Most businesses post content, but almost none of them have a strategy that actually sells. If you’re putting out content and not seeing leads or revenue, you’re doing it wrong.

In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Neal Schaffer, a leading expert in B2B sales, marketing, and personal branding, to break down:

✅ Why storytelling is the secret weapon for selling products and services

✅ How personal branding gives sales professionals an unfair advantage

✅ Why content without strategy is just noise (and how to fix it)

✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make with lead generation

✅ How AI is changing marketing, and what actually works today

Most companies focus on posting, hoping, and waiting but real success comes from building relationships, positioning yourself as an authority, and creating content that drives action.

"If your content isn’t driving sales, it’s just noise." - John Rankins

"The key to standing out is not just creating content, but creating content that solves problems." - Neal Schaffer

"Your brand isn’t your company logo, it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room." - John Rankins

"Personal branding starts with the offline, it’s about how you show up everywhere." - Neal Schaffer

"If you’re not building relationships, you’re losing sales." - John Rankins

(03:13) - The Evolution of Sales and Marketing

(05:56) - Building Relationships in Business

(08:50) - The Importance of Personal Branding

(11:38) - Content Creation and Engagement Strategies

(15:03) - Lead Generation Techniques

(18:04) - The Role of AI in Marketing

(21:02) - B2B vs B2C Marketing Strategies

(24:03) - The Digital Marketing Framework

(26:47) - The Fractional CMO Model

(30:07) - Fresh Perspectives in Business

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealschaffer/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealSchafferPage/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealschaffer/ 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/NealSchaffer 

Website: https://nealschaffer.com/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Most business owners think they’re investing in marketing—when in reality, they’re bleeding money with no results. In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Pedersen, the 'Queen of Social Media,' to expose the biggest mistake costing you thousands—and how to fix it before it drains your budget.

We break down:

✅ Why most marketing agencies are full of smoke and mirrors (and how to spot the fakes).

✅ The B2B vs. B2C marketing trap—if you don’t know the difference, you’re already losing.

✅ How AI is reshaping marketing—and why ignoring it is a massive mistake.

✅ The power of disruption—why playing it safe in marketing will make you invisible.

✅ Marketing contracts are a scam—why you should never sign a 12-month deal.

Rachel doesn't hold back. She shares hard-hitting, no-BS advice on scaling businesses, storytelling, and crafting high-impact marketing campaigns that actually convert. If you're tired of wasting money and want real marketing that drives revenue, this episode is a must-listen.

"Vanity doesn’t sell, but influencers do." – Rachel Pedersen

"Most businesses suck at social media because they focus on themselves, not their audience." – John Rankins

"If your marketer can’t show their own results, run." – Rachel Pedersen

"Storytelling isn’t optional. It’s what makes people buy." - John Rankins

"Do not let any agency lock you into a long-term contract." – Rachel Pedersen

(03:01) - Rachel's Journey into Social Media Marketing

(06:02) - B2B vs B2C Marketing Strategies

(09:01) - The Role of AI in Marketing

(11:59) - Crafting Effective Social Media Campaigns

(14:56) - The Importance of Disruption in Marketing

(18:06) - Identifying Red Flags in Marketing Agencies

(28:33) - Navigating Marketing Contracts and Expectations

(32:07) - The Importance of Industry Experience in Marketing

(37:42) - Identifying Your Ideal Client Profile

(43:15) - The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

(45:38) - Scaling Businesses: Methodologies and Strategies

(50:05) - Ad Fatigue and Audience Engagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themrspedersen/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.mrs.pedersen/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themrspedersen

Twitter/X: https://x.com/themrspedersen

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4p2nJb-8j9IjVOhrlTUmWw 

Website: https://rachelpedersen.com/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Most business owners and sales leaders don’t realize it, but they’re making a critical mistake that’s stunting their growth—and worse, they refuse to admit it. In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Ross, the legendary author of Predictable Revenue, to break down exactly what’s holding businesses back in today’s unpredictable world.

We dive deep into:

✅ Why scalable systems always outperform individual rockstars in sales.

✅ The hard truth about AI—it's here, and if you don’t adapt, you're done.

