The Sales Evangelist: Sales Training|Speaking|Business Marketing|Donald Kelly

Are you tired of pouring your heart into sales deals only to watch them fizzle out at the eleventh hour? There's nothing more frustrating than a deal that stalls, especially when it is just within your grasp.  But what if you could pinpoint why your deals are stalling and prevent it before it happens?  In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly shares a pivotal question that too many sales professionals overlook. Listen now to prevent your next sale from stalling and set yourself up for a cascade of successful closes! The Stall Deal Dilemma Donald shares his insight into a common pitfall where sales professionals are left in the dark, wondering what went wrong.  He unveils that critical question you might not be asking—one that can make the difference between a deal stalling or sailing smoothly through your pipeline. Mastering Communication: Asking the Right Question Donald emphasizes the importance of this essential yet often overlooked question: "What do you see that could

One of the most common mistakes people make when using LinkedIn is not taking the time to build authentic relationships.  Don’t go adding hundreds of connections to your LinkedIn profile. Instead, do this! Listen to this insightful episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald Kelly chats with guest Sabine Gedeon on the world of LinkedIn networking. Sabine shares her extensive experience and lays down a five-step process to leverage LinkedIn for effective relationship-building and networking.  Click play now! Meet Sabine Gedeon  Sabine is the CEO of Gedeon Enterprises. She is also a coach, consultant, speaker, and author.  Remember to connect with her on LinkedIn to learn about her. Evolution of LinkedIn  Sabine takes us through the history of LinkedIn, from its original use as a platform for recruiters to its transformation into a hub for marketing, networking, and community building.  She emphasizes the need for people, especially HR professionals, to engage more actively on the pl

You're about to send a LinkedIn connection request, and the platform allows you to create a personalized message. Do you take the time to do it? Yes or no? If you choose not to do it, you must tune into this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast." Even if you said yes, still click play. Host Donald Kelly delves into the ongoing debate surrounding LinkedIn connection requests. Should sales professionals personalize them or keep them generic?  Discover the importance of personalized connection requests and learn how to create meaningful conversations that can lead to sales opportunities. The Great LinkedIn Debate Donald addresses a common question among sales professionals: the importance of personalizing LinkedIn connection requests.  He debunks myths, points out common mistakes, and emphasizes the potential impact of a well-crafted, personalized approach. Personalized vs. Generic Requests Donald discusses why generic messages are ineffective and often ignored.  He advocates for personalized messa

Do you have full control over your sales meeting? Is it difficult getting your prospects to go in the direction you want them to go? You answer "no" to the first question and "yes" to the second question. Right? Well, you know what to do now! Tune into this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," where host Donald Kelly dives deep into mastering client interactions. Within this five-minute episode, you'll be ready to take control, establish authority, and confidently guide your prospects. Take advantage of these critical strategies that can accelerate your sales success! Taking Control of Your Sales Meetings The key to having a successful sales meeting is being in control of its direction.  Donald emphasizes that while catering to the prospect's requests is essential, offering them a meeting roadmap ensures they recognize you as an expert in your field.  The Agenda of A Guided Sales Session To lead your sales meeting, set a clear agenda. Address the prospect's hopes and set the stage for the main g

Today, we're going into the archive and bringing out an episode from the best sellers in history series. Let’s talk about Mary Kay Ash and how she built her empire from the strong skill sets she developed as a salesperson. Sales Spotlight - Mary Kay Ash Mary Kay Ash is world-renowned for being the makeup and skincare queen.  Her pink Cadillac has become iconic. How did this come from someone who kept getting passed over for promotion?  Because she is considered to be one of the best sellers in history. Here are five reasons why:  Had a purpose and a why Created a vision or a common cause Had a strong and impressive work ethic Had the desire to create and give rewards Willing to take action Mary Kay Ash was born on May 12, 1918, in Hotwells, Texas. For most of her childhood, she took care of her sick dad while her mother made the family's earnings. At 17 years old, Mary Kay married Ben Rogers and had three children with him before Ben went to war in WWII. Their marriage eventually ended, and M

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of successful sales strategies in a highly competitive landscape? In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly chats with guest Claudio Meidler, an experienced sales professional working as an account executive for Google's German team in Dublin. Claudio shares his insights on navigating the competitive landscape and securing the share of the wallet when selling to enterprise or mid-level organizations. Tune in to this enriching episode and gain a fresh perspective on navigating the modern sales landscape with confidence and finesse. Building Credibility and Delivering Value Claudio emphasizes the importance of standing out in terms of service level and delivering value beyond the competition. He discusses the significance of conducting thorough research before approaching potential clients understanding their needs, pain points, and industry-specific knowledge. Claudio highlights the effectiveness of providing insights, market knowledge,

