A-B-C. A-always, B-be, C-closing. Always be closing! Always be closing!! A-I-D-A. Attention, interest, decision, action. Attention -- do I have your attention? Interest -- are you interested? I know you are.  You close or you hit the bricks! Decision -- have you made your decision? And action. A-I-D-A; get out there!! You got the prospects comin' in; you think they came in to get out of the rain? Guy doesn't walk on the lot unless he wants to buy. Sitting out there waiting to give you their money! Are you gonna take it? Are you man enough to take it?

So, do I have your ATTENTION!? If you are INTERESTED, make the DECISION to listen as Scott and I take ACTION about Closing the Deal on Episode 613 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

As the adage goes - We battle our head and heart constantly in our day to day actions.  Often when we don’t see the results of our intentions or actions and we get down on ourselves.  Some have said, Nobody can be harder on me than me.  And I’m one of those people.  So, if this also applies to you.

 Take a break and give yourself a break as Bill, and I Welcome our guest, Dr. Andrea Hollingsworth to discuss Inner Critic vs. Inner Advocate on episode 612 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Having no plan is really a plan to fail. But by thinking through our goals we can develop the detailed steps we must accomplish in order to attain that big objective. As the saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” And as a sales professional you will need to analyze, determine and plan out those “bites”.

So grab a knife and fork as Scott and I dig into the steps for creating a Personal Sales Strategy on Episode 611 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

We all have different goals and priorities.  Measured on different benchmarks.  Fueled by different motivations. Have you ever met someone and wondered what their motivation is for doing what they do? What’s in it for them?  We present our solutions to prospects with a WIIFM approach, but how about when someone is selling to us.

Let’s flip the script as Bill, and I investigate, Who are They Working For?- on episode 610 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Dr. Dennis Waitley once said, “You must look within for value, but must look beyond for perspective.” Our customers are looking for value, but to gain their perspective we need to look at the issues from their point of view. Only then can we make a sale that delivers that value.

So, get ready to look at the world in a different way as Scott and I welcome author and sales expert Jimmy Z to discuss Shift Your Sales Perspective on Episode 609 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Do we learn more from successes or failures?  Regret can be a wonderful teacher if we let it. How do with treat regret?  Success can validate us, but failure keeps us in the game – if we get back up.  Do you want to stay in the game and do better in the future?

 Don’t regret skipping this episode as Bill, and I reminisce about Memorable Moments - sales lessons learned the hard way on episode 608 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Could it be that the key reasons that a salesperson loses a deal is through self-inflicted wounds? Is it possible that the mistakes they make when interacting with a prospect are the very things that cause the sale to be lost or “put on hold”?

Get ready for what might be a painful self-examination as Scott and I dive into the topic 5 Ways You Are Hurting Your Sales and other radical ideas on Episode 607 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

What is the difference between sales and marketing? Where does one stop and the other start? Who has the most influence on the decision? Who goes first? I feel like this discussion will be like debating which military branch is most important.

 You don’t have to participate, but if you are curious enough to learn more, stay tuned as Bill, and I welcome marketing expert Seth Johnson to discuss Selling in Sync - How sales and marketing can unite to generate more leads and close more deals on episode 606 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

I heard someone say that they treated their sales territory as if it were their own business. It seemed to make sense to me so I thought Scott and I should discuss the pros and cons of thinking like an entrepreneur.

So be ready to take control as Scott and I venture into a capitalist discussion about The Entrepreneurial Salesperson on Episode 605 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

The most successful salespeople will admit the best leads they receive are from referrals.  Referrals serve as evidence of a “transfer of trust.”  What have we shared about building trust in a sales conversation.  It’s the only way you receive honest answers.  When the TIMING is right and TRUST is high, you increase your chances of converting a lead to a commitment.

 So, think about who you’d like to refer this episode to - as Bill, and I discuss Referrals: Asking, Giving and Receiving and other miraculous matters on episode 604 of the Winning at Selling Podcast

Some believe that a salesperson is born, not made, while other believe a salesperson is made and not born? Leaving us with the question, are some people psychologically predisposed to be better at selling? Or can anyone, with the proper training and motivation become a high performing sales professional? It’s an interesting question that deserves to be explored.

So, take off your tinfoil caps as Scott and I welcome author and sales leader, Mark Hunter: The Sales Hunter to Episode 603 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Sales is an emotional career.  We trade our time and hope our wager turns into a winning hand.  But not everything is within our control. The marketplace is changing, the economy is in flex.  While we need to keep our head up while moving forward. That may not be as easy as said.

