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sales management

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

Keep Your Client’s Outcomes in Mind When Creating Decision Timelines

I regularly talk to my clients who have long and complicated sales processes regarding the need to adopt a Decision Timeline. These are known by many different names, but regardless of name, they are a list of action items that both companies need to check off either independently or mutually. This allows both the selling and buying teams to have a project plan to arrive at a decision to move forward with a financial transaction… Keep Your Client’s Outcomes in Mind When Creating Decision Timelines

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

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.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales – Navigating the Sales Process: Insights from Jeff Clair of ClairVoyant Consulting – E74

This episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” is a treasure trove for anyone looking to sharpen their sales skills. With Jeff Clair’s expertise, the discussion sheds light on critical aspects of the sales process, from the initial lead generation to the final close. By addressing salespeople’s common pitfalls and offering strategies to overcome them, Jeff, Kevin, and Sean provide listeners with actionable advice to elevate their sales game. Whether you’re a seasoned VP of Sales or a sales professional looking to improve your approach, this episode is packed with insights that can transform your sales strategy and lead to greater success. Tune in to learn how to navigate the sales process confidently, leverage your CRM effectively, and harness the power of storytelling to connect with your prospects on a deeper level.

Boosting Profitability in Sales: Mastering the Art of Negotiation – Video 11 of the New Year Motivation Series

Entering the New Year, it’s vital for sales teams to analyze and improve their negotiation strategies for enhanced deal profitability. Reflecting on past negotiations to identify weaknesses is key. Embracing continuous learning and preparation, like training and scenario planning, can significantly boost bottom lines. The goal is to negotiate mutually beneficial deals without unnecessary concessions, thereby maximizing value and profit with every transaction.

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 – The Trusted Advisor: Excelling in Consumable Product Sales – E70

In this episode, Kevin and Sean provide a deep dive into the world of consumable sales, emphasizing the importance of being more than just a salesperson – being a trusted advisor. They discuss the necessity of understanding your product and your customer, crafting a unique selling proposition, and the critical role of sales managers and CEOs in empowering their teams. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting, this episode offers practical advice and strategies to excel in the competitive market of consumable sales. Tune in to “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” for these and more invaluable sales insights.

From Features to Solutions: Rethinking Sales for the New Year – Video 6 of the New Year Motivation Series

In the New Year, sales professionals should focus on problem-solving to enhance their approach. Successful sales hinge on understanding a client’s core issues and how a product can solve them. Proposals should tell a compelling story, supported by relevant case studies. Transitioning from a feature-focused to a solution-oriented strategy will differentiate one in the market and foster long-lasting relationships.

Unleashing Your Sales Potential in the New Year: The CRM Game-Changer – Video 5 of the New Year Motivation Series

As the new year unfolds, the urgency to hit the ground running in sales is paramount. My mission is to guide you toward a robust sales strategy. The cornerstone of this strategy? Mastering your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. The Critical Role of CRM in Sales Success A CRM is more than just a tool; it’s the lifeline of your sales process. If you’re still on the fence about using a CRM or struggling with… Unleashing Your Sales Potential in the New Year: The CRM Game-Changer – Video 5 of the New Year Motivation Series