Tech Sales Insights

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by David Nour, the founder and CEO of Avnir, and a 22-year founding partner of the Nour Group. David shares his expertise on leadership with five valuable tips for continued growth in the new year: 1) Executives in transition should ensure they truly belong; 2) In corporate dynamics, be a statesman; 3) Prioritize MEI (Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence) over mediocrity; 4) Revisit assumptions and zero-base everything; and 5) Leverage AI but humanize the last mile. David also discusses the development of Avnir, an AI platform to identify hidden relationship value, his journey in writing 12 books, and the importance of building meaningful relationships for long-term success.KEY TAKEAWAYSExecutive Due Diligence: Emphasize the importance of thorough due diligence and cultural fit when considering new roles.Statesmanship in Leadership: Advocate for a 'we’ mindset over 'me,' encouraging inclusive and discerning communication.Merit-Based Hiring: Prioritize merit, excellence, and intelligence (MEI) over mediocrity to build a successful team.Zero-Based Thinking: Regularly revisit and recalibrate goals, assumptions, and strategies to ensure efficacy and innovation.AI and Human Touch: Leverage AI for heavy tasks but retain human elements for meaningful relationship-building and decision-making.QUOTESOn Leadership: “Just because you fit doesn't mean you belong.”On Corporate Culture: “The grass is never greener on the other side; it's greener where it's fed, nurtured, and taken care of.”On Relationships: “Relationships are never between buildings and logos; they are always between individuals.”On Talent Acquisition: “You can't get to the promised land with mediocre talent; double down on merit, excellence, and intelligence.”On AI Integration: “AI-enable the heavy lifts, humanize the last mile.”Find out more about David Nour through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnour/This episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo, the GTM Platform sponsor of the Sales Community. ZoomInfo is the go-to-market platform that helps businesses find, acquire and grow their customers. Businesses use ZoomInfo data and platform to increase efficiency, align sales and marketing teams, and consolidate technology stacks.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Dave Donatelli, CEO of Riverbed. They discuss go-to-market best practices from a CEO's perspective and delve into Dave's extensive career across various technology companies, including EMC, HP, and Oracle. Sponsored by ZoomInfo, the episode also touches upon sales strategies, leadership, and the importance of building strong relationships and delivering consistent value. Additionally, personal anecdotes and career advice underscore the importance of perseverance, focus, and ethical leadership in the tech sales industry.KEY TAKEAWAYSImportance of Relentless Customer Focus: Dave emphasized the critical need for maintaining strong customer relationships and how showing up consistently can make a significant difference.Value of Simplifying Sales Processes: Having straightforward and achievable comp plans can drive better sales performance.Impact of Organizational Changes: Dave's experience shows the importance of focusing on fewer accounts for deeper engagement and better results. Consistency and pushing through initial resistance are crucial.Leveraging Analytics: The role of sales ops and tools like Clary to provide actionable insights and guide decision-making was stressed.Career Growth Tips: Delivering consistent results in your current role is the gateway to more significant opportunities. Self-assessment and honesty about one's performance are key.Power of Long-term Relationships: Building and maintaining relationships over the years is invaluable both personally and professionally.QUOTES"Do an incredibly good job at the job you have. That gives you the right to the next job.""If you execute well all the time, then you free up all these selling hours because one of the customers is happy with what you've done, which gives you the right to then sell them the next thing.""Focus always wins in the end.""Your best performing reps, the really smart ones, figure it out early and they go do it. And everybody else literally, it takes at least six months, half a year is a long time, sometimes nine months."Find out more about Dave Donatelli through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-donatelli-29854825b/This episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo, the GTM Platform sponsor of the Sales Community. ZoomInfo is the go-to-market platform that helps businesses find, acquire and grow their customers. Businesses use ZoomInfo data and platform to increase efficiency, align sales and marketing teams, and consolidate technology stacks.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Motti Finkelstein, Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Intel. Motti shares his career journey, starting from his early days in the Israeli Air Force computer unit to his current role at Intel. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the importance of understanding customer challenges in sales, leveraging AI at Intel, and the value of long-term business relationships. Motti also emphasizes the need for IT to align closely with business objectives and shares insights on effective sales strategies, including value selling and relationship building.KEY TAKEAWAYSIndustry Relationships: Long-term professional relationships are invaluable for navigating corporate roles and leveraging collective insights.AI Integration at Intel: The primary focus areas for AI at Intel include manufacturing, pre-silicon design, silicon testing, and software development.Importance of Client Understanding: Effective sales strategies hinge on understanding clients' specific business challenges and tailoring approaches accordingly.Leadership Lessons: Emphasizing focus, execution, and discipline can drive success in