200 episodes

‘What a time to be in sales’

People say this various times in many different ways – excited, exasperated, worried, pessimistic, optimistic, happy, sad, confused – the whole range of human emotions.

This is an exciting time to be in sales, if you are selling B2B complex solutions. It’s a time when you can bring huge value to your customers; it’s a time to thrive. But you need to know how, as it is a time unlike any before. The rules have changed and as a sales professional you can have a hand in redefining how the game is played.

Challenges salespeople face are:

· ‘Busy Busy Busy’ – being ineffective; it results in wasted opportunities, is tiring and stressful and means the focus is on the wrong activities to deliver results

· ‘Olde Worlde’ – being old-fashioned; when salespeople are self-centred rather than customer-focused, too technical in their approach or use bad techniques better suited to a bygone era of selling

· ‘Muddled Mindset’ – being misaligned; it can happen at organisation, management and individual level and the confusion leads to frustration and wasted effort.

By using a more collaborative approach salespeople can make a difference and sales can become a force for good and fight against the negative image it can often be associated with.

The Sales Today podcast explores how sales professionals can adapt and futureproof themselves by using the best practice shared by host Fred Copestake and the guests of the show.

What a time to be in sales!

Host Fred Copestake is Founder of Brindis, a sales training consultancy, and bestselling author of 'Selling Through Partnering Skills' and 'Hybrid Selling'.
Connect with Fred on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

www.linktr.ee/fredcopestake

Sales Today Fred Copestake

    • Business

‘What a time to be in sales’

People say this various times in many different ways – excited, exasperated, worried, pessimistic, optimistic, happy, sad, confused – the whole range of human emotions.

This is an exciting time to be in sales, if you are selling B2B complex solutions. It’s a time when you can bring huge value to your customers; it’s a time to thrive. But you need to know how, as it is a time unlike any before. The rules have changed and as a sales professional you can have a hand in redefining how the game is played.

Challenges salespeople face are:

· ‘Busy Busy Busy’ – being ineffective; it results in wasted opportunities, is tiring and stressful and means the focus is on the wrong activities to deliver results

· ‘Olde Worlde’ – being old-fashioned; when salespeople are self-centred rather than customer-focused, too technical in their approach or use bad techniques better suited to a bygone era of selling

· ‘Muddled Mindset’ – being misaligned; it can happen at organisation, management and individual level and the confusion leads to frustration and wasted effort.

By using a more collaborative approach salespeople can make a difference and sales can become a force for good and fight against the negative image it can often be associated with.

The Sales Today podcast explores how sales professionals can adapt and futureproof themselves by using the best practice shared by host Fred Copestake and the guests of the show.

What a time to be in sales!

Host Fred Copestake is Founder of Brindis, a sales training consultancy, and bestselling author of 'Selling Through Partnering Skills' and 'Hybrid Selling'.
Connect with Fred on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

www.linktr.ee/fredcopestake

    Why selling is all about innovation

    Why selling is all about innovation

    Have you ever thought how innovation can be the driving force behind your sales success?
     
    This weeks guest Jeff Standridge from Innovation Junkie and Cadron Capital Partners, shares a number of strategies that can transform the way you approach the sales process.
     
    From the importance of identifying the genuine problems and opportunities that lie at the heart of your customer's needs, to the fine art of collaborative selling, our conversation is a roadmap to revolutionising your sales techniques.
     
    We discuss sales challenges, especially for startups, and provide actionable advice on creating products that not only solve problems but also captivate a market ready to invest in those solutions.
     
    Trust is the currency of any sales conversation—a theme we hammer home as we discuss the importance of building genuine connections with clients.
     
    By focusing on their best interests and understanding the perfect timing to make your pitch, a salesperson can transition from just another vendor to a trusted advisor in the eyes of their clients.
     
    With Jeff's expert guidance, we uncover the critical moments in customer interactions that can make or break a deal, and how to navigate them with the utmost finesse.
     
    This isn't about pushing products; it's about positioning yourself as an indispensable ally in your client's success story, ensuring that when it's time to close, you're not just selling – you're fulfilling a need.
     
     
    Follow Jeff
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffstandridge/
    Website: https://jeffstandridge.com/
    Website: https://innovationjunkie.com/
     
    Follow me
    https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
     
    Take the  Collaborative Selling Scorecard
    https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/oO1H71tNUxg

    • 31 min
    Sell more wtih stories

    Sell more wtih stories

    In this weeks episode Nico Ceballos Jones offers a refreshing perspective on storytelling, highlighting its power to connect and compel change in any setting, from the boardroom to the local pub.
     
    We also tackle the potential pitfalls of storytelling becoming a cliché and recentre the conversation on its foundational importance in communication.
     
    In our exploration of crafting core stories for business success, we discuss the various narrative types that serve as strategic tools in sales and branding.
     
