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Skinned Knees Blog

What An MBA Didn’t Teach You About Sales

The sales profession is challenging. You need to work hard at it to succeed. You need to learn from the best. You need to improve your skills continuously. If you think you can sell since you are a hit at parties and have a lot of friends, you may soon find that you are a failure as a salesperson. Blunt truth:

because the sales profession is so hard, you have to focus on doing everything in sales very well, or you will be considered a failure.

I call this blog, Skinned Knees because I try to relate all of the learning that I have done over the past 4+ decades (while skinning my knees in the learning process).

I hope that you learn from my mistakes so that your business will grow!

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

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

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

Entering the New Year, it’s vital for sales teams to analyze and improve their negotiation strategies for enhanced deal profitability. Reflecting on past negotiations to identify weaknesses is key. Embracing continuous learning and preparation, like training and scenario planning, can significantly boost bottom lines. The goal is to negotiate mutually beneficial deals without unnecessary concessions, thereby maximizing value and profit with every transaction.

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

Entering the New Year, it’s essential to refine sales strategies by utilizing CRM systems effectively to boost sales efficiency. Identifying and addressing bottlenecks within the sales process can enhance productivity and improve customer experience. Collaboration and continuous refinement will lead to seamless client interactions and differentiate your business in the market. Aim for proactive sales process optimization to ensure a successful year ahead.

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

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

A seasoned sales expert urges continuous learning to excel in the sales industry. Emphasizing the importance of staying informed through newsletters, podcasts, and daily reading, the author advocates for a growth mindset across all sales levels. Leadership roles involve guiding teams towards shared knowledge and improvement, setting higher standards for success in the evolving landscape of sales.

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

Leveraging social selling is essential in today’s digital-first business environment. This guide offers advice on creating a professional digital persona, engaging with prospects, and setting consistent interaction goals on platforms like LinkedIn. It emphasizes the importance of activities such as updating profiles, sharing relevant content, and attending virtual events to build connections and increase sales success. A focus is placed on using LinkedIn’s Social Selling Index (SSI) to measure and improve social selling effectiveness, aiming to make the New Year a milestone in sales achievement.

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

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

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

Effective follow-up is essential for sales success in the New Year, as emphasized in a video series covering best practices. Promptly thanking clients, utilizing a CRM efficiently, scheduling the next meeting immediately, and adapting follow-up strategies to industry rhythms are crucial steps. These actions distinguish a good sales year from a fantastic one, underlining the importance of follow-up in building relationships and achieving sales targets.