Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Scaling from Your First 10 Customers to 50, 100 and Beyond – Episode 54

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Scaling from Your First 10 Customers to 50, 100 and Beyond – Episode 54

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If you’ve got your first 10 customers and are wondering, “What next?” then this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales is essential listening. Hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey explore the transformational journey from acquiring your first customers to scaling up your business. Dive into critical topics like product-market fit, market messaging, the role of the CEO as a salesperson, and much more. Arm yourself with practical, real-world advice to take your business to the next level.

Key Topics Discussed

The Crucial Jump from 10 to 50 Customers

Kevin and Sean examine the strategic shift required when you’re looking to grow from 10 customers to a more substantial customer base. They stress the importance of formalizing and aligning your offering with a well-defined buyer persona.

Understanding Buyer Personas

A recurring topic was the art and science of buyer personas. Kevin emphasizes the need to revisit and revise these as your business evolves. The objective is to understand who you’re selling to and what problem you’re solving for them.

Sales Leadership & Standardization

Sean explores the standardization of sales processes and offerings, particularly for scaling from a one-person operation to a multi-person sales team. This standardization is crucial for scalability and profitability.

The Role of the CEO in Sales

The hosts delve into the inevitable shift in the sales role of the CEO as the company grows. While the CEO might be heavily involved in sales initially, scaling to 50 or 100 customers requires a dedicated sales team.

Selling Tools vs. Selling Solutions

Sean provides a compelling analogy between selling tools and selling solutions. He emphasizes the importance of selling a standardized product rather than a customizable toolkit, using historical examples like Henry Ford and Steve Jobs.

Key Quotes

Kevin: “One challenge I see here that sales leaders need to solve is how to formalize and standardize the attraction process.”

Sean: “You need to really start focusing on who do you sell to, what problem do you really solve, and how do you sell this thing so that other people can sell for you.”

Summary

Don’t miss this episode if you’re gearing up for rapid growth. Both Kevin and Sean provide actionable insights that will equip you to transition from a startup to a scalable business. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world advice, they lay down a roadmap for you to follow. Whether you’re a CEO doing sales, a startup looking to break into the market, or a sales leader aiming for standardization, this episode is your guide to elevating your sales game. Tune in now to pave the way for your business growth!

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Sales Recovery: Engaging Champions and Requalifying Deals – Episode 53

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Sales Recovery: Engaging Champions and Requalifying Deals – Episode 53

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Welcome to another episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosted by Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey. This episode is a must-listen for sales professionals, managers, and business leaders who want to understand how to recover when they’ve skipped a step in the sales process. Kevin and Sean delve into the nuances of backing up, requalifying deals, and how to engage your champions effectively. Whether you’re dealing with large corporations or small family-owned businesses, this episode offers actionable insights to help you get back on track and close deals successfully.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Realization Moment: Recognizing that you’ve skipped a step in the sales process and how to recover without losing trust.
  2. The Role of a Champion: How to engage your champion to help you navigate through the complexities of the deal.
  3. Resource Limitations: Understanding the constraints that every company faces, regardless of its size, and how to address them.
  4. Requalifying Deals: The importance of requalifying a deal, especially one that previously went to a ‘no decision’.
  5. Sales Process in Small Businesses: How the sales process differs when dealing with small family-owned businesses and how to adapt your approach.

Key Quotes

  • Kevin: “Skipping steps happens, and when you have that realization moment, it’s not a moment to try and beat somebody up.”
  • Sean: “You got to go to your champion and say, help me out. Save me because I’m in a bad way. I need to get all these people on board.”
  • Kevin: “We have to really forecast those because we could invest a lot of money. The most expensive way to buy an ERP is to buy it twice.”

Additional Resources

Summary

Don’t miss this episode if you want to master the art of recovering from missed steps in your sales process. Kevin and Sean provide theoretical knowledge, practical steps, and real-world advice that can be immediately applied to your sales strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or new to the field, this episode will equip you with the tools to navigate complex deals and emerge successful. Tune in now to elevate your sales game!