demanding environments.Value of Mentorship: Learning from industry leaders can shape one's career significantly by providing insights and fostering growth.Customer Priorities: Understanding the diverse needs and constraints of business units is crucial for delivering tailored value and solutions.QUOTES"The best experiences I've had are with salespeople who understand the challenges of their customers.”"Understand the business if you don't study it; learn it.""At the end of the day, Pat is the CEO. He has to decide the right approach, the right time for the right thing.""Intel's business model involves designing, manufacturing, and selling, offering a competitive advantage by controlling more of the supply chain."Find out more about Motti Finkelstein through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mottifinkelstein/This episode is sponsored by ZoomInfo, the GTM Platform sponsor of the Sales Community. ZoomInfo is the go-to-market platform that helps businesses find, acquire and grow their customers. Businesses use ZoomInfo data and platform to increase efficiency, align sales and marketing teams, and consolidate technology stacks.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by John Hinshaw, owner of Blackbird Vineyards, and previously an executive at HSBC, HPE, Boeing, and Verizon. The discussion focuses on sales lessons, the importance of relationships and trust in business, and the strategic value of partnerships. John shares anecdotes from his career, insights on sales strategies, and the role of philanthropy in building strong relationships. The episode also highlights John's transition from corporate roles to acquiring and managing a vineyard.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuilding trust and relationships is essential in sales and partnerships. Effective communication and understanding of the customer's business needs are crucial.Collaborating with partners on product development and exploring joint market opportunities can enhance business growth.Philanthropy and doing good together can strengthen business relationships and create positive impacts.Combining technology expertise with business acumen and strong communication skills is key for successful technology leadership.Smaller vendors should consider trials and leveraging venture funds to gain trust and break into larger enterprises.QUOTES"It's totally about trust and relationships.""Technology doesn't matter unless it's got a business outcome.""In every corporation, your ability to balance revenue and costs is super important.""Understanding your customer's business and what drives them makes a huge difference.""Doing good together is an amazing opportunity."Find out more about John Hinshaw through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hinshaw-96433b121/This episode is sponsored by SmartSource, the Event Success sponsor of the Sales Community. With over 35 years of experience, SmartSource provides comprehensive IT, AV, and interactive technology solutions to a wide range of industries, from legal and finance to entertainment and events. Their national presence, extensive inventory, and deep expertise in logistics and technical support ensure that businesses can successfully communicate and operate, no matter the challenge.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Kevin Guthrie, EVP of Sales at Alight Solutions. They discuss the importance of values-based leadership, sharing experiences from Kevin's illustrious career spanning companies like Oracle, Hyperion Solutions, and Tableau. Kevin highlights his leadership philosophy, the significance of fostering competitive camaraderie within teams, and the value of maintaining strong relationships. The episode also touches on the impact of mentors and peers in shaping Kevin's approach to leadership and sales success.KEY TAKEAWAYSValues-Based Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of clear values in leadership, fostering environments where employees align with company values.Customer Success: Prioritizing customer success creates loyal advocates and drives long-term business success.Mentorship and Development: Effective leadership involves mentoring, providing clear feedback, and fostering professional and personal growth.Relationship Building: Strong relationships and networking are critical in professional growth and business development.Adaptation and Resilience: Embracing challenges and learning from both peaks and valleys in one's career are crucial for growth and success.QUOTES"Be the leader that you want to have.""Happiness fuels your success.""Individual success must never come at the expense of the team success.""Nervous can't exist in service.""We exist to help people be healthy and financially secure.""Treat people how you want to be treated; practice the golden rule.""By virtue of my success at work, when I build a new relationship, when I work in the right, I live in the right house or have the right job or drive the right car, I'm going to be happy, but instead, happiness fuels your success."Find out more about Kevin C. Guthrie through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevincguthrie/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world’s leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this Tech Sales Insights episode, Randy Seidl is joined by Chuck Smith, VP of Business Development at IBM Infrastructure Group and Sales Community Advisory Board member. Chuck shares insights on IBM's infrastructure services, their pivot to 'as a service' models, and the importance of product-market fit and positioning. The discussion also covers Chuck's career trajectory, the role of sales engineers, and the evolving sales culture at IBM. Chuck emphasizes the value of networking, and maintaining personal relationships, and offers practical GTM tips for sales professionals. Sponsored by Sandler, this episode provides a deep dive into the strategies shaping IBM's market approach.KEY TAKEAWAYSIBM’s GTM Strategies: Discussions about IBM’s focus on modernizing through AI and