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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!


Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Uniting Sales and Marketing: A Masterclass with Chris Spanier – E76

This episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” is a must-listen for anyone involved in the intricate dance between sales and marketing. Chris Spanier sheds light on the significance of unity and collaboration for achieving common business goals. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and actionable advice, Chris, Kevin, and Sean explore how storytelling, shared objectives, and regular feedback can transform the relationship between sales and marketing into a dynamic partnership. Whether you’re a sales manager, marketing director, or CEO, this conversation offers valuable insights on aligning your teams for success.

Tune in to discover how you can leverage the combined strengths of your sales and marketing teams to drive growth and create meaningful customer relationships. Download this episode now and start building a more cohesive, effective approach to your business strategy.

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

This insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” dives deep into the transformative role of storytelling in the sales process. Jeff Clair, with his rich experience in sales leadership, 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

A seasoned sales expert urges continuous learning to excel in the sales industry. Emphasizing the importance of staying informed through newsletters, podcasts, and daily reading, the author advocates for a growth mindset across all sales levels. Leadership roles involve guiding teams towards shared knowledge and improvement, setting higher standards for success in the evolving landscape of sales.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Navigating B2B Sales Complexity – Insights from Membrain’s CRO Paul Fuller – E64

In this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” hosts Kevin and Sean, along with guest Paul Fuller, delve into transforming CRM systems into tools that genuinely enhance sales productivity. They discuss the integration of sales methodologies into CRM platforms, the challenges of complex B2B sales, and the crucial balance between leveraging technology and nurturing relationships in sales. This conversation is a must-listen for sales professionals seeking to optimize their CRM usage and enhance their sales strategies. Tune in for more insights, and join us again next week for another enlightening discussion with Paul Fuller.

King of Spades: Pre-Call Strategic Planning: Prepare in Advance to Present a United Front With Management During Sales Calls

Harmonizing Sales and Management: A Prelude to Success The intricate dance of a joint sales call, where the sales team and top management come together, can be likened to a finely tuned orchestra. Each member plays a distinct part, but harmony is only achieved when everyone is attuned to the same melody. As such, aligning the sales strategy with the expectations of top management is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Dissonance here can lead to a… 

Monitoring Client News and Updates: Stay informed about client updates to address their changing needs  – Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses – Episode 5

The latest episode of “Driving New Sales”, sponsored by “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales”, features sales consultant Sean O’Shaughnessey. He discusses the importance of staying updated with client news and updates for enhancing B2B sales strategies. He elucidates the use of tools like Google Alerts, social media, analyzing client data, and market trends to gain insights, improve sales outreach timing, and align efforts with sales objectives.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Breaking the Sales Rollercoaster: Strategies for Steady Success – E60

In this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” Kevin and Sean provide a treasure trove of insights for sales professionals. They emphasize the importance of a multi-faceted outreach strategy, consistent engagement, and personalization in the sales process. Their practical tips and real-world examples make this episode a valuable listen for anyone in sales, from newbies to seasoned pros. Tune in to learn how to transform your sales approach, build a robust pipeline, and achieve consistent success in your sales career.

Analyzing Customer Goals: Understand customer goals and their desire to achieve them to tailor your solution – Driving New Sales: Transforming Small Businesses into Sales Powerhouses – Episode 3

When you listen to this episode, you are taking a transformative step towards redefining your approach to sales. Sean O’Shaughnessey delves into the intricacies of aligning your product not just with the apparent goals but the intricate, layered objectives of your client. Master the art of turning each sales pitch into a finely crafted solution, transforming your role from a mere vendor to a strategic partner in your client’s journey. Hit play to elevate your sales game today!

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… 

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

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: Key Quotes: Additional Resources: In this enlightening episode of “Two Tall…