Sales [UN]Training

Kelly Riggs sits down with Alex McNaughton, co-founder and co-CEO of Grw AI, to dissect the persistent issues plaguing the sales industry. McNaughton shares his journey from a young salesperson at 19 to an influential leader in the AI-driven sales management space. Together, they explore the staggering statistics revealing that 75% of salespeople are failing to hit their numbers and discuss the systemic causes behind this crisis. The conversation delves into the critical gaps in sales training and management, emphasizing that 95% of sales managers receive no formal training, leading to widespread inefficiencies and high turnover rates.

Alex sheds light on the importance of distinguishing between sales training and coaching, advocating for ongoing, real-time coaching rather than sporadic training sessions. He introduces Grw AI's innovative approach, which utilizes AI to provide sales managers with tailored insights and support, enabling them to better manage and coach their teams. Kelly and Alex also address the flawed practice of promoting top salespeople into management roles without adequate preparation, highlighting the need for more discerning hiring practices and better training for aspiring sales leaders. This episode is packed with practical advice and forward-thinking strategies, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their sales team's performance and management efficiency.

Find out more about Alex McNaughton and Grw AI at grw.ai, and follow Alex on LinkedIn. Also, subscribe to his newsletter, The R Word, for more insights on revenue generation.

• Alex McNaughton's Background: From starting in sales at 19 to co-founding GRW AI, and leading a sales consultancy and recruitment company.

• Systemic Issues in Sales: High failure rates among salespeople and sales managers, with root causes traced back to inadequate sales management training and lack of ongoing coaching.

• Distinguishing Sales Training from Coaching: Emphasizing the need for continuous, real-time coaching rather than infrequent training sessions.

• Flaws in Promoting Top Salespeople to Management: Discussing the common practice and its pitfalls, including lack of preparation and different skill sets required for sales leadership.

• GRW AI's Innovative Approach: Utilizing AI to provide sales managers with insights and support, enabling them to better coach and manage their teams, thereby improving overall sales performance.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, host Kelly Riggs tackles the challenging question: Can salespeople truly be trained? Kelly confronts the widespread belief that great salespeople are simply born, not made, by highlighting the critical role of mindset in successful sales training. Drawing on his extensive experience and research, Kelly argues that without the right mindset, even the best training programs will fall short. He compares the complexities of selling to martial arts and language learning, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice, emotional intelligence, and understanding customer motivations.

Kelly also explores essential factors that determine the success of sales training, such as the salesperson's desire, discipline, and grit. By referencing Angela Duckworth's concept of "grit," he underscores the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving sales success. Throughout the episode, Kelly provides actionable insights and strategies for transforming traditional sales training approaches to make them more effective. Whether you're a seasoned sales leader or a new salesperson, this episode offers valuable lessons on how to change your mindset and enhance your sales training and performance.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN] Training, Kelly Riggs hosts a discussion on the importance of mindset in sales success. But he doesn't do it alone! Kelly brings in top industry experts to share their insights. David Newman, Author of 'Do It! Selling' explains how mindset influences sales outcomes more than tactics. Graham Hawkins, Founder of SalesTribe, emphasizes the need to change beliefs before behaviors in sales. Jeff Bloomfield, Author of 'NeuroSelling', discusses the pivotal role of understanding neural triggers in sales conversations, and Jeff Bajorek, host of the Rethink The Way You Sell podcast, talks about belief and integrity in a unique way that leads to better sales outcomes. Kelly also highlights the significance of identifying and developing the right talent for sustained success.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of 'Sales [UN]Training,' Kelly Riggs is talking about one of his favorite topics - role play. Would a sports team play against another team without having practiced? Of course not, and neither should sellers. He discusses common objections, the benefits of live practice, and shares insights on how to properly implement role play. He stresses the need for coaching and continuous practice to develop better sales skills and achieve higher performance.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this special compilation episode of Sales [UN]Training, host Kelly Riggs presents "The Prospecting Playbook," featuring seven of his best insights on the art of prospecting. Kelly dives deep into why prospecting is essential for sales success, addressing common pitfalls like mindset, structural issues, and targeting strategies. He emphasizes the importance of going beyond small opportunities and stresses personalized outreach as a crucial component for effective prospecting. Kelly also shares real-world examples and actionable advice on how to assess and improve individual sales performance.

Listeners will also hear from industry experts like Lee Salz and David Brock, who provide additional perspectives on modern prospecting techniques. Lee highlights the ongoing relevance of prospecting, backed by research showing that 80% of executives are open to meetings initiated through personalized outreach. David Brock discusses the value of understanding customer needs through informational interviews before pitching solutions. This episode is packed with practical strategies and real-life examples, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their prospecting skills and drive sales growth. Tune in to learn how to create a detailed, actionable plan to fill your sales funnel and hit your targets.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019. Music and Editing by @dougbranson and Pod About It Productions #sales #selling #salestraining

Today on Sales [UN]training, Kelly describes one of the easiest ways to create a high performing team - culture. He demystifies the creation of a great sales team with three key steps and explains the critical role of culture in determining organizational success and the common misconceptions about it. Through practical examples, he illustrates how consistent standards, clear expectations, and rigorous practice like role play are essential for building a top-notch sales team, and the importance of purpose and clarity in achieving outstanding results.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, Kelly Riggs explores the challenges salespeople face in today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) marketplace. He talks about the importance of deeper discovery, emphasizes the importance of adaptive performance, effective questioning, and practical training techniques like role-playing. Kelly also discusses the need for sales leaders to cultivate critical thinking and emotional intelligence, moving beyond traditional product-focused training and to coach instead of solve. It's a VUCA world out there, and Kelly's advice can help to make it a lot more clear.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, Kelly Riggs is talking about language. Why is there a disconnect that happens so often between salespeople and a buyer? Kelly puts it simply. The majority of salespeople are taught the language of product, not the language of the customer. Drawing parallels between communicating in a foreign country and effective sales strategies, he argues for a customer immersion approach. This method involves understanding and speaking the language of business to better relate to customers' needs, and challenges, ultimately leading to more successful sales outcomes. He also gives some practical tips for sales training and the importance of aligning sales language with customers' daily challenges.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, Kelly Riggs reveals the most important thing in sales. The most important thing is opportunity, and what is the one thing that creates opportunity? Yeah, you might not like the answer, but prospecting is the key to creating that most important thing, because it turns leads into opportunities. And yes it may be a bit of a dirty word, because it's often the most laborious part of a seller's job. But three-quarters of salespeople fail due to lack of high-quality, qualified opportunities. Kelly also discusses the weaknesses of sales training, the 80/20 rule, balancing good service with good sense, gives a strategic approach to trade shows that can make them a goldmine for lead generation, and introduces the Objective Management Group's sales candidate assessment tool to improve hiring processes.

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions

On today's episode, Kelly is here to make it clear that sales is indeed a competition, and there are no second place trophies. But fear not, he has four foundational principles to implement inorder to play at the top of the sales game. He gets into strategies for developing a winning sales team, the importance of continuous training, and the necessity of fostering a high-performance culture. Kelly advises on why and how to remove underperformers and set clear expectations to transform salespeople into competitors, all aimed at enhancing sales effectiveness

Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining

Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.

Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.

Music and Editing by Doug Branson and Pod About It Productions