✅ The power of relationships and why referrals are the new growth engine.

✅ How personal failures (and even parenting 10 kids!) teach you the best business lessons.

✅ The real reason your sales strategies aren’t working anymore—and what to do about it.

Aaron doesn’t hold back in this episode, sharing raw insights on career evolution, sales strategies, and the future of business. If you want to stop making the same mistakes and unlock real, predictable growth, hit play now.

"AI is not the future, it’s already now." - John Rankins

"AI is changing everything—ignore it and you’ll be obsolete." - Aaron Ross

"If it's not going to help you, let’s not waste each other's time." - John Rankins

"Your biggest competitor isn’t another company—it’s noise." - Aaron Ross

"Intentions in sales can differentiate between service and manipulation." - John Rankins

"You can’t scale if you’re hiring for unicorns instead of building systems." - Aaron Ross

(01:00) - Building a Sales Performance Management System

(02:28) - Learning from Failures

(09:28) - The Importance of Specialization in Sales

(14:30) - Scaling Systems Over Rock Stars

(21:02) - Sales as a Service

(26:22) - Embracing AI in Sales

(29:00) - Navigating Change in Business Dynamics

(34:08) - The Power of Relationships in Unpredictable Times

(37:56) - Leveraging Referrals for Business Growth

(42:00) - Exploring New Ventures and Collaborations

(48:22) - Evolving Career Paths and Future Aspirations

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/aaronross 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moto.ceo/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronross383/

Website: https://aaron-ross.co/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Most sales teams don’t have a prospect problem, they have a purpose problem. I’ve seen it over and over: companies pushing for numbers without giving their teams something bigger to sell for. And that’s exactly why I brought Lisa Earle McLeod on The Sales Machine Podcast.

Lisa is the author of Selling with Noble Purpose and one of the top experts on purpose-driven sales. In this episode, we break down why sales teams that focus only on quotas burn out fast, while those with a clear mission outperform the competition every time. We talk about real-world examples of companies that made the shift, how AI fits into modern sales strategies, and what leaders need to do right now to create a culture that drives revenue AND engagement.

✅ Why your team is struggling, it’s NOT because you need more leads.

✅ The secret behind sales teams that consistently crush their targets.

✅ How AI can enhance sales without killing human connection.

✅ Why most leaders focus on the wrong metrics (and what to do instead).

✅ How to build a purpose-driven sales culture that creates real momentum.

If you’re tired of the same old sales advice that doesn’t move the needle, this episode is for you. Hit play and let’s talk about what really drives success in sales.

"Your sales team doesn’t need more leads—they need a bigger reason to sell." - John Rankins

"People don’t buy because of your quota, they buy because you make their life better." - Lisa Earle McLeod

"The companies that dominate their industry aren’t just selling products, they’re selling a mission." - John Rankins

"Companies that sell with purpose don’t just outperform the competition, they outlast them." - Lisa Earle McLeod

"The moment you shift from 'how do I hit my target?' to 'how do I help my customer?', everything changes." - John Rankins

"Leaders who focus only on metrics end up managing decline, not growth." - Lisa Earle McLeod

(06:52) - The Concept of Noble Purpose in Sales

(13:00) - The Journey of Writing and Publishing

(18:54) - Real-World Applications and Case Studies

(27:35) - The Journey into Sales and Purpose

(30:32) - The Intersection of Sales and Human Connection

(34:52) - Leading with Noble Purpose

(37:20) - Methodology for Instilling Noble Purpose

(40:49) - Overcoming Resistance in Sales

(43:09) - The Role of Leadership in Purpose-Driven Organizations

(45:50) - Creating a Culture of Engagement

(51:25) - Parenting with Purpose

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaearlemcleod/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaEMcLeod/ 

X/Twitter: https://x.com/EarleMcLeod 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Outbound sales isn’t broken, most people are just doing it wrong. In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, John Rankins sits down with Collin Stewart, Co-founder and CEO of Predictable Revenue, to reveal the secrets behind creating scalable, predictable revenue through smarter outbound strategies.

