Sales Talk for CEOs

De: Alice Heiman
  • Resumen

  • Welcome to Sales Talk for CEOs, a show where Alice Heiman interviews successful CEOs who have successfully scaled their B2B sales organizations. In each episode, we get to know the sales background of each CEO, dig into the strategies they've used to build their sales organization and wrap it up with what the future holds. We cover the good, the bad and the ugly of scaling a sales organization in order to deliver to you: value and insights.
    2021 - Sales Talk for CEOs
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Episodios
  • Your Blueprint for Hiring Top Sales Talent
    Aug 13 2024
    How can CEOs consistently hire top-tier sales talent? Kristie Jones, a sales leadership expert with over 20 years of experience, shares her strategies for attracting, hiring, and onboarding the best sales professionals in the latest episode of Sales Talk for CEOs. Kristie dives into the hiring process, the importance of structured onboarding, and ensuring long-term success for your sales team.Creating an Ideal Candidate ProfileKristie emphasizes creating an ideal candidate profile over a generic job description. “We need to start by building out an ideal candidate profile, just like we would build out an ideal customer profile,” Kristie explains. This involves analyzing the traits of past successful hires and defining the necessary skills and experience.Your Blueprint to Hiring Effectively:Kristie shares her approach to sourcing and screening candidates, ensuring a smooth and efficient hiring process:Effective Candidate Sourcing: Kristie promotes job postings on LinkedIn, uses paid LinkedIn ads, and leverages Slack channels. “I ask my client to post it on their company page on LinkedIn and promote it,” she says. This multi-channel strategy helps gather a substantial number of qualified applicants.Streamlined Screening Process: The initial screening process is critical to filter out unsuitable candidates. Kristie’s assistant conducts phone screens to ask about compensation structure, contributions to past organizations, and reasons for leaving previous jobs. They each get a grade. “If they're a nine or ten, they move forward,” Kristie explains.Behavioral-Based Interviews and Assessments: Candidates undergo a formal interview and an assessment to validate their skills. “We do an assessment review,” Kristie says, involving the prospective manager in the process. This helps ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the role and the company culture.The Verbal Offer Before extending a written offer, Kristie makes a verbal offer and tells them that once the written offer is received it requires a decision within 24 hours. This ensures candidates are committed and ready to join the team promptly.Smooth Onboarding ProcessKristie highlights the importance of an effective onboarding process. “I stay on and support the first two weeks of the onboarding process,” she says. A structured onboarding plan is essential to ensure new hires receive the necessary support and start contributing quickly.Action Steps for CEOs:Develop an Ideal Candidate Profile: Define traits of your best sales performers to guide your hiring process.Leverage Multiple Sourcing Channels: Promote job openings widely to gather a substantial number of qualified applicants.Implement a Structured Screening Process: Use consistent, competency-based interviews and assessments to filter candidates.Ensure Effective Onboarding: Develop a detailed onboarding plan to support new hires and integrate them into the team quickly.Kristie Jones’ insights provide a clear roadmap for CEOs and sales leaders looking to build a high-performing sales team. Her experience underscores the importance of a structured hiring process and a supportive onboarding program. To gain deeper insights into Kristie's strategies and how they can transform your hiring process, listen to the full episode below. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established CEO, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration for building your dream sales team.Episode DetailsChapters03:25 Initial Steps in the Hiring Process04:56 Building Ideal Candidate Profiles06:46 Gender Decoder for Job Descriptions09:29 Promoting Job Openings Strategically12:38 Handling Large Numbers of Applications14:50 Initial Screening Process18:16 Behavioral-Based Interview Questions23:11 Assessment Stage31:22 Assessment Review and Manager Conversation34:07 Candidate Engagement36:53 High-Level Executive Interview37:38 Verbal and Written Offer39:37 Onboarding ProcessAbout GuestKristie Jones Principal – Kristiejones.comKristie, author of “Selling Your Way IN”, is a speaker, coach, and sales process consultant. Companies hire Kristie to elevate their sales organization because most sales leaders and professionals are discouraged and frustrated about anemic pipelines, low close rates and missed targets.Kristie’s willingness to get her hands dirty and her “take no prisoners” approach when helping companies drive more revenue from their Sales and Customer Success teamsis what makes her so valuable to her clients. Her mission is helping companies find top talent as well as creating a sales accountability culture to ensure revenue growth.Kristie is passionate about coaching sales teams to leverage their superpowers to reach their full potential, and she wants representatives and sales leaders to identify and embody the practices and characteristics of Top Ten Percent achievers.Social Links Connect with Kristie on LinkedIn: (16) Kristie K. Jones | LinkedInCheck out Kristie ...