 If you want to learn how to manage the changing time, stay tuned as Bill, and I discuss Keeping a Positive Attitude When Sales are Down and other uplifting topics on episode 602 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

John Maxwell says that “The key to your success is found in your daily routine.” The highest paid and most successful salespeople have developed routines that get them focused on the most crucial tasks to drive their sales. You can change your level of success by developing better work habits.

So, pull out your Day Timer as Scott and I discuss Work Habits of Top Sales People and other helpful ideas on Episode 601 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

As the adage goes – the separation is in the preparation.  Add other famous quotes like – Professionals don’t practice on prospects – throw in a sports analogy - and I think you will uncover the theme of today’s show.

So, suit up as Bill, and I welcome speaker, author and sportscaster, Joe Schmit to discuss How Sports Professionals Practice on episode 600 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Is any sale a good sale or should the salesperson be concerned about profitability? Do you get paid on raw sales amounts or are you compensated on the profitability of the final numbers? Can salespeople be trusted to negotiate the final contract or do the immediate dollar signs get in their eyes.

Well, hold on to your wallets as Scott and I discuss Maintaining Your Profit Margin and other valuable lessons on Episode 599 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Most of the time your prospect is someone else’s client or customer.  You may have a better product or service.  You may even have a better price.  However, it is going to take more than that to convince your prospect to be your next sale.

 If you want to change minds, hearts and souls - listen up - as Bill, and I discuss Unseating the Incumbent and other fascinating topics on episode 598 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Do you dread the idea of Monday mornings? You know the start to another miserable week at your job. Seldom is the problem the job, instead it’s the people we work with and work for. It has been said that people don’t quit a company, they quit bad managers.

If you are experiencing these feelings hold on just a little longer as Scott and I welcome best-selling author and speaker Eric Harkins to discuss Do You Have the Right Leaders in Place for 2024? on Episode 597 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Ever ask yourself how you won or lost the sale, as you walk back to your car?  As you debrief, what did you concentrate on and want to repeat – or regret and refine before applying again?  What can you control, how can you better prepare and how do you increase your chance of making more sales in less time?

If these are questions you ask yourself everyday – today is your day as Bill, and I consider When Good Sales Calls Go Bad on episode 596 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Son of a nutcracker! The prospect just told me that they are looking at a couple of other vendors for this deal! I hate it when that happens! I know our product is good but what can I do to win this sale?

What you can do my apoplectic sales professional, is take some notes as Scott and I discuss Winning a Competitive Sale and other challenging topics on episode 595 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Sales is fundamentally an extended conversation with prospects, suppliers, providers, clients, customers, and colleagues. What gets talked about, how it gets talked about, and who is invited to the conversation will determine what will happen or won't.

If you want to have better conversation with yourself and others, stay tuned as Bill, and I welcome our guest Susan Scott author of Fierce Conversations & Fierce Leadership to episode 594 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

It’s coming, in the very near future. It’s just around the corner. You can’t run and you can’t hide. It will be upon you before you know it. That’s right – the new year – 2024 is less than a month away. How will you prepare?

Well, a good start would be to listen as Scott and I discuss Get Ready for 2024 and other forward-looking topics on episode 593 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Seasoned salespeople will adhere to a sales process.  A system with a predictable outcome.  But does that work when selling newly launched products.  Think about it.  What objections and stalls do you hear when selling a new product or service?

If I’ve created a new interest in selling newly launched products, turn up the volume, as Bill, and I discuss How to Sell New Products and other interesting ideas on episode 592 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

As sales professionals we know that if we can be seen as a trusted expert rather than a peddler, we will attract more clients, develop stronger relationships and maintain a better profit margin. The question is, how do we elevate ourselves to that level of proficiency?

Fortunately for all of us our guest, Kelli Schutrop is an expert in this approach, so listen closely as we discuss Thought Leadership Activation on episode 591 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

While Professor Plum and I do our best to be clear about how to win at selling, sometimes we can muddy the waters as we debate about the most effective way to get the job done. We can be so confusing, that our listeners feel the need to write in and ask us to clarify what we or our guests have said.

So, if you’ve been befuddled by our banter, listen in as Scott and I field Questions from Listeners and other baffling topics on episode 590 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

As sales professionals and leaders, most of us have overcome the overwhelming feeling of rejection and disappointment.  We risk our emotions every day on a quest to seek validation, please others and serve when there is an opportunity. Does this sound familiar?

