• Merry Christmas from Two Tall Guys
    1 分
  • Shannon Muniz Explains Hiring Sales Talent: Why Ramp Time and Sales Skills Matter More Than Industry Experience
    2025/12/16
    Sean and Kevin are joined by Shannon Muniz, a fractional VP of Sales based in Orlando, for a practical conversation about one of the most expensive tensions in sales management: giving new hires enough runway to become effective, without giving so much patience that it quietly damages revenue management and profitability. They unpack a real hiring story, explain why "industry terminology" can be a misleading early warning sign, and share how leaders can balance coaching, expectations, and accountability so new salespeople (and new sales leaders) ramp up with urgency and clarity. If you're building a team, refining your sales processes, or trying to improve Sales success without burning people out, this episode will sharpen your business acumen fast. Key Topics Discussed The patience vs. profitability problem in ramp time (00:30) A real-world case: when an owner questions a rockstar sales leader after 30 days (02:00) Tactical onboarding: trade shows, ride-alongs, and accelerating industry "language" (03:45) Setting expectations for sales cycles vs. quarter-one performance pressure (06:10) Hiring debate: industry expertise vs. proven selling skill (07:40) Why strong "Messaging" and open-ended questions travel across industries (13:10) Key Quotes Sean: "I believe that it's harder to teach really good sales skills than it is to teach them about an industry." (07:55) Shannon: "To bring somebody in that has the proven ability to sell and teach them your industry is much easier and much less risky." (09:35) Kevin: "Are they hiring for potential or are they hiring for production?" (10:55) Sean: "If you ask good open-ended questions, that means you're gonna have good conversations… and you're potentially gonna close the deal." (13:20) Additional Resources Connect with Shannon Muniz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonmuniz/ Shannon's email: smuniz@salesxceleration.com www.strategicsalespros.com A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast Build a 30–60 day "Ramp Reality Plan" for every new sales hire (rep or leader): define what "progress" looks like before revenue shows up. Include: A Messaging immersion plan (ride-alongs + call reviews), An industry-language accelerator (events, trade shows, competitor research), Weekly checkpoints that measure leading indicators tied to your sales strategies, not just closed deals. Then socialize the plan with ownership so expectations align with the actual sales cycle and protect revenue-generation decisions from impatience. Summary If you've ever hired someone you thought was right, then felt doubt creep in before they even had a fair shot, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar (in a good way). Sean, Kevin, and Shannon cut through the noise and provide a grounded approach to thinking about ramp time, coaching, and hiring trade-offs that directly impact Sales success. Listen in for a clear framework you can use immediately to strengthen your sales management cadence, reduce mis-hires, and keep your sales processes aligned with real-world performance. B2B Sales Lab is a private, member-led community for sales professionals who want actionable insights, not theory. It's a space to ask real questions, share proven practices, and connect with others who are serious about improving revenue performance. Designed and led by veteran sales leaders, the Lab is where strategy meets execution. Join us at b2b-sales-lab.com You can reach out to Sean at New Sales Expert, LLC - Sean@NewSales.Expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshaughnessey/ You can reach out to Kevin at Lighthouse Sales Advisors & Sales Xceleration - kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwlawson/ You can book time on Kevin's calendar at https://lighthousesalesadvisors.pipedrive.com/scheduler/JP7rZXH3/virtual-meeting-booking-time-with-kevin You can book time on Sean's calendar at http://newsales.expert/sean-oshaughnessey-calendar/
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    17 分
  • Why 2026 Requires a New Sales Plan: Territory Planning, Value Selling, and Revenue Growth
    2025/12/09
    Hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O'Shaughnessey challenge a dangerous assumption many sellers make: that next year will look just like this year. It won't. In this conversation, they unpack why sales success in 2026 demands a deliberate mindset shift, sharper territory planning, and a renewed focus on value selling. This is a strategic discussion for sales professionals who want to generate revenue without simply working more hours, and who understand that trust, planning, and business acumen are the real currencies of modern sales. Key Topics Discussed Why 2026 Is Not "Just Another Year" (00:00–01:30) Sean sets the stage by explaining why repeating last year's sales strategies is risky. Revenue growth requires intention, experimentation, and a plan that looks beyond the next deal. The Mind Shift: Microwave vs. Crockpot Selling (01:30–03:00) Kevin introduces a powerful metaphor for sales management, balancing short-term revenue needs with long-term sales strategies that build trust and pipeline health. Territory Planning as a Trust-Building Exercise (03:00–05:00) The discussion shifts to territory planning, not as a coverage exercise, but as a way to intentionally build emotional, relational, and product-belief currency in the market. Deal Mix, Quotas, and Planning for Bigger Wins (05:00–09:30) Sean