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

Lebron James is 39 years old and is still playing basketball as if he just got out of high school. Do you know why he’s still able to run up and down the court so smoothly while most of us can barely make it up a flight of stairs? It’s because he puts in the time and effort to keep his body in tip-top shape.  This example provides you with what to expect from my conversation with my guest, Kristi Jones. She shares what the top ten percent of sellers are doing outside of work that’s helping them close deals. Tune in and hear what separates top performers from the rest of the pack. Met Kristi Jones Kristi Jones is a seasoned sales professional with a wealth of experience in helping organizations improve their sales processes and achieve remarkable results.  She has worked extensively in the sales arena, collaborating with various companies to refine their strategies and elevate their performance.  Kristi is also an accomplished author, having written books that delve into sales and personal developmen

Cold calling is becoming increasingly difficult for sellers. The old methods aren't working, and you have no clue what the new cold outreach techniques are. Don't worry, I got you covered. In this episode, I'm joined by Armand Farrokh and Nick Cegelski, co-authors of the book "Cold Calling Sucks, That's Why It Works." Together, we discuss the challenges of cold calling and share proven strategies to improve success rates based on their extensive experience and data analysis. Data-Driven Strategies for Success Nick shares data on the success rates of different call openers. He recommends using well-researched and context-based openers to increase success.  My guests also discuss the effectiveness of describing a problem with dangerous specificity to establish credibility and capture the prospect's attention. The Power of Personalized Openers Armand and Nick emphasize the importance of using personalized, context-based openers to stand out from the typical cold caller approach.  You can establish

Are you addressing your customers' pain points? If not, you may not truly understand what they want from you. In this episode, I speak with Phillip Swan, a top expert in customer experience. Tune in to hear his insights on why customer-centricity is crucial in today's business world, especially in 2024. Phillip Swan's Background Phillip Swan is a seasoned customer experience expert with decades of experience. He prioritizes the customer and helps clients reimagine business models using responsible AI.  His customer-centric approach emphasizes that while the customer isn't always right, but understanding their pain points is essential.  Phillip's dedication is also reflected in his work with Lingo Aid, an organization focused on improving customer interactions and outcomes. The Evolution of the Customer Journey Did you know that 76% of B2B buyers avoid human interaction until absolutely necessary? Phillip shares why businesses must ensure their marketing efforts provide sufficient information to bu

You want to speak with a company's high stakeholders but have no idea how to reach them. Prospecting is always a challenge for sellers, but it’s easier when you use this powerful sales technique that’ll get through to anyone.  In this episode, I chat with Stu Heinecke, a Wall Street Journal cartoonist, marketer, and author, about using contact marketing for prospecting.  Listen to the secrets he used with his sales teams to reach prospective clients and close more deals. Stu Heinecke’s Background Stu Heinecke, a Wall Street Journal cartoonist, discovered the power of “Contact Marketing” early in his career, earning him two Hall of Fame nominations as a marketer. He now hosts and writes for the How To Get A Meeting with Anyone podcast and blog. Additionally, Heinecke is the founder and president of Contact, a company specializing in contact marketing. Importance of Business Cards When was the last time you saw someone pull out a business card? Thanks to the digital world we live in today, it's r

How can you gracefully sauté around the nay-sayers when making cold calls? You might have to learn from a ballerina to find out.  In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Weiss, the Queen of Cold Calling, to discuss the power of mastering the art of cold calling. Wendy shares her journey from ballerina to sales trainer and how the principles she learned in ballet class have transformed her approach to sales. Meet Wendy Weiss Initially, she aspired to be a ballerina and pursued a dance career. However, she worked at a telemarketing agency focused on business-to-business development to support herself financially between dance gigs.  Years later, when her ballet career ended, Wendy realized that her expertise in cold calling was a marketable skill. This realization led her to write her first book, "Cold Calling for Women," and launch her own business. Now she helps business owners, sales professionals, and individuals build their sales pipelines and grow their businesses more effectively. The Ballet C

In the sales world, the mantra "do more with less" often feels more like a challenge than a guiding principle. In this episode, I chat with Anthony Nava, Senior SDR Manager at Crunchbase.  With years of dedicated service and experience, Anthony reveals the innovative strategies that have helped his team thrive despite tight resources. Discover how Anthony's blend of empathy, tech-savviness, and strategic thinking can transform your sales team's performance. Meet Anthony Nava He leads the sales efforts for the team, contributing significantly to their success through various innovative and strategic approaches.  Anthony has navigated the company's various transitions and challenges, leveraging tools like AI to maximize efficiency and performance.  Before joining Crunchbase, Anthony amassed valuable skills and knowledge that have made him an effective leader and a critical asset to the organization. Embracing AI to Boost Sales Efficiency When faced with limited resources, Anthony leverages AI too

