Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Empowered by ESOP: Enhancing Sales Management in Employee-Owned Firms with Wisdom by Marc Metz – E83

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Empowered by ESOP: Enhancing Sales Management in Employee-Owned Firms with Wisdom by Marc Metz – E83

In this enlightening episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey continue their engaging dialogue with Marc Metz, a seasoned expert in the sales and business transition arena. Building on the momentum of their previous conversation, they delve into the intricacies of transitioning a business through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Marc shares firsthand experiences and practical insights, making this a must-listen for business owners contemplating a transition that rewards employees and preserves the company’s legacy.

Key Topics Discussed

  • The ESOP Transition Model: An exploration of the ESOP as a unique strategy for business transition, focusing on its structure, benefits, and challenges. Marc shares a compelling case study of a construction company making this significant shift.
  • Management and Structural Challenges: Discusses the critical need for a clear management structure post-transition, emphasizing the importance of placing the right people in the right positions and avoiding the pitfalls of rapid corporatization.
  • Preparation and Strategy: Offers valuable advice on preparing for an ESOP transition, including the slow and deliberate evaluation of candidates for leadership roles within the new ownership structure.
  • Sales Team Dynamics Post-Transition: Examines the sales team’s role during and after the transition to employee ownership, highlighting strategies to rejuvenate and realign sales efforts with the company’s new direction.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin: “It’s interesting that we talk about helping people avoid landmines. So Sean and I use a lot of our past experience to talk about where we skinned our knees so that others don’t have to.”
  • Sean: “I’m a big believer in three salespeople become four, four become five, five becomes six. And you use that existing run rate that you got from the first three, first four, first five to pay for that next one. And you grow profitably by doing that.”
  • Marc: “Go slow. I’ll tell you one thing is if the owner can do it three to five years before they’re actually ready to sell, it’s going to provide dividends to them and they’re going to have a better multiple more money in their pocket.”

Additional Resources

  • Traction by Gino Wickman: Recommended reading for listeners interested in understanding the EOS model and the GWC concept (Get it, Want it, Capacity to do it) that Marc references during the discussion. https://a.co/d/eE4MhQj

Summary

For any business owner pondering the path to employee ownership, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge, cautionary tales, and strategic advice. Through Marc Metz’s experienced lens, listeners gain an understanding of the ESOP model’s complexities, the importance of careful planning and execution, and the pivotal role of sales leadership in navigating a business’s transition. Whether you’re in the early stages of considering an ESOP or looking to optimize your sales team post-transition, this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales is invaluable. Tune in to equip yourself with the insights needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition to employee ownership.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Art of Business Transition: Insights from Marc Metz – E82

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Art of Business Transition: Insights from Marc Metz – E82

In this riveting episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey welcome a special guest, Marc Metz, President of Optimus Sales Group. Together, they delve into the critical yet often overlooked topic of business transitions, providing invaluable insights and strategies for companies navigating the journey from generation to generation. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for business owners, sales leaders, and anyone involved in the business’s lifecycle.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Business Transition Strategies: Marc Metz shares his expertise on the three main ways businesses transition: selling to an outsider, passing on to family members, and employee stock ownership programs. Each method comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities.
  • Overcoming Overvaluation and Sales Dependencies: A common stumbling block for pre-sale businesses is the company’s overvaluation and the heavy reliance on the owner for sales. Metz discusses strategies to realign expectations and decentralize sales efforts.
  • The Importance of Building a Business to Sell: Metz emphasizes the critical nature of preparing a business for sale from day one. This involves creating robust systems and processes that ensure the business can thrive independently of the current owner.
  • Sales Team Dynamics in Transitions: The discussion highlights the potential pitfalls and strategies around managing key sales personnel during a transition, ensuring their loyalty, and maintaining sales momentum under new ownership.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin: “How do they, get ready to get ready to sell? If they wake up tomorrow and say, I want to sell by April, they might be, might be challenged. But if they wake up and say in a few Aprils, in a few years from now. What might the recipe be that you would prescribe because you’ve been there done that?”
  • Sean: “So I want to build on this topic a little bit more. Let’s play the scenario out. … It’s just a good employee. Been around, been very loyal to the company. … And now you’re trying to sell that. So I’m, I’m foreseeing a problem of if I’m a buyer of that business, I’m saying, well, how loyal is that one salesperson?”
  • Marc: “The first exercise I recommend to these guys and gals is hey, look what happens if you get hit by a bus tomorrow? What’s going to happen to your business? Think about that and start putting things in place That’ll mitigate that risk because that’s the very very first thing and I’m talking all aspects operations sales financial, all of those things, look at everything.”