breaks down how understanding deal size, sales processes, and capacity helps sellers avoid a year filled with small deals that never add up to quota attainment. Program Sales, Supply Chains, and Selling on Value (09:30–14:30) Kevin dives deep into program sales in manufacturing and consulting environments, illustrating how value selling and messaging around impact, not product, drive revenue management and long-term sales success. Key Quotes Sean O'Shaughnessey (05:30): "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. And worse, you end up just repeating last year. That's boring. Plan to be great." Kevin Lawson (02:10): "We're not just selling a product. We're selling a currency of trust, and territory planning is how you invest in that currency." Kevin Lawson (13:45): "We have to stop selling tomorrow like it's just another day. We sell value. We create value. That's the shift." Additional Resources Paul Simon, "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" – referenced for the line "Make a new plan, Stan," as a metaphor for intentional sales planning. A Significant Actionable Item from This Podcast Build your 2026 territory plan backward from revenue, not activity. Start with your quota plus 20%. Define your ideal deal mix, identify which accounts or regions can realistically support that goal, and map out quarterly milestones. Then review your progress honestly at the end of each quarter and adjust. This single discipline strengthens sales processes, sharpens messaging, and dramatically improves sales success. Summary This episode is a wake-up call for sellers and sales leaders who are drifting into the new year without a clear plan. Kevin Lawson and Sean O'Shaughnessey go beyond surface-level advice to explore how territory planning, value selling, and strategic mindset shifts directly impact revenue generation. If you want 2026 to outperform 2025 and set you up to win in 2027, this conversation will reshape how you think about sales strategies, business acumen, and long-term success. B2B Sales Lab is a private, member-led community for sales professionals who want actionable insights, not theory. It's a space to ask real questions, share proven practices, and connect with others who are serious about improving revenue performance. Designed and led by veteran sales leaders, the Lab is where strategy meets execution. Join us at b2b-sales-lab.com You can reach out to Sean at New Sales Expert, LLC - Sean@NewSales.Expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshaughnessey/ You can reach out to Kevin at Lighthouse Sales Advisors & Sales Xceleration - kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwlawson/ You can book time on Kevin's calendar at https://lighthousesalesadvisors.pipedrive.com/scheduler/JP7rZXH3/virtual-meeting-booking-time-with-kevin You can book time on Sean's calendar at http://newsales.expert/sean-oshaughnessey-calendar/
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    17 分
  • How Great Sellers Slip: The Hidden Habits That Destroy Next Quarter's Sales Success
    2025/12/02
    Sales slumps don't hit out of nowhere; they're usually born in the quiet moments when strong sellers unintentionally drift from the fundamentals. In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O'Shaughnessey unpack why salespeople often surge at the end of a quarter only to wake up on Monday realizing their pipeline is suddenly empty. They explore the habits that quietly erode performance and highlight the disciplines that sustain sales success, sales processes, and long-term revenue generation. Whether you're a veteran rep or an emerging sales leader, this episode delivers practical insight, real-world structure, and renewed respect for self-management and deliberate practice. Key Topics Discussed Why great sellers still fall into bad habits (00:26) How momentum can hide gaps in discipline—and how quickly a healthy pipeline can vanish. The three essential responsibilities of every salesperson (02:06) Managing existing customers, presenting to prospects, and staying relentless with prospecting. The overlooked fourth pillar: Self-development and practice (04:09) Why continuous improvement—and stronger business acumen—has become non-negotiable. The role of artificial intelligence in improving productivity (07:10) AI won't replace sales reps, but those who master it gain a decisive edge in efficiency and value selling. Customer Interaction Hours: A powerful KPI for predicting future revenue (08:21) Sean's long-time favorite metric for understanding meeting quality, pipeline health, and revenue management. How to identify when you're quietly sabotaging next quarter (11:11) Kevin explains the common pattern of strong Q4 performance but weak Q1 results—and how to prevent it. Key Quotes Kevin Lawson (00:26): "Good sellers can have that moment where they look out the windshield and realize they've sold through their pipeline… then wake up Monday morning and there's not much there anymore." Sean O'Shaughnessey (01:18): "Every salesperson has to be self-managed. One of the strongest classical skills is simply being a self-starter who knows what must get done today." Kevin Lawson (12:33): "Good sellers close well in Q4, but bad habits in prospecting return a desert of sales in Q1." Sean O'Shaughnessey (07:30): "Artificial intelligence is not going to replace salespeople, but it is a massive productivity tool—and if you're not staying ahead, you're going to be behind very quickly." Additional Resources While this episode is highly tactical and self-contained, listeners are encouraged to explore: LinkedIn Learning