The Sales Evangelist Donald Kelly

One of the most common mistakes people make when using LinkedIn is not taking the time to build authentic relationships. 
Don’t go adding hundreds of connections to your LinkedIn profile. Instead, do this!
Listen to this insightful episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald Kelly chats with guest Sabine Gedeon on the world of LinkedIn networking. Sabine shares her extensive experience and lays down a five-step process to leverage LinkedIn for effective relationship-building and networking. 
Click play now!
Meet Sabine Gedeon 
Sabine is the CEO of Gedeon Enterprises. She is also a coach, consultant, speaker, and author.  Remember to connect with her on LinkedIn to learn about her. Evolution of LinkedIn 
Sabine takes us through the history of LinkedIn, from its original use as a platform for recruiters to its transformation into a hub for marketing, networking, and community building.  She emphasizes the need for people, especially HR professionals, to engage more actively on the platform. The Five-Step LinkedIn Strategy 
Sabine outlines her five-step approach to using LinkedIn effectively. 1. Connectors Mindset: Understanding your 'why' and what you offer.  2. Value Assessment: Identifying your strengths, expertise, and opportunities for growth.  3. Ecosystems: Recognizing your network's broad array of ecosystems, such as friends and family, and political connections.  4. Inventory List: Categorizing your contacts based on their ecosystems and closeness to you.  5. Success Circles: Establish three layers of contacts—Fab Five, Core Fifty, and Essential Hundred—and regularly engage with them. Systems and Consistency 
Sabine uses systems like Streak to help maintain her networking strategy.  She also shares other methods to keep track of connections and ensure regular engagement with contacts. Importance of Human Connection 
Donald and Sabine agree on the importance of the human touch in networking.  Sabine advises treating each online interaction as personal as meeting someone at a coffee shop.  Building genuine relationships on LinkedIn doesn't have to be as complicated as you make it. If you need help connecting with others on the platform, take the time to listen to Sabine Gedeon's strategies in this episode. Tune in now!
"People are missing out on the opportunity to build and cultivate relationships before they need things. It's almost like that whole notion around making deposits before you can withdraw. People are missing out on the opportunity to create. Make deposits before they start to need the withdrawals." -Sabine Gedeon.
Resources
Sabine Gedeon on LinkedIn
Gedeon Enterprises
Bob Berg's book, "The Go-Giver."
Streak
Boomerang for Gmail
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot. With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
2.            This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
3.            This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as f

You're about to send a LinkedIn connection request, and the platform allows you to create a personalized message.
Do you take the time to do it? Yes or no?
If you choose not to do it, you must tune into this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast." Even if you said yes, still click play.
Host Donald Kelly delves into the ongoing debate surrounding LinkedIn connection requests. Should sales professionals personalize them or keep them generic? 
Discover the importance of personalized connection requests and learn how to create meaningful conversations that can lead to sales opportunities.
The Great LinkedIn Debate
Donald addresses a common question among sales professionals: the importance of personalizing LinkedIn connection requests. 
He debunks myths, points out common mistakes, and emphasizes the potential impact of a well-crafted, personalized approach.
Personalized vs. Generic Requests
Donald discusses why generic messages are ineffective and often ignored. 
He advocates for personalized messages, which he argues can significantly increase your chances of connecting and engaging with your targeted prospects.
The LinkedIn Monetization Insight
An interesting point Donald raises is LinkedIn's decision to charge for personalized connection requests. 
He interprets this as evidence of their effectiveness and a tool that LinkedIn monetizes because it works, not because it doesn't. This key insight provides a unique perspective on the platform's internal data and user behavior.
Donald's LinkedIn Connection Strategy
Listen to Donald's own methodology for LinkedIn engagement. 
His process involves Sales Navigator, account and lead list building, proactive engagement with recent posters, and meaningful follow-up through multiple communication channels. 
Donald's tactic is all about grabbing attention, starting conversations, and fostering relationships that lead to sales opportunities.
Engagement Leads to Opportunity
Donald emphasizes that engagement is the key to unlocking potential business opportunities. 
He shares personal anecdotes and client results to support his stance on using personalized connection requests to initiate conversations.
Join Donald and his colleagues for a live discussion on LinkedIn, furthering the conversation on this topic. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about it.
“Do you feel that you're so unique that you are the only one asking them to connect because you have a mutual connection? That's so preposterous!” - Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Mastermind
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
 