Just a reminder, this is safe space as Bill, and I discuss Avoiding Disappointment and other cool concepts on episode 589 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Everywhere you look there are “hiring” signs. I talk to colleagues and clients, and they tell me how hard it is to find capable sales professionals. Yet, more often than not, when I start consulting with a new client, I find that they are consciously or unconsciously, doing everything they can to annoy the heck out of the salespeople that they already have!

­­­So, wipe away those crocodile tears as Scott and I investigate 7 Ways to Demotivate Your Sales Team and other uplifting topics on episode 588 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Do you remember your first sales manager?  What did they do that worked and what lessons did you learn from their mistakes.  Too often sales managers are created for the wrong reasons and lead the sales teams into unsuccessful territory.  But that won’t happen to you because you are listening and learning.

 So, get out your talking pad as Bill, and I welcome author and selling expert Mike Weinberg to discuss The Key to Success as a First Time Sales Manager on episode 587 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

There are forces in nature. Invisible forces that act upon all physical objects and beings. Some of these forces can be destructive or restrictive such as friction or gravity. And others can be constructive or multiplying such as focus and repetition. Today we want to consider one of these forces and determine if we can use it to be more successful.

So, lace up your running shoes as Scott and I investigate Creating the Big MO and other mesmerizing concepts on episode 586 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Emotionally risking is a typical bet salespeople make every day. Not risking is the surest way of losing. How can you increase your chances of winning? How can you reframe your mindset to overcome the conceptual barriers that limit your results? 

 Learn how to conquer the greatest weakness salespeople experience as Bill, and I discuss Overcoming the Need for Social Approval and other deep thoughts on episode 585 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics there a 13,183,250 people listing their job title as sales or selling. They have a mean annual wage of $50,370 (and that is really mean!) and if you are in the 90^th percentile, the average wage is $94,040. That tells us that there a lot of sales reps out there who are basically starving to death because they don’t know how to differentiate themselves from the pack.

So, if you want to move into that top 10%, listen up as Scott and I welcome our guest Sales Leadership Expert, Steve Keating to tell us How to Move from Sales Rep to Trusted Advisor on episode 584 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

It has been said people do not leave companies, they leave bad managers. What are the signs your sales team is considering other options - outside of the company?  And I'm not talking about new clients through prospecting. I'm referring to salespeople looking for other companies to sell for. As a sales manager what do you look for in these circumstances and as a salesperson are you tipping your hand.

Stay right where you are as Bill, and I discuss Signs Salespeople are Leaving and other thought-provoking topics on episode 583 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

I imagine that most of our listeners are pretty good at selling. I would even wager that most of you are in that vaunted Top 20 Percent that make most of the sales for your company. Perhaps that gives you a little swagger at the awards convention. But really, that is a pretty small pool of candidates. How about being the best in the industry, the best in your city or even one of the best sales professionals in the whole country! Now that would be something.

Be ready to have your greatness challenged as Scott and I deliberate on How to Become a Sales GOAT (Greatest of all Time) and other cool topics on episode 582 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

A new study of 1 million people revealed that a positive attitude makes you dramatically more successful! Those who are happy at work are more committed to their organization, rise to positions of leadership, achieve higher sales, and suffer fewer health problems.  Happiness should not be an afterthought for selling. It should be an essential goal – entwined with critical selling skills as the key to individual and organizational success!

 When you build an environment focused on nurture, positive reinforcement, and highlighting strengths and potential, you help people to be the most successful version of themselves!

 Let’s talk with the founder of the Happy leadership Institute as Bill and I welcome Tom Guetzke to discuss The Winner’s Attitude : Unlocking the Power of a Positive Mindset on episode 581 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Are great salespeople similar to great athletes? They certainly have a desire to win and for many, sales can be more lucrative than sports. But it’s not easy to be the best and it’s not something for the weak of heart or the lazy of character.

 So, lace up your cleats as Scott and I examine Sales Lessons from Great Competitors and other fascinating info on episode 580 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

AI is becoming more popular and confusing. What is real and what is the output of a formula? But we cannot ignore this movement. Let’s see what ChatGPT responds with when asked for the Top Challenges Salespeople experience in the marketplace.

 Standby for real advice with over 82 years of experience – before AI, as Bill and I explore, Top 6 Sales Challenges According to ChatGPT and other nifty ideas on episode 579 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Is there a difference between a "sales situation" and a "crisis situation"? Do they both require strategic crisis communication techniques? Chances are, you haven't often thought of a sales call and a crisis communication the same way but you might after this podcast!