courses mentioned indirectly via the discussion on self-development Peer community groups and certifications for sharpening sales management and leadership skills AI productivity tools that support prospecting, research, and preparation (no specific products were mentioned) A Significant Actionable Item from This Podcast Block dedicated time every week for prospecting, no exceptions. Kevin and Sean both emphasize that Q4 success often masks declining early-stage activity that leads to weak Q1 results. The single best action you can take today is to protect time on your calendar for meeting new people, publishing thought leadership, asking for referrals, and cross-selling. Do it now, before the urgency of end-of-year deals consumes all available space. Your future pipeline—and your future income—depend on it. Summary This episode pulls back the curtain on the invisible habits that either sustain high performance or drag down even the most talented sellers. Kevin and Sean bring practical rigor, real-world experience, and a refreshing blend of sales strategies, sales processes, and messaging discipline to help you stay sharp when it counts most. If you've ever ended a quarter strong only to start the next one in a hole, this discussion will help you understand why—and what to do about it. Download the episode to learn how to reclaim control of your calendar, your pipeline, and your long-term sales success. B2B Sales Lab is a private, member-led community for sales professionals who want actionable insights, not theory. It's a space to ask real questions, share proven practices, and connect with others who are serious about improving revenue performance. Designed and led by veteran sales leaders, the Lab is where strategy meets execution. Join us at b2b-sales-lab.com You can reach out to Sean at New Sales Expert, LLC - Sean@NewSales.Expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshaughnessey/ You can reach out to Kevin at Lighthouse Sales Advisors & Sales Xceleration - kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwlawson/ You can book time on Kevin's calendar at https://lighthousesalesadvisors.pipedrive.com/scheduler/JP7rZXH3/virtual-meeting-booking-time-with-kevin You can book time on Sean's calendar at http://newsales.expert/sean-oshaughnessey-calendar/
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    18 分
  • Being Thankful on Thanksgiving
    1 分
  • From Top Sales Rep to Sales Leader: Proven Strategies to Win Your First 30 Days
    2025/11/18
    Stepping into sales leadership is equal parts exhilarating and disorienting. In this episode, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O'Shaughnessey unpack the real emotions, real transitions, and real responsibilities that come with moving from individual sales producer to leading a revenue team. With candid stories, practical frameworks, and relatable missteps, they help new sales leaders navigate uncertainty with confidence. If you've just stepped into a new role or aspire to, this conversation offers clarity, direction, and the mindset you need for sales success. Key Topics Discussed 1. The Shock and Reality of Promotion (≈00:50) Why moving from top producer to sales leader feels like an entirely different profession, and why the first days matter. 2. Avoiding the "I Know How to Do Your Job Better" Trap (≈01:40) Kevin shares a painful early mistake and the deeper lesson about sales management, humility, and trust-building. 3. Transition Planning: Urgency vs. Importance (≈02:57) How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to balance existing customers, new responsibilities, and the shift into leadership. 4. Using Your Sales Skills to Lead Your Team (≈07:30) Sean's powerful reminder: Treat your salespeople like your customers, sell ideas, build trust, and guide behaviors. 5. Leading from the Front Without Micromanaging (≈09:51) How to allow different working styles, leverage diverse strengths, and build a team culture focused on revenue generation rather than personal heroics. 6. Building a Winning Culture Where Everyone Rises Together (≈11:28) Kevin outlines why leaders must protect culture, reduce tension, and rally the team around shared goals and value-selling behaviors. Key Quotes Kevin Lawson "You should probably not tell everyone how you would do their job." (≈01:40) A candid reminder that leadership isn't an invitation to dictate; it's an opportunity to understand and elevate. "Anybody with an abundance mindset wants you to win. Go find the resources." (≈04:38) A call for continuous learning and connection, hallmarks of modern sales strategies. Sean O'Shaughnessey "Think of the people who report to you as your customer. Don't tell, show. Don't pitch, engender trust." (≈07:30) A profound reframing of sales processes and leadership communication. "From this point forward, it is not your number anymore. It is our number." (≈10:47) A defining mindset shift for every new sales leader stepping into revenue management. Additional Resources Book Referenced: 360° Leader by John Maxwell (≈11:28) Insightful guidance for leading from any position inside an organization. https://a.co/d/iDb6uvc Community Mentioned: B2B Sales Lab (≈14:24) A private membership community for salespeople and leaders seeking peer-driven support, growth, and shared best practices. b2b-sales-lab.com A Significant Actionable Item from This Podcast Create a 30-day leadership transition plan using the Eisenhower Matrix. Before making changes, schedule one-on-one conversations, prioritize responsibilities, and map urgent vs. important tasks. This prioritization will give you the