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    46 m
  • Pivoting to Success: The Tenbound Story
    Aug 6 2024
    What if the key to your company’s success lay hidden in a challenge you’re currently facing? David Dulany's journey from sales frustration to creating a thriving business is a testament to this idea.In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice Heiman speaks with David Dulany, founder of Tenbound, about his transition from working at Achieve Global to founding a company focused on sales technology tools. David shares insights on pivoting his business, building a robust sales team, and the importance of niching down to meet market demands.Here’s what you’ll discover:David’s journey from sales training to founding Tenbound.The significance of pivoting and niching in business.Challenges and strategies in building an effective sales team.Insights into the evolving landscape of sales technology.David’s advice for CEOs on continuous learning and adaptation.Finding a Niche in Sales TechnologyDavid Dulany, founder of Tenbound, didn't start his career with a clear path to entrepreneurship. Initially working at Achieve Global, a sales and leadership training company, David always had a passion for the tech industry. "I got my foot in the door at Glassdoor when they first started, and we built up the SDR team there," David recalls. His experience at Glassdoor paved the way for his eventual leap into entrepreneurship.The Accidental EntrepreneurDavid describes his entry into entrepreneurship as accidental. "I was between jobs and a friend needed help with his SDR program," he says. This opportunity led to his first client and the birth of Tenbound. David’s story is a testament to seizing opportunities as they come and being open to new paths. "I was really interested in the predictable revenue model, and a lot of things converged at the same time," he notes.Building TenboundTenbound initially focused on consulting and training services for SDR teams. "We started doing playbooks, training, and consulting with different companies," David explains. The company's growth was largely driven by word of mouth and referrals. "People I had worked with in the past reached out, and that became a source of business," he says.Pivoting to Sales TechnologyThe major pivot for Tenbound came with the realization of the growing demand for sales technology tools. "Everybody wanted to talk about the tools," David observes. This led to the creation of a comprehensive database of over 2,000 sales technology tools on Tenbound's website. "We've compiled this database where you can research and look into the best solutions for your sales problems," he explains.Overcoming Challenges in HiringHiring the right salespeople was a significant challenge for David. "One person can make such a huge difference to your company," he emphasizes. David's approach involved a lot of trial and error, but ultimately, he found success by hiring individuals with a proven track record in sales.Action Steps for CEOsEmbrace Flexibility: Be open to pivoting your business model based on market demands.Invest in People: Hiring the right talent can make a significant impact on your company’s success.Leverage Technology: Utilize sales technology tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.Build a Community: Foster strong relationships with clients and industry peers to create a robust referral network.David Dulany’s journey with Tenbound highlights the importance of adaptability, leveraging technology, and the power of community in building a successful business. To learn more about his strategies and insights, watch the full episode of Sales Talk for CEOs below.Episode DetailsChapters00:52 David's Early Career and Foundational Experience01:59 Introduction to Ten Bound and Its Current Focus 02:54 David's Career Ride and Transition to Ten Bound06:03 Becoming an Accidental Entrepreneur07:54 Initial Hiring and Overcoming Early Challenges09:12 Strategies in Growing Ten Bound12:27 Sources of Early Business and Role of Referrals16:07 Launching Sales Development Conferences17:39 Realizing the Shift Towards Sales Technology19:56 Coping with Industry Shifts and Economic Changes22:47 Building the Market Map and Creating the Directory25:23 Interaction with Competitors and Future Plans29:05 Monetization and Customer Engagement30:53 Sales Strategy and Future Events32:59 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways About GuestDavid Dulany is Founder and CEO of Tenbound, a research and advisory firm focused on the Sales Technology industry. Tenbound.com lists over 2500 Sales Technology products and services and offers guidance on the best Sales Tech available.Social Links (39) Tenbound: Posts | LinkedIn(39) David Dulany | LinkedInMain List Signup (tenboundplus.com)Tenbound - YouTubeTenbound | FacebookTenbound (@Tenbound) / XTenbound (@tenbound) • Instagram photos and videosPodcast Supporter Club The Sales Development Podcast (spreaker.com)Check out Alice’s website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/...
