The Sales Evangelist

It's frustrating when you're trying to reach a key decision-maker, only to be stopped by their administrative assistant. It can feel like gatekeepers intentionally block your path to closing a deal. But what if their resistance isn't just about blocking, but about recognizing when your approach simply isn't up to par? In this episode, I speak with Natasha Bowles, a seasoned gatekeeper with over 25 years of experience, to uncover what truly gets her to engage with sellers. Tune in to get the inside scoop and learn how to improve your tactics to close more deals.Meet the Gatekeeper: Natasha BowlesNatasha Bowles is the Founder of Natasha Bowles Professional Services, a staffing agency specializing in virtual and in-house administrative support.  As an executive-level administrator for over 25 years, Ms. Bowles has been a gatekeeper for high-profile individuals like medical professionals, property managers, venture capitalists, and notable public figures.She's not offended by the term "gatekeeper" at all, seeing it as her job to protect the time of the people she works with. Before letting just anyone chat with her clients, she needs to be sure they're prepped, will actually bring something valuable to the table, and have something that will genuinely benefit them.Natsha shares how execs tend to get about 250 to 1,000 a day! If you're not bringing anything worthwhile, it's her job to keep you from wasting their precious time.Gatekeepers are the first line of defense for decision-makers, and if you can't get past them, you won't be talking to the executive who calls the shots.How To Get a Gatekeeper To Open Your EmailsGatekeepers see right through the holes in an executive's business, and they know when generic cold-calling emails are a total waste of their client's time.To get your emails noticed by gatekeepers, Natasha says you've gotta do your homework on the company and show that knowledge in your email.  Think of it like this: if you're trying to get an investor to fund your pizza place but emailing someone who only invests in tech, it screams you didn't bother to do your research.In your emails, include things like who the relevant department head is, some stats, a problem the company is facing, and why they need to know about your product. Show some initiative and prove you've looked into the company and why you genuinely believe your solution can help them.Also, don't be rude to the gatekeeper! They'll remember it, and it could come back to bite you. Natasha shares a personal story about dealing with a rude client and what happened. Is It Possible To Go Around the Gatekeeper?It's possible to bypass the gatekeeper. But honestly, it will be tough because executives usually don't pay much attention to their own emails. They rely on the gatekeeper to handle it because their time is just that valuable.Natasha points out that even if you do get lucky, you might still end up talking to the gatekeeper anyway.Gatekeepers Can Move Deals ForwardYou don't always have to talk directly to the CEO to get a deal moving. Gatekeepers and executives often have a strong relationship, and sometimes the gatekeeper can even be given the green light to make decisions if the CEO trusts them enough.The gatekeeper might actually be the person you need to convince to close a deal. So, do your best to win them over when you reach out. Find that sweet spot where you show you know your stuff and how it can benefit the company."Protecting my client's time is my biggest task. I need to be certain that anyone wanting to speak with them is prepared, will add value to their day, and has something genuinely beneficial to offer....