Understanding human psychology will always move your sales pipeline faster than the speed of lightning. In this episode, I share a simple trick that helped my podcasting company secure valuable appointments and generate significant revenue. Discover why the "Close File" method still works and how you can use it. Understanding Human Behavior One of sales's most fundamental and overlooked aspects is understanding human behavior. Every title, email, and phone call in sales is not just a transaction, but an opportunity to connect with a real person who craves genuine interaction.  By grasping the nuances of human psychology, salespeople can navigate conversations more effectively and close more deals. The "Close File" Strategy The "Close File" strategy is an email tactic that can effectively filter out non-responsive leads and revive interest from potential prospects. I share an example of a simple yet effective email that asks the recipient if they still want to proceed or if the file should be close

Have you ever wondered how FBI agents can get suspects to tell them everything within seconds? Those tactics they’re using can be surprisingly practical in your sales game.  In this episode, I invite two exceptional guests, Adele Gambardella, and Chip Massey, to share their unique hybrid of sales wisdom drawn from their expansive backgrounds. Listen to discover forensic listening and effective convincing techniques to boost your sales success. Guest Introductions Adele Gambardella With over 15 years of experience running her own agency, Adele shares the journey of transitioning from cold calls with limited success to securing significant clients through strategic media coverage offerings. Adele expertly discusses how her PR and journalism background seamlessly blended into her sales tactics, making her exceptionally skilled in selling concepts and narratives. Chip Massey Chip details his fascinating transition from FBI special agent and hostage negotiator to business consultancy, where he met

What are three things you can do to become a top-performing seller? My guest, Eric Hamilton, will reveal the answer in this episode. He uncovers what sets top performers apart in the challenging world of sales. Also, you'll hear insights from his latest book, "The Sales Blueprint: What Winners Do Differently." Listen to gain actionable strategies to help you excel even in tough economic times. Eric Hamilton's Background Eric Hamilton is a seasoned sales leader and the author of "The Sales Blueprint: What Winners Do Differently."  Throughout his successful career, Eric has emphasized the importance of disciplined, consistent sales processes.  Eric's systematic approach aims to provide a structured, repeatable framework that new and seasoned sales professionals can leverage to achieve consistent success. Key Ingredients of Sales Success Eric breaks down sales success into three main components:  Preparation Mindset Execution The Power of Preparation Eric explains that being prepared

There’s a sales enablement evaluation going on. Are you ready for its changes?  In this episode, I chat with Shane Evans, the Chief Revenue Officer at Gong. Together, we explore the rapidly evolving world of sales enablement and its challenges. Discover actionable strategies to improve your sales performance and productivity. Guest Introduction: Shane Evans Shane Evans is the Chief Revenue Officer at Gong, a role that involves overseeing anything that touches customers or prospects interested in Gong.  His team includes sales development reps, solution engineers, implementation consultants, and customer success representatives.  With a focus on creating high-performing sales teams, Shane brings unparalleled insights into how data and technology can transform sales enablement. The Problems in Sales Enablement Shane reveals some alarming statistics that highlight problems in the current state of sales enablement: 77% of sellers' time is spent on mundane tasks like data entry. Sellers are hit

Capturing your prospects' attention is more challenging than ever, thanks to our distracting world. So, how do you cut through the noise and effectively engage with potential clients?  In this episode of The Sales Evangelist Podcast, I speak with Alan Versteeg, a seasoned sales leader and head of Growth Matters. Hear his insights and strategies for grabbing your prospects' attention and turning it into meaningful business opportunities. About Alan Versteeg Alan Versteeg is the mastermind behind Growth Matters, an organization dedicated to enhancing sales management development.  His mission is to provide sales leaders with the tools they need to improve their game and, by extension, help their sales teams excel.  In this episode, Alan emphasizes the critical role of sales managers in driving sustainable sales performance and the importance of mindset in successful selling. The Importance of Mindset How important is mindset in sales? According to Alan, you can’t sell anything unless you have thi

In this episode of The Sales Evangelist podcast, I chat with Brian Town, a top salesperson and marketing firm owner from Michigan. Our discussion focuses on mindset, visualization, and confidence as crucial tools for achieving sales success. Discover his secrets to moving a sales pipeline faster than ever before! Meet Brian Town Brian Town is a sales professional who wears many hats. He is the driving force behind a successful marketing firm collaborating with major organizations to enhance brand visibility.  As a seasoned author and the top salesperson in his company, Brian brings a unique blend of expertise and experience.  His profound understanding of sales strategies has been instrumental in overcoming common challenges that sales professionals face. Importance of Mindset and Visualization Amid the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, maintaining a positive mindset has never been more crucial.  We discuss the powerful concept of "flick back, flick up." This technique involves recalling a

What’s the number one deal killer, and how can you stop it from happening? Find out in this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast.” Join me as I delve into a conversation with Feras Alhlou, a seasoned professional with a wealth of knowledge in sales strategies, business growth, and entrepreneurial advice. With a career spanning over two decades, Feras is a treasure trove of insights on deal killers, effective follow-up techniques, and customer engagement strategies that boost sales performance.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain from his expertise-hit play now! Feras Alhlou’s Background Feras Alhlou boasts over 25 years of experience in Silicon Valley, having navigated the highs and lows of the startup ecosystem.  Originally hailing from sunny Florida, he found himself in the tech hub of the world, where he rose to the position of Vice President at a cutting-edge high-tech company. However, after experiencing a layoff during a dry job market, Feras took destiny into his own hands by co-f

