Libsyn Directory

Productivity Begins with Proactive Prospecting with Lisa Leitch, Ep #187

Release Date: 04/01/2020

Mark Sellers Shares a Respectful Cold-Calling Method, Ep #399

Sales Reinvented

Between people not answering calls from phone numbers they don’t recognize, to spam filters, to people silencing their phones—it’s become harder and harder to connect when making cold calls. What is a salesperson supposed to do? Mark Sellers joins me in this episode of Sales Reinvented to share how he navigates making cold calls (or sending cold emails) in a way that captures his prospect’s interest—and respects their time. Outline of This Episode [1:17] Is cold-calling still relevant? [3:04] Is cold-calling an art and science? [3:38] How Mark prepares for cold-calling [5:51]...

Boost Your Cold-Calling Effectiveness with Kristie Jones, Ep #398

Sales Reinvented

In its simplest sense, cold-calling is reaching out to someone by phone who may not know who you are. Is it still relevant in today’s sales world? According to Kristie Jones, yes, cold-calling still has a place. It still gives you the ability to create a human connection. But how do you master cold-calling? Kristie shares the art and science of cold-calling to kick off our newest series. Outline of This Episode [0:58] Kristie’s definition of cold-calling [1:25] The art and science of cold-calling [2:34] How Kristie prepares for cold-calling [5:10] The most effective way to...

Leverage Your LinkedIn Profile as a Pre-Sales Tool per Mark White, Ep #397

Sales Reinvented

Until you meet someone, the only thing(s) you have to go off of is what you’ve learned about them online. When you create a LinkedIn profile, it’s indexed by search engines. It’s usually the first result when you Google someone’s name. It’s also a great place to learn about someone. You want your profile to give them the right information. Learn how to leverage your LinkedIn profile as a pre-sales tool in this episode of Sales Reinvented with special guest Mark White. Outline of This Episode [1:26] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is key [2:55] The elements that have the...

Your LinkedIn Profile Should Make You Sellable per Kevin Turner, Ep #396

Sales Reinvented

LinkedIn is a professional site built for business and networking—why not make it the best you can? Optimizing your profile photo, banner, and headline is a great place to start. But what can you do to make yourself sellable? How can you adjust things so that LinkedIn (and search engines ) prioritize you in search results? Kevin Turner shares some incredible tips in this episode of Sales Reinvented. Outline of This Episode [1:35] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is important [2:27] The elements with the greatest impact on sales [4:14] How to tell your professional story on LinkedIn...

Create a LinkedIn Profile that Serves Your Prospects with Karen Tisdell, Ep #395

Sales Reinvented

Everyone needs a LinkedIn profile. Why? People want to assess whether or not they can like you. They want to determine if you’re credible and trustworthy. Most people want to do this before meeting you or having a conversation so they don’t feel like they’re wasting their time. You have to show up in service to your prospects. How? Karen Tisdell shares her process in this episode of Sales Reinvented. Outline of This Episode [1:31] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is important [3:02] Your headline follows you everywhere—prioritize it [4:15] How to tell your professional story on...

Angela Dunz: Be Passionate on Your LinkedIn Profile, Ep #394

Sales Reinvented

When someone searches for your name in Google, LinkedIn is usually the first result. Take advantage of that opportunity. If you don’t provide someone with a great LinkedIn profile, why would they waste their time on you? Angela Dunz primarily works with attorneys. And according to the research, 94% of people look at an attorney’s LinkedIn profile before their website. Learn how to make good use of that real estate in this episode of Sales Reinvented. Outline of This Episode [1:11] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is important [3:12] Above-the-fold curb appeal is...

Leslie Hughes: Why You Need to Write Your LinkedIn Profile for Your Prospects, Ep #393

Sales Reinvented

How do you want the reader to feel once they’ve looked over your profile? What action are you hoping they’ll take? Writing for the reader is essential because it dictates what happens next. When someone feels like you’ve built trust, they’re more likely to take the next step. Leslie shares how to write your LinkedIn profile for your prospects in this episode of Sales Reinvented. Outline of This Episode [0:45] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is important [1:21] Why your photo, banner, and headline are key [2:36] How to tell your professional story on LinkedIn [5:45]...

How to Tell Your Professional Story on LinkedIn per Rhonda Sher, Ep #392

Sales Reinvented

70–80% of the time you Google someone, their LinkedIn profile will show up on the first page of results. And people are 2x more likely to believe what’s on LinkedIn than anyplace else. A stellar profile is absolutely essential, regardless of industry. So how do you tell your professional story on LinkedIn in a way that speaks to your ideal client? Rhonda Sher shares some great ideas in this episode of Sales Reinvented. Outline of This Episode [1:00] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is important [1:42] Why your photo, headline, and banner are key [2:36] How to tell your professional...

