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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:
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!
Building High-Performing Sales Teams: Accountability, Strategy, and Success
Navigating the complexities and ensuring a robust and productive team are pivotal to achieving sustained success in sales. Accountability within a sales team requires pinpointing underperformance and creating an environment where feedback is constructive and growth is nurtured. The notion that no team member should be surprised by a change in their employment status underscores the importance of transparent communication. Setting realistic expectations and having regular discussions ensures that salespeople know where they stand and…
The Key to Extraordinary Sales: Developing a Compelling Unique Selling Proposition
In B2B sales, professionals grapple with many challenges that can make or break their success. Clearly articulating a unique selling proposition (USP) stands out as a cornerstone for distinguishing oneself from the competition. This capability is not just a nicety—it’s a necessity. As businesses strive to carve out their niche in crowded markets, understanding and communicating what makes them distinct becomes paramount. The concept of a USP or value proposition is often used interchangeably, yet…
Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – From Missed Quotas to Major Wins: Turning Sales Pitfalls into Triumphs – E84
In this insightful episode, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey discuss common pitfalls in sales management and strategies for maintaining customer relationships through effective tools like CRM systems. If you’ve ever missed a deal due to a forgotten follow-up or struggled with customer engagement, this episode is packed with practical advice to enhance your sales processes and hit your targets consistently. Key Topics Discussed Key Quotes Kevin Lawson: “There’s nobody else accountable for that but…
The Blueprint for Sales Efficiency: Crafting a Repeatable Sales Process
Sales teams are at the forefront of driving revenue and fostering client relationships. However, without a structured approach, the efforts can become disjointed, leading to missed opportunities and inefficiencies. This is where the importance of having a documented sales process becomes undeniable. A well-defined sales process streamlines operations and ensures consistency and effectiveness in pursuing and managing sales opportunities. The heart of effective sales management lies in understanding and implementing a repeatable sales process. This…
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.…
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…
The Future of B2B Sales: Personalization through Account-Based Marketing
In today’s competitive B2B sales landscape, integrating account-based marketing (ABM) with named account strategies has emerged as a pivotal methodology for companies aiming to refine their sales and marketing efforts. This approach not only harnesses the synergy between sales and marketing teams but also paves the way for more targeted and personalized outreach to key accounts. As we delve into the intricacies of launching a named account strategy, it becomes evident that preparation, collaboration, and…








