In this episode of Tapped In Sales, Bud, Moneyball Ross, and Data Mike zoom out before zooming in.

📰 First up, Ross brings receipts from the jobs report and macroeconomic data to explore whether a recession is quietly already here — and why Joe Sixpack may have seen it coming before the Fed.

🍺 Then, we dig into the internal headwinds that are killing motivation in the beer sales world: – Incentive fatigue – Micromanagement – Misaligned goals – Delayed supplier bonuses – And the deadly combo of confusion and chaos.

📉 We talk about “death by a thousand cuts” and what your operation might be doing (without realizing it) to suppress rep performance. Bud walks through how GP/CE growth can still happen in a down market — if you have extreme alignment and clear daily plans.

💊 Plus: twisted incentives, trust bank overdrafts, Halfbacks in Appalachia, and the return of Jim Koch.

If your team is tired, confused, or disengaged… this episode is your wake-up call.

Chapters

00:00 Consumer Sentiment and Alcohol Sales

02:47 Impact of Interest Rates on the Economy

05:35 Historical Context of Economic Cycles

08:34 Discretionary Spending and Consumer Behavior

11:41 Industry Resilience During Economic Downturns

15:14 Population Growth and Economic Impact

17:27 Motivation and Incentive Structures

21:21 Alignment in Sales Goals

24:51 Micromanagement vs. Autonomy

27:01 Incentive Fatigue and Its Effects

29:57 Feedback Loops and Trust

33:00 Goal Setting and Realistic Expectations

36:31 Non-Economic Motivators

39:59 Conflicting Objectives in Sales

43:35 Market Headwinds and Opportunities

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About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

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