Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #682

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

Many salespeople think they’re in a test every time they meet a prospect—measured on how much they know and how perfectly they can present. But selling isn’t about passing a test. It’s about uncovering what matters most to the prospect. In this episode, we’ll look at how shifting from “proving yourself” to “understanding them” can change the conversation—and your results.

So, listen up and keep your eyes on the road as Bill and I cram for You Are Not Being Tested and other intriguing ideas on Episode 682 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.” Charles Kettering (Inventor)

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Current Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
Connect with Mitch Larson on LinkedIn
– BLOG: You Are Not Being Tested

– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*

You’re Not Being Tested

He walked into my office and sat down.  I asked him, “How you doing since our last session?”  He replied with, “I’m still struggling with confidence.  I wish I saw me how others see me.  I want to earn their (prospects) respect and when they come into the store, I want them to value working with me.  I want to offer them value, so they’ll buy from me.”

I asked him, “What do you think would be of value for them?”  He answered with, “The benefits of the machine.  What it can do.  To show them I know what I’m talking about.”

He obviously had been through the standard, new hire sales training program that emphasis’ features and benefits, with a summary test on product knowledge before releasing them into the wild.  This traditional onboarding program gives him great frustration, because he is not making his numbers and the month is closing in 12 days. [Read more…]

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #681

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

How can a centuries-old art form help your organization engage employees, build teamwork, and create a culture of innovation? For decades, the techniques of improvisation, or “improv,” have helped organizations do just that. Improv is more than just funny; it is fun and valuable training. If you lead teams, interact with clients or customers, or face challenges that need innovative solutions, improv skills can take you to the next level.

So, let’s throw away the script as Scott and I meet with comedian and entrepreneur Stevie Ray to discuss Improv that Works: Engage *Build * Innovate on Episode 681 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“When you’re in a sales pitch, think of it as an improv scene: the audience (client) is waiting for you to make them look good.” – Stevie Ray

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Current Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
Connect with Mitch Larson on LinkedIn
– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #680

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

We don’t execute on what we don’t believe. Whether it’s a sales process, a life change, or a new habit, our actions—or lack of them—are rooted in what we truly believe about ourselves and what’s possible.  In this episode, we’ll explore how belief shapes behavior and how shifting what you believe – can unlock the consistent execution you need for real transformation.

Renew your membership in optimism and resilience as Bill and I discuss Belief and Execution and other noteworthy nuggets on Episode 680 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“The number one problem that keeps people from winning in the United States today is a lack of belief in themselves.” A.L. Williams (insurance executive)

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Current Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
Connect with Mitch Larson on LinkedIn
– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*

Making Rent – The Sales Quota Mindset

Years ago, a former boss and mentor of mine shared a principle that stuck with me. He owned a few duplexes, and his rule was simple: if a tenant was two months behind on rent, eviction proceedings began on the first day of the third month.

His reasoning? “If you can’t pay one month’s rent, you’re certainly not going to pay two.”

And you know what? He was never wrong. That rule worked, and it made me think: this same principle applies to hitting your monthly sales quota.

A Lesson in Priorities

I once worked with a salesperson who, early in the month, walked past my office. I called him in and asked, “What’s your goal this month?”

He stuttered. Hesitated. He didn’t know.

I contained my disappointment and calmly told him his quota. “Now, how are you going to reach it?” I asked. “Think about it, make a plan, and we’ll meet next Tuesday at 10:00 to discuss.”

The following week, we met and this time, he knew his quota. Good start. I then asked, “What’s your apartment rent each month?”

He answered immediately. No hesitation.

“You have a roommate, right?” I asked. “What’s their share of the rent?”

He knew that too.

“Now suppose your roommate couldn’t pay their share one month. What would you do?”

“I’d probably ask them for it every day until they caught up.”

“And if they didn’t?”

“I’d have to make up the difference and find another roommate.”

I nodded. “So you agree that the landlord wouldn’t accept just half the rent and call it good?”

“Of course not,” he said.

“Exactly,” I replied. “And your quota is no different. There is nothing less than your full quota that is acceptable. That’s not how this works.”

 Rent Is Fixed — So Is Your Quota

When it comes to rent, people know the number. They know the consequences of missing it. They budget, plan, and prioritize to make sure it’s covered.

Sales quotas should be treated the same way and have the same priority, if not greater.  More money can solve a lot of problems.

When you know your number, you know how hard you need to work. That awareness drives urgency and responsibility. You won’t hit your quota through guesswork or hoping things “pick up later.” It takes:

  • Discipline — Day-in, day-out commitment to pipeline activity.
  • Focus — Concentrating on leading daily goals of high-impact tasks that move the needle.
  • Efficiency — Sharpening skills through debriefing and using better tools to work smarter for future appointments and conversations.
  • Accountability — Owning your results without excuses or delays. You owe it to yourself, your team and your employer.

Quota Debt Is Real

Let’s be clear: sales doesn’t work on a rollover system. You can’t “make it up next month.” If you miss your target this month, the pressure increases next month. And unless something changes — your habits, your skillset, or your effort — you’re just carrying a deficit forward, making it harder to catch up.

Just like rent, your quota is non-negotiable. Falling behind forces painful decisions: do more with less time, work more hours, make up ground while handling new responsibilities, or worse, fall further behind and damage your credibility.