Hybrid Cloud technologies with an emphasis on go-to-market (GTM) strategies.As-a-Service Model: Chuck details IBM’s transition towards offering flexible “as-a-service” models to meet modern business needs.Importance of Partners: Emphasis on the critical role of channel partners in driving sales and customer relationships.Sales Enablement: The significance of sales enablement and training for successful GTM execution.Cultural Shifts: Tackling cultural shifts within IBM to support an annuity-based sales model as opposed to traditional transactional models.Career and Mentorship: Chuck shares insights on career growth, emphasizing the importance of mentors and maintaining professional networks.QUOTESOn Sales and Customer Relationships: "Salespeople are your customers. Always ensure you’re supporting them to the fullest."Regarding IBM’s Strategy: "IBM is much more modern than many perceive, given our investments in AI and Hybrid Cloud."On As-a-Service Models: "Adopting an 'as-a-service' model helps IBM offer cloud-like experiences for on-premise infrastructure."Sales Insights: "Know the company you’re selling to, understand their business needs, and remember you're selling yourself."Market Positioning: "The value proposition is critical. Understand what you're replacing or improving for the client."Tech-Sales Synergy: "Pre-sales resources, like sales engineers, are often the unsung heroes. They are vital to closing deals."Career Advice: "Keep your professional network in tune, and never take it for granted."Find out more about Chuck Smith through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chucksmith3/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Matt Horner, Executive Vice President of Global Enterprise Sales at Worldwide Technologies (WWT). They discuss the role and impact of generative AI in enterprise businesses, the importance of company culture at WWT, and the innovative ways WWT integrates new technology partners. The conversation also covers Matt's career journey, including his start in inside sales, his rise to leadership at WWT, and his approach to fostering enterprise relationships. Matt emphasizes the significance of preparation and adaptability in sales, and the ongoing need for training and development within teams. The episode highlights WWT's commitment to mentorship, community involvement, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in both innovation and customer engagement.KEY TAKEAWAYSGenerative AI's Impact: Compared to the industrial revolution, it can revolutionize modernization, profitability, and efficiency in enterprises.Enterprise Adoption: It is crucial for enterprises to leverage AI to avoid disruption and address cyber threats.Sales Team Strategy: Focuses on highly structured training and enablement, including AI driver's licenses and certifications.Company Culture: Emphasizes respect, innovation, and continuous improvement, protected as the company scales.Industry Relationships: New relationships within large enterprise accounts are important to gain advocates and deeper engagement.QUOTES"Generative AI is the modern-day industrial revolution in terms of technological advancement." — Matt Horner"Our net new logos in the enterprise space are net new relationships." — Matt Horner"Preparation for separation is key; you need to bring something that catches the client's eye to differentiate yourself." — Matt Horner"If you ignore the necessary adoption of AI in your enterprise, you risk being disrupted by industries leveraging it." — Matt HornerFind out more about Matt Horner through the link/s below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-horner-a38b713/This episode is sponsored by Iternal, empowering enterprises to become Idea Factories with its Turnkey AI solutions. By rapidly deploying patented AI technology and innovative methodologies, Iternal helps organizations transform the way their teams collaborate, engage with customers, and scale their best ideas seamlessly.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, to discuss his transformative leadership journey with host Randy. Greg shares his approach to decision-making, mentorship, and the critical role of clear communication. Reflecting on Motorola's significant growth through over 40 acquisitions and a 1400% increase in shareholder returns, he underscores the importance of customer engagement and listening over telling in sales. The episode also explores effective team dynamics, a meritocratic management approach, and the value of diverse perspectives. With insights on navigating Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), sales leadership, and genuine communication, Greg emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning and authenticity in leadership. The discussion includes personal anecdotes, lessons from industry leaders, and the significance of integrating knowledge with wisdom for successful decision-making.KEY TAKEAWAYSTransformational Leadership: Under Greg's tenure, Motorola has made significant transformations including over 40 acquisitions and a 1400% total shareholder return.Sales and Customer Engagement: Emphasis on real, unfiltered feedback from customers and the importance of CEOs engaging directly with sales calls.Decision-Making Philosophy: Effective managers should listen and make data-driven decisions but also rely on gut feelings when necessary.Team Dynamics: Encourages a culture of candid feedback, adaptability, and resilience; mentorship and nurturing talent within the team are crucial.Leadership Style: Combining knowledge and wisdom, balancing fact and intuition, and continuously learning and challenging conventional thinking.Values and Culture: Family-oriented, values-driven leadership with a focus on integrity, energy, and positivity.Lessons from Experience: Reflecting on mistakes made early in his career, Greg highlights the importance of transparency, communication, and appreciating company culture.QUOTES- "Wisdom is experience." - Greg Brown- "Don't read the label. You'll never have it." - Greg Brown- "At