Skip to content

meetings

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!


From Education to Improvement: The Essential Elements of Effective Sales Meetings

The importance of effective internal sales meetings with your sales team cannot be overstated. These meetings are not just about discussing individual deals or pipelines but serve a much larger purpose. They are opportunities for education, alignment, and improvement. They are a platform where the entire sales ecosystem comes together to discuss what’s happening in the industry, target market, or the company and how to move in the same direction.

A key reason for having larger quarterly meetings is education. As a sales leader or a CEO, the goal should be to make the sales team more effective and knowledgeable about ongoing developments. This can be achieved by inviting guest speakers, working on sales messaging, or understanding what’s happening in a particular vertical. However, these meetings should not be held just because the quarter came up. They should have a purpose and should add value to the team. If the same information can be shared through a well-written email or a quick update on Zoom, then there is no need for a meeting.

One effective practice for these meetings is role plays. This is a great way to practice and improve skills. However, it’s important to conduct these role plays correctly. There should be three roles: a customer, a seller, and an observer. The customer should be competent, the seller should sell something, and the observer should observe. After each role-play, feedback should be provided on what was done well and what could be improved.

However, while conducting these meetings, it is important to avoid a few pitfalls. One such pitfall is not having enough variation in the meeting for different learning types. If the meeting only consists of slides or videos, it might not cater to everyone’s learning style. Therefore, mixing up the media and providing breaks is important to keep the team engaged.

Read the rest of the article…

Enhancing Sales Performance Through Effective One-on-One Coaching Meetings

The effectiveness of sales management is paramount, particularly in how sales managers support their team members to enhance performance. The nuanced relationship between a salesperson and their manager can significantly influence their success, a topic that is gaining traction among CEOs and sales leaders seeking to maximize their team’s capabilities. One-on-one meetings between sales managers and salespeople are not just routine check-ins but pivotal moments that can define a sales team’s success trajectory. These interactions… 

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Winning Sales Strategies: Harnessing the Power of Team Play – E87

In this engaging episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey welcome special guest Tom Morgan from Sales Xceleration. Join us as Tom shares intriguing insights from his vast experience in optimizing sales teams by drawing compelling parallels between youth sports coaching and sales management. Broadcasting all the way from Portland, Maine, Tom brings a fresh perspective on effective sales strategies and team dynamics. Key Topics Discussed: Key Quotes: Summary:… 

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – The Gap Analysis Advantage: Bridging Client Needs with Optimal Solutions with Chris Cocca – E86

Welcome to this week’s episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, where hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey are joined by Chris Cocca, a sales expert, to discuss the vital aspects of discovery meetings and qualifying prospects for a robust sales pipeline. Tune in as they delve into the methodologies that distinguish successful sales strategies, particularly focusing on the RAIN training concept and the essential practice of understanding client aspirations and afflictions. Key Topics Discussed:… 

Building High-Performing Sales Teams: Accountability, Strategy, and Success

Navigating the complexities and ensuring a robust and productive team are pivotal to achieving sustained success in sales. Accountability within a sales team requires pinpointing underperformance and creating an environment where feedback is constructive and growth is nurtured. The notion that no team member should be surprised by a change in their employment status underscores the importance of transparent communication. Setting realistic expectations and having regular discussions ensures that salespeople know where they stand and… 

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Transforming Opportunities: Chris Cocca’s Insights on Perfecting the Discovery Meeting – E85

In this invigorating episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey delve into the crucial nuances of discovery meetings with the seasoned sales leader, Chris Cocca. They explore why many deals falter at this stage and how refining the process can dramatically enhance sales outcomes. Tune in to gain deep insights on optimizing discovery meetings to ensure you’re not just participating but capitalizing on these opportunities. Key Topics Discussed: Key… 

Elevating Product Knowledge: Creating Sales Growth in the New Year – Video 2 of the New Year Motivation Series

In today’s evolving business environment, continuous improvement of sales strategies is crucial. Comprehensive product knowledge and understanding the unique value of offerings are essential. Regular product training, client scenario practice, and creating a product FAQ are recommended. Tailoring conversations to decision-makers and integrating new features and client success stories can enhance sales effectiveness.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – From Holiday Hangover to Sales Success: Planning Your Annual Kickoff – E59

In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, Kevin and Sean provide a masterclass on transforming the annual sales kickoff from a dreaded event into a dynamic and motivating experience. They emphasize the need for meticulous planning, the power of a change in scenery, and the importance of including diverse voices and departments. With their practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for sales leaders and team members looking to start their fiscal year with a bang. Tune in to ensure your next sales meeting is not only productive but also truly inspiring.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Catching People Doing Things Right: Rewarding Sales Efforts and Results – Episode 29

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Kevin and Sean dive into the crucial topic of rewarding effort and results during sales meetings. They emphasize the importance of recognizing salespeople’s achievements through monetary rewards, acknowledgment, and praise. The hosts discuss the impact of consistent processes for catching people doing things right and sharing best practices among sales teams. They also touch upon the idea of self-reward for sales practitioners, encouraging them to celebrate their successes. Throughout…