client relationships

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Building a Sales Powerhouse—The 3 Most Underrated Skills with Jeff Parris – Episode 143

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Sales isn’t about persuasion but service, resilience, and growth. In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, co-hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey welcome sales leader and former professional athlete Jeff Parris to explore the fundamental skills that separate elite salespeople from the rest. Drawing on decades of experience, Jeff shares three often-overlooked yet foundational competencies that drive sales success, and they’re not what you’d expect. Whether you’re a VP of Sales building a high-performance team or a seller looking to level up, this episode delivers sharp insights on value selling, business acumen, and sales management excellence.

Key Topics Discussed

Why great salespeople see themselves as servants first (approx. 04:00)
Jeff outlines why a “motivation to serve” mindset creates stronger client relationships and more consistent revenue generation.
Ego Drive vs. Ego Trip: Understanding the will to win without arrogance (approx. 07:30)
Learn how ego drive, a hunger to persuade for the buyer’s benefit, builds durable sales performance.
Curiosity as the gateway to sales mastery (approx. 10:15)
Jeff and Sean dig into why curiosity fuels continuous improvement and business acumen across every sales process.
How to coach the “accidental salesperson” into a top performer (approx. 11:45)
Kevin asks how people without formal sales backgrounds can thrive by developing the right mindset.
Sales leaders as talent architects: Building high-performance teams (approx. 02:00)
Jeff draws on his athletic past to share what makes a sales team championship-worthy.

Key Quotes

“Sales isn’t something we do to people, it’s something we do for people.”
— Jeff Parris (04:00)
“The real goal of a great salesperson is: ‘Mr. Prospect, let me help you solve that problem.”
— Sean O’Shaughnessey (05:55)
“Having the right people, with the right skills, in the right seats makes winning so much easier.”
— Kevin Lawson (03:36)
“Curiosity leads to better solutions. Every interaction is a chance to learn and improve your craft.”
— Jeff Parris (10:50)

Additional Resources

The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon & Brent Adamson https://a.co/d/2Zpnlq7
Connect with Jeff Parris on LinkedIn: Jeffrey Parris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffparris/
Learn more at Vector Sales Advisors: https://vectorsalesadvisors.com/

A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast

Evaluate your team (and yourself) on the “Service–Drive–Curiosity” Triad.
Start by asking three questions:

Does this salesperson show a genuine desire to serve the customer’s goals?
Do they take pride in persuading with purpose, not just for commission but impact?
Are they consistently seeking to learn more about the customer, the industry, and their performance?

Use these questions in your next 1-on-1 or team coaching session to align your talent strategy with the kind of sales success that sustains revenue generation.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you’re tired of surface-level sales advice, this conversation will challenge your thinking and expand your toolkit. Jeff Parris brings clarity, conviction, and humility to what it means to lead with purpose in today’s complex B2B landscape. From building elite sales teams to refining your individual sales strategy, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for leaders, sellers, and anyone serious about mastering the craft of sales. Tune in now and discover the underestimated traits that drive extraordinary outcomes.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – The Four Buckets of Sales Growth with Steve Wittal

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

In this dynamic episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey welcome Canadian SalesXceleration expert Steve Wittal for an in-depth look into the foundations of effective sales strategies. Steve brings decades of experience in startup advisory, sales management, and business growth, sharing a robust framework that simplifies complex growth challenges into four digestible buckets: desirability, clarity, predictability, and deliverability. If you’re a business leader looking to strengthen your sales processes, sharpen your messaging, or improve revenue generation, this conversation is a goldmine.

Key Topics Discussed

The Power of Leadership in Change Management (~01:02)
Steve opens by explaining why leadership is the starting point for any growth initiative, especially when change is involved.
The Four Buckets Framework for Growth (~03:00)
Steve outlines his method for diagnosing and resolving growth issues by focusing on four pillars: desirability, clarity, predictability, and deliverability.
Desirability and Understanding the Customer’s Pain (~04:00)
Why identifying whether your product is a “must-have” or “nice-to-have” is critical to sales success.
The Importance of Clarity and Quantifying the Cost of Inaction (~06:39)
Sean and Steve unpack how clarity in messaging and value proposition can move buyers from indecision to action.
Predictability, Scalability, and Sales Playbooks (~09:20)
How aligning your sales process with the customer’s buying journey enables scale and drives predictable revenue.
Deliverability and the Voice of the Customer (~10:50)
Steve emphasizes the importance of retention, early wins, and referrals as indicators that your solution truly delivers.