the end of the day, there's always an intuition." - Randy Seidl- "It doesn't matter where we're from. It matters where we're going." - Greg Brown- "When you're the senior person in the room, speak less, speak last." - Greg Brown - "You learn by your mistakes." - Greg Brown- "It's not the cards you're dealt. It's how you play the hand." - Greg Brown- "People say Oh, you're a very good communicator. You're good on your feet. That has nothing to do with it." - Greg BrownFind out more about Greg Brown through the links below:https://www.motorolasolutions.com/newsroom/leadership/greg-brown.htmlThis episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Scott McNealy, former CEO of Sun Microsystems, unfolds his vast career insights and personal anecdotes. The discussion, primarily focusing on sales tips, touches on various topics such as McNealy's parenting philosophy, experiences as a sales leader, and humorous personal stories from his life. The script highlights McNealy's sales strategies, the importance of leadership involvement in sales, and maintaining ethics in business. Also included are McNealy's ventures post-Sun, his involvement with his sons' careers, and the personal values that have guided his life and work.KEY TAKEAWAYSSales Tips: Emphasis on the importance of building strong relationships and being present.Leadership: McNealy's focus on ethical leadership and employee fulfillment.Parenting Wisdom: McNealy discusses his strict but loving approach to parenting.Company Culture: Sun Microsystems' culture fostered numerous future leaders.Innovation and Persistence: Notable stories of overcoming business challenges with creativity and resilience.Personal Growth: Transition from being shy to becoming an effective public speaker and leader.QUOTES- 'Sales is a contact sport. You've got to be there. You can't zoom your way to B2B success.' — Scott McNealy- 'No deals ever lost. It's only postponed.' — Scott McNealy- 'You're not your kid's friend. You're their parent and too many parents want to, have sleepovers, go water skiing with their kid and do all of these other things.' — Scott McNealy- 'If you're going to bring a child into the world…you ought to take full responsibility until they're out of the nest.' — Scott McNealy- 'It's your responsibility to keep skills current, not the company's.' — Scott McNealy- 'Everything will be fine. Don't you dare cheat.' — Scott McNealyFind out more about Scott McNealy through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/smcnealy/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Steve Jow, EVP of Sales at TD SYNNEX, to discuss strategies for building a winning sales culture. Steven shares insights from his 34-year career at TD SYNNEX, emphasizing teamwork, customer focus, and leveraging partnerships. The role of culture in sales performance is highlighted, along with the integration of AI and technology for enhanced efficiency and solutions selling. Steve’s experiences and anecdotes provide a personal touch to his professional philosophy, underscoring the value of optimism and a service-oriented approach in the tech sales industry.KEY TAKEAWAYSCompany Profile: TD SYNNEX is a leading technology distributor, emphasizing a holistic approach that includes market planning, comp design, and channel setup.Sales Culture: A winning sales culture involves creating a team that celebrates wins, adapts to challenges, remains optimistic, and values customer experience.Team Synergy: Best team practices include strong internal relationships across all functional areas, highlighting the importance of teamwork and individual contributions.Customer Experience: Focusing on customer satisfaction and feedback is crucial, leveraging tools like QBRs and NPS scores to maintain high customer experience levels.Evolving Competencies: Modern sales require a balance of traditional and new skill sets, including technical acumen, accurate forecasting, and the ability to leverage AI and digitization.Portfolio & Solution Selling: An emphasis on solution selling across various verticals helps drive comprehensive portfolio selling, supported by strong vendor partnerships.Efficiency through Systems: Utilizing integrated systems and AI to streamline processes and enhance seller productivity is a focal point.Family and Culture: Maintaining a family-oriented culture within the company is valued, supporting employees' personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities.QUOTES"It's always good to drive success with optimism. Remember, pessimists sound smart, but optimists make money.""Focus on the customer experience because that is part of our culture.""It's important to have a winning culture. A team that wants to win, that likes to celebrate those wins, and can adjust to any challenges.""It's not just getting the order out the door; it's about understanding the entire customer experience.""Family means everything. A good company culture values both personal and professional family.""Look, success breeds success. And everybody wants to be a superhero.""As long as tech is about improving productivity and experience, there's always a wildcat opportunity.""Sellers must remember: you're not just selling a product but a solution.""Customer experience trumps everything. If you get the customer experience right, you'll have successful sales orders."Find out more about Steven Jow through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-jow-279806/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world’s leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Scott Harvey, Chief Customer Officer of Sprinkler. They delve into Scott's career journey, from broadcast journalism major to tech sales leader. They explore the importance of outcome-based selling and value creation in the sales process, emphasizing the critical role of customer relationships and consultative selling. Scott shares insights on transitioning strategies at major companies like VMware, ServiceNow, and Stripe, highlighting the significance of personalized engagement and value