Sales podcast

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Microphones to Mountains – Reflecting on 100 Episodes of Sales Wisdom – E100

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey in this milestone 100th episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales.” They take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting the evolution of their podcast from simple LinkedIn live events to a thriving sales discussion platform on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. They delve into their personal growth, the transformative insights gained, and the invaluable lessons they’ve shared across 100 episodes.

Key Topics Discussed:

Evolution of the Podcast [00:00:21]: Kevin and Sean reflect on the technological and methodological shifts they’ve embraced to enhance their podcast experience.
Insights on Sales Excellence [00:01:35]: Sean shares his journey of continuous learning in sales, emphasizing the wisdom imparted by Kevin and its impact on his professional development.
Role of Content Creation [00:03:11]: Kevin discusses the significance of creating and repurposing valuable content, drawing parallels with daily writing practices to improve skill.
Interviews with Industry Experts [00:04:14]: The hosts highlight the diverse insights gained from interviews with visionaries across various sectors, from SaaS founders to business coaches.
Future of the Podcast [00:08:31]: Looking ahead, Kevin outlines their aspirations to scale the podcast’s impact and deepen listener engagement.

Key Quotes:

Kevin [00:00:00]: “It’s basically a stack of wires and plastic…a lost and found of sorts for electronics equipment.”
Sean [00:01:35]: “Listening to Kevin explain sales is insightful…I have learned an immense amount in the last 100 episodes.”

Additional Resources:

Books by Zig Ziglar mentioned for deeper insights into effective sales strategies. – https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AP7VIY

Previous episodes on building a comprehensive sales process.

Summary:

This 100th episode is a celebration and a testament to continuous improvement and shared growth in the sales world. Kevin and Sean unpack the layers of learning they’ve experienced and the wealth of knowledge they’ve gathered from various experts. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or a newcomer to the field, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice, humor, and insights that can transform your approach to sales and leadership.

A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast:

Adopt the practice of discussing and refining your craft regularly. As highlighted by Kevin, talking about your sales strategies and processes, much like writers improve by writing daily, can significantly enhance your expertise and execution in sales.

To understand if your company is doing a great job in sales, take this quick and easy 10-question assessment: https://salesxceleration.com/sales-agility-assessment/?locationid=26671639

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Process to Performance: Elevating Your Sales Game – E99

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey as they edge closer to their milestone 100th episode, diving deep into the critical components of a successful sales organization.

Episode 99 zooms in on the third pillar: “Process.” Kevin revisits his iconic saying, exploring the significance of a repeatable sales process and the consequences of lacking one, framed by rich personal anecdotes and professional insights.

Don’t miss this episode packed with practical advice on refining your sales techniques and strategies.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Importance of a Repeatable Sales Process: Discussing the necessity of having a structured approach to sales. [00:00:44]
Emotional Intelligence and Its Impact on Sales: Exploring how emotional intelligence influences sales interactions and outcomes. [00:01:19]
The Role of Discovery in Sales Success: Emphasizing discovery as a critical phase in understanding customer needs. [00:04:23]
Integrating Marketing and Sales for Better Customer Acquisition: How aligning marketing and sales efforts can enhance customer acquisition strategies. [00:06:59]
The Essential Nature of Trust in Sales: Identifying trust as the cornerstone of successful sales relationships. [00:05:24]
Sales Process Alignment with Buyer’s Journey: Highlighting the importance of aligning the sales process with the buyer’s procedures and expectations. [00:11:17]

Key Quotes:

Kevin: “If you don’t have a repeatable sales process, you don’t have a repeatable sales process.” [00:00:44]
Sean: “Sales is nothing more than the transferring of trust.” [00:05:24]

Additional Resources:

Harvard Business Review Study on Sales Process Effectiveness – Mentioned by Kevin as a source confirming the impact of a documented process on sales performance. [00:13:48] – https://hbr.org/2015/01/companies-with-a-formal-sales-process-generate-more-revenue

Summary:

In this episode, Kevin and Sean unpack the essence of a repeatable sales process and its undeniable role in achieving consistent success. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or new to the field, this discussion offers invaluable insights into making your sales efforts more effective and efficient. From the foundational role of trust to integrating marketing and sales, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their sales strategies.

