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Before visiting Dubai, I did some research to determine if it was the right destination for a trip. If I hadn’t taken a few minutes to do so, I could have ended up having a horrible experience.
This is why it’s important for you to conduct discovery calls—to ensure you and your prospect will have a pleasant experience working together. In this episode, I share the basics of a discovery call and how to set one up properly to ensure you land a deal with your prospect.
The Purpose of Discovery Calls
Discovery calls are meant to determine if you and the prospect are a good fit for each other.
Too often, sales reps focus solely on their own goals instead of the prospect’s needs. If you’re only focused on reaching your quota, how can you be sure your product will actually solve the prospect’s problem?
Steps to a Successful Discovery Call
Confirm the Appointment: Before the day of the discovery call, confirm the meeting and ensure that the right individuals will be attending.
Build Rapport: Start by asking probing questions to help the prospect feel comfortable and begin building a relationship.
Provide an Agenda: Clearly outline the purpose of the discovery call. This conversation is your opportunity to understand what’s going on with them and explore how you can provide a solution to their problem.
Pay Attention to Pain Points
When the prospect begins sharing their challenges, listen with the intention of truly understanding their needs.
One of my future guests shared an active listening technique to help improve this skill.
Also, pay attention to what the prospect isn’t saying, as this can help you uncover problems they may not even realize they have.
“To help the prospect, you must focus on them. This is how you know that you can provide a solution for them.” - Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Planner
Cold Call Openers
The Sales Evangelizers Facebook Group
Sales Mastermind Group
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
The first ten seconds of a cold call matter more than any other part of the outreach. But what do you say to keep your prospect from hanging up? In this episode, I’ll tell you exactly how to get them into your sales pipeline and close the deal.
1. Verify the Prospect
Before diving into your sales pitch, confirm that you’re speaking to the right person. This not only ensures your efforts are targeted but also gives you a moment to prepare your next move.
2. Greet with Your Name and Company
After verifying the prospect, introduce yourself by stating your name and the company you represent. This helps the prospect visualize who you are and understand why you’re reaching out.
3. POR: Point of Reference
There’s a reason I always recommend LinkedIn. Use it as a point of reference to remind your prospect where they might know you from. This simple step can turn a cold call into a warm conversation, increasing the chances they’ll stay on the line instead of hanging up.
4. Relevance
Relevance is the icing on the cake—it’s where you show how you can help them. For example, if you noticed on LinkedIn that your prospect is new to their role as a hiring manager, mention that. This demonstrates that your outreach is tailored and thoughtful.
5. Value Proposition
Your relevance should seamlessly lead into your value proposition. Using the hiring manager example, explain how you can help them find the right employees and ensure they’re well-trained to contribute effectively to the business.
6. Confirm the Next Step
By this point, you’re about ten seconds into the call. If your prospect is still on the line, it’s a good sign! Use this opportunity to schedule an appointment for a more detailed conversation.
“Most prospects don’t want to talk to sellers and be sold to. But if you can get them to stay on the phone for 10 seconds, it buys you time to dive into the relevancy factor.” – Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Planner
Cold Call Openers
The Sales Evangelizers Facebook Group
Sales Mastermind Group
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
It’s getting cold outside, but that doesn’t mean your cold calls have to freeze your sales pipeline.
Tune in to hear my hack for warming up your prospects and getting them more receptive to your proposals.
Reach Out to Prospects on LinkedIn
Make an Introduction Before Cold Calling
“When a trusted source vouches for someone, we’re far more likely to do business with them.” - Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Planner
Cold Call Openers
The Sales Evangelizers Facebook Group
Sales Mastermind Group
Sponsorship Offers
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
There are 24 hours in a day, yet you’re struggling to find even one hour to prospect. I used to believe this lie myself, and it hurt my progress. In this episode, I share how to overcome this mindset and carve out time in your busy schedule for prospecting.