Fortunately, we’re not in a crisis mode because Scott and I are welcoming crisis communication expert   Paul Omodt to discuss People and The Stories They Sell on episode 578 of the Winning at Selling podcast

Timing is everything.  This saying also applies to sales training.  Often leadership gets excited about increasing sales quickly, but not developing the areas that support the sales process, messaging, marketing, and overall effectiveness. What frustrates salespeople, prolongs results, interrupts the customer journey, all at the expense of loss opportunities, which cannot be calculated?

 Interested in creating a foundation to maximize your sales activities? Stay tuned as Bill and I explore, Are you Ready for Sales Training? on episode 577 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What you believe about yourself and your ability to succeed resides deep down in your psyche. It is the accumulation of your personal experiences and also what you have been taught by family, teachers, coaches and other important influencers in your life. But experience can teach us the wrong lessons and many of the aphorisms drilled into us in our youth might keep us from achieving the success we desire.

It's time to examine what you think you know as Scott and I discuss Dangerous Lessons on episode 576 of the Winning at Selling podcast

How many times during the day – in a sales call, prospecting for new clients, conducting a presentation, or leading a meeting – is it vital for you to ask for something you want to achieve your goals? Yet many of us don’t…we don't ask for what we want. Rather, we sabotage ourselves through bad communications habits that act as roadblocks to achieving our goals.

 Asking is a simple skill, but it is not easy to master and there is no exaggerating its benefit. Stay tuned as Bill and I welcome best-selling author and selling expert, John Baker, author of The Asking Formula to episode 575 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Some employees are fortunate to have their organizations provide a comprehensive and ongoing development program in which they can participate. But for many salespeople and those of you who are solopreneurs, these is no comprehensive program. So, what do you do?

If your smart, you’ll pay special attention as Scott and I discuss Take Control of Your Own Development on episode 574 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

How are decisions really made? We know people love to buy but hate to be sold. With every decision there is a criteria, process, and motivation, and a person involved. What else do we need to know? What are their priorities, beliefs, preferences and in what situations do they thrive, and others they want to cry.

Let’s gather around and talk about how we can approach everyone differently and still achieve the same goal as Bill and I discuss DiSC Selling on episode 573 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

There are many issues which cause us to be fearful. Darkness, loud sounds, heights and closed in spaces can all cause this feeling. In sales we might suffer from a fear of rejection or failure or crazy enough, success. I doubt if anyone is completely fearless and could have survived past the age of 12. Fear and caution are very good at keeping us alive. But an over abundance of caution can keep us locked in to mediocrity.

So get out from under your bed and tune in to episode 572 of the Winning at Selling podcast as Scott and I welcome David Cornell founder of Cultivate Courage.

What do you concentrate on during the day? What do you dwell on? What is your motivation? We all have an internal operating system built on a set of beliefs and powered by our true motivation.

Let's get motivated and get into alignment as Bill and I consider Uncovering Motivation on episode 571 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Are you unhappy with your company or your sales position? Do you feel that there are better opportunities out there for the taking? Is your company not treating you right? You are not alone in these feelings. Many sales professionals wonder what they should do.

So examine with Scott and I if you’re in a good or bad position as we discuss Should I Stay or Should I Go? and other cool stuff on episode 570 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Creating influential conversations is the goal of every salesperson.  The outcome is a collaboration between the prospect and salesperson, agreeing on the exchange of value for a price.  Sometimes salespeople need to negotiate to create and define what’s most valuable in the exchange.

 Let’s spend some time together and crack the collaboration code as Bill and I welcome Nan Gesche to episode 569 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Achieving and maintaining the right mindset is crucial to your success in sales. It gets you up before you can get down and sustains you when the process gets hard. But what is the right mindset and how can I get myself to that position?

So “clear the mechanism” as Scott and I discuss The Mindset of a Sales Professional and other interesting tidbits on episode 568 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Persuasion and influence is not always a prepared presentation, it’s an overall process — a process of learning about your criteria, audience, building their trust, and building a case that addresses their interests.  Today, we will address six techniques you can apply to persuade a prospect, customer or client to invest their funds when budgets are tight.

 In the words of Zig Ziglar, get out your talking pad - as Bill and I discuss 6 Pitching Techniques to Use When Budgets Are Tight and other interesting topics on episode 567 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

We are all a combination of strengths and weaknesses. Our strengths allow us to get tasks done quickly with a feeling of competence while our weaknesses can cause us frustration, procrastination and consternation. The question is, what do we do about this conundrum and how do improve our performance?  

