The Sales and Rev Ops Effect

Charlene Thompson

*Top 20% of video podcasts on Spotify 2024* The Sales & Rev Ops Effect helps small and medium-sized business owners streamline operations, optimise sales processes, and grow sustainably. With a focus on systemising before technology, Charlene offers practical tips and actionable insights. Ready to level up? Tune in and learn how to work smarter, not harder. View Services here: https://soet.salesopseffect.com/servicelevelshome Want to be a guest or want me to be a guest on your show? Email me here hello@charlenethompson.com

  1. 06/17/2025

    CRM Showdown: 13 Platforms Rated, Roasted, and Recommended (Part 2 with Chris Smith)

    Not all CRMs are created equal, and some are just plain painful. In Part 2 of my conversation with CRM expert Chris Smith (author of CRM Shouldn’t Suck), we get into the practical stuff: 13 CRM platforms reviewed. Who are they really for? What’s actually worth the money? And which ones will give your sales team a headache? 🧠 What we cover: Salesforce vs Microsoft Dynamics — which makes more sense for your business? The truth about HubSpot, Zoho, Pipedrive, and other popular names Why custom CRMs and ERP-integrated CRMs can backfire Open-source CRM warnings: what no one tells you What to look for in a platform if you're a small business or scaling startup This is the episode where things get spicy — honest, unfiltered, and actually helpful if you’re trying to choose a CRM that won’t hold your business back. 💡 Part 1 covers how AI is transforming the entire CRM landscape. Definitely watch that too if you haven’t yet! Chris Smith on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersmith8/ Grab your copy of CRM Shouldn't Suck here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crm-shouldnt-suck-christopher-smith/1146899077 Charlene Thompson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/ #CRMReview #Salesforce #HubSpot #MicrosoftDynamics #Zoho #GoHighLevel #SmallBusinessTools #RevOps #SalesEnablement #CRMSucks #CharleneThompson #ChrisSmith #TechTools #BusinessGrowth

    29 min
  2. 06/10/2025

    AI Is Rewriting CRM — Are You Ready or Getting Left Behind? (Part 1 with Chris Smith)

    AI is reshaping the world of CRM — but most businesses are still stuck treating it like a contact database. In this episode, I’m joined by CRM expert Chris Smith (author of CRM Shouldn’t Suck and host of the Sales Lead Dog podcast) to break down how AI is transforming CRM systems, sales strategy, and customer retention. 🎯 What we cover: How AI is redefining CRM (and what’s coming next) Microsoft vs Salesforce: who’s winning the AI arms race? Why CRMs fail — and how to make yours actually work The importance of clean data, defined processes, and buyer journeys How AI tools can help spot upsell opportunities and client churn risks 👀 If you’re a founder, sales leader or RevOps pro trying to future-proof your CRM strategy — this is a must-watch. 📌 Don’t forget — Part 2 dives into practical reviews of 13 CRM platforms (including Salesforce, HubSpot, Go High Level, Monday, Zoho, and more). Keep in touch with us here: Chris Smith on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersmith8/ Grab your copy of CRM Shouldn't Suck here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crm-shouldnt-suck-christopher-smith/1146899077 Charlene Thompson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/ #CRM #AIinBusiness #SalesLeadership #RevOps #MicrosoftDynamics #Salesforce #CustomerRetention #SalesEnablement #CRMSucks #CharleneThompson #ChrisSmith #SmallBusinessTips #TechStrategy

    28 min
  3. 05/20/2025

    The New Rules of B2B Sales with Michael Akinle

    In today’s B2B sales landscape, expectations are higher, budgets are tighter, and the bar for buyer experience keeps rising. So what does it really take to succeed in 2025? In this episode, Charlene Thompson is joined by Michael Akinle, a senior sales leader at the UK’s largest private equity–backed software company, for a grounded and insightful conversation about the changing shape of sales, from hiring and headcount to AI and executive engagement. Together, they explore: How the shift from “growth at all costs” to sustainable, efficient growth is reshaping teams The real skills modern AEs need to thrive (hint: it’s more than quota-chasing) Why sales cycles are lengthening — and how that changes how we define success The rising importance of business acumen, technical fluency, and executive presence Where AI fits into prospecting, and what it can’t replace What a standout customer experience really looks like from first touch to close Whether you're leading a team, carrying a quota, or shaping go-to-market strategy, this conversation offers a clear, honest look at what sales success demands now — and how to build for the future without burning people out. Want to get the inside scoop on your sales metrics? Check out my Analytics Services today https://charlenethompson.com/analyticsservices You can follow Charlene Thompson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/ Follow Michael Akinle on Linked - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ranmi-akinl%C3%A9-0ab96780/

    38 min
  4. 04/01/2025

    Get Leads on Linkedin: Quality of Quantity with Leo Crocker

    In this episode, Charlene Thompson (Host), and Leo Crocker, founder of LSC Creative, shares his expertise on building authentic relationships through LinkedIn outreach. Leo discusses the power of personalized, human-driven messaging over automation, and how businesses can cut through the noise to connect with their ideal clients.Learn how to approach LinkedIn as a platform for relationship-building rather than just lead generation. Leo emphasizes the importance of authenticity in outreach, engaging with content meaningfully, and optimizing your profile to increase visibility. He also dives into the value of consistent posting and strategic use of AI tools without losing the human touch.Leo also shares how small businesses can leverage LinkedIn to their advantage, even if they're B2C, and how to get noticed by decision-makers. Plus, he offers valuable insights into LinkedIn's evolving algorithm and how businesses can stay ahead in 2025.You can get in contact with Leo Crocker here:LinkedIn - Leo Crocker https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-crocker/You can get in contact with Charlene Thompson here:LinkedIn - Charlene Thompson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/As a solopreneur or small business owner, are you ready to optimize your sales operations and reduce the risks that come with disorganized processes? Explore Charlene's 6-Week Sales System Set-Up service to gain clarity, structure, and systems that will improve your lead generation and streamline your sales process. Check out the details and apply for a consultation here: 6-Week Sales System Set-Up https://soet.salesopseffect.com/salessystem#newbusiness #linkedin #leadgen #getleads #dmleads #outreach

    34 min

About

*Top 20% of video podcasts on Spotify 2024* The Sales & Rev Ops Effect helps small and medium-sized business owners streamline operations, optimise sales processes, and grow sustainably. With a focus on systemising before technology, Charlene offers practical tips and actionable insights. Ready to level up? Tune in and learn how to work smarter, not harder. View Services here: https://soet.salesopseffect.com/servicelevelshome Want to be a guest or want me to be a guest on your show? Email me here hello@charlenethompson.com