How To Succeed Podcast

Renowned speaker and author Krish Dhanam shares his compelling journey from a Zig Ziglar seminar to transforming his career in sales. Experience firsthand the enlightening stories and personal anecdotes that reveal how stepping out of comfort zones can shape the mindset of the top 3% who thrive in the effective zone. Krish’s insights into mindset shifts and embracing change illuminate the path to achieving sales success and overcoming any obstacles in your way. Uncover the secrets to effective leadership and consistent success as we discuss the importance of consistent daily actions over sporadic efforts. Drawing inspiration from the Sandler sales approach and Zig Ziglar's teachings, we explore how establishing a structured plan and growth mindset within teams can lead to sustained achievements. Learn how to prioritize what you can influence and use motivation, consistency, and strategic planning to reach and surpass your goals. Discover the power of product conviction and peak performance as Krish highlights

Nashville's own Benji Harris, a gifted songwriter and composer, joins us to unravel the profound influence of music on the corporate world. From his early days forming a band in middle school to sharing stages with country stars, Benji has skillfully woven his experiences into his work with Song Division—pioneering a unique approach to employee engagement and company culture through music. Prepare to be captivated by his journey and insights on using music to transform attitudes and behaviors within corporate environments. Explore the power of musical team-building exercises where skepticism morphs into enthusiasm and teamwork. Benji sheds light on the science behind these experiences, from the release of dopamine and oxytocin, to the tangible shift in mood and collaboration among team members. He emphasizes the fun factor with engaging elements like costumes and props, which break down barriers and foster genuine connections. This approach not only reinforces core values but also creates a memorable shared e

  Podcast Summary Unlock the secrets of seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional sales methods. Join us as we engage with Jeremy Thomson, a seasoned expert in the Sandler network, exploring the transformative impact of tools like AI and ChatGPT. We promise to guide you through the rapid evolution of CRM systems, illustrating how once-basic platforms have morphed into essential, AI-enhanced allies in the sales arena, crucial for staying ahead in a competitive market. Our conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between technology and the human touch in sales. Jeremy shares invaluable insights on how to view technology as a supportive teammate, rather than a substitute for the vital relationship-building skills that define successful salespeople. We emphasize the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and customizing technology to fit unique organizational needs, allowing sales professionals to enhance efficiency and focus on their core strengths: connecting with clients. Exp

What if aligning personal passions with professional goals could revolutionize performance in your organization? This episode offers a roadmap to uncovering how "Desired Based Leadership" can transform your team's motivation and productivity. We welcome Phil Putnam, author and thought leader, as he shares insights drawn from his formative experiences with communication and relationship-building. Discover the untapped potential of integrating personal aspirations into workplace culture, and learn strategies to create a harmonious environment where both employees and companies thrive. Our discussion navigates through the often-overlooked gap between company-imposed objectives and individual motivation, shedding light on generational shifts in leadership perspectives. We explore the challenges of motivating teams, especially within remote work settings, where maintaining engagement is crucial. Phil emphasizes the importance of understanding what employees truly value, shifting away from outdated management style

Join us as sales leadership veteran Michael Norton shares his deep expertise on the frontlines of sales management. With decades of experience, Michael offers a unique perspective on the complex role of frontline sales managers, who are the unsung heroes behind every successful sales team. Discover how these leaders navigate the competing demands of upper management, peers, and other departments, all while juggling the multifaceted challenges of being a player-coach. Learn about the critical importance of time management and the seemingly Herculean tasks these managers face each day. In our engaging discussion with Michael, we explore actionable sales leadership strategies that empower teams to take ownership of their territories. Michael passionately argues that treating their areas like their own businesses can massively boost productivity and efficiency. We dive into the essence of leading by example, maintaining alignment with company values, and fostering a culture of excellence. Through personal stories

