Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #667

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.

Does your sales process advocate emailing your proposal to the prospect and then calling in a few days to see what they think? If so, YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND! Whoops, got a little strident there! What I meant to say was, we think there is a better way.

So, move your had away from that SEND button as Scott and I discuss the Advantages of Interactive Delivery of a Proposal and other discerning details on Episode 667 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” Marcus Aurelius

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)
– BLOG: The Silent Treatment: How to Navigate Silence in Sales Conversations
– 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 3 – 6’s

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.

Perspective is the particular way you view a situation based on your experiences and background.  Do we all have the same perspective?  I say not. Can you improve your life by changing your perspective?  I say YES!

If you what to learn how, stick around as Bill and I welcome author, speaker and selling expert Jimmy Z to tell us about A Fresh Approach to the Sales Experience and other bellicose beliefs on the 3 6’s Episode of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” –Zig Ziglar

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:
– Jimmy Z – https://www.jimmyzspeaks.com
– 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 #665

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.

Is it better to prospect for new customers or get more business from our current clients? I don’t think one is necessarily better than the other, but it is certainly cheaper and should be easier to get business from those to whom we are already providing services. Unfortunately, those customers often get pushed off on delivery while the sales team goes hunting!

Get out you plow and let’s do a little farming as Scott and I discuss Gaining Wallet Share from Current Clients and other memorable minutia on Episode 665 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

Approach each customer with the idea of helping them to solve a problem or achieve a goal, not of selling a product or service.” – Brian Tracy

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 – The ONE Thing – Gary Keller
– BLOG: The Silent Treatment: How to Navigate Silence in Sales Conversations
– 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/)*

Outside Salesperson Allergies

Outside Salesperson Allergies: The Things They Just Can’t (or Won’t) Do

Salespeople are the lifeblood of revenue growth—but even the best ones have their “allergies.” These are the expectations, best practices, and responsibilities that they know they should do… but for some reason, they resist them like pollen in springtime.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common allergic reactions of outside salespeople.
Fair warning: this list might hit close to home.

These reps thrive on freedom, relationships, and flexibility—but structure? Not so much.

  1. Entering Notes into the CRM
    The post-meeting haze kicks in. “I’ll remember the details,” they say… until they don’t.  My manager does not pay me to enter notes.  They pay me for results!
  1. Prepping for Appointments
    They glance at the prospect’s name five minutes before the meeting.  Skip any notes from the last meeting, because there are none.. “Let’s just have a conversation.”
  1. Following a Formal Sales Process
    Every sale is a “gut feel” adventure. Consistency? That’s for tax preparers and accountants.
  1. Asking for Referrals
    They have amazing relationships but never turn them into introductions. “Feels too transactional.” “I don’t want to appear desperate.”
  1. Scheduling Follow-Ups Immediately
    They’d rather “circle back, check in, or touch base – next week” than lock in a date and time with the prospect – on the spot.
  1. Collaborating with Inside Sales or SDRs
    “Oh, they don’t understand what it’s like out in the field.” Classic allergy to teamwork.
  1. Holding Themselves Accountable
    They dread weekly check-ins. “I’ve been out building relationships!” (with little to show in the pipeline).
  1. Using Sales Enablement Tools
    If it’s not in their phone or briefcase, it’s “too complicated.”  “I’m old school.  Just get me in front of them and I’ll sell them!”
  1. Preparing for the Meeting and Scripting the First 5 Minutes
    They believe in “reading the room,” even if it leads to going off the rails.
  1. Delivering Tough Truths to Clients
    They’d rather stay “likable” than challenge the buyer’s thinking—then wonder why deals stall. “They know more about the problem than I do.  They’ll do the right thing.”

🧪 Diagnosis: High Awareness, Low Compliance

These allergies aren’t fatal—but left untreated, they can slow progress, kill deals, and frustrate leaders and clients alike. Awareness is the first step. Treatment? That takes coaching, clarity, and commitment.

Respectfully Submitted,

Scott P. Plum, President
Minnesota Sales Institute, LLC
www.mnsales.com
(612) 789-5700

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #664

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.

During every election season, we see candidates rushing to define themselves in the view of their voter — before their opponent gets the chance. Why? Because the first impression often sticks. It becomes the lens through which everything is viewed.  But let me ask you this: Who’s defining you? Is it your customers? Your coworkers? Your critics? Or is it… you?

Call a meeting with your publicist – as Bill and I discuss Define Yourself and other precious perceptions on Episode 664 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everything.” – 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 – The ONE Thing – Gary Keller
– 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/)*

The Silent Treatment: How to Navigate Silence in Sales Conversations

Silence can be one of the most unsettling responses in any sales or negotiation scenario. It’s not just the absence of words—it often signals uncertainty, a premature assertion of leverage, or a subtle power play. Many sales professionals, when met with silence, fall into a common trap: they start negotiating against themselves. They lower prices, offer unearned concessions, or scramble to reengage.

But what if there’s a better way?

Let’s explore how to transform silence from a roadblock into a strategic opportunity.

Redefining Control in Conversations

The word control can make some people uncomfortable—it may sound domineering or aggressive. But in this context, control isn’t about overpowering the other person. It’s about maintaining a consistent pace and shared momentum in the conversation.

Both parties want to feel in control. The problem arises when one side uses silence to seize that control, creating imbalance and uncertainty. Instead of reacting out of discomfort, focus on maintaining engagement and mutual alignment.