Summary

Whether you’re a business owner contemplating the future, a sales leader navigating changes, or simply interested in the dynamics of business transitions, this episode is a must-listen. Kevin, Sean, and Marc provide a rich discussion filled with actionable advice, real-world experiences, and strategic insights designed to equip you with the tools you need to navigate the complex landscape of business transitions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and ensure the legacy and longevity of your business. Tune into this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales for a deep dive into preparing your business for the next chapter.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Enrico Parodi’s Blueprint for Building High-Performing Sales Teams – E81

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Enrico Parodi’s Blueprint for Building High-Performing Sales Teams – E81

In this engaging episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” we’re treated to an insightful session with Enrico Parodi, a seasoned sales consultant with a rich international background and a passion for transforming sales organizations. With host Sean O’Shaughnessey guiding the conversation, listeners are invited to explore the nuanced world of sales strategies, focusing on developing the ideal client profile and crafting an effective sales coverage model.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. The Importance of an Ideal Client Profile: Enrico stresses the significance of targeting the market segment where a company’s chances of success are highest. Identifying and understanding the ideal customer is crucial for solving their problems effectively and differentiating oneself in the competitive landscape.
  2. Crafting an Effective Sales Coverage Model: The discussion delves into the optimal structuring of a sales team to pursue business goals efficiently. Enrico emphasizes the need for a blend of specialized roles and skills within a sales organization tailored to different sales process stages, from business development to closing complex deals.
  3. Balancing Skills and Roles in Small Sales Teams: Addressing the challenges faced by companies with limited sales personnel, Enrico and Sean explore strategies for dividing responsibilities among team members. They discuss leveraging referrals, partnerships, and marketing functions to optimize the sales process without overburdening salespeople.
  4. Utilizing CRM Systems for Referral Tracking: The conversation highlights innovative uses of CRM systems to effectively manage and nurture referral networks. Companies can foster relationships that drive growth and success by categorizing contacts as potential customers and influential partners. 
  5. The Power of Networking and Referrals: Enrico advocates for a proactive approach to building a network of referral sources. By engaging with industry associations and establishing partnerships, sales teams can generate warm leads that significantly increase the chances of closing deals.

Key Quotes:

  • Enrico Parodi: “If you want to achieve your business goals, you need to go after the part of the market where you have the highest chances for success.”

Summary: This episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom for sales professionals and business leaders alike. Enrico Parodi, with his deep expertise and practical approach, along with Sean O’Shaughnessey’s thoughtful probing, unveils the keys to sculpting a sales strategy that identifies the ideal customer and aligns the sales force effectively to pursue those targets. Whether you’re part of a small team looking to maximize resources or a seasoned sales leader seeking fresh insights, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone eager to elevate their sales game.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Sales Mastery with Tom Daly: Transforming Newbies into Business Leaders – E80

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Sales Mastery with Tom Daly: Transforming Newbies into Business Leaders – E80

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey on “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” for another enriching episode, this time featuring the insightful Tom Daly from Focus Insights Group. Building on the momentum of our previous conversation in the last episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, Tom delves deeper into the world of sales, sharing his expertise on nurturing new talent and guiding companies to refine their sales strategies for sustained success. Whether you’re a fledgling salesperson or a seasoned executive, Tom’s advice is bound to enlighten and inspire.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. Transitioning from Pitch Person to Business Leader: Tom offers invaluable advice for new sales professionals on evolving from knowing just the features and benefits of their products to becoming strategic business advisors to their clients.
  2. The Importance of a Structured Onboarding Program: Emphasizing the critical role of a meticulously planned onboarding process to ensure new salespeople are set up for success from day one.
  3. Role of Sales Management in Nurturing New Talent: Discussion on how sales managers should not just be top sales producers but mentors who demonstrate, guide, and provide constructive feedback to their teams.
  4. Building a Sales Strategy: Tom underlines the necessity for sales managers to have a clear, actionable sales strategy aligned with the company’s business plan to drive success.
  5. Sales as a Business Management Function: Reinforcing the concept that effective sales management is synonymous with astute business management, focusing on strategic planning and execution.

Key Quotes

Tom Daley:

“You have to demonstrate. Then you have to do it. Then you have to have somebody try it, then you have to critique them and then you have to show them again and rinse and repeat.”

Sean O’Shaughnessey:

“I really try to teach my salespeople to think like a business person. It helps them a lot when they start to negotiate because now we can negotiate like a business person as opposed to a salesperson that wants a commission check.”

