Mike and Scott are two experienced sales pros with over 50 years of selling experience (and a lot of airline and hotel points!) that share a common goal: Sell better, Live better, and most of all...Enjoy more! They share deep-ish thoughts (and some mediocre advice) on sales and life as they exchange stories, philosophies, experiences, insights, and random thoughts. Special guests provide even more (and deeper) insights along the way!
Subscribe
Popular episodes
All episodes
Mike and Scott are two experienced sales pros with over 50 years of selling experience (and a lot of airline and hotel points!) that share a common goal: Sell better, Live better, and most of all...Enjoy more! They share deep-ish thoughts (and some mediocre advice) on sales and life as they exchange stories, philosophies, experiences, insights, and random thoughts. Special guests provide even more (and deeper) insights along the way!
Strategically prioritize your accounts. Not all accounts are created equal and we should not treat them as such. Too often we are spending the wrong amount of time in the wrong account. Here is what we talk about on this episode:
One of the highlights of this episode is the checklist of finding the "easiest" accounts:
Lastly, just remember... someone quick to move to you will be quick to move from you! Don't fear the long sales cycle.
Please reach out to us and share your thoughts on this subject:
Mike@thesellingpodcast.com
Scott@thesellingpodcast.com
Feb 24 2021
30mins
Part Two of Selling Time Management
Unfortunately, you saw some bad habits outlined in last episode. We spoke for 10 minutes about not showing up late for an interview or meeting. (We will blame that on Scott!) Here is the overview of this episode:
Sales is about setting objectives and accomplishing those tasks. Managing time gives you more time in your day, reduces stress and makes you more effective at sales. Understand how you sell, where you waste time, where you are distracted and identify what you are doing that is not productive. Join us as we continue to make changes in what we do. (The next episode will be more direct!)
Thanks again for joining this adventure with us!
Please reach out to us and share your thoughts and join the discussion:
Scott@thesellingpodcast.com
Mike@thesellingpodcast.com
Feb 17 2021
23mins
Comedians use of timing can exponentially increase the joke or sink it with speed. The irony here is that our planned 30 minute episode on time management went long... real long! We divided it into two parts.
In this episode, we discuss not being late. Next week we dive into specific details on time management. Here is the overview of the two episodes:
Please reach out to us and share your thoughts and join the discussion:
Scott@thesellingpodcast.com
Mike@thesellingpodcast.com
Feb 10 2021
23mins
Jenna Hall teaches how we can sell with positive assumptions and trust. HPWP Group (High Performance Work Place) teaches individuals how to lead with people. Many of these resources are pushing your internal team to a high level of performance. These same principles should also be applied to clients and potential customers.
Jenna Hall Contact Information:
jenna@hpwpgroup.com
Be sure to like us, share us, and comment on all the social media platforms! Join the fun and join the conversation!
Feb 03 2021
31mins
James Muir finishes up this series with a demonstration of how to avoid discounting and providing better way. A simple, quick phrase will help you close the deal the way the customer wants. We discuss ways to keep the customer in mind and James provides an easy way to do just that!
Reach out and learn more about James Muir at http://www.puremuir.com
Contact us at:
scott@TheSellingPodcast.com
mike@TheSellingPodcast.com
Jan 27 2021
26mins
A listener favorite, James Muir comes back with more insights and wisdom on closing complex sales. James shares his thoughts on how to qualify and clarify, keep people engaged, and most importantly, ensure they are progressing. We also discuss the misconception most sales representatives have about the progression of customers. Sometimes times we think a customer is moving forward and in reality, they are not progressing towards the close.
This was another GREAT interview and one that will help you!
Visit James at http://www.puremuir.com for downloadable content.
Contact us at:
scott@TheSellingPodcast.com
mike@TheSellingPodcast.com
Jan 20 2021
29mins
We thank you as the listener for joining our journey. We are having so much fun each week and are grateful for you as a listener to providing us that support. In this week's episode, we reflect on Season 1 of The Selling Podcast and set the tone for Season 2.