Salesforce recently surveyed 7,000 B2B professionals, and the results are clear: buyers prioritize value. A significant 76% aim to maximize the return on every purchase, and 78% are being more careful with spending than before.In this environment, how can sellers stand out and win deals? One powerful way is by becoming a better storyteller. This episode dives into why storytelling is so important in today's sales landscape and offers practical advice on how to use it to close your next deal.The Power of Storytelling in SalesWhen you hear "storytelling," you might picture something from a book. But in sales, it's about crafting a narrative that draws buyers in.&nbsp; Think of it this way:The Buyer as the Hero: They're on a journey to achieve their goals.The Problem as the Villain: Something is blocking their path – maybe it's a lack of time, confusing regulations, or overwhelming complexity.You as the Guide:As a sales professional, you're there to help them conquer that villain with your solution.Effective sales storytelling positions you as a trusted guide, helping the buyer see how they can overcome their challenges and achieve their objectives – becoming the hero of their own story.&nbsp;&nbsp;And don't worry, your "story" doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out saga. Sometimes, a well-crafted illustration is all it takes to paint a picture and help a potential client understand their problem and your solution.How Storytelling Can Help You Close More DealsBusinesses are now incredibly strategic about their spending. Think of it like this: if you were trying to sell me a pen, and I said I'm determined to use my current one until it's completely dry before buying another, that's the kind of thinking businesses have right now.&nbsp; The economy has made them very cautious about spending money unless it's absolutely essential.And it's the same for consumers.&nbsp; No matter how much product knowledge we throw their way, if they're not willing to spend, it won't make a difference.What will make a difference is learning how to connect with them on an emotional level.&nbsp; People are driven by their emotions, and if we keep focusing solely on logic, we'll struggle to close deals.In the episode, I share a simple storytelling example about someone with a flat tire. It shows how creating a relatable scenario can connect with a prospect emotionally and close a deal.&nbsp;How to Become a More Engaging StorytellerInstead of listing what your solution does, paint a picture of what life will be like after using it.&nbsp; Think about it – people connect with visions of success and relief, not just a list of features.&nbsp;&nbsp;To become a better storyteller, focus on helping people see their own challenges clearly.&nbsp; Don't just mention a problem; describe the frustrating situation they're likely experiencing.&nbsp; Make them think, "Yes, that's exactly what I'm dealing with!"People aren't looking for a sales pitch; they're looking for someone who can guide them through their difficulties.&nbsp;Show them you understand their business and the obstacles they face, and you'll become a much more compelling storyteller."Don't just say you understand a business and their challenges; demonstrate it. Storytelling is the key to showing them you truly grasp the issues they're facing." - Donald Kelly.&nbsp;ResourcesTo further enhance your storytelling skills, I recommend Donald Miller's "Building a StoryBrand 2.0."Consider <a href="https://alignedup.com/"...

In the last episode, I shared some hidden gems on what prospects really want when they go on LinkedIn. I also provided some examples of how to engage with customers on the platform. But what I didn’t show you was how to turn these prospects into appointments. You’re going to find out in this part two series of my little LinkedIn rant.Connect, Share, and Engage to Generate Leads on LinkedInIf you remember from the last episode, I discussed how connecting and engaging with a prospect is better than the generic connecting and pitching method.&nbsp;Connect with a prospect on LinkedIn, share relevant content there, and engage with those who engage with your content. Even if no one is commenting on your posts, still keep sharing.&nbsp;Another idea is for you to comment on other content in the groups your ICP is in. Remember the data I shared on why people are on LinkedIn?When you’re engaging and sharing content that your prospects are interested in, it helps you pop up in their news feeds more and become seen as an industry expert. When they become more familiar with you, they’ll be more likely to respond when you pitch.Start a NewsletterIt’s never too late to start a newsletter, and don’t get lazy with it. Consider the questions and challenges your prospects are having and share solutions on how they can fix them in your weekly LinkedIn newsletter.&nbsp;Doing this once a week will show you as a source of information for the industry. People are coming to you to become educated! I share how you can create weekly emails with ChatGPT without just copying and pasting.Also, once you’re well connected with your prospect, shoot them a message asking for permission, and then pitch them your services. If you’re not sure how to do this, send me a connection request and ask how.“Information from you allows you to engage with people on LinkedIn.” - Donald Kelly.ResourcesConnect and follow me on LinkedIn.Do you need help with creating a podcast? Check out Bluë Mango Studios.Join my LinkedIn Prospecting Course for more guidance.&nbsp;Sponsorship OffersThis episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.CreditsAs one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: <a href="http://thesalesevangelist.com/survey"...

LinkedIn is a goldmine for opportunities, but the challenge many sales reps are finding is that no one is responding to their messages after connecting. In this episode and the next one coming up, I’m sharing LinkedIn tips that provide the right touch to get prospects to start engaging with you. My research will help you network better and close deals, without resorting to those silly automated messages.Why Sending Pitch Messages Is A Mistake?Recently I did a LinkedIn poll that said, “When you accept a connection request, what percentage of them turn into pitches right after?” Out of the 316 people who responded to the survey, 60% of them received pitches in the next line of communication and did not like it.My poll result shows that prospects really hate those automated LinkedIn messages, especially right after you just connected with them. Just because they match your ICP, doesn’t mean it gives you the authority to pitch your services. Your prospects aren’t machines who are just going to do business with you because you have a great product.Sales reps who think that prospects are supposed to say yes to their first pitches often believe that sending out hundreds of automated LinkedIn messages works. It doesn’t, and you’re making it harder on yourself to close deals by doing it this way.What Do Prospects Want?I share more stats to help show you how to stop automating messages. For example, regarding content consumption, 40% of users between 30-49 consider LinkedIn as their primary news source.&nbsp;The stats I share show why people are even on LinkedIn, which is to grow their network, find industry insights, solve business problems, and engage with thought leaders.From this research, you can see why your prospects are on LinkedIn: they’re trying to find answers, solve problems, and get news.What Can You Do To Get Their Attention?Instead of sending automated LinkedIn messages after a connection, consider sending, “Hey, thank you so much for connecting with me,” and then figure out a way you can connect back with them in the message.&nbsp;Prospects are networking to build a community; how can you become a part of their community without pitching to them right away? I share how you can keep the engagement going to help close a deal by simply being a friendly person.“We’re polluting everything just for a short-term win, hoping to get by. But in reality, we’re damaging ourselves, our company, our careers, and our industry. The way we pitch on LinkedIn is why 30% of people are deleting messages after they see them.” - Donald Kelly.&nbsp;ResourcesConnect and follow me on LinkedIn.Do you need help with creating a podcast? Check out Bluë Mango Studios.Join my LinkedIn Prospecting Course for more guidance.&nbsp;Sponsorship OffersThis episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at <a...

