In this season finale of The Sales and RevOps Effect, Charlene Thompson shares the hard truths scaling companies need to hear.

From metric overload to unrealistic expectations of RevOps magic, Charlene dives into:

Why not everyone should see every metric

The difference between data-driven and data-drowning

How company maturity impacts process, people, and performance

What RevOps can and can’t fix (spoiler: it's not wizardry)

Why tech alone won’t save your sales pipeline

If you're a founder, sales leader, or RevOps pro trying to scale sustainably without burning out your team or your budget, this episode is your reset button.

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

RevOps Blueprint for scaling teams https://charlenethompson.com/revopsblueprint

Fractional RevOps support (12-week engagements) https://charlenethompson.com/fractionalhome

Metrics deep-dive services https://charlenethompson.com/analyticsservices

6-Week Sell System Tune-Up (for microbusinesses) https://soet.salesopseffect.com/salessystem

🔗 Find out more or get in touch via:

💬 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/

📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salesopseffect/

Not all CRMs are created equal, and some are just plain painful.

In Part 2 of my conversation with CRM expert Chris Smith (author of CRM Shouldn’t Suck), we get into the practical stuff: 13 CRM platforms reviewed. Who are they really for? What’s actually worth the money? And which ones will give your sales team a headache?

🧠 What we cover:

• Salesforce vs Microsoft Dynamics — which makes more sense for your business?

• The truth about HubSpot, Zoho, Pipedrive, and other popular names

• Why custom CRMs and ERP-integrated CRMs can backfire

• Open-source CRM warnings: what no one tells you

• What to look for in a platform if you're a small business or scaling startup

This is the episode where things get spicy — honest, unfiltered, and actually helpful if you’re trying to choose a CRM that won’t hold your business back.

💡 Part 1 covers how AI is transforming the entire CRM landscape. Definitely watch that too if you haven’t yet!

Chris Smith on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersmith8/

Grab your copy of CRM Shouldn't Suck here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crm-shouldnt-suck-christopher-smith/1146899077

Charlene Thompson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/

#CRMReview #Salesforce #HubSpot #MicrosoftDynamics #Zoho #GoHighLevel #SmallBusinessTools #RevOps #SalesEnablement #CRMSucks #CharleneThompson #ChrisSmith #TechTools #BusinessGrowth

AI is reshaping the world of CRM — but most businesses are still stuck treating it like a contact database. In this episode, I’m joined by CRM expert Chris Smith (author of CRM Shouldn’t Suck and host of the Sales Lead Dog podcast) to break down how AI is transforming CRM systems, sales strategy, and customer retention.

🎯 What we cover:

• How AI is redefining CRM (and what’s coming next)

• Microsoft vs Salesforce: who’s winning the AI arms race?

• Why CRMs fail — and how to make yours actually work

• The importance of clean data, defined processes, and buyer journeys

• How AI tools can help spot upsell opportunities and client churn risks

👀 If you’re a founder, sales leader or RevOps pro trying to future-proof your CRM strategy — this is a must-watch.

📌 Don’t forget — Part 2 dives into practical reviews of 13 CRM platforms (including Salesforce, HubSpot, Go High Level, Monday, Zoho, and more).

Keep in touch with us here:

Chris Smith on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersmith8/

Grab your copy of CRM Shouldn't Suck here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crm-shouldnt-suck-christopher-smith/1146899077

Charlene Thompson on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/

#CRM #AIinBusiness #SalesLeadership #RevOps #MicrosoftDynamics #Salesforce #CustomerRetention #SalesEnablement #CRMSucks #CharleneThompson #ChrisSmith #SmallBusinessTips #TechStrategy

In this honest and energising conversation, I’m joined by visibility expert Mildred Talabi to unpack the real behind-the-scenes of building a personal brand—without selling your soul to the algorithm.

We talk about:

• Why “being visible” doesn’t mean oversharing

• How to stay consistent without burning out

• The difference between human-centred marketing and bro-style manipulation

• What to do when you're sick of seeing cookie-cutter content

• Why chasing virality can leave you empty—and what to aim for instead

Mildred brings warmth, wisdom, and a grounded perspective to a topic that's often flooded with hype. Whether you’re an introvert, a neurodivergent professional, or just tired of the noise—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen in and remember: your voice, your rhythm, your terms. Visibility can feel good and do good.

#Mildredtalabi #charlenethompson #visibility #linkedin #linkedin2025

In today’s B2B sales landscape, expectations are higher, budgets are tighter, and the bar for buyer experience keeps rising. So what does it really take to succeed in 2025?

In this episode, Charlene Thompson is joined by Michael Akinle, a senior sales leader at the UK’s largest private equity–backed software company, for a grounded and insightful conversation about the changing shape of sales, from hiring and headcount to AI and executive engagement.

Together, they explore:

• How the shift from “growth at all costs” to sustainable, efficient growth is reshaping teams

• The real skills modern AEs need to thrive (hint: it’s more than quota-chasing)

• Why sales cycles are lengthening — and how that changes how we define success

• The rising importance of business acumen, technical fluency, and executive presence

• Where AI fits into prospecting, and what it can’t replace

• What a standout customer experience really looks like from first touch to close

  
  

Whether you're leading a team, carrying a quota, or shaping go-to-market strategy, this conversation offers a clear, honest look at what sales success demands now — and how to build for the future without burning people out.