selling in post-sales and customer success. The conversation underscores the need for continuous sales training and the collaborative effort of teams in achieving success. Sponsored by Octus IQ, the episode offers a deep dive into modern sales strategies and leadership in a rapidly changing market.KEY TAKEAWAYSOutcome-Based Selling: Focus on understanding customer priorities and aligning your product capabilities to drive specific business outcomes.Customer Value: Continuously create, realize, and measure value post-sales to improve customer retention and satisfaction.Sales Enablement: Importance of thorough training and enabling sales teams to speak the customer's language and have consultative conversations.Old School Tactics: Leveraging traditional methods like cold calling to enhance lead generation and build stronger customer relationships.Team Collaboration: Success in sales requires a collaborative effort across various teams such as SDRs, sales enablement, and RevOps.Leadership Lessons: Importance of being genuine, maintaining high energy, and having a strong emotional connection with the team and customers.RevOps Importance: Using data-driven insights for accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and understanding customer lifecycles.Innovative Tools: Utilizing advanced tools and methods for pipeline generation and account management.QUOTES"Talent's a lifeblood, man. Talent's a lifeblood." - Scott Harvey"If you focus on the outcomes, it's at the C level that you need to be." - Scott Harvey"It's all about value; if you can tie to their key priorities and initiatives at sea level, then you can build a value mountain." - Scott Harvey"Sales is a team sport; winning as a team is about all functions in the go-to-market working together." - Scott Harvey"The more the customers educate you on their business, the better engagement and outcome you can have for both of you." - Scott Harvey"It's okay if you ask a dumb question or say something wrong. Be willing to be vulnerable." - Scott Harvey"If you keep focusing on the customer's language, you build better strategies." - Scott Harvey"We built what we called the value life cycle: enable value, create value, realize value, and champion success." - Scott Harvey"Realized value through the operational process is what drives your renewal and upsell." - Scott Harvey"Getting to the customer's personal and measurable value is crucial in a successful sales engagement." - Scott HarveyFind out more about Scott Harvey through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottharvey2/This episode is sponsored by AuctusIQ, the Sales Performance Assessment sponsor of the Sales Community. AuctusIQ is a sales data and science software company, with the mission of providing the right data to solve your three biggest challenges: selecting and retaining exceptional talent, coaching to ensure readiness to meet or beat quota, and winning more deals.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by his longtime friend and esteemed guest, Frank Hauck, a retired executive with an impressive career spanning DEC, EMC, and NCR. The conversation touches on commemorating 9/11, the importance of sales training, and Frank's journey from a finance manager at Digital Equipment Corporation to becoming a key figure at EMC. Frank discusses his methodologies for maintaining high standards in sales, the significance of leadership working for the sales team, and the relentless commitment required to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Personal anecdotes about learning from mentors like Mike Ruettgers, Jack Egan, and Joe Tucci highlight the importance of humility, accountability, and continuous learning. The episode also explores the evolving role of technology in sales, with a specific focus on the impact of AI and prospecting in a post-COVID world. With contributions from industry peers such as Eric Mann and insights into the cultural ethos at EMC, this episode provides a comprehensive look at what it takes to succeed in sales and customer service.KEY TAKEAWAYSHonoring 9/11 Sacrifices: Acknowledgement of 9/11 and the sacrifices made by many.Sales Training Importance: Emphasis on the critical role of sales training in organizational success.Career Highlights: Frank’s extensive career, spanning roles at DEC, EMC, NCR and more.Customer Focus: Stories illustrating the importance of maintaining strong customer relationships, especially through challenges.Sales Best Practices: Insights on what makes top sales performers, including preparation, continual learning, and teamwork.Leadership and Mentorship: The influence of mentors like Mike Rutgers, Jack Egan, and Joe Tucci on Frank’s career.Adapting to Post-COVID Work: Strategies for maintaining client relationships in a remote/hybrid work environment.Embracing Technology: The role of AI and technology in enhancing sales and customer interactions.Cultural Lessons: Anecdotes highlighting the value of showing up, humility, and constant improvement.QUOTES"It's part and parcel to a successful organization. You got to keep them fed and you got to give them the insight and the knowledge of what it takes to be successful.""When things went bad, we sold the product that when it didn't work, planes didn't fly. Banks didn't process checks. GM didn't make cars.""It's about being accountable. Being able to do the things other people aren't willing to do to be successful. And really it's the extra effort.""He goes, but you didn't come here to be good. You came here to be great."Find out more about Frank Hauck through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankhauck/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Burke Mesta, founder of Belsa Inc., to discuss the importance of balancing trust and relationships versus the role of AI in sales. Burke shares his extensive career journey, including his experiences in engineering, sales, and management at renowned firms like PTC, Bicis, and Temenos. The conversation delves into the critical role of trust and personal relationships in