Sell By Being Human

Alex Smith
  • 5.0 (17)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

I believe that all people want to be heard, seen, and understood. But how do we get people to hear, see, and understand us effectively? Salespeople train themselves on techniques to do this but there are people doing it well without the word sales showing up anywhere in their job title or job description. This podcast is designed to help us hone our human skills, understand subtle similarities between non-sales people and salespeople, and show how we can learn from both groups the next time we need to create change and sell by being human. You will learn from people throughout all walks of life. Nurses, coaches, janitors, event planners, HR executives, and architects. Just to name a few. We'll contrast them with trained sales people to show similarities and differences. There's an art to human connection and sales. We all do it differently and we can all learn from our every day human interactions. Please contact me and let me know who you see in your life selling by being human! I want to shine a light on them. alex.smith@docebo.com @asmith202 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsmith/

  1. 2D AGO

    Learning A Wealth About Connection By Throwing Cocktail Parties - Eric Melchor, Channel Marketing Manager, founder Bucharest Cocktail Parties

    Summary: What can you learn about sales and connections from a guy on a mission to connect housands of people via cocktail parties? Today I bring on Eric Melchor, a channel manager at Honeywell, and a Texan at heart living in Bucharest. Those two things may not go together but Eric followed his wife to Europe and he's connected hundreds of people over conversations at local cocktail parties. We explore the significance of human connection in sales, the power of storytelling, and the importance of authenticity in building trust. Eric shares his unique approach to networking through cocktail parties, emphasizing the value of personal connections over traditional networking methods. The conversation highlights the role of icebreakers in fostering meaningful conversations and offers practical strategies for engaging with others, both online and in person. I'm a big believer in people buying into the human side of you and Eric gives you tools to do this yourself through the way he connects one time guests. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Human Connection in Sales 03:08 The Power of Storytelling in Sales 06:06 Personal Background and Influences 08:59 Creating Comfortable Environments for Connection 11:59 The Cocktail Party Concept 15:07 Unexpected Outcomes from Networking Events 18:01 Building Relationships Beyond Job Titles 21:02 Curating Connections for Events 23:47 Practical Tips for Strengthening Connections 27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Eric LinkedINHeading to Bucharest? Reach out to Eric for a Cocktail Party Connect with Us! LinkedIN: Website:

    29 min

  2. OCT 8

    How A Broadcaster Sells Human Connection - Jen Mueller, Broadcaster, Author, Keynote Speaker

    Summary: Today we bring on Jen Mueller, a seasoned sports broadcaster and communication expert. Jen Mueller is a business communication expert and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, where she helps companies level up their communication skills with actionable strategies inspired by her 25-year career as a sports broadcaster. An Emmy-award-winning producer, Jen is in her 16th season as the Seattle Seahawks sideline radio reporter and has spent 18 years with the Seattle Mariners on ROOT SPORTS. She’s known for building strong relationships, delivering meaningful content in short bursts, and expertly handling post-game interviews (while dodging Gatorade baths!). She’s also the author of three books on communication and the creator and host of “I Cook, You Measure”—a YouTube cooking show that blends instruction with connection over food and wine. Our conversations explores the nuances of human connection in sales and broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of empathy, consistency, and effective questioning. Jen shares her experiences interacting with professional athletes, particularly in challenging situations and losses. She tells stories of the significance of small gestures, like thank you notes, in building relationships. We talk about practical strategies for asking better questions and creating safe spaces for honest dialogue, ultimately showcasing how personal connections can enhance professional interactions. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Human Connection in Sales 02:47 The Art of Meeting Athletes Where They Are 06:01 Building Relationships Through Consistency 08:48 The Importance of Intentional Communication 12:08 Navigating Tough Conversations After Losses 14:51 Learning from Experience and Trial 17:56 Asking Better Questions in Interviews 21:00 Handling Difficult Post-Game Interviews 24:10 The Impact of Losses on Athletes and Reporters 28:01 Navigating Tough Conversations 30:21 The Importance of Clear Communication 32:00 Creating a Comfortable Interview Environment 34:07 Crafting Effective Questions 37:51 Understanding Client Needs 39:51 The Impact of Small Interactions 42:50 Memorable Moments in Sports Journalism 51:26 Personal Insights and Quirks Connect with Jen! LinkedIN Connect with Us! LinkedIN: Website: Youtube

