Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – From CRM to AI: Building Your Sales Toolbox – E113

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – From CRM to AI: Building Your Sales Toolbox – E113

In this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive into the critical tools every modern salesperson needs to thrive. Whether you’re equipping yourself in a tech-limited environment or looking to amplify your selling power with affordable tools, Kevin and Sean share practical insights from their decades of experience in sales and technology. This episode is packed with actionable advice for sales professionals looking to streamline their workflows and close deals more efficiently.

Key Topics Discussed

  • [00:01:00] Taking Notes Efficiently: The duo discusses tools like Evernote, OneNote, and even native apps like Notes, emphasizing the importance of accessible, synchronized note-taking for sales success.
  • [00:03:00] CRM Essentials: Why Outlook or spreadsheets don’t cut it as CRMs and affordable alternatives like HubSpot and Insightly that can transform your sales process.
  • [00:05:00] Integration is Key: Kevin highlights how integrating tools like email, CRMs, and AI writing assistants such as ChatGPT or Claude can create a seamless selling experience.
  • [00:07:30] Managing Mileage and Expenses: Sean introduces tools like MileIQ and Expensify to streamline mileage tracking and expense management for busy salespeople.
  • [00:12:00] Staying Top of Mind: How CRMs help salespeople maintain relationships by tracking the timing and content of client interactions.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin [00:05:00]: “Integrate everything. All of your tools should talk to each other—most of that, you’ll find under the marketplace of your CRM.”
  • Sean [00:04:00]: “Outlook is not a CRM. Gmail is not a CRM. They’re just tools. A true CRM system will help you relate multiple people together at the same company and keep track of your progress.”
  • Kevin [00:13:30]: “When we write to reconnect, it’s not about us; it’s about them. The fewer times you say ‘I, me, or my’ in an email, the better your message will land.”

Additional Resources

  • HubSpot CRM: A free CRM option for individual salespeople to manage contacts and deals.
  • Insightly CRM: A free CRM option for individual salespeople to manage contacts and deals.
  • MileIQ: A mileage-tracking app that simplifies expense reporting.
  • Expensify: A freemium tool to manage receipts and expenses with ease.
  • ChatGPT and Claude: AI writing tools that improve email and content creation for sales professionals.
  • Grammarly: An AI-powered writing assistant that enhances communication by providing real-time feedback on grammar, clarity, tone, and style across various platforms and devices.

A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast

Build your integrated tech stack now. Start by selecting a free CRM like HubSpot or Insightly, then add complementary tools for note-taking, mileage tracking, and email integration. Use AI tools like ChatGPT to refine your communications and ensure every tool in your stack works seamlessly.

Summary

Whether you’re a tech-savvy salesperson or just starting to explore the power of modern tools, this episode offers a roadmap for building an affordable, effective sales tech stack. Kevin and Sean provide real-world examples and practical advice to help you stay organized, build stronger client relationships, and close deals faster. Don’t miss this episode—it could be the catalyst for taking your sales game to the next level. Listen now!

Roadblocks, Detours, and Destinations: The Intricate Art of Sales Strategy

Roadblocks, Detours, and Destinations: The Intricate Art of Sales Strategy

There’s an ongoing conversation about the importance of strategy, process, and anticipating potential challenges in B2B sales. There’s an analogy that encapsulates this perfectly – imagine you’re on a road trip. You have a destination in mind but are unfamiliar with the route. This is where tools like Waze, Google Maps, or Apple Maps come into play. They direct you to your destination and alert you about potential roadblocks, construction, traffic, or other unexpected events that might delay your journey. 

This is precisely how a sales strategy should work. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B but also about understanding the complexities of the journey and preparing for potential roadblocks. For salespeople, managers, and CEOs, understanding the strategy is critical to increasing revenue and improving productivity.

Understanding that a strategy involves more than just the turns along the way is vital. It also involves how to navigate through different areas, understand the speed limit, and anticipate any warnings that might come up. Many salespeople don’t fully grasp these challenges and tend to take them as they come rather than anticipating them and planning accordingly. 

