The Sales Evangelist

Can agentic AI truly streamline pre-qualification in the sales process? To explore this question, I invited Caroline Onyedinma, an AI sales innovator who bridges the worlds of AI, marketing, and technical strategy. With her deep expertise, Caroline explains how agentic AI can be integrated into key stages of the sales cycle to help sellers stay focused on high-impact activities instead of getting buried in manual tasks.What Agentic AI Is and Why It Matters (00:02:06 – 00:03:07)Caroline Onyedinma walks through her 20-year journey from software engineering into AI-powered marketing. She breaks down agentic AI in a simple, practical way, showing how it builds on solid, user-focused software principles. What excites her most is that tools once reserved for big enterprise teams are now accessible to entrepreneurs who want to save time, stay efficient, and scale their businesses.Agentic AI in the Pre-Qualification Stage (00:03:09 – 00:07:30)Caroline explains how agentic AI can transform pre-qualification. By analyz

1950 | How can I connect with a prospect who is not responding?In this episode, Donald Kelly tackles a common challenge faced by sales professionals: how to effectively follow up with a prospect who isn't responding. Learn actionable strategies that help maintain connection without crossing the line into annoyance, ensuring your efforts yield the results you desire.Understanding the Prospect's Perspective● Recognize that busy prospects may overlook messages, not outright ignore them.● Acknowledge the importance of persistence, as demonstrated by the client who called five times before getting a response.● Approach follow-up with empathy, knowing that a prospect's priorities may not revolve around your offer.Diverse Communication Channels● Use multiple methods to reach the prospect, including phone calls, emails, and texts to maximize your chances of connecting.● Follow up via LinkedIn, utilizing both messages and comments on their posts to keep the conversation alive.● Consider creative solutions like using W

Personalized messages or not? That is the question! Snov.io’s data has the answer, and you might be surprised by what it shows. I’ll also share my thoughts and tips for writing successful LinkedIn connection requests.Snov.io Data Analysis: Does Personalization Matter?·  I dug into the Snov.io data, which looked at over 44 million cold emails and 865,000 LinkedIn invites. ·  Surprisingly, LinkedIn invites without a message had a slightly higher acceptance rate at 30% compared to 27% for personalized notes. That 3% difference makes you wonder what the best outreach strategy really is.Personalized Notes: Strategy and Platform Limits (00:02:29 – 00:04:37)·  Even with the numbers, I still recommend sending personalized messages. Real engagement matters more than just acceptance rates. ·  LinkedIn now limits how many personalized requests free users can send, which shows they see value in personalization since it’s something they monetize.Why People Accept Requests:

show notes

How can you structure your day to hit an 800% increase in new appointments? My guest, James Donaldson, founder and CEO of Stakki, joins me to share how his team achieved it through cold calling. He shows that success is not just about working hard. It is about working smart with the right process and structure.Before the 800% Growth: The Spray-and-Pray Struggle (00:05:17–00:08:53)·  Before the wins, things were messy. James Donaldson explains how the team was working hard but not necessarily smart. ·  They were calling big lists, hoping something would stick, but there wasn’t much structure or tracking. It was very “spray and pray.” No real follow-up system. No focus on the right prospects. ·  And they weren’t even measuring simple things like how many times they dialed a specific prospect. ·  Sound familiar? The Mindset Shift: It’s Not Just “Booked or Not Booked” (00:09:22–00:14:13)·  James talks about a major turning point. They stopped t

There comes a time in every seller’s career when a prospect raises an objection. Don’t see it as a negative. Think of it as a pause in the sales cycle. In this episode, I share two ways to turn that “not right now” objection into a yes.Understanding Objections in Prospecting (00:01:49 – 00:04:07)·  When prospecting, objections like “not interested” or “send me more information” are common. ·  Stay calm and confident rather than panicking or rushing to offer discounts. Always search for the root reason behind the objection.The Art of Questioning (00:04:07 – 00:07:41)·  For objections that arise later in the sales cycle, try a probing and empathetic approach.·  My go-to methods include asking for permission to inquire further, repeating the objection for clarity, and using the “five whys” technique to uncover the true underlying issue. This often reveals surprising factors, such as long-standing relationships with other vendors.Moving Toward Solutions (00:07:41 – 00:

62% of buyers regularly ghost salespeople. Want to change that? In this episode, I share five sales tips to get your prospects engaged, respond, and move closer to becoming customers.Reason #1: Lack of Information Sharing (01:55 - 03:27)·  If neither side has enough information, prospects may leave the conversation due to a lack of perceived value.·  Always use phrases like “Tell me more” or “Is there anything else?” to dig deeper and uncover critical details.Reason #2: Selling to the Wrong Person (03:27 - 05:02)·  You want to avoid focusing all of your attention on end-users who lack buying power.·  Take the time to identify who is part of the buying committee and who plays a role in the decision-making process.Reason #3: They’re Just Shopping Around (05:02 - 07:25)·  Prospects may ghost because they are simply researching vendors. Be direct: ask who else they are considering and what criteria matter most. ·  Then, schedule a follow-up after th

Prospects are smarter now, and they know our sales methods. They even have a few that they really hate, yet sellers still try them. In this episode, I’m calling out five outdated sales tricks and sharing practical alternatives that actually work.1. Interrogating with BANT·  Prospects often dislike the BANT method (Budget, Authority, Need, Timing) because it feels like an interrogation. It can make them hold back instead of sharing the real challenges they face.·  Instead, focus on genuine connections. Listen carefully, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and give prospects the time they need to open up.2. Asking for the Decision Maker·  Don’t start by asking, “Who’s the decision maker?” It can make prospects feel like a gate is being put up.·  Instead, ask about their internal processes or who is part of their committees. This helps you understand how decisions are made without alienating your champion.3. Following Up Too Soon·  If your discovery call was yest

Finding B2B prospects isn’t as hard as it feels when you know where to look and what to focus on. Most people struggle because they are spending their time in the wrong places or chasing companies that are not ready to buy. In this episode, I am walking you through five sales strategies that help you find the right B2B companies faster and with less effort.1. Leverage LinkedIn Sales Navigator·  Sales Navigator gives you access to one of the most powerful databases for B2B prospecting. It helps you identify decision-makers who have recently stepped into their roles, when they are often most open to new solutions. ·  The advanced search and account filters make it easier to narrow in on the right prospects without wasting time. ·  (And yes, I also have a course that walks you through how to use it properly.)2. Utilize Third-Party Databases·  LinkedIn is great for identifying people new to their roles, but their contact information isn't always accurate. That is

You have about ten seconds to grab a prospect's attention on LinkedIn. If you’re spending more time scrolling than positioning yourself as a thought leader, you’re not using your profile to its full potential. Here’s how to turn it into the perfect “first discovery call.”Profile Positioning·  If you go back to episodes 1941 and 1088 with Brynne Tillman, you’ll hear her explain why it’s time to move past the resume mentality.·  Your profile is prime real estate. Start with a compelling banner that clearly shows who you help and how. Use a professional, up-to-date photo, and try LinkedIn’s name pronunciation feature to add a personal touch.Headline & About Section·  Craft a headline that’s punchy and credibility-building—skip the job title and highlight the value you deliver.·  In your About section, speak directly to your ideal client’s pain points. Use storytelling and short testimonials to build trust and connection.Target and Engage·  Create micro-lists