clarity to shift from producer to leader without burning out or dragging customers along with the chaos. This single step dramatically strengthens your early decision-making and establishes credibility with your team and executive leaders. Summary This episode is an essential guide for anyone stepping into a new sales leadership position or supporting someone who is. Sean and Kevin blend humor, honesty, and practical business acumen to help you avoid the biggest early mistakes and lean into the strengths that earned your promotion in the first place. You'll walk away with strategies to lead from the front, build trust, elevate your team, and create a culture of sales success, messaging clarity, and growth-focused revenue generation. If you're ready to lead well and win together, don't miss this conversation. B2B Sales Lab is a private, member-led community for sales professionals who want actionable insights, not theory. It's a space to ask real questions, share proven practices, and connect with others who are serious about improving revenue performance. Designed and led by veteran sales leaders, the Lab is where strategy meets execution. Join us at b2b-sales-lab.com You can reach out to Sean at New Sales Expert, LLC - Sean@NewSales.Expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshaughnessey/ You can reach out to Kevin at Lighthouse Sales Advisors & Sales Xceleration - kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwlawson/ You can book time on Kevin's calendar at https://lighthousesalesadvisors.pipedrive.com/scheduler/JP7rZXH3/virtual-meeting-booking-time-with-kevin You can book time on Sean's calendar at http://newsales.expert/sean-oshaughnessey-calendar/
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    17 分
  • Building Trust in Sales: The Hidden Key to Sales Success and Revenue Generation
    2025/11/11
    In this episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Sean O'Shaughnessey and Kevin Lawson explore one of the most essential—and often overlooked—pillars of sales success: trust. From the first cold call to long-term client relationships, they unpack how credibility, reliability, and integrity form the foundation of effective sales strategies and revenue generation. Whether you're leading a team or refining your sales processes, this episode will help you understand how to build lasting relationships that turn prospects into loyal partners and salespeople into trusted advisors. Key Topics Discussed (00:00) – The Psychology of Trust in Sales: Why trust—not persuasion—is the real key to closing deals and building relationships. (03:00) – Reputation and Reliability: Kevin shares why trust is like a muscle that must be trained, refined, and protected. (06:45) – The Power of Networking and References: Sean explains how trust can be transferred through introductions and why relationships are the lifeblood of value selling. (10:15) – Becoming a Trusted Advisor: How sales professionals evolve from sellers to strategic partners by demonstrating consistent expertise and business acumen. (13:00) – Personal Branding and Consistency: Why showing up—both online and in person—reinforces trust and positions you as a credible voice in your industry. Key Quotes Sean O'Shaughnessey (01:20): "The challenge in sales is not to convince someone to buy your product—it's to convey trust. The real goal is to become someone they believe in, not just someone selling to them." Kevin Lawson (04:17): "Trust is a currency. It's what keeps your professional vessel afloat. You maintain it by showing up, following through, and owning your mistakes." Sean O'Shaughnessey (07:14): "The fastest way to build trust with a prospect is through someone they already trust. That's why networking and references are invaluable—they transfer credibility instantly." Kevin Lawson (12:16): "Salespeople should be intentional about how they show up in their markets. Be present, publish insights, and make sure everything you do signals that you can be trusted." Additional Resources Book: Eliminate Your Competition by Sean O'Shaughnessey – a deeper dive into building credibility and outperforming rivals through sales management and messaging discipline. LinkedIn Profiles: Connect with Sean and Kevin for insights on sales processes, revenue management, and modern value selling strategies. B2B Sales Lab Community: A private group for sales professionals looking to refine their sales strategies, gain peer insight, and master trust-based selling. A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast Post weekly on LinkedIn to build credibility before the first meeting. Don't wait until a buyer meets you to prove your expertise—show it consistently. Share insights about your industry, common customer challenges, or solutions your company provides. Prospects will research you before engaging, and your content is the proof of your business acumen. Regular, relevant posts turn "cold" introductions into warm conversations rooted in trust. Summary Trust isn't built with a pitch—it's earned through presence, consistency, and credibility. In this episode, Sean and Kevin reveal how the best salespeople create sales success by positioning themselves as trusted advisors rather than product pushers. You'll learn practical ways to enhance trust at every stage of the sales process, from initial outreach to ongoing client relationships. If you want to elevate your revenue generation strategy and strengthen your professional reputation, this conversation is one you can't afford to miss. 