Sell By Being Human

Alex Smith
  • 5.0 (17)
  • CAREERS

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. FEB 4

    The Art of "Wellbeing Sale" - Marc MacDougall, Product Designer, Clarity First Consulting

    Summary: This episode I speak with Mark McDougall, a web designer and developer, about the importance of human connection in sales as a product designer. In Mark's line of work. he has to connect to business owners, marketers, and entrepeneurs on ways to make their websites more effective. Notice I didn't say, he has to tell people their baby looks ugly? We talk about how empathy and understanding client needs are crucial for successful selling, especially for solopreneurs. He shares tips on how he consults with people to understand their motivations for their websites. Mark shares his journey from corporate life to freelancing, emphasizing the lessons learned through experience. The conversation also covers effective cold emailing strategies, the significance of crafting engaging subject lines, and the value of vulnerability in sales interactions. You'll also learn Mark's funny but logical metaphor on how strawberries apply to understanding concepts of value. Mark provides insights into managing sales conversations and offers advice for those starting their own businesses, highlighting the need to embrace the unique aspects of one's personality in the sales process. Takeaways Empathy is essential for effective selling. Understanding client motivations leads to better sales outcomes. Cultural background can influence sales techniques. Trial and error is a key part of learning sales. Cold emailing should focus on genuine interest in the recipient. Crafting personalized subject lines increases email open rates. Building rapport is crucial in sales conversations. Vulnerability can foster deeper connections with clients. Sales is about mutual value exchange, not just transactions. Being comfortable with awkwardness can enhance sales interactions. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Human-Centric Selling 02:58 The Importance of Empathy in Sales 06:09 Cultural Shifts and Personal Background 09:00 Lessons from Corporate Experience 11:59 The Shift to Solopreneurship 15:10 Understanding Client Needs 17:41 Cold Email Strategies 21:00 Crafting Engaging Subject Lines 24:08 Creating a Human Connection 26:59 Managing Sales Conversations 29:54 Being Vulnerable in Sales 32:51 Advice for Solopreneurs 35:55 Embracing the Weirdness in Sales 38:38 Conclusion and Resources Connect with Marc, and learn about strawberries and value LinkedINWhy selling is like strawberries Connect with Us! LinkedIN:Website:

    43 min

  2. JAN 7

    Effortless Experiences: Redefining Customer Loyalty - Rich DeLisi, Author, Lead Research Analyst - Glia

    Summary: I'm kicking off 2026 with a conversation with Rick DeLisi, a thought leader in customer service and AI. Rick co-authored "Digital Customer Service: Transforming Customer Experience for An On-Screen World and is a leading researcher on providing world class customer experiences. If you have ever had to contact any company for a customer service issue - you know what it feels like to get poor customer service versus good customer service. The problem is that most if not all of those companies you've worked with will call themselves "customer centric". This conversation explores what it means to sell customer service through the lens of being human. We explore the evolving landscape of customer interactions, emphasizing the importance of human connection, the psychology behind customer loyalty, and the role of AI in creating effortless experiences. Rick shares insights from his research, highlighting the need for companies to understand their customers' emotions and the significance of reducing effort in service interactions. We also delve into the balance between efficiency and empathy, the future of customer service, and practical examples of how companies can enhance their customer experience. If you want to understand the pysychology of a customer at a deep level, this episode is for you! Sound bites "People don't mind being wowed." "You don't need a person for that." "It's about knowing which is which." Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Human Connection in Sales 03:03 The Psychology of Customer Interactions 05:50 Understanding Customer Loyalty and Experience 09:13 Effortless Customer Service: The Key to Loyalty 11:54 The Role of AI in Customer Interactions 15:02 Seamless Transitions Between Digital and Human Support 18:00 The Importance of Context in Customer Service 20:56 Surprising Insights from Customer Research 25:17 Harnessing AI for Enhanced Customer Interactions 28:34 The Future of Customer Service: A 2026 Vision 30:52 Balancing Efficiency and Empathy in Customer Service 35:58 Real-Life Customer Experience: Lessons Learned 41:48 Understanding Customer Needs: The Key to Retention Connect with Rick LinkedIN Connect with Us! LinkedIN:Website:

    48 min

  3. 11/05/2025

    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

  4. 10/08/2025

    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

  5. 10/01/2025

    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

  6. 09/24/2025

    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

  7. 08/19/2025

    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

  8. 07/29/2025

    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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Alex Smith
  • Show Website
    Sell By Being Human