WINNING AT SELLING

What if the biggest obstacle standing between you and your sales goals isn't your product, your price, or your prospects—but the voice inside your head? Negative self-talk silently sabotages even the most skilled salespeople, creating doubt, hesitation, and missed opportunities. In this episode, we explore how your inner dialogue directly impacts your sales performance and discover the Thoughts On Demand® framework—a proven method for breaking free from self-limiting beliefs. So, join Bill and me as we welcome author and Certified Business Coach, Paul Boehnke as he tells us why Your Biggest Objection Might Be In Your Head on Episode 696 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. Paul's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Thoughts-Demand-Self-Talk-Unstoppable-Confidence/dp/B0BBWN15WH/ Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

When life turns up the heat, we don't rise to the occasion—we fall back to our preparation. In moments of pressure, we draw from whatever we've been putting inside ourselves all along. Like a well, our inner world stores the beliefs, emotions, and habits that shape our reactions. And when stress hits, the "bucket" only brings up what's already in the well. So, get a grip on the rope as Scott and I delve into What's In the Well Comes Up In the Bucket and other substantial subjects on Episode 695 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Most salespeople are trained to build rapport, gather information, and follow up later. But what if your prospect is ready today? In service-based, in-home sales (home- improvement, senior care, children's services, etc.) the best close might happen on the first visit.  Do you want to be strong in influencing or persistent in follow-up to make a sale? Join Bill and me as we break down How to Close on the First Appointment - Part Two by building curiosity and interest, defining the buying criteria, uncovering motivation and creating urgency to close the deal with confidence on Episode 694 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. 7 Ways to Close on the First Appointment Handout: Click here Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Few business challenges are more painful than hiring a salesperson who interviews well but fails to deliver. A poor producer can cost your company six to seven figures annually in salary, training, lost customers, and missed opportunities. While most sales leaders say they want reps with "fire in the belly," few know how to identify it reliably. In this episode, we reveal the proven, scientific formula: the three non-teachable traits that define top Hunter salespeople. You'll learn how to spot these traits in your candidates before hiring — so you can build a team of true producers, not pretenders. So, pay heed as Scott and I welcome author and researcher Dr. Chris Croner to reveal how you will Never Hire a Bad Salesperson Again on Episode 693 of the Winning at Selling podcast. SalesDrive - https://salesdrive.info/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Most salespeople are trained to build rapport, gather information, and follow up later. But what if your prospect is ready today? In service-based, in-home sales (home- improvement, senior care, children's services, etc.) the best close might happen on the first visit.  Do you want to be strong in influencing or persistent in follow-up to make a sale? Join Bill and me as we break down How to Close on the First Appointment - Part One by building curiosity and interest, defining the buying criteria, uncovering motivation and creating urgency to close the deal with confidence on Episode 692 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. 7 Ways to Close on the First Appointment Handout: Click here Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

One of the most crucial and creative aspects of selling is developing new customers. It is also what separates the farmers from the hunters. Unfortunately, in the current business climate it seems more difficult than ever to find and connect with your ideal client. But there are some strategies you can use. So, dust off that prospecting list as Scott and I put a stamp on Creative B2B Prospecting Ideas and other novel nuggets on Episode 691 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Handout: Click here Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Most companies stumble when launching something new—not because the idea is bad, but because they treat the launch like a one-time event instead of a repeatable discipline. Whether it's a product, service, or strategic initiative, success depends on more than development—it hinges on execution. In this episode, we'll explore why so many launches fall short, why launch success matters, and how a few proven best practices can flip the odds in your favor.  Keep your powder dry and your eyes up as you join Bill and me for Launching Best Practices to Help You Win on Episode 690 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. Bob Freytag's company - IntroWorks - https://intro.works/ Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Rejection sucks! At least that how I've always seen it. But others that I've worked with don't seem to get affected by it. As a matter of fact it seems to get a fire lit under them. So, what's the difference in our responses and how can we all get better at dealing with rejection Grab your smiley face buttons as Scott and I wrestle with Handling Rejection Like a Pro on Episode 689 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Offerings Page - https://mnsales.com/offers Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

We often celebrate outcomes — the closed deal, the big win, the promotion. But what if the way we got there says more about us than the result itself? Today, we'll explore why the means — the process, the behaviors, the discipline — matter just as much as, if not more than, the ends. So, put on your party hats as Bill and I explore Seven Tips to Goal Setting and other persnickety perceptions on Episode 688 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

You've seen the picture of a bridge being constructed where the two side are supposed to meet and they don't! Well, that is what misalignment looks like. In most firms, the sales function is the largest lever for executing strategy—yet it's often misaligned with the choices leaders say they've made. Fixing that gap is crucial for organizational success. So, get yourself straight as Scott and I welcome author and lecturer Frank Cespedes to discuss his book Aligning Strategy and Sales on Episode 687 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

We all carry voices from our past into our present—from our parents, the pastor from Sunday, the last prospect who brushed us off, the customer who complained about delivery, even our boss reminding us about our quota. They echo in the back of our minds and distract us from the person sitting right in front of us, now.  The problem is, those voices always seem to show up when we're trying to prospect, sell, lead, or negotiate. With so many invisible passengers riding along, it feels like we need a bus just to carry them all. The real question is this: Are you going to let these pesky little voices - keep driving your future—or is it time to leave them on the bus, including your mother? Pull over, step off, and join Bill and me as we explore Leave Your Mother on the Bus and other meandering meditations on Episode 686 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. BLOG: https://mnsales.com/leave-your-mother-on-the-bus/ Keystone Club Class - https://mnsales.com/keystone/ Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

In our last episode we closed with a quote from Bob Nardelli, the former CEO of Home Depot: "I absolutely believe that people, unless coached, never reach their maximum capabilities." If true, we should be looking for coaching opportunities every day with the hope of finding someone who will work with on a long-term basis. But, if we don't listen and change we might find our coach has better things to do. So, take a lap as Scott and I turn our attention to Are You Coachable? and other phlegmatic philosophies on Episode 685 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Sales isn't just about numbers—it's about sparking curiosity, creating connections, and leaving people amazed. Now, imagine a speaker who blends the precision of a teacher, the creativity of a magician, and the insight of a strategist. This isn't "just talk"—it's an experience that makes your sales message unforgettable, turning ideas into impact and audiences into believers.  Let's see if we can pull a rabbit out of the hat - as Bill and I interview magician and keynote speaker, The Amazing Hondo to discuss Magic with a Message on Episode 684 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. Connect with the Amazing Hondo - CLICK HERE Watch the Magic Trick - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqIyoHFNiHE  Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

Sales isn't about tricks or scripts—it's about understanding people. When you sell with empathy, clarity, and respect, you don't just win deals—you build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. The question is, "How do you accomplish that?" Put on your EMPATHY hat as Scott and I discover What Buyers Really Want and other ridiculous ramblings on Episode 683 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedeshttps://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1 Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

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. BLOG: You Are Not Being Tested Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

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. Stevie Ray Improv - https://stevierays.org/  Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

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. Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  BLOG: Making Rent – The Sales Quota Mindset Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com  

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. Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com  

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. Connect with Mitch Larson on LinkedIn Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com

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. Episode 675 with Jason Talley - Quote vs. Proposal and RFP's Our next book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larsonhttps://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1  Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/ Scott "Professor Plum" Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com