There’s no way around it; you’re going to hear "no" repeatedly in this industry. However, how you handle those "no's" is what turns you into a better seller. My guest, Jacob Hicks, is going to show you how he turned 70% of his "no's" into future "yes's."Meet Jacob HicksHe is a successful sales coach passionate about empowering leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs to achieve clarity and fulfillment in both their business and personal lives.&nbsp; Since 2014, he has been a sales leader who has exceeded goals, set records, and effectively led teams across diverse industries.&nbsp; When he isn’t working, he is dedicated to continuous growth through reading, music, investing, and mission work.What to Do When You Get RejectedJacob believes that all success stems from prospects telling you "no." You learn significantly more from setbacks.This is where you can reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve your deal-closing process.He also believes that without a strong follow-up system, you will not be able to grow as a seller. You can work on your closing techniques, product knowledge, and other systems, but without a strong follow-up system, nothing else will be effective.Why Following Up Is Important?You call a prospective buyer, and they tell you they are not interested. Is there a way to still follow up, even after they have said "no"?Jacob views it as a retreat point and interprets the "no" as the buyer saying they are not interested in the product or service at this moment.His preferred line for this type of rejection is, "Would you be offended if I stayed in touch with you?" He has found that 90 to 95% of the time, people are open to you reaching out to them again.This allows you to continue following up with them a couple of times a month and provide value until they are ready to do business with you.Following Up Role-PlayJacob and I engage in a sales role-playing scenario where he is the seller and I am the prospective buyer. He demonstrates how he handles my rejection by providing value and establishing a follow-up system. Our role-playing illustrates that a "no" can evolve into a "yes" over time."When you’re stuck in a rut, you have to do something to change the dynamic. If you’re sitting at your desk all day, get up and stand or do something different to get you out of your comfort zone, helping you remember that you’re trying a new closing technique." - Jacob Hicks.ResourcesVisit Jacob’s website for more information and resources.Listen to his podcast to get more insider tips.&nbsp;Sponsorship OffersThis episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE...

A big problem a lot of sellers have is they don't know who their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is. But, with the right framework, you'll be able to go after the right buyers every time. My guest, Ronnell Richards, founder of Sayless Academy, will share how to find your ICP and how to reach them the right way.Meet Ronnell RichardsRonnell Richards is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and sales consultant with over 20 years of experience.&nbsp;He's put his sales and marketing expertise into comprehensive LinkedIn Learning courses and his book, "Shut The Hell Up and Sell."&nbsp;On top of his professional work, he mentors entrepreneurs and supports community initiatives, helping businesses succeed and creating social impact.Why You Got to Know Your ICPRonnell says a lot of tech companies don't actually have an ICP and just sell to anyone who comes along.&nbsp;But, in today's tough market, knowing your ICP stops you from getting pulled every which way and missing out on big wins.&nbsp;The more specific you are with your outreach and messages aimed at your ICP, the less you get lost in the crowd.What's the Difference Between an ICP and a Strong ICP?Ronnell made 37 questions for his clients to answer about their absolute best customers.This helps them figure out all the things they have in common with those top clients.They usually find their ICP is way more complex than they thought.&nbsp;A strong ICP means you're targeting buyers you know you can crush it with, and avoiding those who aren't a good fit.Seeing Your ICP as a PersonIt's a whole different ballgame when you see your ICP as a real person, not just a target. What's their day-to-day life like?Are they going through a rough patch? I actually just put up a LinkedIn post about this, it's titled "I'm Not Just a Sales Guy."Instead of getting bent out of shape when your ICP doesn't reply to your emails, Ronnell says it's way better to build connections and make sure your outreach lines up with what they need.The secret to building strong relationships with your ICP is having shared values. This is how you get repeat business."Relationships are everything. The reason I can still do business with someone I worked with twenty years ago is because we clicked and built a real relationship." - Ronnell Richards.ResourcesConnect with Ronnell on LinkedInFind more information on his LinkedIn course herePurchase a copy of his book, “Shut The Hell Up and Sell.” Visit Ronnell’s website to learn more about him.&nbsp;Sponsorship Offers1. This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at <a...