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    37 m
  • Building Your A-Team: Matthew Toth's Proven Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Top Talent
    Jul 30 2024
    In an era where technology evolves at lightning speed, having the right team in place is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. CEOs today face the critical task of ensuring their organizations are equipped for sustained growth and success. Matthew Toth, CEO of C3 Technology Advisors, shares valuable insights from his 15-year journey in building a successful technology consulting firm. Here’s what he’s learned about hiring, training, and retaining top talent.Building a Foundation for SuccessMatthew emphasizes the importance of laying a solid foundation for business success. "Sales is a lagging indicator of just doing the right things," he says. "If you build the right culture, bring on the right people, and have a good strategy, the numbers will follow." He believes that focusing on long-term goals and creating a strong company culture are essential steps toward sustainable growth.Effective Hiring StrategiesWhen Matthew decided to start his own business, he knew he needed to hire the right people to grow. His approach to hiring involved planting seeds early. "I started seeding my network with, 'When this thing works out, I'm going to come for you one day,'" he shares. This proactive strategy allowed him to build a pipeline of potential hires who were already familiar with his vision and values.Matthew's first hire was someone he saw as a perfect fit for his company culture. Despite the initial challenges, he trained this employee by giving him numerous opportunities to engage in real-world sales activities. "I just decided I'm going to go grind this thing out," Matthew recalls. His emphasis on practical experience and on-the-job training helped his first hire become a successful leader within the company.Training and DevelopmentTraining new hires can be challenging, especially without a formal process in place. Matthew's solution was to provide hands-on training through real-world experiences. By involving new employees in client interactions and sales processes, he ensured they gained practical skills and knowledge. "There's no training manual when you hire your first employee," he admits. "But giving them as many at-bats as possible was a great way to learn."Retaining Top TalentRetaining top talent is crucial for long-term success. Matthew believes that treating employees well and investing in their development is key. "I measure my success by year-over-year retention of extraordinary people," he says. By creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment, he has been able to maintain a high level of employee satisfaction and performance.Action Steps for CEOsBuild a Strong Foundation: Focus on creating a positive company culture, hiring the right people, and developing a clear strategy.Proactive Hiring: Continuously build a pipeline of potential hires by networking and keeping in touch with talented individuals.Hands-On Training: Provide new hires with practical experiences and real-world opportunities to develop their skills.Invest in Retention: Treat employees well, invest in their development, and create a supportive work environment to retain top talent.Matthew Toth’s journey from a solo entrepreneur to the CEO of a successful technology consulting firm offers valuable lessons for any leader. His experience underscores the importance of building a strong foundation, proactive hiring, hands-on training, and investing in employee retention. To learn more about Matthew's strategies and insights, listen to the full episode below. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established CEO, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration for your business journey.About GuestI’m the father of one amazing girl, husband to a police officer and founder of C3 Technology Advisors. When I’m not growing C3 into everything it possibly can be, I like to golf, work out, read, and spend time with my friends and family.I started C3 Technology Advisors in November of 2008. I’ll never quite forget family and friends questioning the wisdom of starting a company just as the economy started to crumble and stalwarts of the banking industry failing left and right. I just had faith that C3 was what I was meant to do. I didn’t want to continue to work for corporate America and be subject to the whims of whoever my next director, VP, or company acquirer would be.I started this journey 15+ years ago as a one-man band. Today, I'm lucky to be surrounded by 38 incredible consultants, engineers, marketers, project managers, and more who now service clients on a wide range of technologies. I couldn't be any more blessed. I'm committed to building an enduring company that our employees, clients, and other stakeholders can be proud of.Social Links Check out C3 Technology Advisors' website: https://c3techadvisors.com/Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c3matthewtoth/Check out Alice’s website: https://aliceheiman.com/Connect with Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/...
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    37 m

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