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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 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… 

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… 

The Art of Sales Compensation: Balancing Motivation and Goals

Few topics in sales stir as much discussion and attention as compensation plans. The proper compensation structure can ignite a team’s performance, attract top talent, and drive a company toward its strategic goals. Conversely, a poorly conceived plan can lead to demotivation, high turnover, and missed targets. This discussion delves into the intricacies of designing compensation plans that motivate and align with a company’s broader objectives, offering insights for salespeople, sales managers, and CEOs alike.… 

Beyond Numbers: The Leadership Behind Effective Quota Management

In B2B sales, mastering the art of quota setting and management is a critical factor driving sales teams’ success across various industries. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of software sales, the intricacies of service offerings, or the demands of manufacturing and distribution, the ability to set realistic yet challenging quotas can significantly impact your team’s performance and, ultimately, your company’s bottom line. This article delves into the essential aspects of quota management, offering valuable insights… 

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: Key Quotes: Summary: This episode offers… 

Crafting Your Path to Success: Strategic Sales Planning for Small Businesses

The foundation of success in B2B sales lies in the ability to close deals and the strategic planning and objective setting that precedes any sales activity. This article offers a roadmap for salespeople, sales managers, and CEOs of small companies keen on refining their sales strategies and bolstering their management capabilities. Connecting your sales objectives with your company’s long-term goals is central to developing an effective sales strategy. Sales leaders should cast a vision for… 

Strategizing Success: A Small Business Guide to Sales Mastery

Understanding the intricacies of sales plans, processes, and methodologies is beneficial and crucial for sustained growth and success in B2B sales. This deep dive offers invaluable insights for salespeople, sales managers, and CEOs of small companies looking to refine their sales strategies and enhance management capabilities. A sales plan is more than just setting targets; it’s about crafting a roadmap to market success, focusing on who you’re engaging with and the value you bring to… 

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Carving Success: Chris Spanier on Sales-Marketing Synergy – E77

This episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” is essential listening for small business owners, sales leaders, and marketing professionals striving for growth in a competitive marketplace. Chris Spanier shares invaluable insights on making the most of limited budgets, the critical importance of sales and marketing collaboration, and strategic approaches to achieving company-wide success. Through real-life examples and practical advice, Chris, Kevin, and Sean illuminate a path forward for businesses looking to cultivate a powerful synergy between sales and marketing. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a marketing expert dedicated to helping companies seize the day and achieve their goals.

Ready to transform your sales and marketing strategy? Download this episode now for expert guidance on driving profitability and growth in your business.

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.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Cultivating Multi-Threaded Relationships in Sales – E72

In this episode, Kevin and Sean provide valuable insights into building a successful sales pipeline, emphasizing the importance of multi-threaded relationships and understanding the dynamics of the buying committee. They offer practical strategies for new and experienced sales professionals and guidance for sales leaders on supporting their teams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their sales process and achieve better results in their sales endeavors. Join us next week for more on building quality relationships and effective pipeline management in sales.