Do you have full control over your sales meeting?
Is it difficult getting your prospects to go in the direction you want them to go?
You answer "no" to the first question and "yes" to the second question. Right? Well, you know what to do now!
Tune into this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," where host Donald Kelly dives deep into mastering client interactions. Within this five-minute episode, you'll be ready to take control, establish authority, and confidently guide your prospects.
Take advantage of these critical strategies that can accelerate your sales success!
Taking Control of Your Sales Meetings
The key to having a successful sales meeting is being in control of its direction. 
Donald emphasizes that while catering to the prospect's requests is essential, offering them a meeting roadmap ensures they recognize you as an expert in your field. 
The Agenda of A Guided Sales Session
To lead your sales meeting, set a clear agenda. Address the prospect's hopes and set the stage for the main goal. It's to guide them through informed choices. 
Donald suggests asking prospects what they want to learn. This is to consider the meeting effective. 
Then, build the conversation around those objectives. Also, share your expertise and insights.
Expert Advice on Pricing Queries
One common challenge salespeople face is when a prospect jumps straight to pricing. Donald advises against catering to this demand blindly. 
Instead, offer transparency about your pricing range while steering the conversation back to understanding their specific challenges and whether your service is a good fit.
Maintaining Control with A Robust Conclusion
Donald stresses that you should reserve the last five minutes to review the main points and schedule the next meeting. 
This strategy helps maintain the sales process's momentum and positions you as a prepared and experienced professional.
Join “The Sales Mastermind” for hands-on guidance and an interactive learning environment. It's an opportunity for you to practice, role-play, and get actionable tips to enhance your sales performance.
Lastly, subscribe to keep up with the newest content to improve your sales game! 
“The key is to get them to feel they're giving you all the stuff they need and want to give.” - Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Mastermind
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
 

Today, we're going into the archive and bringing out an episode from the best sellers in history series. Let’s talk about Mary Kay Ash and how she built her empire from the strong skill sets she developed as a salesperson.
Sales Spotlight - Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash is world-renowned for being the makeup and skincare queen.  Her pink Cadillac has become iconic. How did this come from someone who kept getting passed over for promotion?  Because she is considered to be one of the best sellers in history. Here are five reasons why: 
Had a purpose and a why Created a vision or a common cause Had a strong and impressive work ethic Had the desire to create and give rewards Willing to take action Mary Kay Ash was born on May 12, 1918, in Hotwells, Texas. For most of her childhood, she took care of her sick dad while her mother made the family's earnings. At 17 years old, Mary Kay married Ben Rogers and had three children with him before Ben went to war in WWII. Their marriage eventually ended, and Mary Kay was left with three children to care for. 
She needed to make money to feed her children, so she started working for Stanley Home Products in 1939. She’d go into someone’s home and host parties to encourage people to buy household items. Mary Kay was great at her job, and she became a top seller. By 1952, Mary Kay was hired by World Gifts. After 10 years, however, she quit her job. At that time, the sales force was mostly made up of men, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get ahead because she was a woman. She saw the men she was training were getting promoted, going onto better jobs, and they were getting a much higher wage. 
Had a purpose and a why
With $5000, Mary Kay used the money to build her empire. Mary Kay had a purpose.  She was a mother who needed to take care of her kids and a woman who wanted to see other women succeed. Mary Kay also had a vision that helped her achieve her dreams. She had a why.
As a salesperson, a vision and purpose can propel you beyond a bad sales day. For many people, a paycheck isn’t enough.  There has to be a deeper connection, something bigger. Having a purpose is the motivation that moves you to show up even when things get hard. 
Have a purpose that pushes you to create an opportunity for the people you care about the most. 
Mary Kay had a purpose that was even bigger than herself. While she wanted to care for her family, she also wanted to create something to help other women. 
Created a vision and a common cause
Every great salesperson in this series had a vision and created a common cause. Mary Kay recognized that women were undervalued in the sales industry and other workplaces. Women were not considered as capable as men.  This misconception prompted Mary Kay to build an empire that would give women the opportunity to succeed and do more. Her business opened doors for women to become six-figure earners and, as a result, became the breadwinners for their families, giving them a community where they were valued. The company grew, and by the end of its second year, it had made $1 million in product sales. 
Salespeople can also achieve greater success if they communicate a common cause to their clients. Creating a brand message that solves problems and identifying a common struggle can create a unifying purpose.  
Had a strong and impressive work ethic
Mary Kay had an impressive work ethic and worked hard. She got up every day at 5:00 AM. She said, “If you get up at 5 o’clock three times a week, you’ll gain an extra day. You need to try it a few times because you realize a great feeling of satisfaction at 8:00 in the morning when you’ve already finished what would have taken you six hours to do after 8 o’clock because of the interruptions.” 
Make it your goal to wake up early, put in the time, start working, and be productive without distractions. Allow yourself to practice and challenge yourse

