Focusing on Outcomes, not just offerings
Sales Today
Customers don’t care about what your product is - they care about what it does. In this episode, we explore a fundamental shift in sales thinking: moving from product-based conversations to outcome-focused dialogue. When you stop pitching features and start communicating results, you change how customers see your value. You’ll learn: Why outcome-based selling leads to faster, more confident buying decisions The three core types of outcomes that matter to buyers: financial, operational, and strategic How to align your entire sales process...
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Mastering Storytelling (and making your customer the hero)
Sales Today
Sales success doesn’t come from bombarding prospects with features, facts, or figures. What truly sticks are stories - stories that show a better future and invite your customer to see themselves in it. This episode explores how to use storytelling as a powerful sales tool by borrowing from one of the oldest and most effective narrative structures: the Hero’s Journey. Discover how to turn dry case studies into compelling customer-first stories that feel real and memorable. Learn the four-part structure that positions your buyer as the hero and you as...
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Delivering Presentations that centre on them, not you
Sales Today
Most sales presentations fail because they’re all about you. Customers don’t care about your awards, your company map, or your tech stack- until they know you get their world. In this episode I share how to flip the script and deliver customer-focused presentations that engage, build trust, and make decisions easier. What you will learn: Why traditional presentations lose the room - and how to fix that The 6-part structure to build compelling, customer-first presentations How to open with a hook that gets immediate attention ...
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Writing Proposals that make it easy to say yes
Sales Today
Proposals don’t close deals on their own - but bad proposals can definitely kill them. Today I’m sharing exactly why most sales proposals fail and how you can turn yours into a tool that helps your customers make confident buying decisions. Too many proposals read like company brochures, filled with “we do this” and “we do that.” That approach rarely works because it’s all about you, not the customer. In this episode, I walk you through a simple but effective six-part structure that keeps the customer at the centre of your proposal. ...
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The Evolution of Sales – Procurement Special
Sales Today
This episode is a live recording of Fred Copestake’s show for the Alchemie Network where he shares insight on sales with procurement professionals. Fred kicks off the Sales Today: Procurement Special Series with a time-travelling journey through the evolution of sales - from the efficient, process-driven methods of the 1950s to today’s collaborative, value-led partnerships. Expect punchy takeaways, entertaining side notes, and hard-earned wisdom from someone who’s trained over 10,000 salespeople in 38 countries. This episode explores: Why process still...
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The Evolution of Sales – Procurement Special
Sales Today
This episode is a live recording of Fred Copestake’s show for the Alchemie Network where he shares insight on sales with procurement professionals. Fred kicks off the Sales Today: Procurement Special Series with a time-travelling journey through the evolution of sales - from the efficient, process-driven methods of the 1950s to today’s collaborative, value-led partnerships. Expect punchy takeaways, entertaining side notes, and hard-earned wisdom from someone who’s trained over 10,000 salespeople in 38 countries. This episode explores: Why process still...
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Structuring Sales Meetings that flow and convert
Sales Today
Most sales meetings don’t fall apart because of price, product, or even the competition. They fail because there’s no structure - no clear flow, no engagement, no direction. And when that happens, buyers check out, momentum disappears, and indecision takes over. In this episode of Sales Today, I’m sharing a simple yet powerful framework that will help you take control of your meetings and drive real progress: the AIDA model. It’s been around for decades, but there’s a reason it’s still used - it maps perfectly onto how people think and make decisions. ...
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Asking better Questions to elevate your sales sensemaking
Sales Today
Deals aren’t won by the best pitch - they’re won by the best questions. Sales conversations that lead to results are built on curiosity, not monologues. This episode reveals how strategic questioning transforms average chats into meaningful, high-impact dialogue. What you will learn: The 8 must-use question types that uncover real needs How to sequence your questions to guide, build trust, and create clarity Key traps to avoid – from interrogation mode to emotional blind spots Why silence is more powerful than you think The one move that instantly raises the...
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Sharing bold Insights that position you as a guide, not a seller
Sales Today
Today’s buyers aren’t struggling with a lack of information -they’re overwhelmed by it. Reports, webinars, emails, stats… it’s a constant barrage. But what they really need is someone who can help them cut through the noise and bring clarity to complexity. In this episode of Sales Today, I explain what ‘insight’ actually means in modern B2B sales - and why it’s more than just sharing clever stats or flashy trends. The conversation explores how sales professionals can shift from simply offering options to actually reframing how customers view their...
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Making Customer Value real (and measurable)
Sales Today
Value - it's something every customer wants, but few can clearly define. Ever wonder why your customers often don't know what "better" looks like, even when they want improved results? What if you could help them uncover and articulate that value? It’s a skill that separates the average salesperson from the exceptional one. In this episode of Sales Today, we're diving into a core principle of modern selling: helping your customers find their version of value. Whether it's cost reduction, increased efficiency, or a competitive edge, great salespeople...
info_outlineSusie Ashfield, the brilliant author and communication expert, returns with her profound insights into the art of authentic communication.
In this episode, we discuss her latest book, "Just F**king Say It," which encourages confronting communication hurdles with audacity and sincerity.
Susie shares her wisdom on embracing the imperfections that make conversations genuinely meaningful and guides us to see confidence as a fleeting state that doesn't hinder action.
From the raw emotions in public speaking to the power of storytelling, she illustrates how feelings can transform any speech into an unforgettable experience, whether it's a corporate presentation or a wedding toast.
We travel through the nuanced world of building genuine connections, especially in the digital realm like LinkedIn, where staying true to oneself is paramount.
Susie addresses the significance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, even if it means starting with small acts of bravery.
This conversation is an invitation to embrace your true voice, whether sharing your story in a boardroom or a social media post, encouraging listeners to forge real connections through honest and heartfelt communication.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:00) - Just F**king Say ItSusie Ashfield discusses embracing authenticity in communication, confidence as taking action, and the holistic approach in her book "Just F**king Say It.
(0:06:15) - Embracing Emotions in Public SpeakingEmotion is crucial in public speaking, storytelling, and marketing, enhancing impact and fostering connections with audiences.
(0:18:25) - Building Authentic Communication on LinkedInEmbrace authenticity and comfort zones on LinkedIn, avoid copying others, and engage genuinely with your audience.
Connect with Susie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannahashfield/
Get Susie’s Book: https://amzn.eu/d/aIZJK6N
Follow me: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake
Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard
https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/
Watch this episode on YouTube