As we approach the 100th episode, stay tuned for more wisdom from “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales.” Ready to elevate your sales game? Listen to this episode now on your favorite podcast platform!

To understand if your company is doing a great job in sales, take this quick and easy 10-question assessment: https://salesxceleration.com/sales-agility-assessment/?locationid=26671639

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – The Art of the Hire: Crafting a Winning Sales Team – E98

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey on this revealing episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” where they dive deep into the intricacies of hiring and motivating sales teams. Whether you’re a solopreneur or heading a growing business, this episode delivers crucial insights into creating a robust sales force to propel your business forward.

Key Topics Discussed

Hiring Challenges and Solutions [00:00:00]: Kevin opens the discussion by highlighting the universal challenge of hiring effective sales personnel, emphasizing their critical role in delivering solutions to the market.
Diversity in Sales Recruitment [00:01:19]: Sean expands on the need for a varied recruitment strategy that aligns with business geography and market scope, from local to global scales.
Strategic Hiring Practices [00:02:00]: The conversation shifts towards strategic hiring, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting up a structured hiring process.
Aligning Sales and Hiring Processes [00:03:42]: Kevin parallels the sales process with hiring, stressing the importance of a methodical approach to selecting the right candidates.
Cultural Fit and Skills Assessment [00:04:52]: This section discusses the importance of cultural fit and rigorous skills assessment in the hiring process, which ensures candidates align with company values and capabilities.
Long-term Sales Success [00:06:48]: Sean discusses the broader implications of hiring decisions for long-term sales success and the essential qualities of a top-notch salesperson.

Key Quotes

Kevin Lawson [00:00:00]: “When it comes down to delivering your solution to the market, that solution is often sold and carried forward by a salesperson.”
Sean O’Shaughnessey [00:02:17]: “You can’t have the strategy to grow at 3X this year if you don’t have enough people or a big enough factory.”

Additional Resources

Episode with Steve Caton: Revisit the discussion on alternatives to hiring and outsourcing parts of the sales department. https://sites.libsyn.com/458454/site/from-zero-to-sales-hero-steve-catons-strategies-for-small-business-growth
Predictive Analysis Tests: Objective Management Group (OMG) is the leading provider of sales team analyses, salesperson evaluations, and sales candidate assessments. https://salesxceleration.com/news-events/sales-xceleration-and-objective-management-group-partner-to-optimize-your-sales-team/

Summary

In this episode, Kevin and Sean tackle the often-overlooked but vital elements of building a successful sales team. From the necessity of a diverse hiring strategy to aligning the recruitment process with your business’s sales methodology, they cover a spectrum of topics that promise to enhance your hiring practices. Insightful, practical, and filled with expert advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their sales efforts effectively. Tune in to “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” to transform your approach to hiring and watch your business grow!

To understand if your company is doing a great job in sales, take this quick and easy 10-question assessment: https://salesxceleration.com/sales-agility-assessment/?locationid=26671639

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Destination Success: Mapping Your Sales Strategy with Precision – E97

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Join hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey as they dive into the intricacies of sales strategy, drawing parallels to planning a family vacation. As we edge closer to our 100th episode, this session unpacks why having a well-documented and aligned business plan is crucial—akin to knowing your vacation destination to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re a business owner or a sales professional, this episode provides vital insights into simplifying and aligning your sales strategy for maximum effectiveness.

Key Topics Discussed

Vacation Planning and Sales Goals (00:00 – 02:00): Sean compares vacation planning to setting sales goals, emphasizing the importance of a clear destination or objective.
Aligning Strategies Across Teams (02:01 – 03:47): Kevin explores how aligning individual, team, and organizational strategies can streamline efforts and enhance outcomes.
Simplifying the Sales Process (03:48 – 05:07): The conversation shifts towards simplifying the sales process to make it easy to understand, teach, and implement.
Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations (05:08 – 07:00): Sean stresses the necessity of setting achievable goals that reflect the company’s operational capabilities and strategic direction.
Operational Alignment with Sales Targets (07:01 – 09:00): The discussion touches on ensuring operational capabilities can support the sales targets set.