Season 1 shout-outs in this podcast include:
Season 2 will include more sales theory and we will strive to give 1-2 key take aways every week to help you improve your sales technique.
Selling is a practice and we continue to bring sales leaders to help us understand where and what to practice. Thanks for subscribing, sharing us and helping us to continue to grow!
Jan 13 2021
26mins
Change happens! And this time change is happening close to home for Scott.
Circumstances and situations make it the right time for Scott to change careers (but don't worry, he is still on board for this podcast!). He is leaving a fantastic medical sales and consulting career to become a personal finance advisor.
In this episode, we discuss changes and how overcome the challenges associated with it. We also address questions like:
We also talk about keeping the right attitude, maximizing your experiences, and bringing a rational outlook to actions that determine success.
Follow us, Like us, and most of all...Join the conversation! Leave us a comment or email us. We love hearing from our listeners!
Contact us:
Scott@TheSellingPodcast.com
Mike@TheSellingPodcast.com
Jan 06 2021
31mins
In this episode we have a fantastic discussion with Fred Copestake. Fred is an insightful author and podcast host of "Selling Through Partnering Skills." He reached out to us after listening to our podcast episode on the new sales model and had several pieces he wanted to add.
Along with his six elements of Partnership Quotient (PQ), we discuss the VALUE framework:
Fred shares the steps to move sales through the this framework. Buyers have more information and likely know what they are looking for in a solution. How does the modern day seller work in that environment? Fred explains how this is done by putting the buyer as the hero and working with the customer... in other words, collaborative selling!
Connect with Fred on LinkedIn Profile (and mention The Selling Podcast when you conncect!):
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredcopestake/
Fred Copestake's Materials (Podcast, Books, etc)
https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
Follow us, Like us, and Mention us on all the social media sights! Join the conversation. Thanks!
Dec 30 2020
40mins
This will rank as one of the BEST GUESTS we have had!
James Muir, author of "The Perfect Close," shares the ideology and applicational he uses and teaches to close deals. He has proven the simple concept over and over. Both as a sales representative and sales leader!
Sales is not fun if you are not closing deals. James says that this "close" can advance more business and close deals with just two questions! James is happy to share and demonstrates how and when to use "The Perfect Close".
For other study helps and information about "The Perfect Close" please visit https://puremuir.com.
Share, like, and mention us on all the social media channels! Join the conversation and have fun!
Dec 23 2020
37mins
Phil Everhart, Founder and President of SmartFox Technologies, graciously answers our questions about the importance of forecasting and how to do it correctly. With COVID-19 taking over in 2020 and budgets tightened, it is critical for companies, managers, and representatives to forecast accurately and effectively.
SmartFox Technology is a business forecast management (BFM) application that is built to work in the Salesforce™ environment. And the purpose is to provide a BFM that helps company leaders predict future revenue base on rules (not emotional guesses), past events, objective representative input, and management insight.
To be effective in sales, product has to be available in finished inventory when you need it. Something everyone in manufacturing is familiar with after COVID-19. For products to be in stock, you need to have an accurate forecast. The vicious cycle begins and end with an accurate forecast. Listen and learn about SmartFox and the keys to predicting the future!
Contact Phil and tell him you heard him on The Selling Podcast!
Phil Everhart
Phil.everhart@smartfoxtechnologies.com
Phil's LinkedIn Profile
SmartFox Technologies Home Page
Our Contact Info:
scott@thesellingpodcast.com
mike@thesellingpodcast.com
Dec 16 2020
34mins
Calling all sales pros! Weigh in on this topic and win a guest-spot on the podcast!
We are looking for your input and doing something different on this podcast. This episode features a discussion about the challenges and opportunities found in the new selling model. Listen and then go to TheSellingPodcast and share you insights with us. Or even better, email us directly (mike@thesellingpodcast.com and scott@thesellingpodcast.com)! You may be invited to be a guest on an upcoming episode!