🎧 Listen now to discover how mastering trust transforms not only your sales—but your entire business. B2B Sales Lab is a private, member-led community for sales professionals who want actionable insights, not theory. It's a space to ask real questions, share proven practices, and connect with others who are serious about improving revenue performance. Designed and led by veteran sales leaders, the Lab is where strategy meets execution. Join us at b2b-sales-lab.com You can reach out to Sean at New Sales Expert, LLC - Sean@NewSales.Expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshaughnessey/ You can reach out to Kevin at Lighthouse Sales Advisors & Sales Xceleration - kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwlawson/ You can book time on Kevin's calendar at https://lighthousesalesadvisors.pipedrive.com/scheduler/JP7rZXH3/virtual-meeting-booking-time-with-kevin You can book time on Sean's calendar at http://newsales.expert/sean-oshaughnessey-calendar/
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    17 分
  • How to Get Out of a Sales Slump: Proven Sales Strategies for Consistent Revenue Generation
    2025/11/04
    In this energizing episode of Two Tall Guys Talking Sales, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O'Shaughnessey explore one of the most relatable challenges in sales—how to break free from a slump. Whether your pipeline has slowed, your motivation has dipped, or you're struggling to find your rhythm again, this episode offers practical, proven techniques to reignite momentum. From the psychology of small wins to building daily discipline and rewarding yourself for progress, Sean and Kevin share timeless lessons that tie sales management, sales success, and revenue generation together into a system for recovery and growth. Key Topics Discussed 00:30 – Recognizing a Sales Slump: Kevin compares slumps to sports streaks and discusses how to regain confidence and rhythm through small wins. 02:10 – Lessons from Joe Girard: Sean shares insights from the world's top car salesman on staying consistent and knowing when to take a break. 05:10 – The Power of Practice: The hosts discuss repetition and process discipline as key elements in overcoming challenges in sales processes and value selling. 07:10 – Leadership Through the Slump: Kevin explains how sales management must balance accountability and encouragement during tough times. 10:15 – Finding Your Happy Place: Sean encourages reps to reconnect with the parts of selling they love to rebuild momentum and business acumen. 12:40 – Rewarding Progress: The hosts explore how self-reward systems can reinforce good habits and lead to lasting sales success and revenue management. Key Quotes Kevin Lawson (00:54): "Getting out of a slump often only requires one at bat. One pitch and one right feel. It's got to feel right." Sean O'Shaughnessey (03:42): "The key to getting out of a slump is doing the practice over and over again so that something is rote, something is simple—and then you just go through that motion." Kevin Lawson (07:35): "As leaders, we own the goal. And when we don't own the goal, we've got to get the big shovel out and start filling in the hole we've left." Sean O'Shaughnessey (10:31): "When you're in a slump, do something in your job that you enjoy. That will make it easier to get back to doing the hard things." Sean O'Shaughnessey (13:09): "Reward yourself when you close something meaningful—buy the gift, open the bottle, celebrate the win. It keeps you driven through the next slump." Additional Resources How to Sell Anything to Anybody by Joe Girard – The classic sales book mentioned by Sean that explores consistency, attitude, and daily habits in sales. A Significant Actionable Item from this Podcast Create a Personal Reward Ritual. Identify a specific milestone—like closing a deal above quota or hitting a personal performance target—and tie it to a tangible reward that matters to you. Maybe it's a special dinner, a favorite bottle, or new golf gear. This simple habit keeps motivation high and transforms abstract revenue generation goals into emotional wins that reinforce consistent effort. Summary If you've ever felt the sting of a dry pipeline or the frustration of a lost deal, this episode is your playbook for getting back on track. Kevin and Sean bring a mix of humor, humility, and hard-won insight to help you reconnect with your purpose and rediscover the joy of selling. From mental resets to structured routines, they outline how professional sellers—and sales managers alike—can use momentum, repetition, and reward to break out of a slump and build toward long-term sales success. 🎧 Tune in now to Two Tall Guys Talking Sales—and take the first step toward your next big win. B2B Sales Lab is a private, member-led community for sales professionals who want actionable insights, not theory. It's a space to ask real questions, share proven practices, and connect with others who are serious about improving revenue performance. Designed and led by veteran sales leaders, the Lab is where strategy meets execution. Join us at b2b-sales-lab.com You can reach out to Sean at New Sales Expert, LLC - Sean@NewSales.Expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshaughnessey/ You can reach out to Kevin at Lighthouse Sales Advisors & Sales Xceleration - kevin@lighthousesalesadvisors.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwlawson/ You can book time on Kevin's calendar at https://lighthousesalesadvisors.pipedrive.com/scheduler/JP7rZXH3/virtual-meeting-booking-time-with-kevin You can book time on Sean's calendar at http://newsales.expert/sean-oshaughnessey-calendar/
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    17 分