    From personal journey stories that establish credibility to tales of customer transformations, we look into how these stories act as assets, enhancing elements such as SEO and presentation skills.
     
    We also turn our attention to the art of sales narratives and the transformative potential of service accelerators for B2B sales teams.
     
    Nico highlights the importance of discipline in storytelling, separating problems and solutions to create a compelling 'one-two punch' that engages potential clients.
     
    We also discuss the R-E-S-P-E-C-T framework, providing a lens to focus on the external factors impacting businesses, and discuss how understanding these can pivot a sales conversation towards strategic solutions.
     
    Tune in for this essential guide to crafting stories that don't just resonate but also result in transformative business success.
     
     
    Follow Nico
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-ceballos-jones/
    Website: https://storycaptain.co.uk/
    Story Captain Scorecard:  https://secretsuperpower.scoreapp.com/
     
    Follow me
    https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
     
    Take the  Collaborative Selling Scorecard
    https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/d-l6-dI5AqY

    • 45 min
    Fire sales managers who don't coach!

    Fire sales managers who don't coach!

    Do you want to know how a coach can transform your sales game?
     
    Richard Smith, the go-to guru at my Sales Coach, sits down with us to unravel the dynamic impact of personalised sales coaching.
     
    Imagine leaving every coaching session with an invigorated sense of purpose and an arsenal of sharpened skills, ready to tackle your sales targets head-on.
     
    Richard shares his experiences both as a coach and a coachee, pulling back the curtain on the tailored one-on-one coaching dynamics that are pivotal in breaking through individual barriers and instilling a culture of accountability.
     
    During our chat, we confront the myths surrounding sales coaching, asserting its status as a learned skill, not merely an innate gift.
     
    We shed light on the profound impact that even the briefest coaching interactions can have, challenging sales leaders to rethink their approach and invest in meaningful dialogues that promote deep reflection and professional growth.
     
    By initiating the right conversations, leaders can leave their teams feeling invigorated and prepared to tackle their sales objectives.
     
    Tune in to discover the world of effective sales coaching.
     
    -------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT SUMMARIES ---------
    (0:00:00) - The Power of Sales Coaching
    Sales coaching transforms through personalised, one-to-one sessions, enhancing confidence, skills, and goal achievement.
     
    (0:13:14) - Effective Coaching for Sales Leaders
    Coaching in sales is a learned skill that can occur in brief moments, prompting reflection and growth for improved performance.
     
    (0:25:11) - Improving Sales Through Coaching
    Nature's transformative power lies in weekly one-on-one coaching, sharing sales calls, and prioritising development over other tasks.
     
    Follow Richard
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-smith-mysalescoach/
    Website: https://www.mysalescoach.com/
     
    Follow me
    https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
     
    Take the Scorecard
    https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/nhJ4SKfU7pA

    • 34 min
    Manufacturing sales - the missing process?

    Manufacturing sales - the missing process?

    Ever wondered why some sales pitches make you tune out while others capture your undivided attention?
     
    The answer often lies in the narrative. That's why I invited Peter Elgar from HPS to share his expertise on how a shift from a product-focused pitch to a value-driven story can make all the difference in the competitive arena of liquid product recovery systems, or as the insiders call it, "pigging technology."
     
    Together, we discuss the pitfalls of product-heavy presentations and illuminate how focusing on benefits like cost savings, efficiency, and environmental sustainability can turn potential interest into a successful sale.
     
    Navigating the sales landscape requires more than just knowing your product; it involves an acute understanding of your client's world.
     
    In our conversation, we explore the common slip-up of projecting our own enthusiasm for features onto customers, rather than tuning into their unique challenges and objectives.
     
    We also discuss into the risks of propelling technical experts into sales roles without the requisite soft skills, emphasising that the art of sales is as much about listening and relationship-building as it is about technical know-how.
     
    Our conversation turns to the compelling world of live product demonstrations and the power of personalisation.
     
    Imagine being able to see the inner workings of pigging technology through transparent pipes or receiving a customised web page that walks you through the benefits tailored to your business needs.
     
    We tackle how these strategies, along with dynamic digital proposals, are reshaping the sales experience in our digitally-driven world.
     
    If you're eager to revolutionise your approach to sales or simply looking for a deeper understanding of client engagement, tune in to this episode that's all about connecting solutions with needs in the most effective way.
     
    -------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT SUMMARIES ---------
    (0:00:00) - Selling Beyond the Product
    Nature's pigging technology sales should focus on benefits like cost savings, sustainability, and efficiency gains.
    (0:02:59) - Effective Sales Process and Client Focus
    Shifting to a client-centric approach in marketing and sales requires listening skills and proper training for technical experts transitioning into sales roles.
    (0:16:05) - Sales Process Alignment and Benefits
    Sales processes must be robust and aligned with customer's journey, considering psychological and emotional aspects and internal politics.
    (0:25:48) - Virtual Demonstrations and Sales Strategies
    Advantages of live product demos, showcasing technology tailored to clients' needs, personalised web pages, and digital proposals for enhancing buying experience.
     