Plan It Out
Accountability
Practice Your Message
Eliminate Distractions
You are the key driver of sales in your company, and no one else can do it like you can. Make the time to prioritize prospecting. — Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Planner
Cold Call Openers
The Sales Evangelizers Facebook Group
Sales Mastermind Group
Sponsorship Offers
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
In Part Two of the Back to the Basics Series, I cover a sales skill that everyone believes they need to master to close deals: multitasking. Honestly, I don’t think you need to be all that great at it. Why? Tune in to hear my thoughts on multitasking.
Multitasking Doesn’t Work
Identify What You’re Trying to Accomplish
Take Breaks
“I encourage you to avoid multitasking. Instead, focus on one meaningful task at a time to stay productive and achieve better results.” - Donald Kelly.
Resources
The Sales Evangelist Sales Planner
Cold Call Openers
Sponsorship Offers
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
How can you build rapport without coming across as wanting something in return? Prospects can easily sense if you’re not genuinely trying to connect with them and are only interested in their money. If you’re struggling with this sales method, listen to my guest, Ante Mihaljević, a sales and communication expert, share his refreshing take on building rapport with prospects.
The Importance of Genuine Rapport
Stop making rapport feel gimmicky or disingenuous by showing genuine interest in understanding and helping a prospect. This approach makes them feel heard and valued, fostering openness and a positive relationship.
Techniques for Building Rapport
Ante shares valuable insights on building rapport effectively:
Stay Focused and Curious: Be genuinely interested in your prospect’s needs and listen actively to their concerns.
Mirror and Match: Observe and subtly mimic your prospect’s language and behavior to create a sense of familiarity and trust.
Avoid Focusing on the Outcome: Concentrate on the interaction and the process of connecting with your prospect rather than the end goal of making a sale.
Recognizing Genuine Connection
How do you know when it’s time to transition from building rapport to having a sales conversation?
It’s all about intuition! Ante explains that you’ll intuitively know when you and your prospect are in sync and ready to discuss sales.
Practical Exercises for Sales Teams
For sales managers looking to train their teams in rapport building, Ante suggests exercises such as:
Observational Practice: Encourage your team to observe and analyze prospects’ breathing rates and language patterns.
Mirroring Exercises: Help your team get comfortable with mirroring by practicing with each other before trying it with actual prospects.
“They will start finishing your sentences. They will start breathing at the same rate you’re breathing. So, a lot of these non-verbals will happen. When you know that has happened, you’re ready to move on.” — Ante Mihaljević.
Resources
Ante Mihaljević on LinkedIn
Ante Mihaljević website
Cold Call Openers
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
Following up scares you just as much as cold calling does. But just like cold calling, circling back with a prospect is an important sales technique that can help improve your closing rate. My follow-up tips will help you move through the sales pipeline three times faster and close deals more efficiently.
1. Give Them the Agenda
Just like in basketball, if your prospect doesn't know the rules, they won’t play along in the sales cycle. During your first meeting, let them know what you’re going to cover and how your services can help them.
2. Set a Specific Date and Time for the Next Meeting
Before you end your first meeting, don’t forget to set a specific date and time for the next one.
Remember, prospects have busy lives, and if you don’t provide clear details for the next meeting, they’re more likely to forget about following up with you.
3. Don’t Send Those Silly Follow-Up Emails
The fact that you’re sending an email means it’s already a follow-up. So, there’s no need to add "follow-up" in the subject line or mention it in the email.
Instead, focus on standing out or offering something of value to the prospect.
4. Just Follow Up
Stop overthinking it! It’s your hesitation that’s holding you back in the sales pipeline. Be confident, and just send the email!
“Understand your self worth. Your job is to solve a problem for them. Don't be so worried about your feelings. Think about what impact you're going to have on that person in their business when you best help them.” - Donald Kelly.
Resources
Cold Call Openers
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
Storytelling allows you to connect with your prospects on a more personal level. However, sometimes you might find yourself telling the wrong stories or sharing a story at the wrong time. My guest, Eugene Theodore, walks us through how to create impactful stories that align with your sales goals.
Meet Eugene Theodore
Eugene Theodore is a highly skilled and experienced storyteller with a background in sales and personal branding.
