Transparency: Why wouldn’t you?

Transparency: Why wouldn’t you?

You know what I’ve NEVER heard? Someone telling me a story that starts with this: “I led the conversation by letting the prospect know where we might not be a good fit – and where our solution doesn’t quite meet their requirements.” And ends with: “This really...
#FindDigger – How NOT To Handle A Business Mistake

#FindDigger – How NOT To Handle A Business Mistake

Five years ago today, the unthinkable happened to us, a dog family. It was the start of an insane nightmare. Before I tell the story, let me start with the end… If you are in business, you will screw up. You will make mistakes. You will upset customers. Winners own...
Should part of sales comp be tied to renewal?

Should part of sales comp be tied to renewal?

It’s 2015. Three people walk into a conference room: CEO: OF the fastest growing tech company in Chicago. Me, who we’ll refer to as “Todd”: SVP of Sales for said company, pre-Transparency Sale. Future Todd: from today, post-Transparency Sale...
Was Tommy Boy right? The purpose of your sales presentation

Was Tommy Boy right? The purpose of your sales presentation

Tommy Callahan (from the movie Tommy Boy) may have been on to something! What is the purpose of your sales presentation? I would argue… …the objective of a sales presentation is to bind the audience around a feeling. It’s not to convince. It’s not to...
Selling is Teaching – But If We Don’t Know How We Learn…

Selling is Teaching – But If We Don’t Know How We Learn…

“If we don’t know how we learn, how on earth do we know how to teach?” – Leo Rafael Reif, President of MIT I teach. It’s the primary purpose of my business. You probably teach, too – if you’re in sales, marketing, leadership, enablement, etc. Everything...
The Pioneer of Sales Enablement – Mark Twain

The Pioneer of Sales Enablement – Mark Twain

William Faulkner called him “the father of American literature”. From my research, Mark Twain may also be “the pioneer of sales enablement”. Here’s the story: Ulysses S. Grant led the Union Army as Commanding General in winning the Civil War, then became the 18th...