Kevin Lawson:

“Practice makes easy, not practice makes perfect. Practice makes easy because, man, I love your phrase. It’s an unnatural human behavior to start cold calling.”

Additional Resources

  • Sales Xceleration: Tom’s brand and passion, offering sales optimization services. – www.salesxceleration.com
  • Focus Insights Group, LLC: Learn more about Tom’s consultancy, which helps clients achieve their best sales year. – Focus Insights Group, LLC

Summary

This episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” with Tom Daly has been a deep dive into the art and science of building a successful sales career and managing a sales team effectively. Tom’s seasoned perspective sheds light on transitioning from being a pitch-focused salesperson to a strategic business advisor, offering actionable strategies for salespeople at every career stage. With a focus on the importance of structured onboarding, the critical role of sales management, and the development of a solid sales strategy, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their sales game.

If you’re a new salesperson looking to make your mark, a sales manager aiming to nurture your team, or a CEO striving for sales excellence, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss. Download now and start transforming your sales approach today.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Scoring Big in Sales: Lessons from March Madness – E79

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Scoring Big in Sales: Lessons from March Madness – E79

In this sports-oriented episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive into the fascinating parallels between March Madness NCAA basketball tournaments and sales strategies. Kevin and Sean take this opportunity to explore how the tournament’s structure and the season leading up to it offer valuable lessons for developing winning sales strategies.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Preseason Preparation and Regular Season: The significance of constant improvement and team synergy throughout the sales season to refine strategies, similar to a basketball team’s journey to the NCAA tournament.
  2. Tournament Strategy and Sales Planning: Drawing analogies from the NCAA’s regional competitions and seed rankings to sales approaches, market positioning, and competitive analysis.
  3. Winning the Customer Relationship: Identifying the final sales deal as the ‘national championship game,’ focusing on strategic planning and execution to win customer trust and secure business.
  4. Overcoming Adversity and Learning from Losses: The importance of analyzing lost sales opportunities (akin to unexpected tournament upsets) to understand and improve future sales tactics.
  5. Sales Team Dynamics and Individual Growth: Encouraging personal development and adapting roles within the sales team for optimal performance, paralleled with a basketball team’s adjustment to injuries and game dynamics.

Key Quotes:

  • “The trophy in sales is the customer relationship.” – Kevin Lawson
  • “Only one team ends the season with a victory; similarly, in sales, there’s only one winner.” – Sean O’Shaughnessey
  • “It’s important to win through better execution of the plan… and hard work.” – Sean O’Shaughnessey
  • “We’ve got to figure out our place in the market… It’s the same progression in business.” – Kevin Lawson

Additional Resources:

MEDDPICCC for sales strategy and the importance of opportunity qualification – https://youtu.be/RBcGmyeBp1I?si=gaGL1CWYbEKxFbVr

Summary:

This episode is a masterclass for sales professionals and leaders looking to elevate their game by drawing inspiration from March Madness’s structure, strategy, and spirit. Kevin and Sean’s dialogue reminds us of the importance of preparation, strategy, resilience, and continuous learning in the quest to win in sales. As the NCAA tournament captivates basketball fans, let it also inspire sales teams to strive for excellence, adapt to challenges, and ultimately clinch their championship trophy: a successful and lasting customer relationship

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Building Trust and Credibility in Sales: A Conversation with Tom Daly – E78

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Building Trust and Credibility in Sales: A Conversation with Tom Daly – E78

Dive into the sales world with “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey engage candidly with Tom Daly from Focus Insights Group. This episode, rich with insights and anecdotes, peels back the layers of what makes or breaks sales strategies, highlighting the crucial elements of successful sales encounters. Join us as Tom shares his wealth of experience, offering invaluable advice to sales novices and veterans alike on how to excel in the sales domain.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Journey from Sales Novice to Expert: Tom reflects on the early, often challenging days of sales, underscoring the importance of mentorship and learning.
  2. Aligning Sales with Business Goals: How to ensure that sales strategies are effective and align with broader business objectives.
  3. The Role of a Salesperson as a Business Advisor: Moving beyond the traditional sales role to become an indispensable client partner.
  4. Building Trust and Credibility in Sales: Strategies for salespeople to become trusted advisors, leading to long-term client relationships and referrals.
  5. The Importance of Process and Structure in Sales: Tom emphasizes the need for a disciplined approach to sales, akin to accounting, for scalability and predictability.
  6. Advice for CEOs on Sales Process Management: Insights on how CEOs can foster a more structured and effective sales process within their organizations.

