The Sales Evangelist: Sales Training|Speaking|Business Marketing|Donald Kelly

The first ten seconds of a cold call will have your heart racing faster than a cheetah on a hunt.What do you say to keep the prospect from hanging up? How about trying a cold call opener?You might have tried them, but they didn’t work out. You probably weren’t using permission-based openers, and I’m going to tell you how to do them the right way in this episode.Cold Call Openers Give Prospects a Way OutCold call openers do work, and I recently tried them out. Actually, I tried them out a few times, and they usually work out well.What I do differently is give the prospect an option to end the call. It helps them feel they have a way out when they decide to leave.Think of it as you’re at the movies and know the emergency exit is right beside you. Knowing this gives you comfort in case you have to hurry up and leave.Permission-Based Openers WorkIf you don’t believe me on permission-based cold calls, then believe the stats: It lowers resistance:Permission-based openers, such as “Did I catch you at a bad time

It's frustrating when you're trying to reach a key decision-maker, only to be stopped by their administrative assistant. It can feel like gatekeepers intentionally block your path to closing a deal. But what if their resistance isn't just about blocking, but about recognizing when your approach simply isn't up to par? In this episode, I speak with Natasha Bowles, a seasoned gatekeeper with over 25 years of experience, to uncover what truly gets her to engage with sellers. Tune in to get the inside scoop and learn how to improve your tactics to close more deals.Meet the Gatekeeper: Natasha BowlesNatasha Bowles is the Founder of Natasha Bowles Professional Services, a staffing agency specializing in virtual and in-house administrative support.  As an executive-level administrator for over 25 years, Ms. Bowles has been a gatekeeper for high-profile individuals like medical professionals, property managers, venture capitalists, and notable public figures.She's not offended by the term "gatekee

shownotesMentioned in this episode:HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOSHubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS hubpspot.com/marketers bluemangostudios.com

In the last episode, I shared some hidden gems on what prospects really want when they go on LinkedIn. I also provided some examples of how to engage with customers on the platform. But what I didn’t show you was how to turn these prospects into appointments. You’re going to find out in this part two series of my little LinkedIn rant.Connect, Share, and Engage to Generate Leads on LinkedInIf you remember from the last episode, I discussed how connecting and engaging with a prospect is better than the generic connecting and pitching method. Connect with a prospect on LinkedIn, share relevant content there, and engage with those who engage with your content. Even if no one is commenting on your posts, still keep sharing. Another idea is for you to comment on other content in the groups your ICP is in. Remember the data I shared on why people are on LinkedIn?When you’re engaging and sharing content that your prospects are interested in, it helps you pop up in their news feeds more and become seen as an

LinkedIn is a goldmine for opportunities, but the challenge many sales reps are finding is that no one is responding to their messages after connecting. In this episode and the next one coming up, I’m sharing LinkedIn tips that provide the right touch to get prospects to start engaging with you. My research will help you network better and close deals, without resorting to those silly automated messages.Why Sending Pitch Messages Is A Mistake?Recently I did a LinkedIn poll that said, “When you accept a connection request, what percentage of them turn into pitches right after?” Out of the 316 people who responded to the survey, 60% of them received pitches in the next line of communication and did not like it.My poll result shows that prospects really hate those automated LinkedIn messages, especially right after you just connected with them. Just because they match your ICP, doesn’t mean it gives you the authority to pitch your services. Your prospects aren’t machines who are just going to do business with yo

There’s no way around it; you’re going to hear "no" repeatedly in this industry. However, how you handle those "no's" is what turns you into a better seller. My guest, Jacob Hicks, is going to show you how he turned 70% of his "no's" into future "yes's."Meet Jacob HicksHe is a successful sales coach passionate about empowering leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs to achieve clarity and fulfillment in both their business and personal lives.  Since 2014, he has been a sales leader who has exceeded goals, set records, and effectively led teams across diverse industries.  When he isn’t working, he is dedicated to continuous growth through reading, music, investing, and mission work.What to Do When You Get RejectedJacob believes that all success stems from prospects telling you "no." You learn significantly more from setbacks.This is where you can reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve your deal-closing process.He also believes that without a strong follow-up system, you will not be able

A big problem a lot of sellers have is they don't know who their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is. But, with the right framework, you'll be able to go after the right buyers every time. My guest, Ronnell Richards, founder of Sayless Academy, will share how to find your ICP and how to reach them the right way.Meet Ronnell RichardsRonnell Richards is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and sales consultant with over 20 years of experience. He's put his sales and marketing expertise into comprehensive LinkedIn Learning courses and his book, "Shut The Hell Up and Sell." On top of his professional work, he mentors entrepreneurs and supports community initiatives, helping businesses succeed and creating social impact.Why You Got to Know Your ICPRonnell says a lot of tech companies don't actually have an ICP and just sell to anyone who comes along. But, in today's tough market, knowing your ICP stops you from getting pulled every which way and missing out on big wins. The more specific you are wi

