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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!

Using Value Propositions to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Understanding and effectively communicating your value proposition is crucial for success in B2B sales. It can be the difference between winning and losing a deal. Whether you’re a salesperson, a sales manager, or the CEO of a small company, this topic is extremely relevant.

A value proposition is not merely a catchy slogan or a well-crafted elevator pitch. It is a broader collection of reasons why a potential buyer should choose your product or service. A value proposition identifies the customer’s needs and goals and demonstrates how your product or service can address these.

One key aspect of a value proposition is its ability to resonate with the customer. This involves deeply understanding the customer’s needs and tailoring your proposition to their specific situation. This allows the sales team to find the match between the customer’s needs and your offer. To resonate effectively, you need to answer two key questions for the customer: Why act? And why now?

The ‘why act’ question establishes the need for your product or service. If the customer doesn’t see a need, they won’t be interested, no matter how great your offering is. The ‘why now’ question creates a sense of urgency. Without this, a customer may acknowledge the need for your product or service but see no reason to act immediately.

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

Start Strong: The Art of Customer Profiling – Your First Step to Sales Triumph – Video 1 of the New Year Motivation Series

As an experienced VP of Sales, I understand the impact of economic fluctuations on businesses. Despite negative forecasts, I believe this year holds great potential for success. My video offers valuable strategies for sales professionals and small business leaders to thrive. Key points include ignoring pessimistic news, customer profiling, addressing challenges, and timely action. Watch the video for a detailed roadmap to success. Good luck!

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – The Sales Alignment Blueprint: Close Deals by Understanding Customer Objectives – Episode 56

Are you tired of potential customers walking away after hearing your pitch? Do you struggle with aligning your sales process with your customer’s goals? In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey delve into the critical elements that can make or break your sales cycle. From understanding your customer’s pain points to crafting a sales hypothesis that aligns with their goals, this episode is a goldmine of actionable… Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – The Sales Alignment Blueprint: Close Deals by Understanding Customer Objectives – Episode 56

Unlocking Sales Potential with MEDDPICCC: A Comprehensive Guide

Elite sellers are the linchpin of any successful sales organization. These high-performing individuals are often the highest-paid employees within a company—and for a good reason. Their skills in identifying, qualifying, and closing opportunities bring in significant revenue and provide a competitive edge in the marketplace. So, how can you groom an average salesperson into an elite seller? Enter MEDDPICCC, an advanced sales qualification methodology that serves as a roadmap for understanding every component of a… Unlocking Sales Potential with MEDDPICCC: A Comprehensive Guide

Nine of Spades: Addressing Salesperson Underperformance: Setting Performance Benchmarks: Define standards for success to measure against.

Understanding the Nature of Sales Benchmarks Let’s start by grounding ourselves in the foundational premise: Sales benchmarks are not merely numerical goals but the defining coordinates of success. If you will, consider them as your organization’s North Star, guiding your sales team through the complexities of quotas, customer relationships, and revenue targets. Benchmarks transcend the limitations of raw numbers and extend into the realm of qualitative assessment—whether it’s the ability to understand customer needs or… Nine of Spades: Addressing Salesperson Underperformance: Setting Performance Benchmarks: Define standards for success to measure against.

Ace of Spades: Understanding your client’s business: Researching Industry Trends: Stay updated on shifts in the market to provide relevant solutions.

Sailing Through the Business Sea: The Imperative of Understanding Client Industries In the intricate dance of sales management, salespeople often become profoundly attuned to their own products, services, and performance metrics. However, they sometimes lose sight of an elemental cornerstone: genuinely understanding the client’s business. This omission is akin to a sailor venturing into the sea without comprehending its currents and tides. A lack of this depth of knowledge can lead one astray, making the… Ace of Spades: Understanding your client’s business: Researching Industry Trends: Stay updated on shifts in the market to provide relevant solutions.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Navigating Your Sales Pipeline: Effective Strategies for Conversion Success – Episode 37

On this insightful episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, co-hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive into a crucial aspect of successful sales: managing and organizing a sales pipeline. Episode Highlights: Listen to the episode to get actionable advice on managing your sales pipeline effectively. Ideal for sales leaders, business owners, and salespersons, this episode is packed with insights, real-life experiences, and strategies to boost your sales results. If you’re looking to tidy up… Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Navigating Your Sales Pipeline: Effective Strategies for Conversion Success – Episode 37