Key Quotes

Sean (01:44): “Just like when you’re planning your vacation, you kind of have to make sure everybody understands that we are going to get on a plane on this date, at this time.”
Kevin (03:01): “People spend more time thinking about their vacation than they do about their sales strategy. And that’s a miss, but it’s one that we can quickly and simply fix.”

Summary

In this enlightening episode, Kevin and Sean draw an engaging analogy between planning a vacation and formulating a sales strategy. They emphasize the importance of clear goals, alignment across the organization, and simplicity in execution. The hosts share personal anecdotes and decades of sales leadership experience, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can lead to predictable and successful sales outcomes. Tune in to gain actionable insights that could transform your approach to sales strategy. Download this episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” on your favorite podcast platform today, and don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable discussions!

To understand if your company is doing a great job in sales, take this quick and easy 10-question assessment: https://salesxceleration.com/sales-agility-assessment/?locationid=26671639

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Leading with Generosity- The Servant Leadership Approach to Sales with Tom Daly – E93

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Welcome to another enriching episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive deep into the art of sales with special guest Tom Daly from Focus Insights Group. In this episode, we explore the concept of servant leadership in sales and how giving more can ultimately lead to receiving more in business and personal growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

Servant Leadership in Sales [00:01:00 – 00:10:00]: Tom Daly discusses the importance of building productive referral networks and how servant leadership has helped him succeed in sales.

The Power of Giving Freely [00:05:00 – 00:08:00]: A detailed exploration of how giving without expecting immediate returns can foster long-term business relationships and personal satisfaction.

Balancing Generosity with Business Acumen [00:05:20 – 00:06:30]: Kevin probes the delicate balance between generosity and ensuring business viability.

Community and Collaboration [00:06:43 – 00:07:33]: The significance of a supportive community within the sales acceleration network, emphasizing collective success over individual gains.

Sales as a Helping Profession [00:08:21 – 00:09:52]: Sean reflects on the philosophy that sales should focus on helping and solving problems rather than just transactional interactions.

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Activating Your Sales Ecosystem for Growth – E92

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Join Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey in a compelling episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” which delves into the power of networking and relationship management in sales. Whether you are a seasoned sales professional or just starting, this episode offers invaluable insights into maximizing your sales ecosystem without overwhelming your contacts.

Key Topics Discussed:

Activating Your Network [00:00:00]: Kevin highlights the importance of leveraging existing relationships and simple, actionable strategies to enhance your sales pipeline.
Realistic Relationship Management [00:01:36]: Sean discusses the practical aspects of maintaining a manageable network that can drive business growth.
Frequency of Contact [00:04:54]: Explore how often to engage with your network, including referral partners and past customers, without becoming a nuisance.
Digital Communication vs. Personal Interaction [00:06:00]: This section dissects the balance between digital outreach and personal connection to optimize relationship value.
Segmenting Contacts [00:08:29]: Sean shares his method of categorizing contacts into A, B, and C lists to tailor communication frequency and maintain effectiveness.

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Selling the Hole, Not the Drill: Understanding the Real Value Behind Your Sales – E91

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Welcome to another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where our hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey dive deep into the complexities and strategies of sales. In this episode, they explore the nuanced dynamics of selling through distribution and understanding the real needs of your customers. Whether you’re a seasoned sales veteran or just starting in your career, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on refining your sales approach to maximize effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

Key Topics Discussed:

Selling Through Distribution: Sean shares his early career mistakes and the pivotal lessons of focusing beyond just the product features.
Understanding Your Customer’s Needs: Strategies to grasp what the end-user truly requires from a product, rather than just its specifications.
The Importance of Simplicity in Sales: Kevin emphasizes how simplifying your sales message can vastly improve understanding and efficiency in sales processes.
Sales Training and Knowledge Transfer: Both hosts discuss how proper training and knowledge sharing with channel partners and sales teams can lead to better sales outcomes.
The Role of Value in Sales: How to communicate the unique value of a product or service to stand out in a competitive market.
Referral Partnerships and Networks: Sean elaborates on the significance of nurturing relationships with referral partners to enhance lead generation for smaller businesses.