Unlock the secrets of the Karpman Drama Triangle and transform your approach to sales, management, and relationships! In our latest episode, expert guest Danny Wood joins us to unravel the complex roles of persecutor, rescuer, and victim that can disrupt personal and professional dynamics. Through lively examples from family settings to high-stakes sales environments, we shed light on how these roles manifest and challenge us to become more self-aware. By recognizing how these patterns play out, you’ll gain powerful insights into fostering healthier, more productive interactions in every area of your life. We further explore the psychological underpinnings of these roles, focusing on transactional analysis and the significance of maintaining an "adult" perspective. Danny and I discuss strategies for breaking free from ingrained patterns that unconsciously influence our professional interactions, emphasizing the importance of setting aside ego to prevent defensive behaviors. Discover mindset shifts and techniq

Unlock the secrets to mastering time management and elevate your sales leadership game with insights from Dan Stalp, a seasoned performance consultant and trainer at Sandler. In our enlightening conversation, we challenge the myths of multitasking and highlight the art of distinguishing between cognitive and routine tasks to supercharge productivity. Our discussion promises to transform your chaotic workdays into structured, effective sessions through proactive planning and the strategic use of time blocks. Discover the power of prioritization and focus, a hallmark of successful leaders who concentrate on three or fewer vital tasks each day. With Dan's guidance, we explore innovative strategies like color-coding tasks to emphasize income-generating activities. By embracing the DISC personality model, you'll gain a nuanced understanding of how different personality types influence time management and delegation skills, equipping you to navigate these challenges with ease. Finally, we introduce the Sandler "coo

Matt Detjen, author of "The Art of Powerful Sales Communication," joins us for an insightful conversation about revolutionizing sales strategies with effective communication. Matt shares his transformative experience from attending a pivotal sales course in 2007, which inspired him to write his book during the pandemic. In our discussion, he expands on techniques like reflective listening, which goes beyond traditional listening by actively engaging with clients and providing feedback to establish mutual understanding. This approach not only clarifies communication but also fosters deeper, more collaborative relationships with clients. We further explore how building trust and empathy can make a significant difference in sales interactions. Through illustrative exercises and real-life examples, Matt explains how acknowledging and addressing issues openly can transform defensive responses into opportunities for building trust. We emphasize the importance of meaningful interactions, moving past superficial conn

Award-winning sales guru Alana Nicol joins us to shed light on the dynamic world of sales coaching. We dissect the multiple roles that sales leaders juggle—supervision, training, coaching, and mentoring—and why a balance among these is crucial. Alana shares her insights on how great leaders go beyond mere supervision to foster an environment ripe for growth and development. Learn how coaching serves as a pivotal tool for honing the skills of your team members, guiding them along their career paths while embedding them into the organizational culture. Imagine your sales team as professional athletes; even the best need consistent practice to stay at the top of their game. This episode explores the importance of pre-call planning and practice, with Alana offering practical strategies to help overcome common challenges like time constraints. Transform your sales meetings with the power of role-playing in a supportive environment, boosting both confidence and performance. Our discussion brings to light how meticu

Unlock the secrets to mastering feedback with insights from Joni Hibdon, acclaimed author of "The Leader's Guide to Mastering Feedback." You'll gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of feedback in leadership, especially in challenging sales environments. Our conversation with Joni unveils her transformative journey, sparked by a pivotal conversation with a colleague, which revealed the hidden dangers of overcommitting. We explore common leadership pitfalls, such as the tendency to focus on outputs over individuals, and discover how a balanced, empathetic feedback approach can empower teams and resolve conflicts. Joni's story highlights the profound impact of candid feedback and why it's an indispensable tool for any leader aiming to inspire growth and improvement. Step into a world where feedback is not just about correction but a catalyst for mutual success and growth. Learn how curiosity and tone are key to creating a safe space for feedback, ensuring that it is received positively