Are you properly preparing for first-time meetings? Failing to do so can lead to missed opportunities and lost sales.  But don't worry—in this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly will share valuable tips on effectively preparing prospects and ensuring a smoother, more productive interaction. Click play to hear what one of the industry's top sales leaders says about this essential step in the sales process. The Importance of Preparing Prospects Donald emphasizes the significance of prepping prospects before meeting with them.  In a world with automated scheduling tools, it's essential to go the extra mile to personalize and optimize the prospect's meeting experience. The Strategy Donald suggests a simple yet powerful strategy to prepare prospects effectively.  He recommends sending a quick video introduction to the prospect, providing a warm welcome, and addressing potential questions or concerns they might have.  Additionally, including specific details about the upc

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to successful sales strategies and go-to-market plans? In this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald Kelly speaks with Hannah Ajikawo, a seasoned sales professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Hannah shares invaluable insights into understanding the B2B buyer journey, setting up go-to-market infrastructure, and optimizing sales processes to drive higher deal value. She also reveals the essential elements of a winning sales strategy plan and uncovers the secrets behind successful sales initiatives. Tune in now to discover proven strategies and insider tips that will propel your business to new heights! Hannah's Professional Journey Hannah provides an overview of her rich professional background, emphasizing her extensive career in sales.  Her professional journey spans from prominent global corporations to disruptive startups.  Notably, she shares her experience of working with an AI company in 2011, showcasing her early enga

Are you ready to transform your cold email outreach strategy for 2024? In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly speaks with Vlad Oleksiienko, a growth leader with extensive experience in sales development and cold outreach at scale. Vlad shares valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cold emailing in 2024 and beyond.  He focuses on the challenges and effective strategies for sales reps to scale their outreach efforts. Prepare to revolutionize your approach to cold emailing and propel your sales growth to new heights. Tune in to learn from the expert himself! The Challenges of Cold Emailing at Scale Vlad delves into the challenges faced by sales reps in the realm of cold outreach.  He highlights the evolving nature of email inboxes, the impact of AI-generated emails, and the growing demand for personalized and relevant communication from buyers. Tailoring Cold Outreach for Different Markets Vlad emphasizes the importance of tailoring cold outreach strategies b

You have a client on the phone, and they decide not to close the deal.  Do you? Tell them to have a good day and hang up, or ask if they know anyone else needing your services. In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald C. Kelly shares the most overlooked strategy of asking everyone for referrals. With a passion for empowering sales professionals, Donald shares valuable insights and practical tips to help you unlock the potential of referral generation. Tune in to elevate your sales prowess and harness the power of referrals! Utilizing Untapped Potential Donald discusses the importance of recognizing the untapped potential in every interaction.  He encourages sales professionals to assume that everyone they speak with knows someone who could benefit from their services. The Art of the Ask From his own experiences, Donald shares a simple yet powerful approach to requesting referrals.  He outlines the process of respectfully inquiring if the contact knows anyone who could b

Are you tired of the high turnover rate in your sales team? How do you identify and retain top sales talent?  In a world where finding the right sales professionals can be challenging, Lori Richardson, a seasoned sales strategist with over 20 years of experience, joins Donald on "The Sales Evangelist Podcast" to share her invaluable insights on bringing in the right talent and keeping them motivated for long-term success.  In this episode, Lori offers practical advice for both sales professionals and leaders, shedding light on the qualities to look for in salespeople, the role of effective leadership, and how to identify the right company culture. If you're ready to revolutionize your sales team and boost your own sales career, you won't want to miss this episode! Qualities of Successful Salespeople Lori emphasizes the importance of key qualities in successful salespeople. She highlights the significance of coachability, strong will, and the ability to accept rejection without being deterred.  Lori a

Are you tired of lengthy, drawn-out discovery calls that seem to go on forever without getting to the heart of the matter? Imagine condensing those time-consuming conversations into just 15 minutes while delivering maximum impact.  In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly speaks with Chet Lovegren to reveal the secrets behind shortening discovery calls while achieving outstanding results. Chet, a master at sales consulting, shares practical role-playing examples and outlines four key questions that can transform your discovery process. You'll witness practical demonstrations on identifying challenges, understanding their context, gauging expertise, and establishing implications—resulting in streamlined yet effective discovery interactions.  Tune in to revolutionize your discovery calls and enjoy results that speak for themselves! The Essential Four Questions for a Successful Discovery Chet highlights the importance of the four key questions that form the foundation of a suc

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to finding prospects? Do you sit back and hope they'll come to you, or are you casting wide nets on LinkedIn, crossing your fingers for a response? Let's face it. These tactics scream "lazy prospecting." But fear not! In this thrilling episode of The Sales Evangelist, the charismatic Donald Kelly is here to transform your strategy. Dive into this power-packed five-minute episode and unravel the secrets behind proactive prospecting. Say goodbye to the old ways and hello to a new era of engagement. Don't miss out! What Is Lazy Prospecting? What exactly is lazy prospecting? In the episode, Donald explains it’s making a phone call without researching the prospect. When prospecting, you should do your prep work. This involves seeing who else works in the organization and looking at the individual’s LinkedIn profile. However, most sellers take this time to scroll through their phones, hoping for the best. Donald explains how most sales representatives become lazy p