Everywhere you turn, there’s a new AI tool being developed, and you may be hesitant to try them out. AI technology is here to advance how we do things, especially within the sales industry. However, people tend to use them the wrong way. Luckily, my guest, Stan Robinson, is here to share three AI techniques you can integrate into your workflow.Meet Stan RobinsonStan is the CEO of Social Sales Link, which teaches revenue-driven professionals to create more trust-based sales conversations using LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, and AI.Having coached over 1,000 business development professionals on social selling, Stan, who studied Psychology at Harvard and international affairs at Princeton, continues to expand his expertise through ongoing courses on sales, leadership, and AI.AI for Sales Reps: How to Work SmarterAI tools shouldn’t replace your work ethic; instead, you should be using them to enhance your sales skills. Stan shares how sales reps should be using AI:Messaging that connects: Don’t use AI tools to create

You've heard me talk about multithreading over and over again. Today, I’m sharing more insight with a personal experience of mine and how I worked with multiple people in an organization to close a deal. Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and send a message with the title: "multithreading" and tell me what you liked about this episode.Sales Challenge with MultithreadingMultithreading is where you take two or more different paths to connect with individuals in an organization. The challenge I find that most sales reps have with doing this is whether someone will get mad at them for doing it. I even had this problem when first starting out.Will they think of you as a playa? Maybe if you’re doing it with a small company, but with a bigger one, it’s actually a good idea to multithread.The thing is, you can’t be giving the same value proposition.If you’re saying the same thing over and over again, you’re going to lose.The CEO and marketing director have two different problems and responsibilities, so you’

One of the biggest mistakes new salespeople make is winging it, even after receiving training. This is going to have you leaving lots of money on the table, and the only way to turn this around is by developing a framework that actually works.My guest, Luke Lunkenheimer, is going to share the 3 C’s Selling framework that’ll change your mindset to improve your sales game. Give it a listen; it may even help you in other areas of your life!Meet Luke LunkenheimerLuke grew up as a regular guy from a small town and started out in the industry as a car salesman. For years, he did not live up to his full potential in the sales industry, losing unnecessary money. He finally figured out what he was doing wrong.After developing his new sales approach, he realized that you need a certain mindset and values in order to make it in this industry, which he is going to share with you in this episode.Now, Luke is a successful entrepreneur, owning the Paid 2 Persuade sales training platform that is transforming and empowering s

I had to do it again and bring back Marcus Sheridan for another episode. Today, we’re going over details of his new book, “Endless Customer,” and he's going to share four ways to make your brand the most trusted in the industry. Background on The Newest Book After the rise of AI tools, Marcus noticed a major change in the sales industry. It’s getting harder and harder to produce content that will generate leads. Also, those who are not using AI technology in some form within their work are struggling the most now. On top of this, companies are having a harder time gaining consumer trust, all thanks to the advancement of AI. This is why Marcus wrote the "Endless Customer" book! To generate leads and to shine through AI, you’re going to have to become a well-known and trusted brand, which you can do with the help of his guidance. How Can You Make Yourself Stand Out If you’ve noticed, not too many people are using Google nowadays. Also, when you search on Google, a lot of AI answers or Reddit posts

I’m giving you another rerun again. Yes, I know, but you’re going to love this episode with my guest Bob Burg, who is an expert sales leader and author with a real go-giver attitude. Listen to this live episode to get the right mindset to help you get prospects. Meet Bob Burg Bob Burg is a salesman who has written a series of books about The Go-Giver, a parable about the principles behind the kind of success most sellers are hoping to achieve. After spending some time in the sales industry, he realized that he wasn’t living up to his potential. Until one day he had a conversation with another salesman and recalling how his parents worked to make other’s lives better, it hit him.   Instead of trying to meet quota, Bob shifts his focus on how he can serve others, and his reward happens to be more money coming into his pockets. Great salesmanship is about the other person and how they’ll benefit from your product or service. Focus on Value People aren't going to buy from you because you need to mee

You started working at a new company, and on the outside everything seems great. But when it comes time to find leads, everyone completely ghosts you. Even the management-level employees are nowhere to be found. It kind of makes you feel like everyone hates you. I have experienced the same situation, and I’m here to share some tips to help you out when you start a new sales position and it seems like no one can help you get started. Find People Close to Your Proximity If you’re struggling with finding leads, consider getting on LinkedIn and network with your connections who are close to your ICP. I share a strategy that I teach in my LinkedIn prospecting course. It’s a neat sales trick that works every single time, only when they know you already! You can also ask your proximity connections how they can give you insights on getting leads if my first strategy doesn’t work for you. Target Accounts When you have an understanding of those who can potentially buy from you, you can focus on your ICP

Sometimes it's better to break the script and listen to what your client is saying when trying to close a deal. In today’s episode, I chatted with Christian Jack, founder of the Sales Dojo and a master of influence, about why it’s important for sellers to understand the psychology of persuasion. He breaks down how the human mind works when sellers become too pushy and how agents can overcome this challenge. Meet Christian Jack Christian Jack is a highly respected sales coach and growth consultant with a proven ability to scale businesses to multiple eight figures. He provides fractional CRO services, one-on-one coaching, and tailored sales training that empower professionals and entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable growth. His practical, personalized approach enables clients to maximize their influence, boost performance, and achieve long-term Sales Is All About Connecting The Dots You want to be a top-performing agent, but to get there, you need to understand that it’s not about meeting goals o

