The Sales Hunter Podcast

Is there anything in life that you couldn't improve by 5% over 90 days? Gene McNaughton, veteran sales consultant, joins The Sales Hunter Podcast to unpack the concept of the "aggregation of marginal gains." Gene shares his extensive experience helping companies achieve explosive growth, not through chasing silver bullets, but through small, strategic improvements at every stage of the sales process. Mark and Gene dive into the practical mindset shifts required for sales leaders who want to level up. Their conversation teases how to pinpoint the most impactful KPIs, examine the underlying factors that influence conversion rates, and foster sustainable record-breaking growth. Listeners will learn how incremental change can transform both teams and individual sellers. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.  👤 About the Guest Gene McNaughton helps companies build predictable, scalable, and repeatable growth systems. He's the President at GrowthSmart Consulting and Elite Concepts Business Growth Consulting.  

Silence is not rejection. It's uncertainty. Join Mark as he explores why prospects may suddenly stop responding and what sales professionals can do to regain engagement. Uncover how uncertainty, not rejection, leads to silence and why building confidence is crucial throughout the sales process. Learn how to ask better questions and share insights that matter to your potential customers.  Find out the importance of alternate connections, a strong marketplace presence, and the right follow-up cadence. Tune in for key recommendations on staying relevant and persistent with high-value opportunities. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.   

Your own brain is your worst enemy. With a coach, you have a second brain. Jeb Blount Jr., of  Sales Gravy joins Mark Hunter to uncover what it really means to have a competitive mindset in selling. Together, they investigate how the philosophy of competition shapes both your professional and personal life. The discussion pushes listeners to examine the standards they set for themselves and challenges them to consider whether true accountability can exist without an external partner. Listeners will hear actionable stories about finding effective accountability partners and learn why coaching is much more than simple cheerleading. Jeb shares insights from his leadership journey and personal experiences with competitive sports and figure skating, paralleling these lessons to elite sales performance.  💡Read the BLOG for this episode.  👤 About the Guest Jeb Blount Jr. is a sales trainer for Sales Gravy and host of the Sales Gravy Podcast.  

9 Proven Tips to Prospect and Sell in Unfamiliar Markets. Learn how to quickly identify the right connections, gather essential industry knowledge, and target high-profile customers—even when you're starting from scratch. Mark explores practical ways to build credibility and relationships that open doors, plus insight on leveraging tools like LinkedIn and trade associations. Discover the foundational steps for moving from outsider to trusted partner without feeling overwhelmed, and set yourself up to break into new markets with confidence. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode. 

There is something distinctly human that is within every successful sales process. In this eye-opening episode, Mark Hunter sits down with sales performance leader Jeff Bajorek to challenge surface-level assumptions about success. Together, they examine why repeatable, high-profit pipelines and genuine customer relationships are harder to define than most leaders think. Jeff shares fresh perspectives on why longevity in business does not always equal consistent excellence and why uncovering the real differentiators within your sales team might require asking tougher, deeper questions. Mark and Jeff unravel whether "good" is defined by process, mindset, or the people behind the methods. Their discussion tackles the impact of automation and AI, cautioning companies against losing the personal touches that built their customer loyalty in the first place. The episode promises actionable insights for leaders who want to discover their unique "secret sauce" and achieve consistent high performance, all while putting the voice of the customer at the heart of their definition of success. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.  👤 About the Guest Jeff Bajorek is a speaker, sales leader, and trainer intent on helping sales organizations perform better. Jeff has authored three books and hosts the podcast Rethink the Way You Sell.  

It's JUST a conversation. Join Mark as he digs into the reality of sales call anxiety and shares why even seasoned pros still face call reluctance. Discover how to shift your mindset, embrace the value of conversations over pitches, and find motivation in your own success stories. This episode offers practical advice for setting goals, building habits, and holding yourself accountable, all designed to help you overcome hesitation and connect with more prospects. Let's boost your confidence and get you back on the phone. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.

What does it really mean to lead with energy, purpose, and integrity? In this compelling episode, Mark Hunter welcomes Brent Pohlman, CEO of Midwest Laboratories and author of "Leading with Zest," for an insightful exploration into the intersection of leadership and sales. Brent shares personal stories that reveal his journey from self-doubt and reactive leadership to discovering the transformative power of values-driven action. His approach isn't just for leaders in title—anyone striving for greater impact will find valuable takeaways in their discussion. Listeners get a glimpse into practical strategies for inspiring teams and building trusted relationships in and out of the workplace. Brent and Mark delve into why authenticity matters more than ever, how to navigate rapid change, and the habits that sustain positive momentum.  💡Read the BLOG for this episode.  👤 About the Guest Brent Pohlman is the CEO of Midwest Laboratories and author of 'Leaders Look Within,' as well as 'Leading with Zest.'  