Stop Helping People—Start Working With Them

This is where a subtle but powerful mindset shift makes all the difference: stop trying to help people. Instead, work with them.

Helping can feel hierarchical. Working with someone fosters mutual respect and commitment toward a shared goal. In sales, this creates a partnership—not a power struggle—where both sides are invested in a successful outcome.

Three Steps to Handle Silence Strategically

Silence doesn’t need to be a dead end. With the right preparation, it becomes just another stage in the conversation. Here’s a three-step framework to proactively address silence before it stalls your progress:

  1. Gather Information

The foundation of any successful negotiation is high-quality information. Begin by identifying what you need to know, then ask questions that reveal needs, motives, constraints, priorities, and desires.

This data not only drives the conversation forward—it gives you context you can reference later when “trading” to reach your ideal outcome. And if silence does arise, you’ll be equipped to respond with insight rather than anxiety.

  1. Create Options

As you gather information, develop alternative paths. Options empower you. They keep you moving forward—even when the other side pauses. With viable alternatives, you avoid becoming overly reliant on one path, person, or response.

  1. Establish Mutual Agreements With Timelines

At each stage of the conversation, aim for small, mutual commitments. Ideally, these are paired with scheduled check-ins to review progress. When a next step is agreed upon, and that milestone is missed or met with silence, you can refer back to the shared commitment.

Instead of asking, “Why did you cancel or not show up?”, you can calmly ask, “What caused our meeting to change?” This approach invites thoughtful conversation and reduces defensiveness.

Keep in mind: during any negotiation, you are always gathering information and seeking new options.

The Big Picture: Prepare for Silence

Top-performing sales professionals aren’t surprised by silence—they anticipate it. They plan for it. And they use it as a strategic pause rather than a stopping point.

By gathering information, creating options, and establishing mutual commitments, you neutralize the power of silence and elevate the quality of your conversations.

When you show up as a partner rather than a persuader, silence loses its sting. It becomes a brief pause—not a barrier.

Ready to level up your sales conversations?
Start by reframing silence as a tool, not a threat. Work with your clients—not just for them—and always have a plan before silence speaks louder than words.

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #663

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.

Sales and marketing should work together closely to craft messages that engage customers and encourage them to consider a product or service. Unfortunately this is not always true! Quite often marketing is more interested in winning awards and sales doesn’t pay attention to the messages that marketing is sending out. This results in confused prospects – and confuses prospects wait or say no. What’s to be done?

Break out your marketing materials as Scott and I welcome B2B growth strategist and author, Pete Steege to discuss How Marketing Supports Sales and other valuable viewpoints on Episode 663 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“Efficiency is doing the thing right. Effectiveness is doing the right thing” – 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 – The ONE Thing – Gary Keller
– Special Guest – Pete Steege – www.b2b-clarity.com
– 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.

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #662

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.

Remember your first day on the job—full of enthusiasm, optimism, and ambition. But over time you start to become defeated and start to lose that initial drive. We start to make excuses and sell them up to leadership. Maintaining success requires a daily commitment to optimism, proactive beliefs, clear objectives, and intentional behaviors.

Management must challenge excuses and encourage accountability. Your success happens by consistently filling the sales pipeline by opening more conversations every day. It’s never too late to adopt effective sales habits; shifting your mindset today can reignite your passion and dramatically transform your sales results.

Turn that frown upside down as Bill and I discuss “Who Defines the Marketplace” and other creative concepts on Episode 662 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“Efficiency is doing the thing right. Effectiveness is doing the right thing” – 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 – The ONE Thing – Gary Keller
– 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.

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #661 – 5-Year Anniversary Show

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.

Sales managers have a tough job. Pressure from upper management to increase sales. Handling customer problems that have escalated. And most importantly, getting their sales team to get out of the office and do some real selling. It’s not easy and there are plenty of frustrating issues to overcome.

So put on your Big Boy pants as Scott and I welcome Author and Sale Management Expert, Mike Weinberg to discuss The Frustrations of Sales Managers and other fantastic philosophies on Episode 661 of the Winning at Selling podcast.

5th Anniversary Highlights

  • 261 shows with over 130 hours of sales related content
  • Over 70 guest appearances including Mike Weinberg, Frank Cespedes, Mark Hunter, Steve Keating, David Hoffeld, Anthony Iannarino, Victor Antonio and Robert Jolles
  • Detailed book reviews for 17 books – a total of 4178 pages
  • 483,603 podcast downloads.
  • Top 1% of all podcasts worldwide!

Golden Nuggets:

“A healthy sales culture values accountability and results.” – Mike Weinberg

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 – The ONE Thing – Gary Keller
– Mike Weinberg – https://mikeweinberg.com/
– 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.

Winning at Selling Podcast : Episode #660

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 many conversations can you keep track of in your head?  How about with your files on your desk? What about your notebook or journal?  Maybe 3?  That’s too low. You’re not alone — I struggle with this too!  How do we determine what is most important today?  What do you want to be known for by our customers, clients, and colleagues? How can we reduce stress, maximize our efforts and generate more income?

Have you ever heard – “If it’s not in the CRM, it never happened!”  Let’s talk about what others don’t dare to bring up – making it a mandate that ALL activities be entered.

If you are ready for a tough conversation, join Bill and me as we scrutinize Why Enter it into the CRM? and other meaningful morsels on Episode 660 of the Winning at Selling Podcast.

Golden Nuggets:

“Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.” – Tony Hsieh

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 – The ONE Thing – Gary Keller
– 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.