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Why use the Player/Coach Model? This hybrid approach combines hands-on contribution (Player) with team management and mentorship (Coach). It is common in startups and agile organizations. The model offers leaders who both do the work and shape strategy.  It can be deployed in sales and non-sales positions. Rethinking the Player/Coach Model in...

Can a sales pro with little formal training—and only a limited understanding of the enterprise sales cycle—consistently exceed quota? Most sales leaders would probably say no. After all, today’s complex selling environments demand structured methodologies, disciplined qualification, and carefully managed sales processes. Yet during my career, I encountered a salesperson who seemed...

Demonstrations Don’t Always Go as Planned—Here’s How to Recover Have you ever experienced a product demonstration going awry in front of a prospect? Perhaps the internet connection failed, a technical glitch appeared at the worst possible moment, or a critical feature didn’t perform as expected. Maybe some attendees struggled to join...

Have you ever worked on a prospect who did everything right? They showed genuine interest. They gave you access to decision-makers. They confirmed they had the budget. They returned your calls promptly. On paper, they were the perfect opportunity. They checked every box of a “qualified prospect.” They even matched your...

The first—and most important—piece of good news is this: you recognize that you are a Quota Sloth. Self-awareness is the starting point for improvement. A Quota Sloth is not lazy. In fact, most Quota Sloths are very busy. They spend their time working deals that are already in motion, responding to...

The Beginning The conversation with your contact, Ted, begins like this: “We appreciate all the time you spent with us explaining your product and answering our questions—and you did a great job—but we regret to inform you that we selected another supplier.” The call opens with a compliment. You did a great job....

Why sales pros leave their companies: An In-depth look Throughout my career in sales management, I have overseen more than 1,000 sales and sales support professionals and have been responsible for both hiring and, when necessary, firing team members. There are numerous myths circulating about the reasons sales pros choose to...