There are four essential ingredients every value proposition needs to win over customers and avoid the trap of competing on price alone. Discover how to approach client conversations with greater clarity and ask the right questions early, ensuring your proposal never stalls out at the finish line. Mark shares strategies for building lasting trust and confidence with prospects, so your solution stands out. Packed with practical advice, this episode will help sales professionals fine-tune their pitch and secure more success in every deal. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.   

Is your CRM system working for you, or are you working for it? CRM expert Taylor Payne joins Mark Hunter to demystify the true purpose of CRM tools and challenge the perception that they exist only to monitor sales teams. Taylor sheds light on the big disconnect between sales leadership and salespeople, and breaks down why most organizations treat their CRM as an overpriced spreadsheet instead of a growth engine. This episode uncovers common mistakes that leave CRM investments wasted and reveals how culture, customization, and clarity all play a role in transforming CRM from a "gotcha" tool into a "getcha" tool. Mark and Taylor also explore how designing the right process and getting sales team input can turn a CRM into a daily road map to more deals and deeper client relationships. The episode is packed with thought-provoking anecdotes and actionable steps for anyone ready to finally see ROI from their CRM system. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode. 👤 About the Guest Taylorr Payne is Co-founder and President of Quantum Forest, which turns brand stories into high-engagement video games as marketing assets.  

When you sell with integrity, the marketplace notices. Join Mark Hunter as he explores the real ROI of integrity-first selling and why it matters at every level of the sales process. Discover how selling with integrity can transform your relationships, reduce stress, and elevate productivity for both individuals and teams.  Mark breaks down the unique benefits for salespeople, managers, and companies, showing how integrity fuels business growth and reputation. Get a glimpse into actionable ways to attract better customers, boost team morale, and increase profitability.  💡Read the BLOG for this episode.   

If you think hiring top sales talent is hard, you're not alone, because the process is fundamentally broken. Alice Heiman, renowned sales leader and advisor to CEOs across the tech world, sits down with Mark Hunter to expose the pitfalls lurking inside today's sales hiring routines. Drawing from conversations in the C-suite, Alice shares her front-line view of why so many salespeople aren't succeeding and how outdated approaches fail to meet today's transformed customer journey. The episode uncovers why the classic practices of the 1980s and 1990s don't stack up to modern buyers who are armed with information and high expectations. Listeners are in for a reality check on what it truly takes to build a high-performing sales team. The discussion explores the expensive cost of hiring the wrong people, the dangers of focusing on volume over quality, and the importance of aligning your sales hiring process with the needs of current buyer personas.  💡Read the BLOG for this week's episode.  👤 About the Guest Alice Heiman as a consultant guides CEOs and sales leaders to build the strategy they need to increase their sales, and is also a keynote speaker and the host of the Sales Talk for CEOs podcast.  

Lead with integrity and you sleep better. Mark opens up about those moments when sales professionals realize they've made mistakes and wonder what to do next. Hear personal stories from Mark's own career, and uncover the lessons that come from facing ethical challenges head-on. This episode dives into real-life situations that test integrity, explores why it matters in sales, and prompts listeners to reflect on their own decision-making.  Discover how staying anchored to your values can impact your business relationships for years to come. If you've ever asked yourself, "What now?" after blowing it, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 📚Order Mark's new book, Integrity First Selling → on Amazon. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.   

Self-awareness is a superpower. What if ROI meant something entirely different in your sales strategy? Jamie Diglio, founder of The Win Room and former leader at Microsoft and Gartner, stops by to challenge the traditional view of ROI. Instead of focusing on return on investment, Jamie introduces the concept of "return on interactions" and shares how this subtle mindset shift can make every conversation more profitable. Together with Mark Hunter, she reveals why being memorable and present is more vital than ever in a world shaped by AI and information overload. Listeners will get a preview of Jamie's unique frameworks that help sellers and leaders decode how prospects and team members listen. The episode teases practical ways to heighten self-awareness, adapt your style, and break through the noise by tailoring your approach.  💡Read the BLOG for this week's episode. 👤 About the Guest Jaime Diglio is a Harvard Sales Coach and TEDx Keynote Speaker. She's also the author of 'Moneyball Leadership,' and Founder of The Win Room.  