Key Quotes

Tom Daly:

“The professionals that are awesome at sales, they just simply like helping. And they like helping people in a critical way where they can’t help themselves.”

Sean O’Shaughnessey:

“Sales is about transferring trust… It’s easier to transfer trust when it’s your company. It’s harder when you’re a salesperson.”

Kevin Lawson:

“Understanding your market and understanding your value proposition is really important. When you marry those together… you become that trusted advisor.”

Additional Resources

  • Sales Xceleration: Tom’s brand and passion, offering sales optimization services. – www.salesxceleration.com
  • Focus Insights Group, LLC: Learn more about Tom’s consultancy, aiding clients to achieve their best sales year. – Focus Insights Group, LLC

Summary

This episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” delves into the essence of successful selling, from the foundational days of learning the ropes to mastering the art of becoming a business advisor rather than just a salesperson. Tom Daly, with his extensive experience and passion for sales, shares practical advice on how salespeople can truly make a difference by focusing on their clients’ needs and dreams. Whether you’re a budding salesperson looking to improve your skills or a CEO striving for sales excellence within your organization, this conversation offers a trove of insights and strategies to help you achieve your goals.

Tune in to this episode for a compelling dive into effective sales practices with Tom Daley, and discover how to transform your sales approach from transactional to transformational.

March 2024 Newsletter

March 2024 Newsletter

Crafting a Sales Process Flowchart: Visualize the stages in your sales process for consistency – Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses – Episode 9

Crafting a Sales Process Flowchart: Visualize the stages in your sales process for consistency – Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses – Episode 9

Welcome to “Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses,” the essential podcast for B2B sales professionals, managers, and CEOs of companies aiming for revenue growth. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the core of any thriving sales organization: the Sales Process Flowchart. Guided by Sean O’Shaughnessey, a veteran in sales strategy, we’ll explore how to craft and refine your sales process for peak efficiency and effectiveness.

Our esteemed sponsor, Kevin Lawson of Lighthouse Sales Advisors and Sales Xceleration, is our sponsor for this episode. Kevin offers unparalleled sales leadership solutions for small businesses, focusing on navigating sales growth challenges and scaling up operations through his extensive experience. Kevin’s fractional consultancy is the answer for those looking for expert guidance in sales team development without the commitment of a full-time executive.

Contact Kevin:
Email: Kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kwlawson

Key Topics Discussed

  • Blueprint of Success: Discover the importance of having a well-defined Sales Process Flowchart as your guide through the sales journey.
  • Stages of the Sales Process: Sean breaks down each stage of the sales process, from prospecting to nurturing long-term relationships.
  • Customizing Your Sales Approach: Learn the significance of tailoring your sales process to fit your unique business model and industry requirements.
  • Visualizing the Sales Funnel: An exploration of how visualizing your sales funnel can identify potential leaks and optimize the sales journey.
  • Leveraging Technology: Insight into how automation tools and CRM systems can enhance your sales process and free up your team to focus on selling.
  • The Dynamic Nature of Sales Processes: Emphasizing the importance of continuous feedback and adaptation to keep your sales process relevant and effective.

Key Quotes

  • “Success doesn’t come from random acts of effort. It requires a blueprint, a master plan that orchestrates every step of the sales journey.”
  • “Imagine your Sales Process Flowchart as the architectural plan for a skyscraper. Without it, you’re merely stacking bricks without knowing how high they should go.”
  • “Technology is the wind beneath our sales team’s wings, freeing them up to do what they do best—sell.”

Additional Resources

  • Sales Management Association Study: Highlights the performance impact of using a formal sales process.
  • Harvard Business Review Study: Shows a significant revenue increase for businesses with a standardized sales process.

Action Items You Can Do Today

  • Develop a Visual Sales Process Flowchart: Start with a simple outline and refine it to suit your team’s needs.
  • Solicit Feedback from Your Sales Team: Use their frontline insights to improve your sales process.
  • Customize Your Approach: Ensure your sales stages align with your business model for increased efficiency.
  • Invest in Training and Technology: Equip your team with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel.
  • Embrace Continuous Improvement: Regularly update your sales process based on feedback and changing market conditions.

Today’s episode with Sean O’Shaughnessey has armed you with the knowledge to construct a Sales Process Flowchart that is the backbone of a successful sales strategy. Implementing the discussed actionable strategies will refine your sales process, making it a powerful engine for business growth. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes to further empower your journey to becoming a sales powerhouse.