Unlock the secrets to thriving in sales with Dr. Ona Love-Brown, as we explore the profound idea of answering the call to be in sales. Whether you view sales as a calling, a mission, or a business necessity, Dr. Love-Brown provides invaluable insights on overcoming self-doubt and embracing the sales journey. Learn about the essential qualities that set successful sales professionals apart, such as an affinity for people and the constant need for personal evolution. Discover how optimism and resilience play a crucial role in sales success. Dr. Love-Brown shares practical advice on cultivating a supportive mindset and seeing sales as a means to help others. We dive into creative problem-solving, genuine connections, and the importance of being an attentive listener. By adopting long-term, sustainable behaviors and maintaining personal well-being, you can consistently show up as your best self and provide real value to your clients. Step into the world of leadership and individuality in sales with our compelling

Can setting clear boundaries actually help you excel in your sales career? We had an enlightening conversation with Michele Delgado from Hartmetrics, who reveals how setting boundaries isn't just about saying "no" but is a pathway to professional success and personal well-being. Michele shares her own transformative journey within the sales industry, highlighting how establishing upfront contracts and maintaining clear communication can prevent burnout and ensure better service. We also tackle common fears like the dread of losing clients when not meeting immediate demands, and offer strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence. Michele's insights continue as we discuss the irreplaceable role of human connections and empathy in the workplace. Learn how personal experiences, such as dealing with a family member's illness, can deepen your understanding and foster stronger relationships with colleagues. Michele emphasizes the power of curiosity and open-mindedness in creating a supportive and fl

Unlock the power of Account-Based Marketing (ABM) and revolutionize your business strategy with insights from Kerri Martinek, head of global brand and marketing at Sandler. Discover why targeting entire accounts instead of individual leads is crucial in the B2B world, particularly when dealing with comprehensive buying committees that can include up to 20 people. Learn how even small businesses can leverage tools like ZoomInfo and HubSpot to implement ABM effectively without breaking the bank. Kerri demystifies common misconceptions around ABM, proving that it's not just for large enterprises, and offers practical advice on creating target account lists and balancing personalized buyer experiences with a broader focus. Ready to elevate your ABM game? This episode dives into advanced tactics to create impactful workflows and automation strategies using next-level tools like HubSpot Copilot. You'll hear about real-world success stories featuring high-touch campaigns and multi-channel approaches that drive impre

Unlock the secrets to transforming sales leadership with the power of gender equity in our eye-opening conversation with Wendy Walbridge from Spiral Up. Discover how embracing women in leadership roles can revolutionize relationships, productivity, and company performance. Learn about the cultural shift towards feminine values and the undeniable economic influence women hold today. Wendy breaks down compelling statistics and makes a strong case for why gender diversity is a win for everyone, not a zero-sum game. Challenge the status quo in sales careers as we confront persistent stereotypes and biases. Tune in to understand why the most successful salespeople often rely on listening and emotional intelligence rather than pushy tactics. We dive into the sometimes heated issues of equal pay and hidden privileges, exploring how biases affect raises and opportunities. Get an insider's view of the evolving landscape of education and hiring practices, and why practical experience is becoming more valuable than ever

Unlock the secrets to successfully raising prices for long-term clients with insights from Clint Babcock, a seasoned Sandler trainer from Tampa Bay. Overcome common sales hesitations and misconceptions, particularly the discomfort of discussing money and the fear of damaging client relationships. Clint provides indispensable advice on understanding and communicating the 'why' behind price increases, ensuring confidence in the value offered and tailoring approaches by industry specifics and adjustment scales.  Explore strategic considerations for moving upstream in the market and the acceptance of losing some clients in favor of higher-value ones. Learn the importance of having the right messenger, whether it’s a senior figure or a dedicated committee, to convey price changes effectively. Clint shares negotiation tactics, including offering alternatives like reduced services or extended contracts, and the concept of BATNA to handle client reactions. Integrate price discussions into routine reviews and leverage