Key Quotes

Steve Wittal: “A problem well-defined is a problem half-solved. Before we prescribe, we have to truly understand.” (~02:46)
Kevin Lawson: “When you’ve dotted all those i’s, it makes you a market-facing product. That’s how you achieve market fit.” (~13:25)
Sean O’Shaughnessey: “When a customer comes to you and says, ‘Can you help me solve this?’ — that’s sales nirvana.” (~08:35)

Additional Resources

Connect with Steve Wittal on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevewittal/
Steve’s email: Steve Wittal <swittal@salesxceleration.com>

A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast

Audit Your Sales Strategy Through the Four Buckets.
Take a moment to evaluate your organization’s performance across Steve’s four key areas:

Desirability: Is your product essential or optional to your buyers?
Clarity: Can your team articulate your value proposition in a way that resonates with prospects and highlights the cost of inaction?
Predictability: Do you have a repeatable sales process that aligns with how your customers buy?
Deliverability: Are you consistently delivering on promises and capturing client feedback to validate success?

This self-assessment will uncover gaps in your current sales approach and point to immediate areas for improvement.

Summary

Whether you’re leading a startup or managing a growing sales team, this episode delivers a concise yet powerful framework for achieving sales success. Steve Wittal’s “Four Buckets” offer practical, business acumen–driven insights that will help you reframe your growth strategy and improve every stage of your sales process. If you’re serious about improving revenue generation and becoming a trusted advisor in your client relationships, don’t miss this episode. Tune in now and transform your approach to value selling.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Engage, Listen, Succeed: Unlocking Client Conversations That Close Deals – E121

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

In this insightful episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive deep into the art of active listening and its transformative potential in sales. Building on the discussion from last week’s episode about discovery questions, Kevin and Sean provide actionable strategies to improve your listening skills, enhance your client interactions, and ultimately close more deals. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or new to the field, this episode is packed with valuable lessons you can apply immediately.

Key Topics Discussed

The Role of Active Listening in Sales Success
Kevin and Sean discuss how active listening differentiates successful salespeople from the rest and why it’s critical for uncovering client pain points.
The Power of Note-Taking
Kevin shares his transition from paper to digital note-taking and how capturing accurate information leads to better follow-ups and stronger client relationships.
Body Language and Visual Cues in Client Meetings
Sean emphasizes the importance of leaning forward, maintaining eye contact, and using other non-verbal cues to demonstrate engagement during conversations.
Learning from Reporters: Listening Like a Pro
Sean compares salespeople to seasoned reporters and outlines how active listening and asking thoughtful follow-up questions can set the stage for impactful discussions.
Upskilling Through Active Listening
Kevin highlights how organizations can improve their pipeline and closing rates by investing in training that focuses on active listening and effective questioning techniques.

Key Quotes

Sean O’Shaughnessey:
“Don’t ever book a meeting without educating the client or making them a better business. That’s the only reason you’re allowed in their office.” (Approx. 8:00)
Kevin Lawson:
“Active listening is your skeleton key to unlock doors that were previously closed. It’s the gateway to uncovering real pain points and creating meaningful solutions.” (Approx. 13:15)
Sean O’Shaughnessey:
“Leaning forward in your chair isn’t just about posture; it’s a powerful signal to your client that you’re fully engaged and ready to understand their needs.” (Approx. 10:00)

Additional Resources

Sean and Kevin refer to the previous episode on discovery questions as a foundation for this discussion. If you haven’t listened to it, consider downloading it for additional context.