Collin shares the lessons he’s learned from years of building sales systems, aligning customer development with sales, and helping businesses nail their product-market fit. Together, they break down the evolution of sales strategies, the power of demand generation channels, and why timing matters more than anything when it comes to go-to-market success.

Key highlights include:

✅ The critical mistakes most startups make with outbound sales—and how to avoid them.

✅ How strong product-market fit supercharges your sales and revenue growth.

✅ The role of AI in sales: When to use it and when it fails.

✅ Why founder-led sales matter and how to transition to a scalable team.

✅ The hidden costs of poor CRM systems and how to simplify your sales process.

If you’re ready to transform your sales strategy, lower acquisition costs, and finally see results from outbound, this episode has everything you need to get started. Press play to learn from two of the best in the business.

"Outbound definitely works, it just takes the right message and the motivation to do it." - John Rankins

"AI shouldn’t replace human creativity in sales, it should amplify it." - Collin Stewart

"Timing is everything. If you hit go-to-market too soon, you risk burning through resources with no return." - John Rankins

"Outbound isn’t dead, it’s just incredibly easy to mess up." - Collin Stewart

"Your CRM shouldn’t just track. It should drive performance through recognition, rewards, and accountability." - John Rankins

"Your messaging isn’t about you, it’s about showing your customer how you’ll make their life easier." - Collin Stewart

(01:00) - The Simplicity of CRM Solutions

(05:48) - The Evolution of Predictable Revenue

(12:06) - The Importance of Product Market Fit

(25:30) - The Evolution of Demand Generation Channels

(34:03) - The Role of Founders in Sales

(39:13) - AI in Sales Development

(48:56) - Leveraging AI for Data Analysis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinstewart/

X: https://x.com/collinyvr 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/predictablerevenue 

Website: https://predictablerevenue.com/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Think your telesales team is performing at its peak? Think again.

In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Scott Morse, seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Lamassu Leads, the first enterprise-level call center in real estate. Scott shares his journey from mastering high-ticket sales to building a multi-million-dollar marketing company, offering a no-holds-barred look at what it really takes to lead successful telesales teams in today’s fast-changing landscape.

We talked about:

✅ Why the shift from face-to-face to telesales is harder than you think, and how to adapt.

✅ The importance of sales culture, gamification, and recognition in driving motivation.

✅ How accountability and training separate great salespeople from average ones.

✅ The role of data and AI in creating effective lead generation and improving sales performance.

✅ Why conviction and hustle are non-negotiable in the world of sales.

If you’re ready to fix what’s holding your telesales team back and learn what it takes to thrive in the modern sales landscape, hit play and let’s get into it!

"Sales culture should feel like a sports team, where every win is celebrated, and everyone takes pride in the mission." - Scott Morse

"Telesales is where your ability to connect emotionally becomes your biggest strength." - John Rankins

"Gamification isn’t just fun. It creates motivation and keeps the energy alive in a high-pressure environment." - Scott Morse

"You have to build systems that allow your team to focus on what they’re best at—selling, not sorting through bad leads." - John Rankins

"Cold calling isn’t dead, it’s just been poorly executed. With the right approach, it’s still incredibly effective." - Scott Morse

(01:52) - The Journey into Sales and Entrepreneurship

(05:56) - Transitioning from Face-to-Face to Telesales

(09:56) - Building a Multi-Million Dollar Marketing Company

(12:02) - Lessons from Legal Battles and Bankruptcy

(16:12) - Creating a Thriving Sales Culture

(20:00) - The Importance of Accountability in Sales

(24:01) - Training and Developing Sales Agents

(31:34) - The Conviction of Great Salespeople

(32:45) - Accountability in Sales Leadership

(34:30) - Growing Salespeople, Not Just Sales

(36:00) - Lead Generation Strategies for Real Estate

(40:30) - The Importance of Hustle in Sales

(44:22) - Leveraging Data and AI in Sales

(51:25) - Cold Outbound Sales Techniques

(55:20) - Building Custom AI Solutions for Sales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadsbyscott/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmorse/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leads2deals 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottmorse 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-morse-a91b63210/ 

Website: https://scottmorse.com/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Struggling to break into new markets or wondering how to stand out in a crowded industry? You’re not alone.