Learn to Leverage Video on Your LinkedIn Profile with Sheral DeVaughn, Ep #391

Sales Reinvented

If you want to gain visibility, authority, and generate leads that create revenue, a compelling LinkedIn profile is highly encouraged. Sheral DeVaughn is also a fan of leveraging video whenever possible. She shares why it’s important to get your face on camera—and how it helps you connect with potential clients—in this episode of Sales Reinvented. Outline of This Episode [1:17] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is important [1:55] Why Sheral focuses on the featured section [3:09] How to tell your professional story on LinkedIn [4:30] Balancing professionalism and personality ...

Creating Content Consistently is Key to LinkedIn Success per Andy Paul, Ep #390

Sales Reinvented

Commitment to creating content consistently is key when it comes to a LinkedIn profile that sells. Those who successfully build followings share original and compelling content with a unique point of view. Andy shares how he built a following of over 150,000 people in this episode of Sales Reinvented. Outline of This Episode [1:00] Why a compelling LinkedIn profile is important [1:52] It’s your content that attracts potential buyers [5:38] How to tell your professional story on LinkedIn [7:53] Balancing professionalism and personality [9:23] How often to update your LinkedIn...

More Episodes

Today’s guest, Lisa Leitch, believes that proactive prospecting is key to productivity as a salesperson. It takes discipline, rigor, and drive to achieve results. It’s important to learn to be efficient and get into a rhythm. In this episode of Sales Reinvented, Lisa shares her take on productivity and a few key strategies that can help you become a more productive sales professional.

Lisa is the President and Sales Strategist of Teneo Results. She’s been a sales and training coach for over 15 years and worked with thousands of salespeople in over 250 different companies. Her mantra is “Be strategic. Be Proactive. Be Brave”. She brings years of experience in the sales world to this episode—don’t miss it!

Outline of This Episode

[0:53] Lisa’s definition of productivity and its importance
[1:56] Why aren’t salespeople as productive as they could be?
[2:58] Steps to improve day-to-day productivity?
[4:30] What are the attributes of a productive salesperson?
[6:10] Lisa’s foolproof strategies to improve productivity
[11:58] Lisa’s favorite productivity story

Don’t get stuck in the day-to-day

According to Lisa, being in the sales industry requires rigor and determination. You need to achieve results—and discipline and rigor are what get you there. But in the sales world, no two days are the same. It puts you at a disadvantage because it’s difficult to get into a rhythm and be efficient.

Instead of focusing on improving day-to-day productivity, Lisa proposes setting 3-year goals. Where do you and your team want to be in 3 years? You can then break those goals down into yearly, quarterly, and weekly goals. You dissect those weekly goals into 7-day tasks. It’s about having a long-term vision for success and being future-focused.

Be clear on your ideal clients

Salespeople are often so focused on making sales and creating revenue that they lose sight of their ideal prospects. It’s not all about getting a yes—sometimes it’s about saying no. You must walk away from clients who won’t help you yield results or who you know will be high-maintenance.

If you have clarity on your ideal client it helps you focus your prospecting. It helps you attract and do business with the right people, where you can help them grow their business. One strategy you can use is to refer clients who aren’t a good fit to other people who “serve those types of clients better”. In that way, it’s not a hard no, but the offering of a better fit.

The concept of Proactive Prospecting

A strategy that Lisa has found greatly improves her productivity is Proactive Prospecting. Salespeople always want to be growing their business and keeping their pipelines full. Lisa blocks time to prospect, reach out to existing clients, schedule meetings, and more. She points out that to grow the business you need to move the needle on your dashboard.

Lisa blocks Thursday mornings from 7:30 am to 8:55 am. She has found that this is the most productive time to be prospecting. You catch VP’s of sales (or other senior leaders) in their offices before their 9 am meetings. They’re also more likely to respond to an email or answer their phones. She sets a goal to make at least 10 phone calls in that time slot.

Another strategy that Lisa finds simple but effective is the “Double Whammy”. People are more likely to use email, but it is easy to accidentally delete a message. If that’s your preferred method of reaching out she recommends following up with a 2nd point of contact with a different medium such as call, text, or message on LinkedIn.

Lisa’s tips to keep you efficient

Lisa points out that if you’re trying to be more efficient you need to maximize your time. If you’re traveling to a meeting with a client, always look for a 2nd client to meet with. She also recommends shutting off your email notifier. It’s an unnecessary distraction and your messages are likely not urgent.

Above all, don’t be a transactional seller. Do your best to answer client questions and respond to whatever they need, but focus on being consultative. When you focus on building relationships with your clients and understand their needs you can provide solutions to their challenges—and be more productive.