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Special Episode: CEO Workshop – Understand Your Client’s Business To Sell More Effectively – Episode 52

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Special Episode: CEO Workshop – Understand Your Client’s Business To Sell More Effectively – Episode 52

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This special episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales comes from a recent CEO Workshop put on by Sean O’Shaughnessey and Kevin Lawson. It was taken from a LinkedIn Live presentation that aired on September 29, 2023. You can listen to this episode or click over to the LinkedIn Live presentation at https://www.linkedin.com/events/ceoworkshop-understandyourclien7106962760084688896/

Are you a sales leader or CEO looking to supercharge your sales strategy? In this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey delve deep into the art of understanding your client’s business to sell more effectively. Sean, a seasoned sales expert, shares invaluable insights on transitioning from being just a vendor to becoming a trusted advisor. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice, real-world examples, and strategies that can be immediately implemented to elevate your sales game.

Key Topics Discussed

  1. The Power Matrix: Learn how to identify and engage with key stakeholders in your client’s organization, from decision-makers to influencers.
  2. Consultative Selling: Discover the essence of becoming a trusted advisor rather than just a vendor and how this approach can significantly impact your sales.
  3. Financial Acumen: Understand why knowing your client’s financial position can give you a competitive edge and how to gather this information.
  4. Interdepartmental Relationships: Sean discusses the importance of having touchpoints across various departments in your client’s organization and how it can lead to a more tailored sales pitch.
  5. Customer Journey Mapping: Learn how to map out the customer journey to gain a 360-degree understanding of your client’s needs and motivations.

Key Quotes from Sean

  • “You elevate yourself from a vendor to a partner in the B2B sales arena.”
  • “Your proposition becomes not just a response to an RFP, but a comprehensive strategy of partnership.”
  • “This alignment leads to a consultative selling approach, one that evolves from being transactional to being deeply relational.”

Additional Resources

Summary Paragraph

Don’t miss this enlightening special episode that promises to transform your approach to B2B sales. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or a CEO looking to revamp your sales strategy, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to understanding your client’s business like never before. Tune in to “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” and equip yourself with the tools and insights to become not just a vendor but a strategic partner in your client’s success journey. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the sales game!

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Sales Process: The Cost of Skipping Steps – Episode 51

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Sales Process: The Cost of Skipping Steps – Episode 51

By soshaughnessey0 Comments

In this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey delve deep into the intricacies of the sales process. Sean opens up about his impatience with time-wasting and the challenges he’s faced with sales reps skipping crucial steps in the sales process. Kevin emphasizes the importance of understanding why steps are skipped, whether it’s due to reluctance or irrelevance. Both hosts stress the significance of aligning the sales process with the decision-making process of the customer. They also touch upon the financial implications of not following the sales process, highlighting the potential costs and the importance of cost containment. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next episode, where they will discuss how to recover when a step is skipped.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. The importance of following the sales process.
  2. Reasons why salespeople skip steps in the process.
  3. The financial implications of not adhering to the sales process.
  4. Aligning the sales process with the customer’s decision-making process.
  5. The concept of cost containment in sales.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “The process is what drives your business. It’s what helps you forecast, determine cash flows.”
  • Sean: “The danger of not asking questions high enough and not following your sales process is when you don’t allow your sales process to drive the decision process by the buyer.”

Dive into the world of sales with Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey as they unpack the essence of the sales process. From understanding why steps are skipped to the financial repercussions of not adhering to the process, this episode is a goldmine of insights for anyone in the sales industry. Whether you’re a CEO, a sales rep, or just curious about the intricacies of sales, this episode promises valuable takeaways. And stay tuned for the next episode, where the duo will explore how to bounce back when a step in the sales process is missed. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion!

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Salesperson to Trusted Advisor: The Art of Problem Solving – Episode 50

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Salesperson to Trusted Advisor: The Art of Problem Solving – Episode 50

By soshaughnessey0 Comments

Dive deep into the heart of sales and sales leadership with Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey as they unravel the essence of problem-solving in the sales arena. This episode isn’t just about identifying problems but understanding the art of solving them. If you aim to transition from just selling a product to becoming a trusted advisor, this episode is your roadmap.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. The importance of becoming a trusted advisor in sales.
  2. Building and maintaining long-lasting relationships with clients.
  3. The role of curiosity in understanding a client’s business.
  4. The significance of being well-read and informed about current business challenges.
  5. Networking is a tool for gaining insights and asking better questions.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “How you become a trusted advisor is solving a business problem, not selling a product.”
  • Sean: “The key to the kingdom is to become a trusted advisor to your client. So that that advisor says, I wonder what Kevin thinks about this.”
  • Kevin: “Are you the person who’s reliable? Do you always cancel at the last minute? Do you put somebody to voicemail every time and forget to call them back? That’s a withdrawal from the trusted advisor list.”
  • Sean: “The key is don’t just show up as a salesperson. Don’t just show up as a vendor. Show up as an interested third party that is trying to figure out about their business.”