business, the evolving landscape of revenue intelligence and performance management, and the necessity for effective leadership over mere management. Burke also highlights the value of mentorship, drawing from his own experiences and insights from industry veterans like John McMahon and Tom Mendoza. The episode concludes with a light-hearted anecdote about a skiing adventure, reinforcing the theme of personal connection throughout the conversation.KEY TAKEAWAYSImportance of Relationships: Highlight the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the business for long-term success.AI vs. Relationships: Discuss finding the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining personal relationships. Berk emphasizes that AI is a tool and should not replace human interaction.Power of Trust: Trust is fundamental in building successful business relationships. It is difficult to build and easy to destroy.Mentorship: Discussion on the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth. Berk mentions several mentors who have influenced his career.Leadership vs. Management: Berk's perspective on leadership – leading by example and building personal connections with your team rather than just managing.Revenue Operations: Insight into how revenue operations can bridge the gap between marketing and sales and improve overall efficiency and growth.Performance Feedback: Highlight on the necessity of regular and constructive feedback in improving team performance.QUOTES“We're in the business of profit, but not at the business of, of hurting someone for that profit.”“Feedback isn't even criticism. Is it negative? It's productive for improvement, continuous improvement.”“The power of trust is key.”“I'm going to get personal with my customers. I'm going to get personal with my team, and then we're going to be able to break down these barriers and we can have a more clear and open communication path.”“We know all these old strategies that we learned going back to my McMahon days and PTC days of consultative selling, strategic selling, but relationships are what's key to be able to enable that.”Find out more about Berk Mesta through the link below.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berk-mesta/This episode is sponsored by Avnir, the Relationships Excellence sponsor of the Sales Community. Avnir leverages AI and decades of Relationship Economics® insights to help businesses unlock the hidden value in their connections, enhancing human interactions and driving strategic growth through organized, activated, and monetized relationships.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Paul Irving and Scott Barker from GTM Fund to delve into the dynamics of go-to-market (GTM) strategies and best practices. Scott, who also runs the GTM podcast and newsletter, along with Paul, the Platform Director, share their extensive experience and insights from investing in B2B SaaS companies. They discuss the evolution of outbound sales, leveraging relationships for warm introductions, and the impact of AI on sales tactics. Additionally, they touch upon the importance of personalized communication, the value of data-driven strategies, and the significance of marquee hires. With humorous anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers a comprehensive overview for anyone looking to enhance their GTM approach.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Power of Relationships: Leveraging your network and warm introductions is key to successful outbound sales, especially in the competitive B2B SaaS space.Outbound Sales are Alive and Thriving: Despite challenges, outbound sales remain a critical component of GTM strategies. Creativity and critical thinking are essential for success.The Value of GTM Expertise: GTM Fund's unique approach, combining investment with operational support, has proven invaluable for startups looking to scale effectively.Respecting Social Capital: When asking for introductions, be meticulous in your preparation and mindful of the social capital you're leveraging.QUOTES"Outbound sales are not dead; they just require more creativity than ever before.""Capital is a commodity; value lies in the network and the execution support we provide.""Treat every warm introduction with care; it’s social capital that you must respect."Find out more about Scott Barker and Paul Irving through the links below:Scott Barker’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssbarker/Paul Irving’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsirving/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial-to-connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Tom Boccard, EVP of Sales at SmartSource, to discuss strategies for achieving maximum ROI from events and tips for selling to new accounts and markets. Tom shares his career journey, provides an overview of SmartSource's services, and delves into best practices for event planning, including cost control, leveraging technology, and proactive engagement with potential customers. He highlights the importance of relationship-building, utilizing sales tech stack tools like ZoomInfo and Outreach, and the advantages of collaborating closely with marketing teams. The conversation also touches on hiring new sales talent, training, and fostering a collaborative company culture focused on continuous improvement.KEY TAKEAWAYSMaximizing Event ROI: Learn practical steps to improve your return on investment from events, focusing on aligning marketing and sales efforts, understanding your audience, and leveraging technology to create immersive experiences.Sales and Marketing Alignment: Discover the importance of a unified revenue team and how to break down silos between sales and marketing for more effective go-to-market strategies.Leveraging Relationships: Understand how to build and maintain strong client relationships that lead to long-term success, and how to train your sales team to do the same.Evolving Sales Strategies: Explore the significance of staying curious and continually developing sales