Like Waze uses real-time data to adapt to changes on the road, a sales strategy should adjust to new information and circumstances. For example, if there’s construction up ahead or a detour is required, Waze will adapt and provide a new route. Similarly, salespeople should be able to adjust their strategies based on new information or unexpected challenges. 

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Unlocking Growth: How TriState Fabricators Transformed Their Sales Approach

Unlocking Growth: How TriState Fabricators Transformed Their Sales Approach

Have you ever wondered how a well-established manufacturing company can revolutionize its sales strategy? The journey of TriState Fabricators, a premier metal fabrication shop in the Midwest, offers compelling insights into this process. In a recent interview, I sat down with Joe Vogt, President and Owner, and Jonathon Padial, VP of Sales, to discuss their transformative experience.

With his 20-year tenure at TriState, Joe Vogt recognized the need for change to scale the business. The company’s sales approach was primarily reactive, relying on RFPs and inside sales personnel. But how do you shift from this traditional model to a proactive, growth-oriented strategy?

Enter the game-changers: a fractional VP of Sales, a robust CRM system, and comprehensive sales leadership training. These tools provided the structure and visibility that TriState had been lacking. Joe Vogt hired Sean O’Shaughnessey, CEO of New Sales Expert, to come in and revamp the sales organization and install best-in-class practices. Sean entered as the VP of Sales and quickly assessed the need to understand the deals better, so he installed Pipedrive as their CRM system. He also started to train the salespeople in the needed sales skills during L10-style meetings patterned after EOS L10 management meetings. To get closer to the biggest customers, the company started to have quarterly business reviews with the biggest and most profitable customers.

Vogt praises O’Shaughnessey several times in the full interview but at one place said, “So I look at Vistage as my board of directors essentially. You were an internal board member for me. I never met anybody with more sales knowledge in my life.”

After several months, Vogt and O’Shaughnessey agreed it was time for TSF to run autonomously and without Sean’s help. After an intense interview process, they hired Jonathon Padial to be Sean’s heir apparent in sales leadership. Coming from a software background, Jonathon continued the emphasis on Pipedrive and a structured sales process. “It’s allowed us to really capture more and for my team to see what’s coming in,” Padial noted. But is technology alone enough to drive change?

The fundamental transformation came from empowering the sales team. Vogt and Padial underwent Certified Sales Leadership (CSL) training, which Padial described as his “bible” for navigating leadership challenges. This training, coupled with their involvement in Vistage and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), created a powerful trifecta for growth.

But how do you manage such significant changes in an established company culture? Vogt stressed the importance of communication and structure. “If you give structure with the change, it really helps. And you get the people to understand why you’re changing and what the benefits are going to be,” he explained. This approach has led to a more engaged and cohesive sales team than ever before.

Looking to the future, TriState Fabricators is poised for controlled, strategic growth. With plans to incorporate AI and new manufacturing technologies, they’re positioning themselves at the forefront of the industry. But as Padial reminded us, success in manufacturing isn’t just about technology – it’s about relationships and exceptional customer service.

Are you curious to hear more about TriState Fabricators’ journey and gain insights that could transform your business? The full video interview delves into their experiences, challenges, and strategies. It’s a must-watch for any business leader looking to drive growth and embrace organizational change. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights – check out the full interview today!

Differentiating in the Sales Process: The Key to Boosting Bottom Line

Differentiating in the Sales Process: The Key to Boosting Bottom Line

The roles of salespeople, sales managers, and small business CEOs are ever-evolving. A common problem faced is increasing revenue and productivity in sales processes. This goal is common for all, from individual salespeople striving to provide for their families to CEOs seeking to boost their company’s bottom line. The key to achieving this lies in understanding the dynamic nature of the sales environment and leveraging it effectively.

A significant part of the sales process revolves around the buyer’s perception of a product or service as a commodity. This misclassification is usually caused by insufficient differentiation in the early stages of the sales process. Differentiation is crucial in any sales process, regardless of the industry or scenario. Creating enough differentiation can be the difference between closing a deal at a discounted rate or the desired price.