 Let’s start by pulling out your strength assessment as Scott and I welcome our guest, Rebecca Gebhardt to episode 566 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. 

Conversations have a sequence with different directions. General questions at the beginning and detailed ones near the end. Based on the information acquired the duration and outcome of the conversation will vary. During this time, are you having a discussion or a dialogue with another person?  What is the difference?

 Are you ready to get into it as Bill and I discuss Creating the Course of a Conversation and other interesting topics on episode 565 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Networking can be a great way to meet new prospects, but many salespeople find it intimidating, frustrating or without value. If that’s the case for you, perhaps you don’t know how or where to do it correctly.

So let’s get focused on making small talk as Scott and I discuss, Get the Most Out of Networking and other stimulating topics on episode 564 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Peter Drucker once said – “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” The common topics of blogs and podcasts are often focused on retention, recruiting, and defining the overall culture. “I heard a quote, “Culture is defined by what leadership is willing to tolerate.” Are you ready to create some options of transforming your culture, or do you want to settle for the same old status quo?

Don’t change the channel, as Bill and I welcome John Christensen, film maker and founder of the FiSH! philosophy on episode 563 of the Winning at Selling Podcast

Sales is a difficult and often lonely business. Despite all of those meetings, lunches and golf dates each salesperson, at the end of the day or week or month, is left alone with their quota and their commission check. If we didn’t do so good, we can turn to our sales manager for help, if we dare. But this might show weakness and hurt our career. Perhaps we can try to get our coaching from podcasts but we all know those can be spotty at best! So, what should we do?

Maybe we should consider investing in ourselves, so listen up as Scott and I discuss, Do I Need a Sales Coach? And other stimulating topics on episode 562 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Stress is caused when you don’t feel in control of your life, your normal routine is disrupted, you don’t feel productive, and you have no idea when the recovery from the disruption will appear. Resilience is a choice based on being prepared, adaptable and optimistic. How can you prepare? What is holding you back from adapting? What can you control? How can you maintain an optimistic outlook?

Let’s review those questions and more as Bill, and I discuss Mastering Resilience and other fascinating topics on episode 561 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What percentage of leaders in your career would you work for again?  The typical response is less than 27% or “none of them!"  And then there are those memorable leaders who have inspired us and moved us to want to work with them again. They leave footprints of success we can all learn from.

What makes these leaders memorable?  Find out as Scott and I meet with Sales Leadership Expert, Floyd Carlson on episode 560 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Often when salespeople concentrate on the sales process versus the customer experience, they increase customer dissatisfaction. People love to buy, they hate to be sold. How you communicate and deliver value in today's marketplace is based on the customer's experience when making a purchase.

Learn how to create valuable experiences when engaging and converting prospects to customers, as Bill, and I discuss Stop Focusing on the Customer Funnel and other great topics on episode 559 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

In Glengarry Glen Ross, sales motivator, Blake, tells the sales team to “ABC – Always Be Closing. It’s close or hit the bricks.” And he represents what many people envision when they think of salespeople. But in his own belligerent way he is correct. At some point we need to close the deal, to get the contract signed, to get the check.  But is there a way to do so without being such an unmitigated jerk?

Well, pull out that set of steak knives you won in that last sales contest as Scott and I discuss the Secrets to Closing the Sale and other innovative issues on episode 558 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Your mobile phone has an operating system.  Your automobile runs on multiple circuits making up the operating system. Our belief system makes up our personal operating system. AND your sales role and business runs on an operating system.

Learn how your operating systems can contribute to an improved P&L, as Bill, and I welcome our Guest: Anne Schoolcraft to discuss Getting a GRIP on Sales on episode 557 of the Winning at Selling Podcast

We are almost to the end of the first quarter of the new year. For many sales professionals it has been a difficult start. Our economy is exhibiting record inflation and in an effort to quell it, the FED has raised interest rates from 0 in January, 2022 to almost 5% today. Gas prices almost doubled in 2 years and then settled back to a 60% rise, which increases the cost of anything that has to be delivered. Add to that some lingering supply chain issues and the aftereffects of the Covid pandemic and it’s no wonder that salespeople are stressed.

So take a couple of aspirin and try to chill out as Scott and I discuss the Key Sales Challenges for 2023 and other fascinating issues on episode 556 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Every day you trade your time for better results and a better life.  No two people make the same Time Trades, as everyone is different.  Beginning with intention and ending with action will determine your results, your life, and define your reputation.

Thank you for investing your time, as Bill, and I discuss Managing Your Time on episode 555 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What has the biggest influence on your decision to purchase an item?  Is it the price, availability, scarcity, or the brand?  If it’s the brand, how can salespeople be effective - or are they really needed? 