I’m digging into The Sales Evangelist archive to bring you another gem! One of the best parts about this podcast is that so many episodes share timeless sales strategies you can use for years.This rerun features Brynne Tillman, CEO and “LinkedIn Whisperer” at Social Sales Link, and author of The LinkedIn Sales Playbook. If social selling feels like a mystery, you’ll want to hear Brynne break down her 4 LinkedIn Pillars for business development.The Value of a Great LinkedIn Profile·  Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just an online résumé—it’s your first sales tool.·  When prospects visit your page, they’re not looking for your mission statement or how long you’ve been in business. They want to know how *relevant* you are to them.·  Head to getmyssicore.com for a personalized score that rates your social selling skills.·  The higher your score, the more likely buyers are to see your value.·  Write your summary like a mini blog post—something that instantly helps your

The stories you tell your prospects can either win you deals or cost you money. And with the fourth quarter here, you don’t have time to get crushed by objections. That’s why I’m bringing back storytelling expert Matthew Pollard. He shares a practical framework and proven tactics to help you move deals forward faster, avoid the pitfalls of group decision-making, and position yourself as a trusted advisor to your clients.Meet Matthew Pollard·  Known as the Rapid Growth guy, Matthew Pollard is responsible for five multimillion-dollar business success stories. ·  Today, Forbes calls him “the real deal,” Global Gurus lists him as a Top 30 Sales Professional, and Selling Power Magazine just named their 2023 Sales Kickoff Speaker of the Year. ·  He’s also the founder of Introvertu.com and the bestselling author of The Introvert’s Edge book series, which has sold over 100,000 copies and been translated into 15 languages.Why Deals Stall & How to Accelerate Them·  

Most sellers tend to get caught up in the technical side—asking the “right” questions, handling objections, and checking all the boxes. But in the process, we often overlook something just as important: the emotional side of selling. That’s why I invited Alex Kremer, founder of Alluviance, to join me. He breaks down how the right mindset can help you close more deals and build lasting relationships.Meet Alex Kremer·  Alex Kremer is the Founder of Alluviance, a community and organization dedicated to transforming sales and leadership through authenticity, purpose, and performance. ·  With over 15 years of experience, he has worked with top companies like Salesforce, AWS, and Gong, and played a key role in scaling Outreach from $25M to $250M. ·  He’s hired, trained, and led over 100 Account Executives and Sales Managers, earning President’s Club honors 7 years in a row.·  Alex is known for helping leaders build high-performing teams and purpose-driven cultures t

Can research-backed data really help you sell better? My guest, Lorenzo Bizzi, author of Myth vs. Science of Selling, spent four years studying what actually drives sales success. In this episode, he uncovers the gap between popular sales advice and what the data reveals, sharing practical insights you can start applying right away to close more deals and lead more effectively.Meet Lorenzo Bizzi·  Lorenzo Bizzi, Ph.D., is the author of Myths vs. Science of Selling: When Research Reveals the Opposite of Common Belief. ·  Professor of business at California State University, Fullerton, he has helped over one hundred businesses increase their sales, taught in programs in 18 countries, trained over 100 CEOs, has spoken as a distinguished speaker at major international events, and has been cited over 1,000 times, in academic and popular press, such as the Financial Times, Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine and many others.Debunking Popular Sales Myths·  Lorenzo’s research hig

Do you ever struggle to explain what you do in a way that clicks with prospects? My guest, Zoltan Vardy, is here to help. In this episode, he walks us through a live roleplay to demonstrate how you can clearly articulate your company’s value and get your message across with ease. Grab a pen and paper—you’ll want to jot down his simple, practical framework.Meet Zoltan Vardy·  Zoltan Vardy is a B2B sales advisor, author, and speaker who helps founders accelerate their revenue growth by sharpening their focus and structuring their sales to scale faster.·  He’s generated $2 billion in sales over his 30 years as a C-suite executive and entrepreneur and has helped 200+ startups in 26 countries close high-ticket deals using The Launch Code sales framework — also the foundation of his book on founder-led sales. ·  Zoltan has had successful exits as a founder and investor and is chairman of Antavo, an enterprise SaaS tech company.The Sales Messaging Problem·  Salespeople an