Mastering the art of cold calling is a challenge, but it's a skill that can transform your sales game. If you're looking to level up your sales techniques, this episode of 'The Sales Evangelist Podcast' is a must-listen. In this episode, I had the pleasure of discussing with Ryan Pereus, CEO and founder of Superhuman Prospecting, the practical application of cold outreach methods in building effective sales pipelines. Tune in and get ready to implement his special cold-calling techniques.  Ryan Pereus' Background Ryan Pereus is an established figure in the sales development space, having dedicated the past seven years to mastering the intricacies of cold calling in the B2B marketplace. He is the CEO and founder of Superhuman Prospecting, a company he created that emphasizes perfecting cold outreach strategies using a USA-based team.  Ryan's passion for cold calling and innate talent have allowed him to manage approximately 80 to 100 monthly campaigns.  Based out of Philadelphia, his journey and expert

Having the right mindset will always help you in the worst situations. If you don’t believe me, tune into this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast.” In this episode, I chat with Casey Stubbs, an experienced entrepreneur and mentor, on the essentials of having the right mindset to set and achieve goals, overcome setbacks, and thrive in business and investing. Click play to change your negative thinking to positive ones!  Guest Introduction: Casey Stubbs Casey Stubbs is an entrepreneur and content creator specializing in investor and trader education, focusing on achieving success in financial markets.  His journey began in 2009 when he launched his website TradingStrategyGuides.com to provide educational resources for financial market participants.  Despite the initial pressure of providing for his family, Casey transformed a challenging situation into an opportunity, which has since flourished into a successful business and a rewarding career. Overcoming Setbacks Expecting and enjoying set

Do you know the most powerful trait to have as a sales professional? Find out in this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast.”  In this episode, I chat with Edwin Aristor, a GTM Growth Strategist with Praxis Labs, about how curiosity can transform sales performance and foster meaningful client relationships. Click play to learn more! About Edwin Aristor Edwin Aristor is a multifaceted individual whose roles span from father and husband to sales professional and men's retreat facilitator.  Currently working with Praxis Labs, Edwin is part of the go-to-market team, focusing on promoting an immersive learning platform designed to build inclusive leadership skills. The Role of Curiosity in Sales Curiosity is a deep, authentic commitment to understanding prospects and clients.  Edwin emphasizes the importance of accepting surface-level answers and engaging in deep discovery to unpack layers of business challenges.  Tune in and hear why authentic listening and asking probing questions are corner

What’s the ideal word count for a successful cold email? To find out, tune into this episode of the Sales Evangelist Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Kramer to discuss the ins and outs of effective email outreach. Jason, the founder of Cultivize, shares his proven framework for enhancing email effectiveness and driving better results in the sales process.  Click play to gain actionable insights and strategies in email outreach. Meet Jason Kramer Jason Kramer founded Cultivize, a company dedicated to helping businesses optimize their sales process through nurtured lead generation and effective use of CRM tools. With a marketing background and deep sales experience, Jason has pioneered innovative strategies for ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. The Magic Number for a Successful Email One of the key takeaways from this episode is the ideal word count for an email. But what is it? To find out, tune into this episode at 3:33! This magic number ensures clarity and focus, maki

Are you dreading the thought of cold calling on a Friday afternoon? This episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast" could change that.  Join me and my special guest, Sara Plowman, as we delve into the art and science of cold outreach. Click play to hear her practical cold-calling strategies that have propelled her success in the competitive world of sales development and account management.  Sara's Journey in Sales Sara Plowman is a seasoned professional in the sales industry, currently serving as a Senior Business Development Manager at Pareto.  Unlike a traditional SDR, Sara is involved in the entire sales cycle—from cold outreach and booking meetings to running those meetings, closing deals, and managing accounts.  Her love for outbound sales and the hunting aspect has been a significant driver of her success at Pareto, where she has progressively taken on more responsibilities over the years. Cold Calling and the Summer Friday Strategy (5:09 - 8:36) If you go back to my episode with Vlad Ole

How do you get high email open rates? Discover the secret framework in this episode of the "Sales Evangelist Podcast." I, the podcast host, sit down with special guest Vin Matano and discuss his four-part cold email secret. I'm telling you, you don't want to miss this episode.  Vin shares his deep expertise in cold email outreach. Tune in to learn his effective email strategies that'll bring you tremendous success. Who Is Vin Matano? Spending six years at Demandbase, Vin started as a BDR (Business Development Representative) before moving into a closing role on the mid-market major's team.  Recently, he embarked on an entrepreneurship journey, eager to leverage his rich experience in sales. But that's not all. In this episode, Vin unveils the number one outreach channel that played a pivotal role in growing his pipeline. The reveal happens right at 1:09. And no, it's not cold calling. Can you guess what it is? Cold Emailing Success: What’s His Secret? (2:36 – 4:04) Many sales representatives s