Stay Ahead, Stay On Track

Don’t wait for quotas to catch up with you. Stay ahead of your:

  • Behavior — Make proactive calls, follow up diligently, and qualify ruthlessly.
  • Tasks — Don’t delay outreach, proposals, or internal collaboration.
  • Responsibilities — Know your metrics, report consistently, and seek feedback.
  • Obligations — Own your number, your calendar and time; and your career path.

When you treat your sales quota like your rent — something fixed, non-negotiable, and mission-critical — you’ll operate with the urgency, clarity, and consistency that drive results.

Thanks for reading — and remember, quota isn’t optional.

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #679

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

In sales, there’s a common pattern that many professionals follow with the best intentions. They ask questions. They probe. They dig into the mechanics of a prospect’s situation—what systems are they using? How much are they spending? What’s not working? Next they tie the pertinent features into benefits for the prospect. But seldom do they get into the crucial questions of motivation – the WHY.

You must be motivated to tune in, so listen up as Scott and I probe, Features, Benefits and Motivation and other appealing appetizers on Episode 679 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“A product is not quality because it is hard to make and costs a lot of money… Customers pay only for what is of use to them – and gives them value.
Nothing else constitutes quality.” — Peter Drucker

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Current Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
Connect with Mitch Larson on LinkedIn
– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #678

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

Are you living with purpose—or just going through the motions? In today’s episode, we explore how purpose shapes your work, relationships, and identity. Discover how alignment brings clarity and fulfillment, and learn practical steps to overcome fear, find direction, and start living the life you’re meant to lead.

If you are open to new ideas and define yourself as “coachable” listen up as Bill, and I welcome author, speaker, and lifelong salesperson, Mitch Larson to discuss his new book, The Power of Purpose, a Guide to Discover Yours on Episode 678 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“Purpose in life is far more important than property or possessions. Having more to live with is no substitute for having more to live for.”Nickey Gumbel (Anglican priest and author)

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Next Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
Connect with Mitch Larson on LinkedIn
– Episode 675 with Jason Talley on Quote vs. Proposal and RFP’s
– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #677

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

Responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) can be a powerful way to win new business—but only if it’s the right opportunity. RFPs often demand considerable time, resources, and cross-functional coordination, so blindly responding to every one can lead to wasted effort, low win rates, and team burnout.

Look up your RFP win rates as Scott and I question, Should You Respond to an RFP? and other magnificent musings on Episode 677 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Golden Nuggets:
“In the end, all business operations can be reduced to three words: people, product, and profits. Unless you’ve got a good team, you can’t do much with the other two.”    – Lee Iacocca

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Current BOOK – SALES Perspective by Jimmy Z – (Zugschwert)
– Next Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
– Episode 675 with Jason Talley on Quote vs. Proposal and RFP’s
– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #676

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

Have you ever been torn between jumping into action or holding back to wait for the perfect moment?  Today we explore the tension between taking immediate action and practicing delayed gratification. Can you really do both—and should you?

You don’t have to wait another moment as Bill, and I pause to discuss Start or Wait… What Should I Do? and other sublime statistics on Episode 676 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:
“Establishing trust is better than any sales technique. ”Mike Puglia

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Current BOOK – SALES Perspective by Jimmy Z – (Zugschwert)
– Next Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
BLOG: Start or Wait…What Should I do?
– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #675

Greetings,

Thank you for listening to the episode. Your commitment to developing your selling skills, mindset and techniques is our motivation.

This podcast is dedicated to the overall success in the sales channel.  From the CEO to the front line salespeople, every role must be aligned, trained and committed, every day to achieve the desired outcome.  This is not done without a commitment to ongoing career development in learning market-relevant techniques, overcoming conceptual barriers, applying proactive and productive behaviors and projecting a positive attitude.

Scott and I have been pouring our knowledge and experience into this podcast for over 5 years with the hope that sales professionals would be able to use this information to sell more and win at selling. And that sales leaders would be able to augment their own training with the ideas presented in our podcast. While we’ve spoken to many of our listeners we finally decided to let one of them share his results.

So prepare to hear an echo of your own experience as Scott and I welcome sales leader Jason Talley to examine how he is Using Podcasts to Supplement Training and other idealistic impressions on Episode 675 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Golden Nuggets:
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” — Will Rogers

Your Hosts:
Bill Hellkamp See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/

Scott “Professor Plum” PlumSee my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Mentions:
– Current BOOK – SALES Perspective by Jimmy Z – (Zugschwert)
– Next Book: Power of Propose by Mitch Larson
– Attend a Professional Sales Association (PSA) meeting.  Go to www.psamn.org 
– Bill – Jumpstart Sales Coaching – Introductory Program – (1) 60 min. initial and (5) 30 min ongoing sessions – $495. – Contact me here.
– Bill – Seven Deadly Sins of Selling presentation for the next 2 companies to contact me. 45 min. Live in Minneapolis area – Webcast further away.
– Scott offer’s the DiSC Sales Assessments for $139.00 per person.  See a Sample.

Whether you are defending first place in the market or dedicated to fighting for first place, each episode will deliver proven advice you can apply that day to improve your sales results.

Join us every week.  Email us your comments, feedback, real-life challenges in the marketplace and desired topics for us to cover and we will deliver sound advice you can use. ALL comments are welcome.

Feel free to reach out to us via the form below. You can reach either of us by calling 612-789-5700.

The WINNING AT SELLING Podcast is Globally Ranked in the Top 1% of all Podcasts. For some ranking information, check out ListenNotes.com.(https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/winning-at-selling-bill-hellkamp-and-scott-vi60qX2kYrt/)*