Salespeople are experts in their field, whether selling a unique product specific to their company or a common commodity. They typically have a deeper understanding of what they are selling than their prospects have about what they are buying. This expertise should be leveraged to guide prospects through the buying process, adding value to the relationship and making the salesperson indispensable. This approach can reduce the emphasis on price and increase the potential for higher earnings.

Every business has unique values that differentiate it from its competitors. These unique values could be anything from their mission, vision, and values to their market commitment and guarantee. This is commonly called a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) or a Unique Sales Proposition (USP). While a UVP and a USP are similar, there is a slight difference in that the former is typically created by the Marketing department (or sometimes with the help of a business adviser such as an EOS implementer. The latter is directly targeted at salespeople and what a salesperson should say to their prospects and customers. Salespeople should understand what makes them different and communicate this effectively to their prospects. The ability to create separation and differentiate oneself is why people pay for a product or service.

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Unstick Your Sales: The Importance of Understanding the Buyer’s Journey

Unstick Your Sales: The Importance of Understanding the Buyer’s Journey

It’s no secret that the dynamics between the buyer and the salesperson play a pivotal role in sealing the deal. The conversation often revolves around real sales issues, selling situations, and sales leadership. 

Let’s delve into a scenario. You’re selling to a beer industry manufacturer, and their first question is about your price. This immediate focus on cost might make you think this may not be a good prospect. However, it’s crucial to remember that you can’t be disrespectful or dismissive. As salespeople, it’s our job to work with what we have. 

In this situation, the salesperson has to conduct a discovery call and engage a subject matter expert to understand the prospect’s business process, adaptation, and conversion. Unfortunately, the interaction turned into a commodity exchange, with the buyer solely interested in the number of users and the price per user. 

This scenario illustrates a common challenge in sales: the sales and buying processes often need to align. How your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is set up may not necessarily mirror how the buyer decides. Therefore, figuring out how to sell more effectively based on the buyer’s journey is crucial. Understanding the buyer is discussed in great detail in my book Eliminate Your Competition, which is available wherever you buy books.

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Overcoming Ghosting and Other Modern Sales Challenges: A Proactive Approach

Overcoming Ghosting and Other Modern Sales Challenges: A Proactive Approach

Many salespeople, sales managers, and company CEOs grapple with the unique problem of adapting their sales strategies to ever-changing market dynamics. This problem stems from an old-fashioned practice in which sales leaders tend to offer the same advice that made them successful when they were nascent salespeople. However, to remain competitive and productive, realizing that this traditional advice may no longer hold relevance in today’s sales world is crucial.

Let’s consider a sales leader who made his mark when the internet was still in its infancy, and email and mobile phones were not part of the sales process. If this sales leader continues to advise their team based on those past experiences, they will likely be setting them up for failure. Today, the sales world is no longer about physical gatekeepers but about navigating spam filters and phone blockers. The sales environment has evolved, and it’s time sales strategies do, too.

A typical issue salespeople face today is being ‘ghosted’ by potential clients. Ghosting, a relatively modern term, refers to the situation where the person you’re trying to reach is not returning your calls or emails. It’s a frustrating experience, but it also indicates a salesperson’s failure to be proactive and do the right things earlier in the sales cycle. Modern salespeople need to think ahead, plan better, and ensure they set up the next meeting before leaving the current one. This proactive approach can help prevent ghosting, keep the sales conversation going, and indicate progress.

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Microphones to Mountains – Reflecting on 100 Episodes of Sales Wisdom – E100

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Microphones to Mountains – Reflecting on 100 Episodes of Sales Wisdom – E100