A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast

Apply Active Listening in Your Next Sales Call
In your next client interaction, focus on active listening by using these three steps:

Lean forward and maintain engaged body language.
Paraphrase the client’s statements to ensure understanding.
Take detailed notes and review them to tailor your follow-up responses.

These small adjustments can significantly affect the quality of your client conversations and help you close more deals.

Summary

Active listening isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a sales superpower. In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, Kevin and Sean unravel the nuances of listening to clients, capturing their pain points, and building trust through meaningful interactions. With tips ranging from non-verbal cues to the tactical use of note-taking, this conversation equips you with tools to elevate your sales game. Whether you’re preparing for a discovery call, a QBR, or a cold call, this episode is a must-listen for actionable insights. Tune in and transform the way you engage with your clients.

Happy listening—and selling!

Unlocking Sales Success: The Power of KPIs in Sales Processes

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Are your sales KPIs helping your team succeed? Many sales leaders focus solely on closed deals. This narrow view misses crucial elements of sustainable sales growth.

The journey matters more than the destination. Sales excellence follows a similar path. Your team’s daily actions and behaviors create the foundation for lasting success.

Effective sales measurement requires a comprehensive view of your team’s activities. Top performers consistently execute vital behaviors that drive results. They prospect strategically, nurture relationships, and expand their presence within existing accounts. These leading indicators paint a clearer picture of future performance than lagging metrics alone.

Your KPI framework must evolve beyond historical analysis. Forward-looking metrics help you spot opportunities and challenges before they impact revenue. What’s happening in your pipeline right now? How are your teams finding new prospects? Which accounts show growth potential?

Experience levels significantly impact appropriate performance measures. New salespeople face different challenges than seasoned veterans. A rookie might need help with fundamental sales behaviors while learning your company’s approach. They need clear operational guidance and structured metrics that reinforce proper execution.

Veteran salespeople bring established skills and proven track records. Their KPIs should emphasize continuous improvement and cultural alignment. How are they advancing their capabilities? What value do they add to the broader sales organization?

Read the rest of the article…

From Micro-Manager to Leader: Fostering Growth in Your Sales Team

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your sales team’s success? The answer might surprise you. The actual cost of micromanagement extends far beyond immediate productivity concerns.

Trust forms the bedrock of every high-performing sales organization. Yet many sales leaders unconsciously undermine this foundation through micromanagement. You’ve seen the signs – constant check-ins, questioning every decision, and hovering over your team’s shoulders. The culture you’ve worked so hard to build is slowly eroding.

Your best salespeople are leaving. Team morale is plummeting.

Let’s be clear about what constitutes micromanagement in sales. It’s not about being involved or interested in your team’s work. The real issue emerges when you start dictating every move and creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance.

Consider the cost of replacing top sales talent in today’s market. Beyond the substantial financial investment, you’re losing institutional knowledge and client relationships. Your organization can’t afford this drain on resources, and the impact reverberates throughout your entire sales ecosystem.

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

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

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!

Mastering Sales in the Digital Age: A Case Study on Megan O’Hara

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

The sales landscape constantly evolves, and the tools and techniques used to reach potential clients are continually refined and reimagined. One such innovative approach to sales and marketing is pioneered by salespeople and sales managers leveraging technology to add value to their client relationships and boost their sales figures.

Megan O’Hara, an executive solution specialist in Columbus, Ohio, is at the forefront of this movement. She has developed a unique method of reaching out to clients that adds value to their lives, increases her customer access, and builds her credibility. This method is simple yet impactful: Megan sends a weekly tech tip in a short video format every Monday.

This approach is designed to keep her name at the top of her clients’ minds. In a world where attention spans are increasingly limited and competition for customer attention is fierce, being the first person a client thinks of when they need a product or service is vital. By sending out these tech tips, Megan is providing a valuable service to her clients and ensuring that she remains at the forefront of their minds.

The success of this approach is evident in the response Megan has received from her clients. Many have contacted her after receiving her tech tips, expressing appreciation for her added value to their lives and initiating further business conversations. This is a clear testament to the power of this approach in building strong client relationships and driving sales.

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