Additional Resources:

In this enlightening episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” Kevin and Sean emphasize the importance of evolving from a mere salesperson to a trusted advisor. They discuss the nuances of building genuine relationships, the significance of being curious, and the need to be well-informed about the business landscape. Whether you’re a sales newbie or a seasoned professional, this episode offers invaluable insights that can transform your approach to sales. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your sales game. Tune in now!

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Beyond the Pitch: How Trust and Personal Brand Shape Sales Success – Episode 49

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Beyond the Pitch: How Trust and Personal Brand Shape Sales Success – Episode 49

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Join hosts Sean O’Shaughnessey and Kevin Lawson as they delve deep into the art of sales, emphasizing the importance of trust, personal branding, and the role of a salesperson in today’s market. In this episode, they discuss the nuances of transferring trust, the significance of personal branding, and how sales leaders can guide their teams to success.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Transferring Trust: The essence of sales lies in transferring trust from the salesperson to the prospect, ensuring decisions are made in the desired timeframe.
  2. Three Pillars of Sales: Selling your company, your product, and most importantly, yourself.
  3. Personal Branding: The importance of building a personal brand that accelerates trust and how sales leaders can foster this among their teams.
  4. LinkedIn and References: Utilizing LinkedIn as a tool for validation and building credibility.
  5. Professional Appearance: The impact of a salesperson’s appearance on the perception of trust and professionalism.
  6. Empathy and Curiosity: Starting conversations with genuine interest and understanding of the client’s business.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “To build trust early, you have to be referenceable… People could commercially find us, so to speak.”
  • Sean: “You sell your company. You sell your product, and you sell yourself.”
  • Kevin: “Nine-tenths of the law is perception.”
  • Sean: “The more you understand your client’s business, the bigger your brand will be.”

Additional Resources:

  • LinkedIn – A platform for professional networking and validation.
  • WKRP in Cincinnati – A classic TV show mentioned in the context of professional appearance.

In a world where trust is paramount, Kevin and Sean highlight the significance of personal branding in the sales process. From the importance of being referenceable on platforms like LinkedIn to the impact of professional appearance, this episode offers a comprehensive guide for salespeople and leaders alike. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, the insights shared will undoubtedly enhance your approach. Tune in to “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” every Tuesday for more invaluable sales advice!

Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation about trust, personal branding, and the evolving world of sales. Listen now!

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September Newsletter

September Newsletter

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Know Your Customer: Mastering Buyer Personas in Modern Sales – Episode 48

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Know Your Customer: Mastering Buyer Personas in Modern Sales – Episode 48

By soshaughnessey0 Comments

Welcome to another episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales with your hosts, Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey. In this riveting episode, we take a deep dive into the often talked about but seldom mastered topic: Buyer Personas. Whether you’re listening on a Tuesday drive back home or on a Wednesday morning commute to work, this episode is packed with actionable insights to set you up for the rest of your week, month, and quarter. Tune in to find out how to create accurate buyer personas that can help you make smarter sales and marketing decisions.

📝 Key Topics Discussed:

  • Defining Buyer Personas: Kevin and Sean explore what a buyer persona really is and why it’s crucial for sales success.
  • The Importance of SWOT Analysis: Kevin explains that creating a buyer persona isn’t a one-off task; it begins with understanding your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis.
  • Ideal Client Profiles & Unique Selling Proposition: Why understanding these can help fine-tune your buyer personas.
  • Digging into Demographics and Psychographics: How to gather and utilize this data to develop detailed buyer personas.
  • Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs): Sean shares insights into who should be involved in these reviews and the type of questions that can help enrich your buyer personas.