Sellers with integrity serve before they sell. Join Mark as he takes you through the keys to prospecting with integrity in today's competitive sales environment. Discover why building authentic relationships is more effective than chasing quick deals, and learn how serving clients first can set you apart from the crowd.  Mark explores practical strategies for staying aligned with your expertise, adding real value during outreach, and keeping your pipeline strong with purposeful connections.  📚Order Mark's new book, Integrity First Selling → on Amazon. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.

What does it really take to push past massive challenges and build a winning sales career? Patrick Engasser, an inspiring coach, speaker, and author, brings his incredible journey to the show. Blind since birth and starting his professional life in radio, Patrick navigated a turbulent economy, survived a grueling call center, and ultimately found his calling in sales. He shares how his faith and clear sense of purpose propelled him from the bottom rungs of a competitive sales force to its top performer, before becoming a leader and mentor for others. In this episode, host Mark Hunter dives deep with Patrick to explore the often-overlooked foundations of true sales success. Listeners will get a glimpse into how mindset, daily habits, and a well-defined personal "why" can fuel extraordinary growth, even when the odds seem stacked against you.    👤 About the Guest Patrick Engasser is a best-selling author, international speaker, and success coach. Learn more at www.talkwithpatrick.com 

Sales is not a profession. It's a lifestyle of serving others. Join Mark as he reveals why your sales process might not be delivering the results you want and why it's more important than ever to tighten your focus.  Explore the difference between buyer interest and intent, and learn why old habits of chasing endless leads are keeping you from true success. Mark uncovers the modern challenges of reaching customers and the crucial need to de-educate and re-engage with prospects in meaningful ways. Gain insight into how targeted questioning and storytelling can help build trust and confidence with potential clients.  💡Read the BLOG for this week's episode.  

Ross Bernstein, renowned author of nearly 50 books and celebrated keynote speaker, joins Mark Hunter for an action-packed episode that challenges conventional sales wisdom. Ross brings his energetic perspective on hustle and relationship-building, revealing the tactics that make his sales approach stand out. From leveraging speed, responding to inquiries, or building genuine enthusiasm over the phone, Ross shares the mindset that has helped him connect with clients across all seven continents.  The conversation delves into the importance of customizing every touchpoint, doing deep research, and making the client feel like the hero. Mark and Ross discuss strategies for overcoming rejection, maintaining abundant generosity in competitive industries, and turning "no" into future opportunities. 👤 About the Guest Ross Bernstein has delivered 2000+ keynotes on all seven continents, he's also authored nearly 50 sport books.  💡Read the BLOG for this episode.

When it's easy for a customer to refer you to someone, you're instantly easier to trust. Listen as Mark unpacks the power of the breadcrumb strategy to generate more referrals and accelerate sales. Discover how a strong online presence and consistent integrity in selling can lead to higher close rates from referred prospects. Mark reveals why treating customers right naturally leads to recommendations, and how staying visible across digital platforms boosts your findability. Learn why nurturing your existing network pays dividends and get inspired to track your referral sources for business growth. 💡Read the BLOG for this episode.

Ready to elevate your brand above the noise? In this episode, bestselling author and keynote speaker David Newman joins Mark Hunter to explore the transformative concept of "Market Eminence." David reveals strategies from his latest book, focusing on how professionals and teams can amplify visibility, earn deep marketplace respect, and foster true brand preference. Mark and David discuss why authentic transparency is the key to drawing in the perfect customers and letting go of those who aren't a match. Listeners get actionable prompts for developing a bold, contrarian slant that sets them apart in any industry. Mark and David urge sales professionals to move past tired tactics, giving both sellers and buyers permission to engage honestly and decisively. If you're ready to rethink your approach and build a compelling reputation, this episode is your gateway to standing out and driving unstoppable growth.   👤 About the Guest David Newman, author of the 'Do It!' series, and now author of new book, 'Market Eminence, is a keynote speaker, C-Suite Advisor, and podcast host. Get David's free resources at www.marketeminence.com  💡Read the BLOG for this episode.

If you have the ability to help someone, you owe it to them to reach out to them. Join Mark as he unpacks the real reason most sales opportunities slip away: poor follow-up. Explore how a disciplined approach can turn ghosted leads into engaged prospects and reveal hidden commissions in your pipeline.  Learn why simply "checking in" isn't enough and get a preview of smarter ways to stand out. Mark shares why following up with purpose sets you apart and hints at actionable steps to make your outreach more valuable.  📚Pre-Order Mark's new book, Integrity First Selling → on Amazon. 💡Read the BLOG for this week's episode.