    Follow Peter
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-elgar-hps-pigging-systems-expert/
    Website: https://www.hps-pigging.com/
     
    Follow me
    https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
     
    Take the Scorecard
    https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/a_7P2EVuwTk

    • 31 min
    Negotiation - are crisis techniques right for business?

    Negotiation - are crisis techniques right for business?

    When the pressure's on and every word counts, what's your move?
     
    That's what we're unpacking this week with Mike Inman, the negotiation specialist from TableForce, as we navigate the starkly different worlds of crisis and business negotiations.
     
    Mike relays an eye-opening LinkedIn exchange that sparked his epiphany on the unique complexities of negotiations, whether it's life-and-death stakes or boardroom ballet.
     
    He uncovers why a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to disaster, and how recognising your 'negotiation tribe' is crucial to mastering the art.
     
    From dissecting the perils of 'splitting the difference' to unearthing the power of tactical empathy, we explore why these tactics have their place and how misusing them can backfire spectacularly.
     
    We also lay out the blueprint for negotiation success, be it face-to-face or screen-to-screen.
     
    Discussing the psychological edge of BATNA, the intricate dance of CRM negotiations, and even the physicality of a desk-slap tactic, we cover it all.
     
    As we discuss these strategies, we reveal the importance of authenticity, preparation, and reading beyond words—skills that are ever so critical in a world where a handshake is often replaced by a screen swipe.
     
    Tune in and discover the secrets of negotiation with this seasoned professional!
     
    -------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT SUMMARIES ---------
     (0:00:00) - Crisis vs Business Negotiations
    Mike differentiates crisis and business negotiation, highlighting emotional challenges and the importance of seeking expertise.
    (0:04:15) - Business Negotiation Techniques and Strategies
    Nature's negotiation tactics in crisis and business, limitations of 'splitting the difference', tactical empathy, and understanding intention behind techniques.
    (0:14:46) - Negotiation Techniques and Strategies
    Authenticity and preparation are crucial in negotiations, considering BATNA, CRM scenarios, crisis negotiation, and tactical approaches.
    (0:25:34) - Negotiation Strategies and Body Language
    Virtual vs. in-person negotiations, leveraging technology, reading reactions and body language, setting a baseline for truthful responses, and the impact of physical expressions.
     
    Connect with Mike
    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/negotiatormike/
    Website: https://negotiationtraining.com/
     
    Follow me
    https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
     
    Take the Scorecard
    https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/URzPGyPHNM8

    • 37 min
    Stand out in your selling

    Stand out in your selling

    Growing up, Donald Kelly never imagined that his childhood business of selling lemonade by the curb would one day evolve into a dialogue about sales dynamics 
     
    But here we are, discussing the art of sales through anecdotes and strategies that can transform any product, from exotic mangoes to high-tech solutions, into a story that sells itself.
     
    Listen in as we peel back the layers of the sales process, emphasising the personal touch and exceptional customer experiences that make you memorable in the market.
     
    It's not just what you're selling, but how you sell it—that's the difference between a one-time sale and a lifetime customer.
     
    Have you ever noticed how a good laugh or an intriguing story keeps you hooked?
     
    That's the magic of 'edutaining'—the sweet spot where education meets entertainment.
     
    In this episode, we get candid about his 'Fresh Cut Fridays' and how adding a personal twist to LinkedIn content has spiced up interactions with his network.
     
    We share tips on using humour and creativity to cut through the noise, ensuring your sales message doesn't just land, but resonates and sticks.
     
    Whether you're sending personalised videos or crafting relatable stories, it's about being the breath of fresh air in a stale room of sales pitches.
     
    We don't just tell you to think outside the box; we show you how, with brainstorming tactics and innovative proposal techniques that leave your competition in the dust.
     
    -------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT SUMMARIES --------- 
    (0:00:00) – Sell it Like A Mango
    Donald discusses the importance of standing out in sales through personal touch and creating an enjoyable buying process.
     
    (0:10:08) - Sales Strategies
    Tailoring demos to customer needs, brevity and relevance, listening to clients, IT directors' role, and 'edutaining' approach.
     
    (0:14:49) - Edutaining Concept in Sales and Marketing
    Edutainment in sales, using humour and creativity to engage customers, relevance in messaging, standing out by doing the opposite.
     
    (0:27:39) - Difference Makers in Sales Leadership
    Nature's small actions in sales and leadership can lead to significant advantages, as seen in Sir David Brailsford's approach to coaching British cyclists.
     
    Follow Donald
    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldckelly/
    Website: https://thesalesevangelist.com/
     
    Follow me
    https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
     
    Take the Scorecard
    https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/y019lQkKlJQ

    • 35 min

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