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey in this milestone 100th episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales.” They take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting the evolution of their podcast from simple LinkedIn live events to a thriving sales discussion platform on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. They delve into their personal growth, the transformative insights gained, and the invaluable lessons they’ve shared across 100 episodes.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Evolution of the Podcast [00:00:21]: Kevin and Sean reflect on the technological and methodological shifts they’ve embraced to enhance their podcast experience.
  • Insights on Sales Excellence [00:01:35]: Sean shares his journey of continuous learning in sales, emphasizing the wisdom imparted by Kevin and its impact on his professional development.
  • Role of Content Creation [00:03:11]: Kevin discusses the significance of creating and repurposing valuable content, drawing parallels with daily writing practices to improve skill.
  • Interviews with Industry Experts [00:04:14]: The hosts highlight the diverse insights gained from interviews with visionaries across various sectors, from SaaS founders to business coaches.
  • Future of the Podcast [00:08:31]: Looking ahead, Kevin outlines their aspirations to scale the podcast’s impact and deepen listener engagement.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin [00:00:00]: “It’s basically a stack of wires and plastic…a lost and found of sorts for electronics equipment.”
  • Sean [00:01:35]: “Listening to Kevin explain sales is insightful…I have learned an immense amount in the last 100 episodes.”

Additional Resources:

Previous episodes on building a comprehensive sales process.

  1. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e1-inaugural-episode-why-should-a-company-assess-its-practices-in-sales
  2. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e2-how-do-you-determine-your-companys-sales-objectives-each-year
  3. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e3-are-your-sales-representatives-consistently-hitting-their-assigned-quotas
  4. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e4-how-do-you-compensate-your-salespeople
  5. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e5-do-you-have-a-documented-sales-process-that-is-followed-all-the-time
  6. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e6-how-do-salespeople-retain-client-information-and-document-sales-opportunities
  7. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e8-can-your-salespeople-clearly-communicate-your-unique-selling-proposition-what-makes-you-different-than-your-competition
  8. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e9-do-you-have-a-dashboard-view-into-the-major-determinants-of-sales-success
  9. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e10-do-you-feel-you-have-the-right-salespeople-to-get-you-where-you-want-to-go
  10. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/e11-does-your-organization-hold-salespeople-accountable-for-lack-of-performance

Summary:

This 100th episode is a celebration and a testament to continuous improvement and shared growth in the sales world. Kevin and Sean unpack the layers of learning they’ve experienced and the wealth of knowledge they’ve gathered from various experts. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or a newcomer to the field, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice, humor, and insights that can transform your approach to sales and leadership.

A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast:

Adopt the practice of discussing and refining your craft regularly. As highlighted by Kevin, talking about your sales strategies and processes, much like writers improve by writing daily, can significantly enhance your expertise and execution in sales.

To understand if your company is doing a great job in sales, take this quick and easy 10-question assessment: https://salesxceleration.com/sales-agility-assessment/?locationid=26671639

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Process to Performance: Elevating Your Sales Game – E99

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Process to Performance: Elevating Your Sales Game – E99

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey as they edge closer to their milestone 100th episode, diving deep into the critical components of a successful sales organization. 

Episode 99 zooms in on the third pillar: “Process.” Kevin revisits his iconic saying, exploring the significance of a repeatable sales process and the consequences of lacking one, framed by rich personal anecdotes and professional insights. 

Don’t miss this episode packed with practical advice on refining your sales techniques and strategies.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The Importance of a Repeatable Sales Process: Discussing the necessity of having a structured approach to sales. [00:00:44]
  • Emotional Intelligence and Its Impact on Sales: Exploring how emotional intelligence influences sales interactions and outcomes. [00:01:19]
  • The Role of Discovery in Sales Success: Emphasizing discovery as a critical phase in understanding customer needs. [00:04:23]
  • Integrating Marketing and Sales for Better Customer Acquisition: How aligning marketing and sales efforts can enhance customer acquisition strategies. [00:06:59]
  • The Essential Nature of Trust in Sales: Identifying trust as the cornerstone of successful sales relationships. [00:05:24]
  • Sales Process Alignment with Buyer’s Journey: Highlighting the importance of aligning the sales process with the buyer’s procedures and expectations. [00:11:17]

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “If you don’t have a repeatable sales process, you don’t have a repeatable sales process.” [00:00:44]
  • Sean: “Sales is nothing more than the transferring of trust.” [00:05:24]

Additional Resources:

  • Harvard Business Review Study on Sales Process Effectiveness – Mentioned by Kevin as a source confirming the impact of a documented process on sales performance. [00:13:48] – https://hbr.org/2015/01/companies-with-a-formal-sales-process-generate-more-revenue

Summary:

In this episode, Kevin and Sean unpack the essence of a repeatable sales process and its undeniable role in achieving consistent success. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or new to the field, this discussion offers invaluable insights into making your sales efforts more effective and efficient. From the foundational role of trust to integrating marketing and sales, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their sales strategies. 