Everywhere you turn, there’s a new AI tool being developed, and you may be hesitant to try them out. AI technology is here to advance how we do things, especially within the sales industry. However, people tend to use them the wrong way. Luckily, my guest, Stan Robinson, is here to share three AI techniques you can integrate into your workflow.Meet Stan RobinsonStan is the CEO of Social Sales Link, which teaches revenue-driven professionals to create more trust-based sales conversations using LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, and AI.Having coached over 1,000 business development professionals on social selling, Stan, who studied Psychology at Harvard and international affairs at Princeton, continues to expand his expertise through ongoing courses on sales, leadership, and AI.AI for Sales Reps: How to Work SmarterAI tools shouldn’t replace your work ethic; instead, you should be using them to enhance your sales skills. Stan shares how sales reps should be using AI:Messaging that connects: Don’t use AI tools to create generic outreach messages. Instead, use them to tailor your messages based on a prospect’s industry, role, and unique challenges.Role-playing: Sales leaders can use AI-powered role-playing tools to help their reps prepare for real objections on calls. You can train it to act as a tough prospect with a price concern and refine responses in a low-pressure environment.Faster research: The best thing about AI technology is that it cuts down on time spent doing research. Use AI to scan industry trends, analyze competitors, and summarize prospects’ pain points. This can help you quickly understand your buyers and craft a personalized message that feels more natural.AI Should Enhance the Human Touch—Not Replace ItSales is all about building relationships, so use AI to make your efforts more effective. Stan shares these tips to keep the human touch when using AI tools:Build trust: Buyers connect with people, not bots.Use AI for support: Let AI assist in research and messaging—but keep conversations personal.Stay in control: The best sales reps use AI strategically while focusing on building genuine connections."AI tools are not going to take your jobs. It’s the individuals who are learning how to converse with the tools who will take away the jobs. So, start using AI tools to make them work for you.” - Stan RobinsonResourcesBook a call with Stan by going to askSSL.ai.Connect with Stan on LinkedIn.Sponsorship Offers1. This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting...

You've heard me talk about multithreading over and over again. Today, I’m sharing more insight with a personal experience of mine and how I worked with multiple people in an organization to close a deal. Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and send a message with the title: "multithreading" and tell me what you liked about this episode.Sales Challenge with MultithreadingMultithreading is where you take two or more different paths to connect with individuals in an organization. The challenge I find that most sales reps have with doing this is whether someone will get mad at them for doing it. I even had this problem when first starting out.Will they think of you as a playa? Maybe if you’re doing it with a small company, but with a bigger one, it’s actually a good idea to multithread.The thing is, you can’t be giving the same value proposition.If you’re saying the same thing over and over again, you’re going to lose.The CEO and marketing director have two different problems and responsibilities, so you’re going to have to provide two different value propositions to do multithreading correctly.My Multithreading Case StudyI share my personal experience of multithreading for my production company, Bluë Mango Studios. I engaged with Mike on LinkedIn, who was overseeing events for the organization. He wasn’t the right person for me to discuss the proposition with, so he told me who else I could connect with.I reached out to Lenny on social media, but I didn’t hear back from him. This is where I went back to Mike and asked how he saw my proposition benefiting him and the company.&nbsp;After talking with him some more, Mike was kind enough to let Lenny know that I was going to contact him about how I could help the organization.When you do multithreading correctly, one individual can see how your value proposition can help solve a company’s problem.Also, get out of your own head. People get busy and may not have been able to see your message yet. Give it some time and try again to get your value proposition across.“People often fail at multithreading because they’re using a generic message and not reaching out to the individuals.” - Donald KellyResourcesConnect and follow me on LinkedIn.Do you need help with creating a podcast? Check out Bluë Mango Studios.Sponsorship Offers This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourselfat hubspot.com/sales.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.CreditsAs one of our podcast listeners,...