This week, we explore the intricacies of onboarding an operator with insights from Mandi Ellefson, author of Hands Off CEO. Learn how to effectively transition responsibilities, set clear expectations, and empower your team for success. Mandi provides practical advice on creating a robust framework that supports both the operator and the overall business objectives. Join us for a deep dive into the essential elements of successful onboarding. Mandi’s experience highlights the balance between delegation and leadership, emphasizing strategies to ensure a smooth integration of new operators into your business. Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable insights for optimizing your onboarding process and achieving operational excellence!   Timestamps: 00:01:00 Replacing yourself to focus on growth 00:10:10 Defining and standardizing excellence 00:12:33 Common hiring mistakes 00:14:56 Timing and ROI of hiring an operator 00:19:27 Being intentional during transitions 00:21:42 Calculating ROI for hiring an opera

In this episode,  Madeline Miller focuses on engaging and coaching Gen Z employees as they move into leadership roles. Gen Z currently represents just under 20% of the workforce, but by 2030, millennials and Gen Z will make up two-thirds of the workforce. Madeline stresses the importance of early leadership development for Gen Z, to prevent the need to unlearn bad behaviors later. Gen Z faces unique challenges due to remote work and the digital landscape, which affect their communication skills. Madeline highlights the need for a balanced approach to resilience, not just focused on grit but also emotional processing, which is essential for strong leadership. She discusses how leaders can foster alignment between company goals and Gen Z’s mission-driven mindset by creating opportunities for professional development and engagement.  Tune in to learn practical strategies for empowering the next generation of leaders.   Timestamps: 00:01:18 Importance of teaching leadership skills early 00:02:28 Gen Z's communica

In this episode of How To Succeed Podcast, we explore the concept of organizational excellence with Jim Dunn, a seasoned Sandler trainer from Charlotte, North Carolina. Jim shares valuable insights on how leaders can build exceptional organizations by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and creating systems that make their roles less central to day-to-day operations. The discussion highlights key elements such as empowering teams, keeping up with new technologies, and ensuring everyone is aligned with the company’s vision. Jim emphasizes that true leadership involves making yourself irrelevant by delegating tasks and allowing others to thrive in their roles. As the conversation unfolds, Jim outlines how leaders can balance being passionate about the business and maintaining objectivity. He offers practical advice on creating clear priorities, hiring the right people, and continuously refining processes to ensure organizational growth. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, thi

In this episode, we dive deep into understanding your sales capacity, capability, and competencies with our esteemed guest, Markku Kauppinen, CEO of Extended Disc North America. Markku, a frequent guest on our show, brings exciting news about a new collaboration between Sandler and Extended Disc: the Sales Capacity Assessment. The conversation explores the Sales Excuse Index, a metric that quantifies excuse-making behavior among sales professionals. Markku emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing these tendencies to enhance sales performance.  As the discussion progresses, we discuss balancing strengths and weaknesses in sales, highlighting the need for persistence and prioritizing achievement over mere activity for long-term business success.   Timestamps:   00:00:00 - Introduction to Sales Capacity Assessment 00:05:30 - Importance of Assessments in Sales 00:08:28 - Attitude Towards Excuse Making 00:11:42 - Benchmarking Competencies 00:14:53 - Key Sales Competencies 00:16:20 - Difference Betwe

In this episode of the How to Succeed Podcast, social selling expert Richard Bliss from BlissPoint Consulting shares valuable insights on succeeding at social selling on LinkedIn. The discussion covers the evolution of LinkedIn as the go-to platform, emphasizing its ubiquity compared to other social media platforms. Listeners will gain practical tips on leveraging LinkedIn to generate leads, enhance their pipeline, and optimize social selling strategies.  Bliss explains that the algorithm on LinkedIn is designed to trigger conversations between members, unlike other social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, which are more focused on entertainment. He points out that the algorithm on LinkedIn rewards meaningful interactions that lead to conversations rather than simply garnering likes or views. This shift in mindset is crucial for salespeople looking to succeed on the platform. Tune in to learn how to navigate the changing landscape of social selling and maximize your results on LinkedIn.   Timestamps