    54 min

  3. OCT 1

    Human Connection in Customer Success and Sales - Jared Cook, Founder, Crush Churn

    Summary: Today I speak to Jared Cook, a seasoned expert in customer success and sales. Jared has most recently been a SR VP of Customer Experience at Docebo and has held senior roles in Customer Success at companies like Domo and Adobe. He is the founder of Crush Churn Consulting where he helps companies reduce churn by 30%. Our conversation explores the importance of human connection in sales, the role of customer success in driving retention, and the need for genuine relationships with customers. Jared shares insights from his childhood about sales, emphasizing the importance of confidence, connecting on a human level as a leader, and a seller, and understanding customer needs. There are so many useful approaches that Jared shares on having difficult interactions with clients to creating a personal connection with a new team that you can take into what you do. If you want practical strategies for improving customer retention and preventing churn, and implementing curiosity and empathy in your sales interactions. You'll walk aways with foundational skills to integrate your personal and professional lives to foster deeper connections with the people your work with and the clients you serve. This was a fun one to learn from an executive is customer success and how those skills can help you in sales! Sound Bytes: "It's about helping a human solve a problem." "You can create human connection at scale." "I'm always up for an adventure." Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Human Connection in Sales 02:41 Defining Selling by Being Human 05:01 Lessons from Childhood: Sales and Confidence 10:47 Integrating Personal and Professional Life 17:24 The Role of Customer Success in Sales 21:28 Curiosity as a Sales Tool 28:09 Improving Customer Retention Strategies 33:18 Identifying and Preventing Customer Churn 39:36 Building Genuine Connections with Customers Connect with Jared LinkedINWebsite Connect with Us! LinkedIN: Website:

    48 min

  4. SEP 24

    The L&D Detective: Uncovering Learning Impact - Kevin Yates, The L&D Detective

    Summary: Today I bring on Kevin Yates, known as the L&D Detective, to explore the intersection of authenticity, resilience, and effective learning and development practices. I knew that I needed to talk to Kevin after seeing him present at our conference. He was able to connect with the crowd in a unique way with his engaging talk and also shared inisghts of how he sold big ideas in previous roles by focusing on business performance and human performance. Kevin shares insights on how to he sells by being human as a speaker, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in engagement. His. method of speaking is to really immerse his audience within a problem and take them on a journey. You'll learn how Kevin crafts his speaking frameworks to take people on a journey and you'll also get insights on how he would get really big initiatives done by focusing on business outcomes. Kevin has had to gain influene with business leaders, executives, and now with audiences. You'll leave with takeaways on how he's done that in his career and how you can apply it to your own situations where influence needs to be built. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:33 The Essence of Selling by Being Human 07:23 Authenticity in Sales and Learning Development 11:19 The Responsibility of Sharing Knowledge 15:37 Lessons from Ella Yates: Resilience 19:48 Understanding the L&D Detective Brand 26:23 The Essence of Collaborative Selling 29:33 Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities 32:59 Democratizing Access to Learning Resources 35:56 Defining Impact in Learning and Development 40:17 Shifting Mindsets in L&D 42:42 Performance Consulting vs. Traditional Training Conversations Connect with Kevin LinkedIN Connect with Us! LinkedIN: YoutubeWebsite:

    51 min

  5. AUG 19

    Why Principles of Friendship Are Underestimated in Business - Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, Clinical Psychologist, Keynote Speaker