Can LinkedIn really influence 50% of your company’s pipeline? The short answer: yes. My guest, Alina Vandenberghe, co-founder of Chili Piper, joins me to share exactly how she made it happen. You’ll hear how she leveraged LinkedIn to drive more deals—without needing a massive following or traditional influencer status.Meet Alina Vandenberghe·  Alina Vandenberghe shares how her personal LinkedIn efforts drive an astonishing 50% of Chili Piper’s open pipeline. ·  She busts the myth that only people with massive followings can have impact—her 42,000 followers create over 6 million impressions thanks to targeted, authentic engagement.Influence vs. Influencer: Changing the Narrative·  We discuss the difference between “influencing” and being an “influencer.” She shows how you don’t need to be a celebrity or content-creator archetype to influence potential customers and pipeline—focus instead on genuinely impacting your audience. Overcoming Hesitation: From Fear to Purposeful

Should salespeople become influencers? I’m a firm believer in this, and my guest, Michael Manzur, Founder & CEO of Flood Me Social, is back to discuss the importance of thought leadership and influencer marketing. He shares how building genuine influence and community online is the modern path to driving real results.From Audience to Community· You can’t just focus on your ideal audience as an influencer—you have to build a community. · Michael explains how sales professionals can use social media platforms like LinkedIn to create meaningful conversations, provide value, and position themselves as trusted thought leaders.· In today’s world of AI, influencer salespeople must do more than simply attract an audience—they need to create engagement that fosters stronger connections, leading to more opportunities and qualified leads.Common Mistakes Companies Make with Influencer Campaigns· Michael points out how many organizations jump into influencer campaigns without first aligning th

I’m so excited about this episode. I have a good friend and co-host of our new podcast joining me. We’re here to introduce Sales 101: The B2B Classroom.It’s a podcast for sales professors on how you can help guide the next generation of sellers in our industry. Students and those already in the industry can still listen in — we share plenty of tips that can help you as well.Growth of College Sales Programs·  BJ and I have taught sales at Brigham Young University for years. We’re starting to notice the growth of college sales programs compared to 20 years ago. BJ shares that there’s been a 50% increase in sales programs.·  What’s so great about this is that students are able to gain sales skills before entering the field. It’s also an untapped recruiting source for modern B2B organizations.Hands-On Training in Academia·  College sales programs allow students to gain real-life skills using frameworks like Challenger, SPIN,and MEDDIC, as well as industry tools (Salesforce, HubSpot).

Planners, tablets, Google Calendar — you’d think with all these tools, you’d be able to stay on track with the tasks that bring in money. So why do silly distractions keep pulling your focus? Check out my strategy that will cut the noise and help you focus on what matters most.Every Monday Problem·  You wake up feeling unbothered—until you remember everything you need to get done.·  Suddenly, the pressure builds on your shoulders, and your mind may even jump to the worst-case scenario: freezing in the moment and not getting anything done.How to Shut the Noise·  As a sales professional and business owner, I know how overwhelming it feels once you start thinking about all the tasks on your plate.·  The best way I’ve found to avoid getting stressed is to start with the most critical tasks first. Tackling the hardest items right away gets them out of the way and sets you up for the best results throughout the day. Remember Kevin O’Leary’s 80/20 quote!·  In this ep

AI can do a lot, but it’s ineffective when it comes to building relationships with prospects. Even though creating connections is important, most sellers tend to struggle with this. I invited my guest, Ravi Rajani, a sales coach and author of Relationship Currency, to join me in this episode to discuss his newest book. He shares what inspired him to write this book and why sellers need to focus more on building relationships to create strong pipelines.The Origins of "Relationship Currency"· To start, Ravi discusses what inspired him to write his first book. He shares a funny story about talking to his mentor about the idea of writing a book while having a second baby on the way. · Looking back on his career and life, he noticed how much his relationships influenced his success. He learned that by building trust and communication skills, other sellers can achieve the same success.The Central Role of Trust· Would you be friends with your bestie if you didn't trust them? Your prospects f