Here are the struggles we are discussing:
In the new Sales Methodology:
Where we need your input:
We look forward to hearing from you and we appreciate your help!
Enjoy this different style of podcast and join the discussion!
Dec 09 2020
31mins
Scott tries to convince Mike that "Solution Selling" is outdated because of the information revolution.
Reps and Sales Managers spend all their time putting out fires and don't make time to strategize. When we can understand all the needs and provide solutions for some clients, we will be a proactive seller of the future.
Scott's theory is "people are smart enough to know what they need and sales people get in the way. The way of sales needs to be providing smooth transitions and filling in any knowledge gaps for the buyer."
Here are a list of works that have been stated in this topic and will be referenced throughout the episode:
While there is a small role for solution sales, the focus needs to be on proactively selling. This entails knowing your company's strengths and weaknesses and ensuring that these work with the customer's ideal solution.
Is Mike convinced and is "solution selling" really dead?
Dec 02 2020
27mins
Scott tries to convince Mike that "Solution Selling" is outdated because of the information revolution.
Because of all the information available, most customers already know what product will best fit their solution. Marketing plays a larger role and we will discuss that more next episode. This week Scott tries to convince Mike that playing matchmaker for the client and best solution is the way of the past.
Scott's theory is "people are smart enough to know what they need and sales people get in the way. The way of sales needs to be providing smooth transitions and filling in any knowledge gaps for the buyer."
Here are a list of works that have been stated in this topic and will be referenced throughout the episode:
While there is a small role for solution sales, the focus needs to be on proactively selling. This entails knowing your company's strengths and weaknesses and ensuring that these work with the customer's ideal solution.
Is Mike convinced and is "solution selling" really dead?
Nov 25 2020
28mins
We were recently asked by a listener to give real and tactical solutions for sales. Mike and I broke this down for sales representatives and sales managers.
1:1 weekly meetings are sacred time with employees and employers and should be treated as such... especially during the COVID time. Here are our top 3 things to discuss after your employee has turned the time to you:
This should not surprise you, but Scott has been making some managerial mistakes and Mike give real coaching on what he can do to improve. Listen to this episode and see if you have any additions or suggestions that you would make. What is working well for you?
Please reach out to us at www.TheSellingPodcast.com
Nov 18 2020
32mins
We were recently asked by a listener to give real and tactical solutions for sales. Mike and I broke this down for sales representatives and sales managers.
Scott has been making calls in the field and Mike give real coaching on what he can do to improve. Listen to this episode and see if you have any additions or suggestions that you would make. What is working well for you?
Please reach out to us at www.TheSellingPodcast.com
Nov 11 2020
39mins
Targeting is always started but rarely completed in sales. Most reps, managers and executives know where they should go and who they should visit. However, they miss several key pieces. We cover these areas in this episode of the series:
From there it comes down to the territory plan...
As an added bonus, we speak about what can you do when you get ahead of your number?
Come and find us at www.TheSellingPodcast.com!
Nov 04 2020
36mins
Relationship mapping inside a territory is critical to expediting sales. When constructing a relationship map, include the following:
Area Relationship Map (inside the territory)
Prospect Relationship Map (inside the account)
Relationship Map Plans
These are some of the pieces to consider when developing your Territory Relationship Map.
Oct 28 2020
18mins
Don't be stuck in a rut of sales when you feel very busy but not making sales! This episode and series will outline how to make an actual difference in your number!
Key learnings in this episode:
Respect the Hustle and Hate the Hassle
Oct 21 2020
33mins
If we put the enthusiasm, insight, and wisdom of Larry Long Jr into a pill we could change the world! And it would only take one dose! WOW. What a great time interviewing Larry and swapping ideas. He will most certainly be making a return appearance on the podcast!
In this episode, Larry shares his experience with topics like:
Oct 14 2020
38mins