Contact Information

  • Sean O’Shaughnessey: Email – Sean@NewSales.Expert

For more expert advice on transforming your sales strategies, don’t forget to subscribe to “Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses.” Join us next time for another deep dive into the strategies that can elevate your sales game. Until then, keep selling smart and forging meaningful connections with your customers.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – From Stories to Sales: Leveraging Narrative Power with Jeff Clair – E75

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – From Stories to Sales: Leveraging Narrative Power with Jeff Clair – E75

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey on “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” for a captivating conversation with special guest Jeff Clair, a fractional VP of sales and the brain behind ClairVoyant Consulting LLC. In this episode, Jeff shares his invaluable insights on the power of storytelling in sales, offering practical tips for salespeople to engage and connect with their prospects effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or new to the field, this discussion is packed with advice to elevate your sales approach through compelling storytelling.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Art of Storytelling in Sales: Jeff emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a memorable and impactful way to communicate with prospects.
  2. Remembering and Crafting Stories: Insights into how salespeople can remember and craft stories that resonate with their audience, making the prospect the story’s hero.
  3. The Role of Salespeople as Guides: Drawing parallels from popular movies, Jeff illustrates how salespeople should position themselves as guides in their storytelling, akin to characters like Yoda in “Star Wars.”
  4. Practicing Storytelling: The significance of practicing storytelling within sales teams, including role-playing exercises to refine this skill.
  5. Connecting Stories to the Buyer’s Journey: Jeff connects the dots on how storytelling fits into the buyer’s journey, providing a framework for new and seasoned sales professionals to enhance their sales strategies.
  6. Role-Playing and Feedback: An exploration of effective training techniques, including role-playing, to help salespeople become more engaging and confident storytellers.

Key Quotes

Jeff Clair:

“People tend not to remember the facts, but they remember stories…great storytellers infuse different senses, which is really great.”

Kevin Lawson:

“Practice makes easy. Not practice makes perfect…there’s always room for improvement.”

Sean O’Shaughnessey:

“Practice allows you to figure out how to do it better…those people in small organizations tend not to practice enough.”

Additional Resources

  • The Story Brand by Donald Miller: Recommended reading for salespeople and marketing professionals to master the art of storytelling in business.

Summary

This insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” dives deep into the transformative role of storytelling in the sales process. With his rich experience in sales leadership, Jeff Clair shares why stories captivate, how to craft them effectively, and the importance of salespeople seeing themselves as guides for their prospects. Through role-playing and practice, Jeff underscores the significance of confidence and personalization in storytelling, ensuring that each story resonates deeply with the intended audience. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of storytelling to not just sell but to connect and inspire action.

Elevate your sales game with the art of storytelling. Download this episode now and transform how you engage with your prospects.

Embrace Continuous Learning for Sales Success in 2024 – Video 9 of the New Year Motivation Series

Embrace Continuous Learning for Sales Success in 2024 – Video 9 of the New Year Motivation Series

In the ever-evolving world of sales, resting on your laurels is not an option. My mission is to inspire small company sales professionals, managers, and CEOs to seek knowledge and improvement constantly. As we venture into the New Year, let’s focus on embracing continuous learning to elevate your sales game.

The first step towards growth is acknowledging there’s always more to learn. With 38 years of experience in sales, I still actively seek new tools, techniques, and ways of presenting. This mindset is crucial for everyone in sales – from the rookie to the veteran.

Immersing yourself in your industry is key. Subscribe to at least two industry newsletters this week. These resources will keep you updated on your field’s latest trends, challenges, and innovations. It’s vital to stay informed and conversant about the evolving landscape of your industry.

Podcasts are a goldmine of information and can be a convenient learning method. I host two sales-focused podcasts, ‘Two Tall Guys Talking Sales‘ and ‘Driving New Sales,’ which offer weekly insights into sales best practices. However, don’t limit yourself – explore other sales and industry-specific podcasts to broaden your knowledge.

Commit to daily reading about sales and your specific industry. Early mornings or commute times are perfect for catching up on the latest articles and insights. Sharing interesting findings with your team or on platforms like LinkedIn can enhance your professional network and credibility.

If you’re in a leadership role, guiding your team through this continuous learning journey is part of your responsibility. Encourage your team to share new insights and strategies, fostering a culture of knowledge and improvement.

No matter where you are in your career, there’s room for improvement. Set personal goals for learning and betterment this year. It’s not just about closing more deals; it’s about becoming a more knowledgeable, versatile, and successful sales professional.

As we embrace this new year, let’s commit to continuous learning and improvement in our sales careers. It’s not just about staying ahead; it’s about setting a new standard for excellence in sales.

Good luck, and here’s to a year of growth and successful selling! Please enjoy the video below, in which I discuss this concept even more.