Staying curious is one of the top skills a sales professional must have in order to succeed in this industry. But why is it so important? My guest, Denise Murtha Bachmann, a sales coach and founder of the Sellovatorz programs, is here to tell you about it in this episode. She's going to share how to flawlessly conduct a discovery call and get to the root cause of a problem to help close a deal. Meet Denise Murtha Bachmann Denise Murtha Bachmann is a sales strategist, coach, and fractional sales leader who helps businesses humanize their sales approach while leveraging AI for smarter selling. With a deep focus on relationships, curiosity, and uncovering the probable root cause, she empowers sales teams and founders to build predictable pipelines and close more deals with authenticity.  Through her Sellovatorz programs Denise is redefining modern sales by balancing cutting-edge technology with the human touch buyers demand. Take a Step Back and Slow Down Most sellers try to rush through the sales

We are going old school today. I’m sharing a past episode of my conversation with Tim Riesterer, co-author of The Three Value Conversations, where he shares details of his book. Check it out to learn the conversations you need to be having to master your sales craft. Meet Tim Riesterer Tim is the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of Corporate Visions. He has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and sales and is a co-founder of Customer Message Management. Tim also worked with Corporate Visions LLC, where he was the CEO until it was acquired by Corporate Visions in 2008. He brings a lot of great insights to a sales conversation, and during this episode, he offers some great thoughts relative to his book.    Importance of Value Conversations Being a sales professional is hard! You have to provide a solution that isn’t complex and too difficult for your prospects to understand. How can you do this when you’re stuck at the proposal stage, getting caught up on prices, and unable to buil

Hey, hey, hey! I’m back on the road again and here in Dallas celebrating the Sales Kick-Off Season. While here, questions on multi-threading kept popping up, so I’m here to share the four characteristics you must know about your prospects to help you out with this sales challenge. Also, don’t forget to reach out to me on LinkedIn! Individual’s Title Yeah, I know, a pretty obvious thing to know about your prospect. But it’s so important to know this because each individual you’re dealing with must be able to move a deal forward in the pipeline.  If their job role is unable to do this, then you’re not talking to the right person. Look at their LinkedIn profile or ask other individuals within the organization to learn more about their title. Know Their Responsibilities Sometimes a job title can mean nothing, and a person can just be filling a specific role until the right person comes along.  If you’re getting nowhere from learning about an individual’s job title, learn what their responsibilitie

No, guys, this episode has nothing to do with you switching professions and becoming an auctioneer. However, you will learn four core principles from the industry that will help you become a better sales professional. My guest, Dia Bondi, leadership communication coach and author of Ask Like an Auctioneer, is going to share how to articulate the offers you bring to your clients in a unique way. Also, don’t forget to download the hidden gems she shares at the bottom of these show notes. Meet Dia Bondi Dia has an exciting background as a leadership communications coach with over 20 years of experience. She has worked on high-profile projects, including helping Rio de Janeiro win the bid to host the 2016 Olympics.  With a unique love and hobby for fundraising auctioneering she became inspired to write the book "Ask Like an Auctioneer," which focuses on making impactful asks.  Paddle Through The No Auctioneers have a tendency to speak fast, or maybe they’re just good at doing a special chant.  The c

LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a handy tool to help you find prospects, but if you’re not using it right, you won’t be able to target the ones who have the say in closing a deal. How can you learn to use it to get in touch with C-suite executives? Find out in this episode with my guests Mike and John Murphy, the father-and-son duo of Text Tonality, and learn their three-step strategy for using LinkedIn. Where Did Their Passion for LinkedIn Come From? After struggling to find new clients, John turned to his son Mike for help. Mike had a unique strategy that helped his father find high-stakes clients in no time. Thanks to Mike’s method, he and his father are now the proud owners of Text Tonality. Understanding What Filters Are When you first use LinkedIn Sales Navigator, you’ll notice the many different filters within the tool. Mike noticed that people usually use the filters incorrectly in two different ways: either using too many or not enough filters. There are a certain number of filters you can

You're having a wonderful time speaking with a prospect and believe they're going to take the deal. But when you go in to offer it, they quickly shut you down with the most disappointing sales objection: "not interested." Instead of tackling the objection with different common sales methods, try this unique strategy that I share in this episode. What is the Go Around The Block Principle? Inspired by one of my trips, I created this concept to help tackle a sales objection that most reps seem to struggle with the most.  The idea is for you to prepare before the meeting by doing research on the prospect. You can use what you learn about the prospect to help connect with them better before pitching the deal again. Deflect the Sales Objection I share a short story on how I used a prospect's area code to help build a better connection with them before closing a deal.  Of course, you won't always get this lucky, but try going on their LinkedIn profile to see if you can find a specific person, job role,