🗨️ Key Quotes:

  • “If you’re out there and wondering how to get this process started, thinking that you’ve already done a SWOT analysis…now’s the time to talk about buyer personas.” – Kevin Lawson
  • “Salespeople are valuable. Salespeople are important to the sales process. And it is your job to teach your company about your customers.” – Sean O’Shaughnessey
  • “Salespeople are great people day in day out. We shouldn’t have to pay a tax because of bad salespeople doing bad things in the marketplace.” – Kevin Lawson

📚 Additional Resources:

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

Crafting an accurate and effective buyer persona isn’t just a task; it’s an art. This episode provides not only the theory but also the actionable steps you can take to create buyer personas that resonate with your target market. From initial concepts to understanding your customer needs during a QBR, Kevin and Sean have packed this episode with tools you can use immediately. Listen now to avoid the pitfalls and fast-track your way to sales success.

Ready to revolutionize your sales approach? Hit that download button and tune in now! 🎧

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Competitive Landscape: Insights and Strategies for Sales Success – Episode 47

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Mastering the Competitive Landscape: Insights and Strategies for Sales Success – Episode 47

By soshaughnessey0 Comments

Dive deep into the world of competitive analysis with Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey in this engaging episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales. In the fast-paced world of sales, it’s not just about knowing your product, but about understanding your competition, your customers, and the nuances that drive decisions. Let Kevin and Sean guide you through actionable insights to elevate your sales game.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. The Power of Competitive Analysis: Unlock the benefits of understanding your competition and how it empowers you as a sales leader.
  2. Understanding ‘No Decision’: Learn why some prospects choose to remain indecisive and how you can navigate this challenge effectively.
  3. The Role of SWOT in Sales: Deciphering how SWOT, PESTEL, and SOAR analyses can help shape your sales strategies.
  4. Unpacking Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Knowing your USP and leveraging it against your competitors is important.
  5. Importance of Feedback in Pricing: Sean emphasizes the need for real-time feedback, especially when your price points are met with resistance.
  6. The Salesperson as a Guide: The role of a salesperson is to guide clients, understand their needs, and sell existing products confidently.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “No decision comes, in my opinion, when you haven’t done a good job qualifying the prospect.”
  • Sean: “Looking at companies that are massively successful… It’s just a good way for a company to get better. Looking at those people and learning from them is really, really important.”
  • Kevin: “If you’ve already thought through how they measure value, you know how to talk to them. You become a better salesperson because you put in the work.”
  • Sean: “Your job is to sell the product that exists today, not the product that you wish they would hurry up and build.”

Additional Resources:

Summary:
In the competitive realm of sales, it’s not just about standing out, but about understanding every piece of the puzzle. Whether it’s diving deep into SWOT analyses, ensuring that your pricing strategy aligns with market expectations, or guiding your client toward a mutually beneficial decision, every step matters. Join Kevin and Sean as they unpack these topics and more, providing you with actionable strategies to ensure your sales pitch stands out. If you’re serious about mastering the art of sales, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Dive in now!

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From SWOT to Success: Navigating the Competitive Sales Landscape – Episode 46

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From SWOT to Success: Navigating the Competitive Sales Landscape – Episode 46

By soshaughnessey0 Comments

In this invigorating episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive deep into the realm of competition in sales. From understanding the various forms competition can take to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in competitive analysis, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice for sales professionals at all levels.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. The Essence of Competition in Sales: Why understanding and overcoming your competition is crucial.
  2. Recognizing Different Types of Competition: Beyond direct competitors, why the ‘no decision’ outcome is the hidden enemy.
  3. Leveraging SWOT Analysis: Sean and Kevin’s take on its relevance and how to use it effectively for competitive advantage.
  4. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Sales: How tools like Chat GPT can help get a leg up on your competition.
  5. The Importance of Competitive Awareness: Why 57% of companies are at a disadvantage and how not to be one of them.

Key Quotes:

  • Kevin: “Every professional sports team watches game film… we’re sales professionals. We should be watching the game film of sorts.”
  • Sean: “Who is your prospect talking to? That is your competition.”
  • Kevin: “Doing nothing is unacceptable. It’s like prospecting. If you don’t prospect, that is an unacceptable behavior.”
  • Sean: “If you’re in a small company right now, you need to figure out, you need to be one of the 43%, not one of the 57%.”

Additional Resources:

Don’t be a part of the 57% that remains oblivious to their competition. Whether you’re in the early stages of your sales journey or a seasoned professional, Sean and Kevin’s insights from this episode offer invaluable strategies and tools to elevate your game. Tune in to “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” to get the upper hand, understand your market better, and, ultimately, eliminate your competition.

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