One of the biggest mistakes new salespeople make is winging it, even after receiving training. This is going to have you leaving lots of money on the table, and the only way to turn this around is by developing a framework that actually works.My guest, Luke Lunkenheimer, is going to share the 3 C’s Selling framework that’ll change your mindset to improve your sales game. Give it a listen; it may even help you in other areas of your life!Meet Luke LunkenheimerLuke grew up as a regular guy from a small town and started out in the industry as a car salesman. For years, he did not live up to his full potential in the sales industry, losing unnecessary money. He finally figured out what he was doing wrong.After developing his new sales approach, he realized that you need a certain mindset and values in order to make it in this industry, which he is going to share with you in this episode.Now, Luke is a successful entrepreneur, owning the Paid 2 Persuade sales training platform that is transforming and empowering sales teams to achieve lasting success.What is the 3 C’s Selling Framework?Luke shares that the sales framework isn’t something that provides a step-by-step introduction to closing a deal. Instead, it helps you differentiate a leading sales professional from someone who just does it to get a paycheck.The framework is also the foundation of what he teaches in his Paid 2 Persuade sales training course. It includes:Content: From the time of saying hello in a sales conversation, you need to know what you’re trying to accomplish right now. Are you trying to get them to buy a product from you, or are you trying to change their way of thinking?Confidence: Sales is the act of transferring your certainty onto the client. The only way you can do this successfully is by having a high level of confidence as a sales representative.Cadence: Start role-playing, practice your sales skills, and educate yourself on how to become better. Once you get into your rhythm, it’ll help you with being uncomfortable and push yourself to do better.How to Create Your Own Sales FrameworkIf you prefer not to use Luke’s framework, creating your own is simple. He shared some advice on how to do this:Self-education: Don’t think that because you’re not in school anymore, you should stop learning, especially in this industry. Read books or take courses to help improve your sales skills.Endure pain and get comfortable: If you haven’t realized already, in this industry you’re going to have to get used to being uncomfortable. Nothing stays the same. The key is to adapt to the change and figure out how you can do better.If you’re brand new and don’t want to spend any money, implement your own framework by tallying up all of the objections you have faced already and practice how you can overcome them. It’s a good idea to practice this with your coworkers to become better at this.With your next customer, build rapport with them and then get into inquiries to see if the objections you were having are present in this conversation. This can help you solve the objections immediately, instead of at the end of the call.“You need to invest in yourself. Nothing is more important than spending money to get better. When you see something that is different from everything else, the logical conclusion is that it is.” - Luke Lunkenheimer.ResourcesWant to improve your sales skills? Consider taking the Paid 2 Persuade training course.Connect and follow Luke on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lukelunk/?hl=en"...

I had to do it again and bring back Marcus Sheridan for another episode. Today, we’re going over details of his new book, “Endless Customer,” and he's going to share four ways to make your brand the most trusted in the industry. Background on The Newest Book After the rise of AI tools, Marcus noticed a major change in the sales industry. It’s getting harder and harder to produce content that will generate leads. Also, those who are not using AI technology in some form within their work are struggling the most now. On top of this, companies are having a harder time gaining consumer trust, all thanks to the advancement of AI. This is why Marcus wrote the "Endless Customer" book! To generate leads and to shine through AI, you’re going to have to become a well-known and trusted brand, which you can do with the help of his guidance. How Can You Make Yourself Stand Out If you’ve noticed, not too many people are using Google nowadays. Also, when you search on Google, a lot of AI answers or Reddit posts pop up too. Stop caring so much about keywords and instead start telling AI why you need to be trusted. Marcus shares that you can do this through the four pillars in his book: You have to be willing to say what others are not in your market. Get serious with video content and do what others are not. Sell in a way that others are not. You have to be more human than other brands. In other words, stop following your industry’s set rules and disrupt. Put a personality into your brand and do things that no one else is willing to do.  Marcus also shares how sales reps and industry leaders can get out of a pride cycle that they often put themselves in without knowing. <p class="MsoNormal" style=...