As we approach the 100th episode, stay tuned for more wisdom from “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales.” Ready to elevate your sales game? Listen to this episode now on your favorite podcast platform!

To understand if your company is doing a great job in sales, take this quick and easy 10-question assessment: https://salesxceleration.com/sales-agility-assessment/?locationid=26671639

Navigating Through Sales Slumps: A Strategic Approach for Sales Leaders

Navigating Through Sales Slumps: A Strategic Approach for Sales Leaders

Like any other profession, sales is not immune to periods of underperformance or slumps. These periods can be particularly challenging when a top performer in your sales team is slumping. Addressing this issue effectively can significantly improve the productivity of your sales processes, ultimately leading to increased revenue for your company.

Various factors can trigger a sales slump, but it often implies a deviation from the sales process or strategy. Sales is a time-based process, not a transactional one. It involves selling to other businesses, which takes time. Therefore, as a sales leader or CEO, it’s crucial to identify when the sales trend starts to slide. This identification is not just about revenue; it requires a retrospective look at the early stages of a sale. If there aren’t enough leads or active relationships in your pipeline, you can foresee a slump and take proactive measures to change outcomes.

A common mistake is focusing on the revenue loss resulting from the effort expended. A more constructive approach is to evaluate the salesperson’s activities in the sales process. If they do the right things daily, they will quickly work out of the slump. The focus should be on maintaining an effective pipeline and executing all the necessary tasks, such as good scoping and discovery calls.

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – The Art of the Hire: Crafting a Winning Sales Team – E98

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – The Art of the Hire: Crafting a Winning Sales Team – E98

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey on this revealing episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” where they dive deep into the intricacies of hiring and motivating sales teams. Whether you’re a solopreneur or heading a growing business, this episode delivers crucial insights into creating a robust sales force to propel your business forward.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Hiring Challenges and Solutions [00:00:00]: Kevin opens the discussion by highlighting the universal challenge of hiring effective sales personnel, emphasizing their critical role in delivering solutions to the market.
  • Diversity in Sales Recruitment [00:01:19]: Sean expands on the need for a varied recruitment strategy that aligns with business geography and market scope, from local to global scales.
  • Strategic Hiring Practices [00:02:00]: The conversation shifts towards strategic hiring, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting up a structured hiring process.
  • Aligning Sales and Hiring Processes [00:03:42]: Kevin parallels the sales process with hiring, stressing the importance of a methodical approach to selecting the right candidates.
  • Cultural Fit and Skills Assessment [00:04:52]: This section discusses the importance of cultural fit and rigorous skills assessment in the hiring process, which ensures candidates align with company values and capabilities.
  • Long-term Sales Success [00:06:48]: Sean discusses the broader implications of hiring decisions for long-term sales success and the essential qualities of a top-notch salesperson.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin Lawson [00:00:00]: “When it comes down to delivering your solution to the market, that solution is often sold and carried forward by a salesperson.”
  • Sean O’Shaughnessey [00:02:17]: “You can’t have the strategy to grow at 3X this year if you don’t have enough people or a big enough factory.”

Additional Resources

Summary

In this episode, Kevin and Sean tackle the often-overlooked but vital elements of building a successful sales team. From the necessity of a diverse hiring strategy to aligning the recruitment process with your business’s sales methodology, they cover a spectrum of topics that promise to enhance your hiring practices. Insightful, practical, and filled with expert advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their sales efforts effectively. Tune in to “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” to transform your approach to hiring and watch your business grow!

To understand if your company is doing a great job in sales, take this quick and easy 10-question assessment: https://salesxceleration.com/sales-agility-assessment/?locationid=26671639