    Summary: Today I sit down with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a renowned expert on friendship and human connection, to discuss the importance of building meaningful relationships in the workplace and how we underestimate principles of friendship. As she likes to say, "We overestimate the amount of both energy and discomfort that can come from reaching out, initiating plans, And we underestimate the amount of pleasure, joy, meaning, and impact that can come from both deep conversations and also frankly, casual moments of chit chat, whether that's with strangers or a quick reconnect with an old or long lost friend. Sometimes people compartmentalize their "work friends" or business friends with their personal friends and Miriam teaches us how principles of friendship can help you in sales. Key Discussion Points: The role of friendships in enhancing workplace productivity and engagement. Overcoming myths about workplace friendships and their impact on professional success. Practical strategies for fostering genuine connections with colleagues and clients. The balance between professional boundaries and personal connections. Guest Bio: Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist and leading voice on the science of friendship. Her work has been featured in major publications like The Atlantic, BBC, and Psychology Today. Key Moments: [00:02:15] - Introduction to Dr. Miriam Kirmayer and her expertise in friendship and human connection.[00:10:30] - Discussion on the importance of building friendships at work and their impact on productivity.[00:18:45] - Overcoming common myths about workplace friendships.[00:25:00] - Practical strategies for fostering genuine connections with colleagues.[00:35:20] - The balance between maintaining professional boundaries and personal connections.[00:45:10] - Dr. Kirmayer shares personal stories and insights from her research.[00:55:30] - Closing thoughts on the value of human connection in professional settings. Resources: Visit Miriam's website for more insights and resources on building connections. Connect with Miriam on LinkedIn and Instagram for personal updates and tips. Subscribe to the "Sell By Being Human" podcast for more episodes on leveraging human connection in sales and business. #WorkplaceWellbeing #HumanConnection #FriendshipAtWork Connect with Miriam WebsiteLinkedIN Connect with Us! Website: Youtube

    59 min

  6. JUL 29

    Helping People Tell Their Story Better - Stephen Steers, Steers Consulting Group

    Summary: Today's episode is with Stephen Steers, a sales consultant, keynote speaker and author. We explore the art of storytelling in sales. Not how to tell your story but how to help people tell a better version of their own story. When you can help someone better understand themselves and through your interaction you better understand them., that's where magic happens. Stephen has come through the ranks of sales as a business development rep an account executive, and now owns his own sales consultancy business around how to tell effective stories as part of a sales process. We discuss how human connection, story telling, and emotional intelligence can transform the sales process, moving away from traditional pushy sales tactics to a more empathetic approach. Stephen shares his personal journey with storytelling, the importance of understanding client needs, and effective questioning techniques to foster genuine conversations. The episode emphasizes the significance of emotional responses in decision-making and how to leverage personal stories to build trust and rapport with clients. You'll learn how to ask questions to help people tell a better story of their problems. You'll help tell stories in a way that gets people to reframe their own stories, and you'll learn how to build trust through understanding wh Key Moments: 02:19 Redefining Sales: From Selling to Problem Solving 11:43 The Power of Storytelling in Sales - Helpin People Tell Their Stories Better 16:49 Learning from Experience: The Journey of a Salesperson 21:07 Emotional Connection: The Key to Effective Selling 26:02 Building Rapport in Sales Conversations 28:52 Effective Questioning Techniques 33:51 How to Craft A Better Story in Sales 40:50 Humanizing Customer Stories 45:51 Finding Authentic Connections Connect with Stephen LinkedINWebsite Connect with Us! LinkedIN: Website:

    51 min

  7. JUL 23

    How A Former Basketball Star Became A Business Pro - Dre Baldwin, CEO - Work on Your Game