In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Maxwell Nee, Chief Revenue Officer at Score App, to unpack the secrets of scaling effectively and creating high-value business models. Maxwell shares his journey from angel investor to driving a quiz marketing platform that achieved over $1 million ARR in just 18 months.

Here’s what we dive into:

✅ Why most go-to-market strategies fail—and how to fix yours.

✅ The power of scorecard marketing to generate leads and close sales.

✅ How understanding local markets can make or break your global expansion.

✅ The importance of differentiation in competitive industries.

✅ Why podcasting is a game-changing tool for engaging and promoting your business.

Maxwell also breaks down his investment philosophy, sharing insights on de-risking opportunities for investors, building strategic partnerships, and achieving high valuation multiples in SaaS. Whether you’re a startup founder or scaling your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you grow smarter and faster.

If you’re ready to fine-tune your strategy and build a defensible, scalable business, hit play and let’s get into it!

"If you can’t define the problem, how can you ever define the solution? Sales is about solving, not selling." - John Rankins

"Scorecard marketing is a game-changer. It doesn’t just collect data. It converts it into qualified leads ready to buy." - Maxwell Nee

"Attitude always beats talent. A motivated person with the right mindset can outperform any skilled professional." - John Rankins

"If you’re not offering something unique, you’re just noise in a crowded marketplace." - Maxwell Nee

"Your market will punish you for being average. Differentiation is the only way to survive in a competitive space." - John Rankins

(05:56) - Go-to-Market Strategies for Success

(12:05) - Understanding Product-Market Fit

(17:59) - Differentiation in Competitive Markets

(23:57) - The Versatility of Score App in Various Industries

(29:03) - Building Your Own Destiny as an Entrepreneur

(34:40) - Creating a High-Value Business Model

(42:27) - Advice for Startups to Scale Effectively

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellnee/

Website: https://www.scoreapp.com/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Scaling your business is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face as a leader and most fail before they even get started.

In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Siv Sivanesan, CEO of Volenday Group and a master at scaling businesses across industries like tech and staffing. Siv shares the hard truths about why so many businesses fail to scale, from poor foundations to misaligned talent, and how you can avoid the same pitfalls.

We tackle the critical questions:

✅ Are you scaling without truly understanding your product-market fit?

✅ How do you recruit and retain the right talent in a hyper-competitive market?

✅ Is your company culture breaking under the weight of growth?

✅ Why is client satisfaction the foundation of long-term success?

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level without falling into the common traps of growth, hit play and let’s get into it! 

"Scaling without understanding your product-market fit is the fastest way to fail." - Siv Sivanesan

"Sales is not about the product you’re selling; it’s about the problems you’re solving for your clients." - John Rankins

"The first 18 months of scaling can feel quiet, but it’s where the foundation for exponential growth is built." - Siv Sivanesan

"If you don’t define the solution with the client, you risk wasting millions of dollars on the wrong approach." - John Rankins

"AI won’t replace strategy, but it will amplify the effectiveness of businesses that use it wisely." - Siv Sivanesan

"The data is there, but most businesses don’t know how to turn it into actionable insights." - John Rankins

"The biggest mistake in global expansion is underestimating the nuances of local markets." - Siv Sivanesan

(09:49) - Scaling Businesses: Insights from Experience

(19:46) - The Importance of People in Business Growth

(29:50) - Sales Strategies for Effective Scaling

(39:47) - Navigating Challenges in Rapid Growth

(31:39) - Cultural Shifts and Organizational Change

(33:53) - Rediscovering Purpose After Stagnation

(36:33) - Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent

(40:35) - Training for Growth and Retention

(41:48) - Delivering Value to Clients

(48:59) - Navigating Economic Changes and Market Timing

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siv-sivanesan 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volenday/ 

Website: https://www.volenday.com/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Think your sales message is working? If it’s not focused on solving pain, it’s probably falling flat.