His storytelling approach aligns a product or service’s message with the needs and values of a target audience.
Eugene helps sales professionals and leaders navigate different stages of the customer journey by using storytelling to foster meaningful connections and close deals.
Why Storytelling Matters in Sales
People prefer to buy from those they trust and feel connected to. Without a genuine connection, prospects may choose not to move forward in the sales process.
Eugene explains that storytelling serves as a powerful alignment tool throughout the customer journey.
It brings the necessary harmony between the product, the company, and the target audience.
The Story Matrix Tool
If you find it challenging to craft effective stories, Eugene suggests using his “Story Matrix” tool. This tool helps map out various story types for different stages of the buyer’s journey: awareness, consideration, decision-making, and retention.
The Story Matrix allows you to create a grid that matches different phases of the buyer journey with suitable story types—whether humorous, serious, technical, or adventurous.
Applying the Story Matrix
Eugene provides practical examples of how to use the Story Matrix to tailor stories for different audiences and stages of engagement.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding a client’s personal interests, professional stage, and organizational needs to refine and personalize the story, making it more impactful.
“The story matrix is simply understanding the consumer journey, whether it's B2B or B2C, and understanding what is the right kind of story at that moment in time.” - Eugene Theodore.
Resources
Saga Squared
Cold Call Openers
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
You’re waiting for a client to respond to your offer, but it’s taking longer than expected. How can you get them to speed up their decision? Listen to my conversation with Cindy Allis, CEO and Co-founder of Floatist, where I show her how to create urgency and close deals faster.
Meet Cindy Allis
Insights on Sales Seasonality
Mutual Action Plans and Digital Sales Rooms
“It’s dangerous, I feel, but for the mutual action plan… I really believe that to be more effective in sales, you need to uncover the needs of your prospects.” - Cindy Allis.
Resources
Aligned
Floatist
Cindy Allis on LinkedIn
Cold Call Openers
Sponsorship Offers
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
You know that selling to prospects requires understanding how they buy. But you may still be struggling to master this technique. Join me and my guests, Jorge Soto and Justin Dorfman, co-founders of Asset Mule, as they explain how to focus on the buyer’s perspective to build a successful sales pipeline.
Meet the Guests: Jorge Soto and Justin Dorfman
Jorge Soto and Justin Dorfman are the co-founders of Asset Mule, a company specializing in buyer enablement.
They bring valuable insights on integrating human elements in sales and understanding the psychology and motivations of buyers throughout the process.
Instead of relying solely on CRM systems to close deals, they emphasize that understanding each stage of the buyer’s psychological journey accelerates the sales process.
Focus on the Buyer’s Journey, Not Just Sales Techniques
If you’re still using traditional sales scripts, it’s time to shift your approach. By understanding the buyer’s psychology and putting yourself in their shoes, you can better guide them through the journey.
Awareness Stage: How will this product help solve my problem?
Consideration Stage: Are there other products like this? Who else is using it?
Decision Stage: Will this fit my budget? Will I have support if needed?
Today’s buyers are more informed and considerate at each stage. Jorge and Justin explain how to use psychology to build trust and enhance the customer experience.
Qualifying Leads with a Human Touch
Early qualification calls help sales reps understand a buyer’s motivations. Jorge explains that asking direct questions can uncover issues that might otherwise be overlooked due to an over-reliance on tools and processes.
These questions also help map out sales assets to use at each stage of the buyer’s journey.
“Building rapport and trust by going the extra mile early in the process makes a real difference in the experience,” - Jorge Soto.
“Every deal and every buying process is unique. Eventually, your goal is to turn the prospect into a champion. Once you establish that relationship, you can leverage their insights into their organization and its stakeholders, allowing you to map the buyer’s journey together and identify which assets to use at each stage,” - Justin Dorfman.
Resources
AssetMule
Cold Call Openers
Sponsorship Offers
This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
Credits
As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
Mentioned in this episode:
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
HubSpot and bluëmago | STUDIOS
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