skills, from early career lessons to advanced sales tactics.QUOTES"Stagnation is the equivalent of death. You’ve got to keep evolving, learning, and fine-tuning your skills.""Maximizing event ROI isn’t just about having a great event; it’s about what you do before, during, and after the event to ensure you’re driving value.""The key to a successful sales and marketing alignment is viewing both as one team with a common goal, not as separate entities with competing interests."Find out more about Tom Boccard through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tboccardThis episode is sponsored by SmartSource, the Event Success sponsor of the Sales Community. With over 35 years of experience, SmartSource provides comprehensive IT, AV, and interactive technology solutions to a wide range of industries, from legal and finance to entertainment and events. Their national presence, extensive inventory, and deep expertise in logistics and technical support ensure that businesses can successfully communicate and operate, no matter the challenge.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined with Dave Cronk, SVP of Sales for EMEA at Tricentis, about his extensive experience in building and managing international sales teams. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the importance of cultural understanding in international sales, effective sales strategies, tech stacks, and the pivotal role of sales ops and rev ops. Dave shares insights from his career journey, including his time at HP, SolarWinds, and Tricentis, and emphasizes the significance of relationships and authenticity in sales. The episode also touches on personal anecdotes, career advice, and the value of mentorship.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuilding Resilient Teams: The importance of investing in people and nurturing talent to create a strong, cohesive team, especially in diverse international markets.Crisis Management: How transparency, communication, and proactive customer engagement can turn a challenging situation, like a security breach, into an opportunity to build stronger relationships.Leadership in Sales: The role of a leader in inspiring teams, driving performance, and thinking strategically to meet and exceed goals.Importance of Partner Ecosystems: Leveraging a strong partner network to ensure scalability and customer satisfaction in enterprise sales.Adapting to Market Needs: Understanding and responding to the unique demands of different markets, particularly when expanding into new regions.QUOTES"Sales leadership is a lot like coaching—invest in people, help them grow, and the rewards are immense.""When a crisis hits, the most important thing is to get out in front of it, be transparent, and communicate clearly with your customers.""Building a strong partner ecosystem is key to scaling effectively and ensuring our customers get the best possible service.""In sales, it's not just about making the deal—it's about understanding the customer’s long-term needs and building a relationship that lasts."Find out more about Dave Cronk through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalleader-dave-cronk/This episode is sponsored by Phone Ready Leads, the Audience Activation sponsor of the Sales Community. Sales teams using Phone Ready Leads® average a 21.3% dial to connect rate with key decision makers (A live conversation every ~5 dials), and average ~10 conversations with key decision makers for every 50 outbound dials they make.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Paul Salamanca, co-founder and CEO of the Top 1 Percenter Academy. They discuss the importance and challenges of sales coaching, share insights on leveraging tools like Gong and Clary, and emphasize the role of resilience, mindset, and discipline in achieving sales success. Paul's journey from door-to-door sales to creating a successful coaching business is highlighted, along with his focus on the top 1% performers. They also touch upon the evolution of sales practices, the impact of COVID on coaching cultures, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships in the sales process.KEY TAKEAWAYSSales Coaching Culture: Creating a true coaching culture goes beyond occasional feedback; it requires structured, consistent, and scalable approaches.Coaching at Scale: Effective sales coaching must be continuous and integrate with existing sales methodologies to drive better performance across the board.Maximizing Top Performers: Investing in the development of top performers can yield significant returns and set a strong example for the rest of the team.Sales Tools: Leveraging tools like Gong can enhance coaching efforts by providing actionable insights into sales conversations.QUOTES"Creating a coaching culture isn’t about occasional feedback—it’s about consistent, scalable coaching that everyone can learn from." - Paul Salamanca"Investing in your top performers not only boosts their performance but also sets a powerful example for the entire team." - Randy Seidl"The key to successful sales coaching is making it a continuous, integrated part of your team's daily routine." - Paul SalamancaFind out more about Paul Salamanca through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/toponepercenter/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Randy Seidl is joined by Dave Grant, President of Nasuni, to discuss his impressive career trajectory from CMO to CRO and now President. Dave shares his journey, key insights, and the importance of a holistic go-to-market strategy. The conversation covers the role of rev ops, the importance of a strong corporate culture, and the significance of balancing short-term execution with long-term strategy. Key takeaways include leveraging sales and marketing symbiosis for better outcomes, focusing on transparency within the company, and the value of building a supportive network. Notable quotes from industry leaders highlight Dave's unique blend of strategic and tactical skills. This episode is sponsored by Sandler and Sales Community.KEY