No, this is not a doomsday warning, but it may help you stay alive as Bill and I welcome marketing expert, Corky Hall to discuss the importance of Aligning Sales with the Brand on episode 554 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Some business leaders and financial professionals make decisions based on fear versus opportunity. If these opportunities are ignored, the chance of increased revenue is lost, because the focus is on fear.  You cannot increase revenue by cutting expenses.

Listen up, as Bill, and I discuss Revenue vs. Expenses on episode 553 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Revenue is a big factor in understanding customer value, but it isn’t the only measure. There are a number of other issues that must be examined. By looking at a customer critically we can ascertain their true value to the organization and determine the level of service they should receive.

So pull out your calculators as Scott, and I discuss What is Your Client Worth? and other important topics on episode 552 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Did you make a list of New Year’s Resolutions? Is it difficult to stick to multiple resolutions. It’s easy to get fired up about a grand idea for the first 30 to 60 days of the year. Then, run out of steam. Perhaps your good intentions fade into the background as you get caught up on a To Do List.

But, not this year! Listen up to a new strategy that will carry you the entire year; as Bill, and I welcome Danita Bye to discuss 3 Ways to Wire Your Brain for Successful Selling on episode 551 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Your initial interview is going along well when all of a sudden the prospect says something like, “Can you believe what those idiots in Washington just did?” What do you do? Do you agree with them or  - do you disagree? Or do you just keep your mouth shut and hope she moves on? And exactly what flavor of idiot is being discussed anyhow?

If you want to learn how to avoid these conversation traps, tune in as Scott, and I discuss What if they bring up POLITICS? and other important topics on episode 550 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. 

Money is a tool and resource to managing your life and career and your success, in either, is based on how well you behave with it.  Is it skill, luck, guilt, or greed.

Open up your purses and wallets, as Bill, and I discuss Your Relationship with Money and other interesting ideas on episode 549 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

“Sales is a contact sport.” We have all heard that before. I like the saying, “If you can take a call, you can make a call.” Sales is also a proactive game, with prospecting being the start of the sales conversation.

Listen up as we discuss how to start more conversations as Scott, and I welcome Wendy Weiss to discuss Getting Sales teams to Prospect - without micromanaging - on episode 548 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Sales meetings are a weekly scheduled activity.  Leading the sales team by maintaining bilateral communication, sharing scorecards while receiving market changes, conveying company direction; and delivering coaching, training and performance goals. So, what does an effective sales meeting look like?

Join us for roll call and attendance as Bill, and I discuss Leading Effective Sales Meetings and other interesting ideas on episode 547 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

It’s the beginning of a new year and we naturally consider how last year has gone and what we want to happen in the year to come. But what can we do so that there is a positive change and how can we make this year better than the last?

If these questions resonate with you, pull out your “To Do” list and join Scott and me as we explore Goals or Priorities and other fascinating ideas on episode 546 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Knowledge has timing and sometimes it’s out of step. We may have heard the answer in the past but didn’t know the question until now. Now that the answer has been forgotten. Are you in a philosophical state of mind?

Stay tuned to hear the questions and answers -together - as Bill, and I answer Questions from Our Listeners and other interesting ideas on episode 545 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

How can I get my work done when there are so many meetings – and most of them are just a waste of time! If you find this to be a challenge at your company, you are not alone. Recently one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs sent a memo to his employees on just his frustrating topic and how to deal with it.

So, if you want to get more done join Scott and me as we discuss Elon Musk’s Productivity Recommendations and other interesting information on episode 544 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Ever have a bad day turn into a bad month. Sometimes we fall into a rut and it seems nothing is working, the leads are all bad and the quotes stop turning into purchase orders.  We take emotional risks without getting a good return on our time, effort and operating expenses. How do we turn it around and start getting back into the groove?

Tune in as we talk about going from Rut to Strut as Bill, and I discuss Getting out of a Slump and other interesting ideas on episode 543 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What attributes separate the common salesperson from a truly successful sales professional? Is it being a “good talker” as we so frequently hear? Or is it the courage to call on anyone at any organization? Is it some kind of “superpower” that they have, or could it be something simpler than that?  

Maybe today you’ll hear the secret that will transform your career as Scott and I welcome sales expert Brent Widman to discuss The Importance of Consistency on episode 542 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Often unconscious human behavior is grounded in a need for validation or vindication from others.  We have a desire for approval of current behavior or a yearning of clemency for past discretions. Both can limit your progress and development.