    Summary: Alot of people reach out to me to inquire about being a guest but this one stood out amongst almost 150 episodes. Dre Baldwin was the first to make me a personalized video and it landed with me. Dre Baldwin is a former professional athlete turned entrepreneur and performance coach. Dre shares his unique framework for success, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mental toughness, and authentic communication in both personal and professional settings. He discusses his transition from basketball to business, the significance of understanding one's audience, and the common pitfalls that many face in sales and performance. Dre really dove into discipline in his sport and he realized a lot of his skills translated to business professionals once his playing days were over. It takes a talent to sell your skills on the court to people in a boardroom and Dre does that every day with his consulting practice, his online presence, and his speaking business. Throughout the conversation, Dre highlights the role of mental conditioning and decision-making in achieving success, while also sharing insights on how to effectively coach others by asking the right questions. You'll also learn how to reframe what discipline means to make it easier for you to continue at whatever you're working towards. You'll learn mindset techniques that will serve you when you're inevitably faced with a no or a failure to help you keep getting back up. Dre has got you with this one. Books Mentioned: "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene"The Art of Seduction" by Robert Greene"10X is Easier Than 2X" by Dan Kennedy and Ben Hardy Key Moments: 03:00 Dres Framework of Selling by Being Human 05:48 Transitioning from Athlete to Entrepreneur 08:58 The Importance of Authentic Communication 12:02 Techniques for Effective Selling 15:03 Infusing Authenticity in Personal Life 17:58 Understanding Your Audience 20:57 The Work on Your Game Framework 24:01 Common Pitfalls in Sales and Discipline 26:43 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Parenthood 29:19 Understanding Mental Conditioning 32:01 The Role of Discipline in Achieving Freedom 36:17 The Importance of Decision-Making and Discipline 39:07 Influences of Family on Discipline and Work Ethic 41:34 Coaching: Asking the Right Questions 47:01 The Unique Traits of Dre Baldwin Connect with Dre LinkedINWebsite Connect with Us! LinkedIN: Website:

    50 min

  8. JUL 9

    Leadership Beyond Rank: Human Connection in the Military - Enrique Acosta, CEO, Author, Podcast Host

    Summary: Have you ever wondered if or how human connection happens in the military? For someone that's never been in the military like myself, I've often thought the military is about a chain of command and an order structure. That's it. You follow orders or else. Human connection and order seem to be opposing forces. But today's guest says that's not always the case. People get sold on staying or leaving the military by the people they report to. Today I interviewed Enrique Acosta Gonzalez, a leadership expert and former Navy veteran. We discuss the importance of human connection in leadership, the transition from military to civilian leadership, and the significance of building trust and relationships. Enrique shares his experiences in the military, the impact of different leadership styles of his commanding officers, and how authenticity plays a crucial role in effective leadership. We touch on the concept of 'selling by being human' in the military and in his current practice of coaching his clients. This is for you if you've ever wondered how these skills show up in any of these places! Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Human Connection 02:56 The Military's Human Element in Leadership 06:06 Building Trust and Relationships in Leadership 09:07 The Impact of Leadership Styles 11:59 Lessons from Military Leadership Experiences 15:05 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Leadership 20:07 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership 24:00: Selling by Being Human in his current role 26:54 Nurturing Relationships for Long-Term Success 31:59 Working with Strong-Willed Leaders 36:44 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Legacy Connect with Enrique: LinkedIN Connect with Us! LinkedIN: Website:

    51 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

I believe that all people want to be heard, seen, and understood. But how do we get people to hear, see, and understand us effectively? Salespeople train themselves on techniques to do this but there are people doing it well without the word sales showing up anywhere in their job title or job description. This podcast is designed to help us hone our human skills, understand subtle similarities between non-sales people and salespeople, and show how we can learn from both groups the next time we need to create change and sell by being human. You will learn from people throughout all walks of life. Nurses, coaches, janitors, event planners, HR executives, and architects. Just to name a few. We'll contrast them with trained sales people to show similarities and differences. There's an art to human connection and sales. We all do it differently and we can all learn from our every day human interactions. Please contact me and let me know who you see in your life selling by being human! I want to shine a light on them. alex.smith@docebo.com @asmith202 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcsmith/

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Smith
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Alex Smith
  • Show Website
    Sell By Being Human

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