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Maximizing Customer Relationships: Insights from Chris Goade – E90

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Join Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey in another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales.” This week, they welcome back Chris Goade from 360 Consulting in Dallas. Chris dives deep into the importance of customer retention and intentional engagement strategies. Discover how to transform average customers into great ones and learn practical techniques to elevate your sales game.

Key Topics Discussed

Defining Ideal Customers: Chris emphasizes the need for businesses to understand and define what makes a great customer, moving beyond just high revenue.
Intentional Customer Interactions: Pre-call planning and intentionality in customer meetings are important to foster deeper relationships and uncover more business opportunities.
Handling Customer Problems: How addressing and solving problems can turn challenging customers into loyal advocates.
Roadmapping Conversations: Strategies for sales leaders to guide their teams in having structured, meaningful conversations with clients.
Growing Existing Customers: Real-world examples of how focusing on existing customers can lead to significant business growth without new customer acquisition.
Salesperson Development: Techniques to help salespeople grow comfortable with engaging higher-level executives and having more strategic business conversations.

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – The Four Pillars of Sales Success with Veteran Advisor Chris Goade – E89

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Join Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey in this compelling episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” featuring seasoned sales acceleration advisor Chris Goade. As a pioneer in the field from Dallas-Fort Worth, Chris brings a wealth of experience from top companies like Dr. Pepper, PepsiCo, and 3M. Delve into the intricacies of building effective sales processes and learn firsthand about the transformative power of structured sales strategies.

Key Topics Discussed

Building Effective Sales Teams: How creating structured processes can accelerate sales performance.
Sales Process Fundamentals: Chris outlines the critical pillars of a successful sales process, including lead generation and customer relationship management.
Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting: Chris shares his journey from corporate sales to starting his own consulting business and the lessons learned.
The Evolution of Sales Tools and Techniques: Discussion on how sales strategies have adapted over time, especially in response to technological advancements.
Maintaining Customer Relationships: The importance of nurturing existing relationships to foster long-term business growth.

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Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Fundamentals First: Building a Winning Sales Team with Tom Morgan of Sales Xceleration – E88

By Sean O'Shaughnessey

Welcome to another insightful episode of “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales,” where we continue our vibrant discussion this week with special guest Tom Morgan, a former collegiate basketball coach turned sales strategy guru. Diving into the parallels between sports coaching and sales management, this episode is packed with strategic insights to enhance your sales team’s performance as the quarter and year draw to a close.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Importance of Early and Ongoing Preparation: Starting strong from the beginning of the year or season sets teams up for success.
Fundamentals in Sports and Sales: A comparison of essential practices like the three-man weave in basketball to fundamental sales activities such as prospecting and client interaction.
Role of Support Players in Success: Discuss how each team member’s effective execution of their role enhances overall performance.
Impact of Precision and Timing: The critical nature of precise actions and decisions in the closing moments of a game or sales quarter.
Role Clarity and Consistent Language in Sales Teams: How clear definitions and consistent communication within teams can streamline processes and improve outcomes.
Creative and Effective Role-Playing: Innovative approaches to role-playing that increase engagement and effectiveness in training sessions.

Key Quotes:

Kevin Lawson: “Doing the easy things well translates into doing the hard things more effectively.”
Sean O’Shaughnessey: “The ability to do it over and over again, make mistakes in practice so that I didn’t make that same mistake in the game.”
Tom Morgan: “It’s those fundamentals… You start to practice those key details. As you get into your sales process, those are the things when you get to the end of a quarter, you’re relying on best practices.”

Summary:

Whether you’re a sales novice or a seasoned leader, this episode offers invaluable lessons on preparation, practice, and execution that are crucial for any high-stakes environment, not just in sales or sports. Tom Morgan’s expertise in translating athletic coaching techniques into sales strategies provides listeners practical tools and thoughtful strategies to elevate their teams’ performance. Tune in to harness these techniques and ensure your team is ready and fundamentally conditioned for success at the quarter’s end. Don’t miss out on this game-changing discussion—perfect for anyone looking to enhance their strategic approach to sales management.