TAKEAWAYSCareer Progression: Understand the key skills and mindset shifts necessary to transition from a CMO to a CRO and ultimately to President.Sales and Marketing Alignment: Learn about the importance of integrating marketing efforts with sales to ensure cohesive go-to-market strategies and successful outcomes.Company Culture: Discover how Nasuni's transparent and team-oriented culture contributes to its success and employee satisfaction.Strategic Partnerships: Gain insights into how Nasuni leverages partnerships with hyperscalers and channel partners to enhance its market presence and drive growth.Challenges and Opportunities: Hear about the challenges in brand awareness and the strategies Nasuni employs to overcome them and capitalize on its market potential.QUOTESDave Grant on Team Dynamics: "I think team translates into what goes on in the workplace. As long as you're a good teammate, most of it, the rest of it plays out."Randy Seidl on Marketing Metrics: "MKLs are great, but what's it doing to turn into an SQL and something that's really trying to add value?"Dave Grant on Company Culture: "Paul Flanagan puts it best when he says you take care of your employees. They take care of customers and everything else follows."Dave Grant on Nasuni's Growth: "We believe we have the potential with the addressable market we have in front of us... We can be a standalone publicly traded company."Find out more about Dave Grant through the link below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgrant4/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Chris Scanlon, CRO at human, discusses the nuances of sales leadership across small and large companies. Sponsored by Alexander Group, Scanlon shares insights on building sales culture, the importance of enablement, and aligning executive teams. He also delves into his career journey, including roles at Accuvant, Optiv, and Checkpoint, and the significant impact of his mentors. Additionally, Scanlon talks about the challenges of defining ideal customer profiles and leveraging a comprehensive sales tech stack, including tools like Clary, Sixth Sense, and ZoomInfo. The episode emphasizes the evolution needed for sales leaders to become effective operators in both startup and large organizational environments.KEY TAKEAWAYSDifferent Dynamics in Sales Leadership: Understand the contrasting challenges and opportunities in sales leadership within small startups versus large corporations.Building a Winning Culture: Learn the importance of creating a positive, engaging culture to attract and retain top talent.Staying Customer-Centric: Discover the value of staying close to customers, regardless of company size, to drive sales and innovation.The Evolution of Cybersecurity: Gain insights into the growth and specialization within the cybersecurity industry and its impact on sales strategies.Leadership Lessons: Chris shares his experiences and lessons learned from merging companies, managing large teams, and maintaining a hands-on approach to sales leadership.QUOTES"At the end of the day, it's about creating a culture where people want to work and thrive.""You go from knowing everything about your customers to just checking people's homework. Staying close to the front line is crucial.""In cybersecurity, it's not just about antivirus and firewalls anymore. The landscape has evolved dramatically.""Leading by example is vital. If you want your team to do more sales calls, you have to show them it's possible by doing it yourself.""Building a winning culture starts with hiring the right people and giving them the environment to innovate and succeed."Find out more about Chris Scanlon through the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscanlan/This episode is sponsored by The Alexander Group, our GTM & Sales Compensation Partner. Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world’s leading sales organizations. When clients need to grow revenue, they look to Alexander Group for data-driven insights, actionable recommendations, and results.

In this episode of Tech Sales Insights, Vinay Nachani, VP Worldwide Software Sales at Cisco, joins Randy to discuss software sales success, enterprise agreements, and sales transformation. Vinay shares his journey from an engineering background to a pivotal sales leadership role, highlighting the importance of customer trust, strategic partnerships, and the evolution of Cisco's software offerings. The conversation covers effective sales enablement, leveraging customer renewals for growth, and the significance of meditation and personal grounding in navigating a high-stakes career. Vinay also acknowledges the invaluable support of mentors and the diverse talent within his teams.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuilding Trust: Learn how engineers and sales executives can leverage trust to drive customer satisfaction and sales success.Software Transformation: Insights into Cisco's journey from a hardware-driven to a software-driven company, and the pivotal role played by Vinay in this transformation.Customer Engagement: The importance of customer-centric sales approaches and the impact of SEs (Sales Engineers) as trusted advisors.Innovative Sales Models: Explore Cisco's unique enterprise agreements (EAs) model, offering insights into price protection, overconsumption policies, and customer value.QUOTES"Customers fundamentally buy from people they like and trust.""Our focus is on simplifying the customer journey and delivering value.""In software sales, understanding customer needs is as crucial as technical excellence."Find out more about Vinay Nichani through the links below: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vnichani/This episode is sponsored by Sandler. Sandler is a world leader in innovative sales, leadership, and management training. For more than 50 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-traditional selling system and highly effective sales training methodology, which has helped salespeople and sales managers take charge of the process.