Remember: you are in the circle of trust, as Bill, and I discuss Validation or Vindication and other interesting ideas on episode 541 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

According to a Hubspot survey conducted in 2016 only 3% of respondents believe that salespeople are “trustworthy”! Only 3% - that’s pretty low. But it’s not my fault is it? Or your? Well, perhaps it is. Because we are all responsible for how our profession is perceived by our customers.

So we will be as honest as possible as Scott and I discuss Being Trustworthy and other interesting ideas on episode 540 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Outstanding leaders are outstanding listeners. And when you are in sales, you’re a leader. As we interact with prospects, clients, customers and colleagues’ successful relationships start with listening. And if you don’t listen to know what they are talking about – you don’t know what you are talking about.

So, let’s talk about it.  And today ‘it’ is Listening - as Bill and I welcome award winning listener and speaker Dr. Manny Steil to discuss Effective Listening on episode 539 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Outstanding leaders are outstanding listeners. And when you are in sales, you’re a leader. As we interact with prospects, clients, customers and colleagues’ successful relationships start with listening. And if you don’t listen to know what they are talking about – you don’t know what you are talking about.

So, let’s talk about it.  And today ‘it’ is Listening - as Bill and I welcome award winning listener and speaker Dr. Manny Steil to discuss Effective Listening on episode 539 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression – or so the saying goes. If that’s true, then we should have a better understanding of how people judge us and how they determine if we are the type of person with whom they want to do business. Likewise, we should understand when we start making those impressions on others.

So put on some business attire and comb your hair as Scott and I discuss First Impressions and other interesting ideas on episode 538 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

The market is constantly changing. New companies are being launched. Seasoned businesses are merging; while others are closing their doors because they are no longer relevant. As we start to focus on a new year, now may be a good time to revisit your value proposition and how to present it to others.

Stay tuned as Bill and I discuss Renegotiate or Reframe – Trading with price and other fascinating topics on episode 537 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

The market is constantly changing. New companies are being launched. Seasoned businesses are merging; while others are closing their doors because they are no longer relevant. As we start to focus on a new year, now may be a good time to revisit your value proposition and how to present it to others.

Stay tuned as Bill and I discuss Renegotiate or Reframe – Trading with price and other fascinating topics on episode 537 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Each of us gets 24 hours in a day and 7 days each week. So how is it that some people get SO much more done than others? Is it luck, planning, smarts or something else? Scott and I are excited to welcome one of those people who get a lot done and he is going to help us learn how daily execution results in extraordinary results.

Put on your running shoes and pop in those earbuds as Scott and I welcome marathoner and development expert, Scott Welle to episode 536 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Self-awareness is the instigator of beliefs, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. People judge us by our behaviors.  We judge ourselves by our intentions.

Let’s take an inward journey as Bill and I discuss Self Reflection – 5 Question to ask yourself and other fascinating topics on episode 535 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Self-awareness is the instigator of beliefs, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. People judge us by our behaviors.  We judge ourselves by our intentions.

Let’s take an inward journey as Bill and I discuss Self Reflection – 5 Question to ask yourself and other fascinating topics on episode 535 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

How do you feel about accountability? How can accountability produce better results for me and my organization? Does being threatened make people more creative or less creative? What is the difference between responsibility and accountability?

Learn the answers to these questions as Bill and I Welcome Sam Silverstein author of The Theory of Accountability to episode 534 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Setting goals is crucial to success. But the truth is that many people don’t set goals and if they do, they seldom write them down. Are you a goal setter or could the lack of goal setting be keeping you from getting that big commission check?

Let’s analyze our success process as Scott and I discuss Setting Goals and Hitting Quotas and other great ideas on episode 533 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What do you do when the prospect hesitates, when they start coming up with objections to the deal? Do you have a plan? Is there still a play to be made? And why did this have to happen? I thought it was all going so well, and now the deal is going down the drain – along with my hefty commission check!

If this feels familiar to you, it’s time to zone in as Scott and I discuss Getting to a Decision and other great ideas on episode 532 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What is the most important step in the sales process? Some say the first one. Others respond with the Interview step. Seasoned salespeople reply with ‘the close.’  All of these are important, but without active listening you will not make a difference in someone’s life by selling them your best offering – and could make their lives worse.

So listen up as Bill and I address Active Listening and other great ideas on episode 531 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Do you follow your manager or leader?  What’s the difference between leaders and managers? What makes good one, better ones, and the best ones? And why do people want to follow the best, no matter the role? How can you create better leaders or better followers?

