Sales Engagement is a Key Driver of Productivity, with Darryl Praill, Ep #191
Release Date: 04/29/2020
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Anthony Stears, also known as the Telephone Assassin, is a professional speaker, trainer, and consultant who specializes in helping sales teams master the art of real-time conversations, particularly over the phone. We dig into the relevance of live calls in today’s digital-first world and explore how human-to-human interactions can break through “pipeline constipation” when automated tools and AI fall short. Anthony also shares practical techniques for building confidence in phone outreach, from shifting your mindset to using “permission to speak” as a powerful opener. Outline of...
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Using Human Judgment in AI-Driven Sales Processes, Ep #491
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Julie Holmes is a renowned AI expert, inventor, and tech entrepreneur who’s with me on the show to discuss how AI is reshaping the buyer-seller dynamic. She shares her expertise on how to manage when AI-empowered buyers are more informed (and sometimes misinformed), making the salesperson’s role as both educator and “un-educator” more vital than ever. Julie breaks down how sales pros can leverage AI to boost efficiency and personalize their approach while preserving the irreplaceable human skills of motivation, determination, and empathy. Julie reveals her “20-60-20” framework for...
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How Holistic Health Unlocks Energy and Focus, Ep #489
Sales Reinvented
There’s a proven link between physical fitness and sales performance. My guest this week, wellbeing and performance expert George Anderson, joins me to share his strategies for boosting energy, focus which I’m sure you’ll agree are key ingredients for thriving in the demanding world of sales. We discuss the impact of daily habits like morning routines, and mindful “powering down” at the end of the day. You’ll also be inspired by George’s personal ultramarathon journey and learn practical tips for overcoming common obstacles like lack of time and burnout. If you’re ready...
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Sales is a Marathon, Not a Sprint, Ep #488
Sales Reinvented
Sales professionals are renowned for their drive, energy, and resilience. Yet, behind every high-performing salesperson lies a critical, often-overlooked factor: physical fitness. In this episode, we welcome back Shane Gibson, a global sales performance expert, AI for sales strategist, and accomplished author. Shane shares his wealth of knowledge on the link between physical fitness and sales performance, revealing how health and mindful habits drive long-term results in the high-pressure world of sales. We discuss actionable fitness routines and strategies to manage stress, stay resilient,...
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Fitness Lessons from the Sales Front Lines, Ep #487
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Integrating Physical and Mental Wellness for Peak Performance in Sales, Ep #486
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B2B sales leader Kent Kononoff is back with us on the show to share his expertise on the crucial, and often overlooked, connection between physical fitness and sales performance. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Kent shares how discipline, consistency, and resilience developed through fitness routines can directly improve outcomes in the sales world. The conversation uncovers Kent’s favorite daily habits for staying energized, the role of nutrition and sleep, and practical strategies for overcoming the lifestyle challenges sales professionals often face. Whether it’s hiking...
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Fatigue and Stress Aren’t “Just Part of the Job”, Ep #483
Sales Reinvented
What if the key to unlocking these capabilities lies not in another sales workshop, but in a pair of running shoes or a set of gym weights? On this episode of the Sales Reinvented podcast, I talk with Randy Neufeld, President and GM at Kubota Thunder Bay, who shares how his journey from sluggish and overweight to fit and focused transformed not just his health, but his entire sales career. Outline of This Episode [00:00] The role of fitness in building strong customer relationships and leading high-performing teams. [04:50] Consistency and planning ahead are key to effective workouts. [08:24]...
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
PODCAST FAST TRACK
https://www.podcastfasttrack.com