It's all in the data, right? But what's good is the data if you don't know how to utilize the information? In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," Host Donald Kelly chats with Derek Rahn about current sales data trends and the need for sellers to niche down within their industry. Tune in and discover how to help you build your pipeline and close twice as many deals as you are now. Derek Rahn’s Background Derek has over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, specifically within the B2B space. He is the VP of demand generation of Lead Genius, which crafts tools to help companies find their ideal customers. His position allows him to see the current trends and changes within the sales industry. Challenges in the SaaS Landscape One challenge Derek sees within the SaaS industry is that too many team members interact with one customer. This harms the client's relationships with the company and can easily cause misunderstandings. He suggests limiting the number of employees speaking

Wanna know the secrets to mastering the art of sales negotiation? Once you learn them, you'll never go hungry again! But first, you must tune in to hear this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast." Host Donald Kelly chats with Patrick Tinney, author and founder of Centroid Training & Marketing. They delve deep into the world of sales negotiation and strategic planning. Patrick also explains why these sales techniques are a lost art in the industry and the biggest mistakes most sellers make. Listen and discover how to become a better sales negotiator in this episode. Also, don't forget to grab your copy of Patric Tinney's books down below. He shares a world of sales knowledge within this episode and his books! Patrick Tinney’s Background Patrick is the author of four books. The one he shares and discusses within the episode is “Unlocking Yes: The Revised Edition.” He was among the first to write a sales negotiation book after Brian Tracy. Only a select few are brave enough to share their know

Having the right mindset is crucial to being a successful salesperson. So why do we often get locked up in a mindset of fear, and how can we change that? In this episode, your host Donald Kelly and Dr. Jean Oursler (Ph.D. in Business Psychology from the Chicago School) are here to teach us about our “Caveman Brain” so that we can harness the way we are wired and make it work to our advantage.  What is Your Caveman Brain? The amygdala is a part of the brain that controls our fear responses to our environment. Dr. Oursler calls this the “caveman brain” Our “caveman brain” exists to protect us from getting hurt or dying, so we can’t get rid of it or turn it off! We don’t have to run away from predators or protect our young from danger anymore, so nowadays, we fear things like rejection, losing our reputation, or being a pushy salesperson. How Do We Work WITH the Caveman Brain? The amygdala only knows what it sees and hears. Pay attention to the media and information you consume! Identify your p

New reps and veteran sellers alike are looking for the missing piece in their sales game – look no further. In this electrifying interview, your host Donald Kelly speaks with Amanda Holmes, CEO of Chet Holmes International, about how her finger-on-the-pulse approach connects with the foundational elements of her father’s work (The Ultimate Sales Machine) to bring us into the future of selling. What is a Dream 100? There is always a smaller number of better buyers than there are buyers. Selling to your better buyers is smarter and cheaper than selling to anyone else. When he was a seller, Chet Holmes spent his energy focusing on his ideal clients rather than selling to 20,000 prospects. “In your face, in your space, in your place.” Chet Holmes used a lot of marketing tactics WITHOUT spamming. Aim to be interested instead of interesting! Identify YOUR Dream 100 Start by going through your contacts and identifying the people who could be in your Dream 100 – without social media. Don’t get overw

Nothing is more frustrating than hearing a potential customer tell you they already have a vendor and don't need your services. Having spent so much time researching them, you feel it was all for nothing. Now you're wondering if you should try to convince them your services are better than their current vendor. But what tactic can you use to help win them over? In this episode of the Sales Evangelist podcast, host Donald Kelly shares his best strategy for handling the common sales objection, "We already have a vendor; we're not interested."  He'll show you how to uncover the prospect's true interest, provide value, and keep the conversation toward a potential deal. Listen to this five-minute episode to unlock the secret approach to turning these objections into opportunities. Understanding Objections Donald emphasizes that objections don't always indicate disinterest but rather a lack of information.  It's crucial to understand the prospect's specific needs and ensure that your solution is relevant to the

How do you move beyond having a network of connections on LinkedIn to leveraging it to drive meaningful conversations and opportunities? In this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald Kelly chats with Brandon Lee, the founder of FistBump, on the best practices for maximizing your impact on LinkedIn.  Discover powerful techniques for engaging with prospects, creating compelling content, and establishing genuine connections that lead to tangible results. Tune in to hear essential strategies for utilizing LinkedIn to drive sales success. Brandon Lee’s Background Brandon founded Fist Bump, which offers a done-for-you and done-with-you model aimed at C-suite sales leaders looking to leverage LinkedIn more effectively.  The service appeals to individuals seeking guidance on improving their LinkedIn utilization and those lacking the time to do it themselves. LinkedIn as a Sales Tool Donald and Brandon discuss the critical role of LinkedIn in B2B sales and business. They tackle the com