Sales Engagement is a Key Driver of Productivity, with Darryl Praill, Ep #191
Release Date: 04/29/2020
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]...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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]...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
info_outlineBetter sales engagement is what drives sales, but many salespeople are fumbling with the concept. Sales engagement platforms give you the confidence to follow-up with leads and help guide your conversations with prospects. Many salespeople aren’t utilizing a sales engagement platform—but according to today’s guest, Darryl Praill, it’s absolutely necessary.
Darryl Praill is the Chief Marketing Officer of VanillaSoft and is a marketing executive with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He excels with B2B marketing, is passionate about mentoring, and loves viewing obstacles as challenges. Listen to this episode for his rapid-fire advice.
Outline of This Episode
- [0:53] What is productivity?
- [2:00] Why aren’t salespeople productive?
- [2:49] Steps to improve productivity
- [4:16] The 5 attributes of a productive salesperson
- [6:27] Use a sales engagement software
- [8:03] Top 3 productivity dos and don’ts
- [10:24] Darryl’s favorite productivity story
- [12:15] BONUS: Pitch-slapped
How to improve productivity
According to Darryl, productivity is doing what you say you’re going to do, in the timelines you’ve committed to, at the activity levels necessary to achieve your goals. While Darryl admits that it’s a cliche—sales IS a numbers game. You need to operate with the right frequency, cadence and activity levels.
Most often, sales professionals struggle to be productive because they don’t plan. They struggle to manage their calendar. Darryl implores sales professionals to block time on their calendar and protect those time slots as if your life depends on it.
He also recommends knowing your targets—to define your target and chase it relentlessly. You have to know your product inside and out, typical objections, and be able to explain why what you’re offering matters to your target.
The 5 attributes of a productive salesperson
Darryl believes the top-performing sales professionals embody some of these traits—If they don’t, they’re working hard to develop them:
- Competitiveness. A sales professional should strive to have the highest conversion rates and the highest quality calls. They enjoy overcoming obstacles.
- Committed. They must be committed to knocking things out and hitting numbers.
- Measurable results. Focus on what can you improve and measure. Try different scripts and see which works better.
- Brutal honesty. Acknowledge your shortcomings and weaknesses and get a plan in place to improve them.
- Willingness to learn. Always improve. Model after those who are more successful than you.
You need to invest in sales engagement software
Darryl is the CMO of VanillaSoft, a leading sales engagement platform. He points out that you don’t necessarily have to use VanillaSoft, but emphasizes that a sales engagement platform is something you need to invest in. It helps feed you the right leads so you can call (or connect) at the right time using the right channels.
He notes that 48% of leads never get called, and if they are called usually only 2-3 attempts are made. Many salespeople wait 36-63 hours before calling a lead. All of these errors kill the ability to develop leads.
Darryl recommends using a sales engagement platform, because it “bridges the gap between marketing automation and CRM software”. It can help you improve your interaction with your prospects and increase close rates. They serve you the best lead and help you qualify and triple your pipeline.
Learn to eliminate what distracts you
Darryl admits that productivity doesn’t come easily to him. Just like many others, he’s apt to get easily distracted by social interaction and technology. The few times he’s consistently kicked butt, he’s bent on being hyper-focused. He locks his door and refuses to leave until he gets the task done. Each step he takes he sees himself progressing against his goal. As he gets closer to reaching said goal he becomes more confident. Having that one productive day amplifies his entire week.
Darryl also recommends scheduling important activities during times when you’re at your best. He’s not a morning person and works best in the afternoons. You can’t work well when you’re tired, hungry, fuzzy-headed, etc. Above all, don’t avoid doing the work that you dislike. Instead, focus on improving it. Listen to the whole episode for his recommendations in detail!
Resources & People Mentioned
- VanillaSoft
- Sales Truth by Mike Weinberg
- ZoomInfo
- DiscoverOrg
Connect with Darryl Praill
Connect With Paul Watts
Audio Production and Show notes by
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