

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Navigating the Sales Process: Insights from Jeff Clair of ClairVoyant Consulting – E74

Dive into the world of sales excellence with “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” as hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey welcome Jeff Clair from ClairVoyant Consulting LLC. In this compelling episode, Jeff, a seasoned fractional VP of Sales, shares his East Coast insights into overcoming common sales challenges, utilizing innovative strategies, and enhancing the sales process. Join us as we explore the nuances of sales from different regional perspectives, offering valuable advice for sales professionals across the spectrum.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Importance of a Defined Sales Process: Jeff emphasizes the critical role of having a structured sales process and how the lack of one can lead to salespeople ‘winging it.’
  2. Utilizing CRM for Sales Success: The discussion highlights how CRM tools can delineate sales stages, aiding salespeople in navigating from lead generation to closing.
  3. Referral Strategies: The panel delves into the potential of referrals in sales and why many salespeople hesitate to ask for them, missing out on valuable opportunities.
  4. Closing Techniques and Challenges: Jeff shares insights into salespeople’s common hurdles when closing deals and the strategic importance of asking the right questions.
  5. The Power of Storytelling in Sales: Jeff advocates for storytelling as a technique to connect with prospects, positioning them as the ‘hero’ of their journey with your product or service.
  6. Guidance over Selling: The notion that successful salespeople guide rather than sell to their prospects, encouraging sales teams to adopt a consultative approach.

Key Quotes

Jeff Clair:

“Nobody really sells people anything…successful salespeople identify needs, desires, wants, and then satisfies those needs, desires, or wants with the product that they have.”

Kevin Lawson:

“Facts tell and stories sell…we’re going to unpack how stories sell in our next episode.”

Sean O’Shaughnessey:

“A salesperson is a guide…they are experts in selling their product. The prospect probably is not an expert in buying that thing.”

Summary

This episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” is a treasure trove for anyone looking to sharpen their sales skills. With Jeff Clair’s expertise, the discussion sheds light on critical aspects of the sales process, from the initial lead generation to the final close. By addressing salespeople’s common pitfalls and offering strategies to overcome them, Jeff, Kevin, and Sean provide listeners with actionable advice to elevate their sales game. Whether you’re a seasoned VP of Sales or a sales professional looking to improve your approach, this episode is packed with insights that can transform your sales strategy and lead to greater success. Tune in to learn how to navigate the sales process confidently, leverage your CRM effectively, and harness the power of storytelling to connect with your prospects on a deeper level.

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.

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.

Unleashing Your Sales Potential in the New Year: The CRM Game-Changer – Video 5 of the New Year Motivation Series

Unleashing Your Sales Potential in the New Year: The CRM Game-Changer – Video 5 of the New Year Motivation Series

As the new year unfolds, the urgency to hit the ground running in sales is paramount. My mission is to guide you toward a robust sales strategy. The cornerstone of this strategy? Mastering your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

The Critical Role of CRM in Sales Success

A CRM is more than just a tool; it’s the lifeline of your sales process. If you’re still on the fence about using a CRM or struggling with your existing system, it’s time for a change. A well-implemented CRM can revolutionize how you track, interact with, and close deals with your clients.

Practical CRM Usage: Beyond the Basics

Are you just logging in and updating records, or are you actively utilizing your CRM to set daily goals and time blocks? A proactive approach to your CRM involves strategic planning and analysis. Use it to identify trends, focus on high-potential clients, and set specific targets for customer interactions.

If your organization hasn’t adopted a CRM yet, don’t wait. Modern CRMs are affordable, with some even free, offering a significant return on investment. As a sales professional, taking charge of your client management through a personal CRM can set you apart and drive your success.

Understanding the full capabilities of a CRM takes time. For more detailed advice and strategies, reach out to me directly. I offer a wealth of resources on effective CRM utilization on my website and LinkedIn, tailored to enhance your sales performance.

Remember, a CRM isn’t just about managing contacts; it’s about maximizing your sales efficiency and effectiveness. Make this year the year you harness the full power of your CRM, and watch as your sales figures soar.

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

Please check out my short video below for more helpful guidance on the importance of your CRM in growing sales.