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of successful sales strategies in a highly competitive landscape?
In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly chats with guest Claudio Meidler, an experienced sales professional working as an account executive for Google's German team in Dublin. Claudio shares his insights on navigating the competitive landscape and securing the share of the wallet when selling to enterprise or mid-level organizations.
Tune in to this enriching episode and gain a fresh perspective on navigating the modern sales landscape with confidence and finesse.
Building Credibility and Delivering Value
Claudio emphasizes the importance of standing out in terms of service level and delivering value beyond the competition. He discusses the significance of conducting thorough research before approaching potential clients understanding their needs, pain points, and industry-specific knowledge. Claudio highlights the effectiveness of providing insights, market knowledge, predictions, case studies, and testimonials early in the conversation to build immediate credibility and trust. Unconventional Approaches to Success
Donald and Claudio discuss breaking away from traditional sales tactics and how being direct and tactful can yield powerful results. Claudio discusses the importance of addressing unspoken concerns and objections, expressing understanding and empathy, and using direct language to navigate potential hesitations or objections from the buyer's side. The role-play between the two demonstrates how this approach can open up dialogues and lead to deeper, more fruitful conversations. Creating a Lasting Impact
Claudio shares his perspective on delivering service without expecting an immediate return on investment, following up on bold questions, and continually striving to exceed the client's expectations. He emphasizes the value of constant learning and adaptability in the sales process, where leveraging unconventional techniques can create a lasting impact and differentiation in the market. Claudio Meidler shares invaluable insights and strategies for success in the competitive sales landscape. Learn how to stand out in a competitive environment, build trust with your prospects, and ultimately secure that coveted share of your wallet. 
Take advantage of this opportunity to revolutionize your sales approach! Listen to the full episode now to discover how to enhance your sales strategies and achieve outstanding results.
"Do your homework beforehand, deliver information and service without expecting an immediate return on investment, ask bold questions, and deliver testimonials or case studies to build credibility straight from the start." - Claudio Meidler.
Resources
SimilarWeb
Claudio Meidler on LinkedIn
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot. With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
2.            This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
3.            This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows:

Are you properly preparing for first-time meetings? Failing to do so can lead to missed opportunities and lost sales. 
But don't worry—in this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly will share valuable tips on effectively preparing prospects and ensuring a smoother, more productive interaction.
Click play to hear what one of the industry's top sales leaders says about this essential step in the sales process.
The Importance of Preparing Prospects
Donald emphasizes the significance of prepping prospects before meeting with them.  In a world with automated scheduling tools, it's essential to go the extra mile to personalize and optimize the prospect's meeting experience. The Strategy
Donald suggests a simple yet powerful strategy to prepare prospects effectively.  He recommends sending a quick video introduction to the prospect, providing a warm welcome, and addressing potential questions or concerns they might have.  Additionally, including specific details about the upcoming meeting and offering personal contact information can further enhance the prospect's preparedness and engagement. Enhancing Engagement and Courtesy
By implementing this strategy, sales professionals can significantly enhance engagement and courtesy from prospects.  Providing personal contact information encourages prospects to connect and communicate, establishing a more respectful and engaged relationship from the outset. Overcoming Concerns
Donald addresses common concerns associated with this strategy, such as the fear of potential cancellations.  He explains that having prospects inform you of a cancellation is more beneficial, demonstrating their courtesy and genuine interest, rather than dealing with unexplained no-shows. Recommended Tools
Donald recommends executing this strategy using video platforms like Loom, Vidyard, or BombBomb.  Even for those uncomfortable with video, he encourages leveraging these tools to convey the preparatory message effectively. Ultimately, sales professionals gain a competitive edge by effectively preparing prospects and increasing their chances of closing deals. Join Donald Kelly as he continues to empower sales professionals to thrive and succeed in their endeavors.
"I want you to thrive, succeed, and raise your level of thinking." Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Mastermind
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot. With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
2.            This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
3.            This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.