Want to get the inside scoop on your sales metrics?

Check out my Analytics Services today

https://charlenethompson.com/analyticsservices

You can follow Charlene Thompson on LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/

Follow Michael Akinle on Linked -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ranmi-akinl%C3%A9-0ab96780/

Here's a sneak peak of an episode being released on 20th May 1pm UK time.

Get ready for Michael Akinle on The Sales & Rev Ops Effect!

In this episode, Charlene Thompson (Host), and Leo Crocker, founder of LSC Creative, shares his expertise on building authentic relationships through LinkedIn outreach. Leo discusses the power of personalized, human-driven messaging over automation, and how businesses can cut through the noise to connect with their ideal clients.Learn how to approach LinkedIn as a platform for relationship-building rather than just lead generation. Leo emphasizes the importance of authenticity in outreach, engaging with content meaningfully, and optimizing your profile to increase visibility. He also dives into the value of consistent posting and strategic use of AI tools without losing the human touch.Leo also shares how small businesses can leverage LinkedIn to their advantage, even if they're B2C, and how to get noticed by decision-makers. Plus, he offers valuable insights into LinkedIn's evolving algorithm and how businesses can stay ahead in 2025.You can get in contact with Leo Crocker here:LinkedIn - Leo Crocker https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-crocker/You can get in contact with Charlene Thompson here:LinkedIn - Charlene Thompson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/As a solopreneur or small business owner, are you ready to optimize your sales operations and reduce the risks that come with disorganized processes? Explore Charlene's 6-Week Sales System Set-Up service to gain clarity, structure, and systems that will improve your lead generation and streamline your sales process. Check out the details and apply for a consultation here: 6-Week Sales System Set-Up https://soet.salesopseffect.com/salessystem#newbusiness #linkedin #leadgen #getleads #dmleads #outreach

Think your CRM is just a necessary evil? Think again. In this episode, Christopher Smith joins Charlene Thompson to reveal how businesses are leaking cash and wasting valuable time all because of neglected CRM systems.

We break down how to make your CRM a proper business strategy, why spreadsheets are silent killers, and how leaders can stop the madness before it's too late.

If you’re a business leader who wants less stress and more efficiency – this one’s for you.

#CRMSuccess #SalesStrategy #OperationalExcellence #TimeIsMoney #LeadershipMatters

Ever felt like you’re running flat out but still not getting the important stuff done? Same. In this solo episode of The Sales Ops Effect, I, Charlene Thompson, get real about how I recently found myself stuck in a cycle of frustration, despite knowing better.

As someone with ADHD, I’ve had to build my own systems to make time work for me (because it certainly didn’t on its own). I share the simple but powerful review I finally forced myself to do — and how it helped me reclaim my diary, clear my head, and stop spinning my wheels.

Here's what I cover:

• Why even seasoned project managers can slip when it comes to their own time
• The method I created years ago that still saves me today
• The difference between Business As Usual (BAU) and Project time (and how you might be getting it all tangled)
• A step-by-step way to spot where your working hours are disappearing
• Why you might only have 5 hours a week to actually move new projects forward (it’s not just you!)

I also chat about why flexible structures save us from chaos, how this all links to how I run Sales Ops projects, and why I’m considering running a mini workshop on this.

🎯 Want in on a live session where I walk you through this? Pop me an email at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram at @salesopseffect – if enough people are keen, I’ll run it on April 1st for £20.

👀 Got a question or a win to share after listening? Drop me a message – I'd love to hear how you manage (or wrestle) with your calendar.

Learn how to protect your business from fraud with practical tips and prevention strategies.

In this episode with Rosie Murphy and Charlene dive deep into the world of business fraud and how even small businesses can fall victim to fraudsters. Rosie, an expert in accountancy, shares her experiences and insights on identifying, preventing, and mitigating fraud risks in businesses of all sizes.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

+ Understanding Fraud Risks: From online dating scams to invoice fraud, Rosie explains the various ways fraud can affect businesses.

+ Practical Prevention Strategies: Rosie shares simple steps like using strong passwords, regularly updating systems, and performing risk assessments to safeguard your business.

+ Employee Fraud Awareness: Rosie emphasizes the importance of segregating duties and having checks in place to prevent internal fraud.

+ Building Resilience into Processes: Learn how to implement processes that reduce fraud risks and protect your business from significant losses.

---- To report business fraud in the UK, you should contact Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040; it's the national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. -----

Want to protect your sales system and technology?

If you're a solopreneur struggling with CRM systems or automation, Charlene's 6-week Sales System Set-Up is designed to help you optimize your sales processes and make sure everything is aligned correctly. This service is available by application only.

Learn More and Apply here https://soet.salesopseffect.com/salessystem

You can get in contact with Rosie Murphy here: Rosie Murphy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rdmaccountancyservices/

You can get in contact with Charlene Thompson here: Charlene Thompson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/

#FraudPrevention, #BusinessSecurity, #RiskManagement, #SolopreneurTips