Listen up as the Professor is “off the leash” with our special guest, Steve Keating on episode 530 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

The conversation between prospects and salespeople is constantly changing. Imagine a full count in a baseball game with 3 balls and 2 strikes, bottom of the ninth, tied score with 2 outs. The pressure, on the pitcher to throw another strike and win the game; and the batter to deliver a hit and stay in the game. How can we reduce the pressure of sales and maximize successful outcomes?

So listen up for answers as Bill and I address Questions from Listeners and other great ideas on episode 529 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What do prospects look for in a salesperson? I submit following through on promises.  This requires accountability to ourselves, our employers and most importantly prospects, so they become clients.

Stay tuned to learn how to overcome your fear of accountability, as Bill and I discuss What is Accountability? And other great ideas on episode 528 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

What are “best Practices” when it comes to the world of selling. We all want to be individuals, and sell in unique ways. But in reality, there are effective processes and some that just don’t work. Today we have an opportunity to learn form the successes of other salespeople.

So, put on your critical listening headphones as Scott and I discuss 10 Astounding Selling Statistics Part 2 and other great ideas on episode 527 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

As sales professionals we can sometimes feel as if we are alone in the world of business. That what we experience and how we feel are all wrapped in our unique bubble. But that’s not true. There are millions of salespeople out there dealing with the same issues and emotions as we do. And periodically those sales professionals are surveyed to better understand what they are going through in their daily business lives.

So, crack open a cold one as Scott and I discuss 10 Astounding Selling Statistics - Part ONE - and other great ideas on episode 526 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

As a consumer, we are battling with price increases on our essentials; food, gas, housing. We explore options, but don’t find relief.  Is it possible, as salespeople, we must impose a price increase on our customers?  Are they exploring options?  How will we know?  How can we keep our customer after a price hike?

Lower your expectations, as Bill and I discuss Selling a Price Increase on episode 525 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Do you want to sell more? Of course you do! That’s why you listen to this podcast. The question is, do you sell scientifically? That’s a pretty good question and I’m not sure if I could answer yes to it. But this episode’s guest will be able to help us find an answer and a better way to sell.

So, put on your white lab coat as Scott and I discuss Selling More with Science with author and sales trainer, David Hoffeld on episode 524 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

That’s not Fair - is a common reaction when you don’t get your way. You react, thinking the incident is closed; and the time and experience has no future value. But are there ways to make the outcome better than just fair? I say yes.

Learn the valuable lessons learned through undesired outcomes, as Bill and I discuss That’s Not Fair on episode 523 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

That’s not Fair - is a common reaction when you don’t get your way. You react, thinking the incident is closed; and the time and experience has no future value. But are there ways to make the outcome better than just fair? I say yes.

Learn the valuable lessons learned through undesired outcomes, as Bill and I discuss That’s Not Fair on episode 523 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

That’s not Fair - is a common reaction when you don’t get your way. You react, thinking the incident is closed; and the time and experience has no future value. But are there ways to make the outcome better than just fair? I say yes.

Learn the valuable lessons learned through undesired outcomes, as Bill and I discuss That’s Not Fair on episode 523 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

That’s not Fair - is a common reaction when you don’t get your way. You react, thinking the incident is closed; and the time and experience has no future value. But are there ways to make the outcome better than just fair? I say yes.

Learn the valuable lessons learned through undesired outcomes, as Bill and I discuss That’s Not Fair on episode 523 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Salespeople are busy! Contacting, prospecting, networking, appointments, creating proposals, following up and hopefully closing a deal will keep the best salespeople busy for 40, 50 or even 60 hours each week. But is all of that time productive and could we get just as much done in less time if we were better organized and efficient?

So, if you can find the time, and more importantly, if you can’t, join Scott and me as we discuss Maximizing Your Day on episode 522 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Negotiating is not just cutting the price and giving up all your profits. It is an exchange of value within a conversation with the people involved, and the process they follow.  Is this a strategy or a game prospect’s play with salespeople?

Learn how to play the game and win, as Bill and I welcome our guest – Dr. Reed Holden: Author of Negotiating with Backbone on episode 521 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Many people start their selling careers by accident, believing it to be a way to make a little money until they get a “real” job, only to find that it’s an exciting and rewarding profession. Once you have determined to dedicate your life to selling, you find out that it is also complex and challenging. That’s when the real learning begins. 

If you have discovered that you don’t know everything about selling, join Scott and I as we answer Questions from Our Listeners on episode 520 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.