In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Ben Kniffen, co-founder of LinkedSelling and an expert in lead generation and sales development. Ben shares his journey from working with diverse industries to becoming a leader in B2B marketing and omnichannel strategies. Together, we uncover why most sales messages fail to connect and what it takes to build campaigns that resonate.

We talk about:

✅ Why pain-based messaging is your most powerful tool.

✅ The shift from process-driven to message-driven strategies in lead generation.

✅ How to name the pain points that make prospects stop and listen.

✅ Why aligning sales and marketing teams is the secret to impactful campaigns.

✅ The importance of storytelling in creating cohesive, omnichannel strategies.

If you’re tired of your sales message being ignored, this conversation is your wake-up call. It’s time to shift the focus from what you sell to the pain you solve.

Let’s get into it! 

"If you're not top of mind, you’re never going to be top of the funnel." - John Rankins

"Pain-based messaging is the most effective way to connect with prospects and drive engagement." - Ben Kniffen

"Pain motivates more than pleasure. If you can name the pain, they’ll listen." - John Rankins

"LinkedIn ads are powerful because you can target specific decision-makers within your account-based marketing strategy."  - Ben Kniffen

"A lot of companies are still using outdated tools like Excel. It’s costing them opportunities in real time." - John Rankins

"The biggest mistake companies make in omnichannel marketing is failing to tell the same story across all channels." - Ben Kniffen

(17:54) - The Evolution of LinkedIn and Lead Generation Strategies

(24:20) - Understanding Pain and Pleasure in Marketing

(29:21) - The Discovery Process in Sales

(31:20) - Aligning Sales and Marketing Teams

(40:52) - The Name That Pain Game

(46:36) - Lead Generation Strategies

(56:36) - The Power of Omni-Channel Marketing

(01:03:12) - The Role of Sales in Identifying Pain Points

(01:05:54) - Creating Effective Marketing Campaigns

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkniffen/ 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/benkniffen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_linkedselling_/ 

Website: https://linkedselling.com/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

Think one cold call is going to close the deal? Think again.

In this episode of The Sales Machine Podcast, I sit down with Nick James, a sales leader who’s cracked the code on scaling B2B sales teams and turning cold leads into hot opportunities. We break down the real reason your pipeline is stuck: you’re not nurturing your leads. One touchpoint won’t cut it—you need multiple, consistent, value-driven interactions to guide prospects through the funnel.

Nick shares his proven techniques for leveraging LinkedIn to generate leads, understanding buyer intent, and using data-driven strategies to identify decision-makers. We also get real about why traditional KPIs are failing your sales team and how to motivate reps beyond the numbers.

This isn’t about churning and burning through leads. It’s about building sustainable sales processes that balance efficiency and effectiveness, and integrating AI to support—not replace—your sales efforts.

If you’re ready to stop leaving deals on the table and start nurturing leads like a pro, this episode is for you.

Let’s get into it! 🎧🔥

“Short-term wins and one-night stands—that’s what a lot of organizations focus on, rather than sustainable, scalable revenue and relationships.” - John Rankins

“People fail on LinkedIn the same way they fail with cold calling—they don’t lead with value.” - Nick James

“Too many organizations are autocratic… telling people what to do. And telling is not selling.” - John Rankins

“It takes nine to eleven touches before someone makes a purchase. Why would you not nurture them through multiple touchpoints?” - Nick James

“Situational intelligence—sales are a conversation. If you’re not actively listening and connecting the dots, you’ll get lost.” - John Rankins

“Most sales reps don’t actively listen. They miss cues because they’re too focused on their scripts.” - Nick James

(03:06) - Navigating B2B Sales Challenges

(06:02) - The Importance of Value in Sales

(08:48) - Leveraging LinkedIn for Lead Generation

(12:10) - Effective Cold Calling Techniques

(14:59) - Understanding Buyer Intent and Data

(18:07) - Nurturing Leads Through the Sales Funnel

(27:06) - Identifying Decision Makers in Organizations

(30:00) - Qualities of a Successful Sales Leader

(48:44) - Sustainable Sales Practices

(56:31) - The Importance of Discovery in Sales

(01:00:02) - The Role of AI in Modern Sales

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbouras/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_nickjames/ 

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial