1,775 episodes

I believe in doing BIG THINGS! You should be earning 6 figures easily as a sales rep. But chances are you are not...yet! Sales is the most important department in every company but many sellers are never taught how to effectively sell, much less how to earn their way to high-income status. My own career limped along until a company I worked for invested in sales training to help me succeed. Immediately afterward, I closed a deal worth 4X what the company spent on me and saw hockey-stick improvement in my performance. So I started a podcast to “Evangelize” what was working.


Today I interview the world's best sales experts, successful sellers, sales leaders and entrepreneurs who share their strategies to succeed in sales right now: folks like Jeffrey Gitomer, Jill Konrath, Bob Burg, and Guy Kawasaki to name a few. They share actionable insights and stories that will encourage, challenge, and motivate you to hustle your way to top income status. If you’re someone looking to take off in your sales career and earn the income you deserve, hit subscribe and let’s start doing BIG THINGS!

The Sales Evangelist Donald Kelly

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 255 Ratings

I believe in doing BIG THINGS! You should be earning 6 figures easily as a sales rep. But chances are you are not...yet! Sales is the most important department in every company but many sellers are never taught how to effectively sell, much less how to earn their way to high-income status. My own career limped along until a company I worked for invested in sales training to help me succeed. Immediately afterward, I closed a deal worth 4X what the company spent on me and saw hockey-stick improvement in my performance. So I started a podcast to “Evangelize” what was working.


Today I interview the world's best sales experts, successful sellers, sales leaders and entrepreneurs who share their strategies to succeed in sales right now: folks like Jeffrey Gitomer, Jill Konrath, Bob Burg, and Guy Kawasaki to name a few. They share actionable insights and stories that will encourage, challenge, and motivate you to hustle your way to top income status. If you’re someone looking to take off in your sales career and earn the income you deserve, hit subscribe and let’s start doing BIG THINGS!

    Candace Taber | Enabling Sellers to Become Buyer-Centric with Business Acumen

    Candace Taber | Enabling Sellers to Become Buyer-Centric with Business Acumen

    Do you struggle to connect with executive decision-makers despite knowing you have the solutions they need? 
    In this episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald Kelly speaks with Candace Taber, a maestro of sales enablement whose insights into the alchemy of effective selling are nothing short of transformative. Candace doesn’t just sell; she evangelizes with wisdom, empathy, and a deep understanding of the elusive art of buyer-centric selling. 
    Let Candace guide you through the intricate dance of matching your pitch with the specific objectives of every stakeholder in the room. Click play now!
    About Candace Taber
    Candace Taber is a devoted wife, mother, and sales enablement leader focusing on equipping sales leaders to amplify their impact.  With a firm belief that leadership is the cornerstone of effective sales enablement, Candace dedicates herself to preparing leaders to excel in their roles and create force multipliers within their organizations. Foundations of Effective Sales Enablement
    Donald and Candace discuss the misconception that sellers should inherently possess the knowledge necessary for success.  Rejecting this idea, Candace emphasizes the employer's role in equipping and enabling employees.  This means providing a clear performance path, feedback mechanisms, and the resources employees need to thrive in their environment, contributing to the employer-employee value exchange. How to Position Messaging to Executives
    Candace presents practical advice on communicating with executives without seeming presumptuous.  She recommends referencing industry trends and openly wondering how these may relate to the executive's focal priorities.  By approaching the conversation with genuine curiosity and a well-researched hypothesis, sellers can position themselves as partners, not just vendors. Advice for Sellers: Writing Goals at Organizational Levels
    Candace shares a valuable exercise for sellers looking to improve their business acumen.  She advises practicing writing objectives and goals at different organizational levels—from individual contributors to executives.  This practice helps sellers better tailor their messaging according to the strategic and operational priorities relevant to each role they encounter. Are you ready to fine-tune your pitch and tailor your approach with the precision of an expert strategist?
    With Candace’s insider tips, any sales professional listening can step into the arena more prepared than ever before. Join us for this episode and equip yourself with the tools to meet your quota and exceed expectations by enabling your prospects' success—a true win-win in the complex dance of sales.
    "Yes, you have quotas. Yes, you have numbers, but you can take a moment to be intentional about what you're doing and set yourself up for success when you do that." -Candace Taber.
    Resources
    Candace Taber on LinkedIn
    LinkedIn Sales Navigator
    Sponsorship Offers
    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot. With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
    2.            This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
    3.            This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
    Credits
    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple

    • 25 min
    Phil Gerbyshak | My Step-by-Step Process For Building Pipe Using Sales Navigator

    Phil Gerbyshak | My Step-by-Step Process For Building Pipe Using Sales Navigator

    Every experienced sales rep knows they must use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to build an effective sales pipeline. But, do you know how to use it correctly?
    In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald is joined by sales expert and coach Phil Gerbyshak to dive deep into the practical ways sales professionals can utilize LinkedIn Navigator to build a strong sales pipeline. 
    Phil shares his passion for the toolset and a refined process for leveraging the platform's capabilities. Click play to learn how to maximize LinkedIn Sales Navigator for effective sales outreach and networking.
    Getting to Know Phil Gerbyshak
    Phil Gerbyshak hosts the “Sales Leadership Podcast,” offering insights to sales leaders and those aspiring to lead sales teams. 
    His expertise spans mindset, skillset, and toolset in sales, and his coaching and training methods have helped many sales reps elevate their game. 
    To connect with Phil, visit philgerby.com and drop him a line.
    The Power of LinkedIn Sales Navigator
    Phil advocates for LinkedIn's Sales Navigator, touting its superiority to the free version of LinkedIn by providing a more robust set of tools tailored for sales professionals.
    He credits Sales Navigator with streamlining his outreach process and enhancing his ability to target the right connections.
    Building a Winning LinkedIn Profile
    Phil reminds us of the often-overlooked aspect of having a fully updated LinkedIn profile.
    He stresses the importance of a current headshot and a headline clearly outlining who and how you help. This complete profile strategy is vital when prospects compare your profile to others.
    Tips for a Stand-Out LinkedIn Profile
    Ensure your banner portrays a clear and relevant message.
    Update your featured section to break the scrolling pattern with rich media content.
    Share skills relevant to your position that your prospects and customers value.
    Are you ready to unlock the secrets of LinkedIn Sales Navigator and transform your sales game? Tune in to listen to the latest episode with Phil Gerbyshak and Donald Kelly. 
    Phil shares the secrets to building a winning sales pipeline. Subscribe today to learn how to leverage LinkedIn Sales Navigator for outreach!
    "Be more human. If you wouldn't do it to somebody sitting right next to you, why the heck are you doing it online? By using sales navigator, using some of the tactics we discussed today, you have fewer people, so it's easier to be more human." - Phil Gerbyshak.
    Resources
    philgerby.com
    Phil Gerbyshak on LinkedIn
    LinkedIn Sales Navigator
    Sponsorship Offers
    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
    This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
    This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
    Credits
    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
     

    • 26 min
    Donald Kelly | What Could Prevent Us From Working Together?

    Donald Kelly | What Could Prevent Us From Working Together?

    Are you tired of pouring your heart into sales deals only to watch them fizzle out at the eleventh hour? There's nothing more frustrating than a deal that stalls, especially when it is just within your grasp. 
    But what if you could pinpoint why your deals are stalling and prevent it before it happens? 
    In this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," host Donald Kelly shares a pivotal question that too many sales professionals overlook. Listen now to prevent your next sale from stalling and set yourself up for a cascade of successful closes!
    The Stall Deal Dilemma
    Donald shares his insight into a common pitfall where sales professionals are left in the dark, wondering what went wrong. 
    He unveils that critical question you might not be asking—one that can make the difference between a deal stalling or sailing smoothly through your pipeline.
    Mastering Communication: Asking the Right Question
    Donald emphasizes the importance of this essential yet often overlooked question: "What do you see that could prevent us from partnering together?" 
    Multiple variations of this question can be useful, but the core idea remains the same—identifying potential roadblocks early in the sales process. 
    By tackling these issues upfront, you can avoid stalled deals and foster better communication with your prospects.
    Why Don't Sellers Ask the Hard Questions?
    Many sellers hold back on asking probing questions due to a lack of confidence or fear of jeopardizing the deal. 
    Donald dispels these concerns, advocating for professionalism and assertiveness in sales interactions. 
    By asking tough questions, you become a knowledgeable advisor and not a pushy salesman. 
    Benefits of Uncovering Objections Early
    Donald discusses the advantages of early objection handling, which include:
     Building trust and authenticity with your prospect.
    Demonstrating your experience and foresight as a sales professional.
    Enabling a clear path to address and mitigate potential obstacles.
    Suppose you've found yourself staring at your phone, wondering why a once-promising prospect has ghosted you or why a deal isn't advancing as planned. In that case, this episode of The Sales Evangelist podcast is a must-listen!
    Remember, this podcast is dedicated to guiding you toward dominating your deals. It's not about quick fixes but about sharpening your sales skills. Apply the insights from this episode to your sales strategies and watch your pipeline thrive!
    "The question is simply asking the prospect early on in the sales process, perhaps in your discovery, after they've explained their challenges and you talk to them about your solution, and they see that this could work." - Donald Kelly.
    Resources
    The Sales Evangelist Sales Mastermind
    LinkedIn Sales Navigator
    Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn
    Sponsorship Offers
    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
    This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
    This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
    Credits
    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, perfor

    • 9 min
    Sabine Gedeon | 5 Step Framework For Turning Connections Into Relationships on LinkedIn

    Sabine Gedeon | 5 Step Framework For Turning Connections Into Relationships on LinkedIn

    One of the most common mistakes people make when using LinkedIn is not taking the time to build authentic relationships. 
    Don’t go adding hundreds of connections to your LinkedIn profile. Instead, do this!
    Listen to this insightful episode of “The Sales Evangelist Podcast,” host Donald Kelly chats with guest Sabine Gedeon on the world of LinkedIn networking. Sabine shares her extensive experience and lays down a five-step process to leverage LinkedIn for effective relationship-building and networking. 
    Click play now!
    Meet Sabine Gedeon 
    Sabine is the CEO of Gedeon Enterprises. She is also a coach, consultant, speaker, and author.  Remember to connect with her on LinkedIn to learn about her. Evolution of LinkedIn 
    Sabine takes us through the history of LinkedIn, from its original use as a platform for recruiters to its transformation into a hub for marketing, networking, and community building.  She emphasizes the need for people, especially HR professionals, to engage more actively on the platform. The Five-Step LinkedIn Strategy 
    Sabine outlines her five-step approach to using LinkedIn effectively. 1. Connectors Mindset: Understanding your 'why' and what you offer.  2. Value Assessment: Identifying your strengths, expertise, and opportunities for growth.  3. Ecosystems: Recognizing your network's broad array of ecosystems, such as friends and family, and political connections.  4. Inventory List: Categorizing your contacts based on their ecosystems and closeness to you.  5. Success Circles: Establish three layers of contacts—Fab Five, Core Fifty, and Essential Hundred—and regularly engage with them. Systems and Consistency 
    Sabine uses systems like Streak to help maintain her networking strategy.  She also shares other methods to keep track of connections and ensure regular engagement with contacts. Importance of Human Connection 
    Donald and Sabine agree on the importance of the human touch in networking.  Sabine advises treating each online interaction as personal as meeting someone at a coffee shop.  Building genuine relationships on LinkedIn doesn't have to be as complicated as you make it. If you need help connecting with others on the platform, take the time to listen to Sabine Gedeon's strategies in this episode. Tune in now!
    "People are missing out on the opportunity to build and cultivate relationships before they need things. It's almost like that whole notion around making deposits before you can withdraw. People are missing out on the opportunity to create. Make deposits before they start to need the withdrawals." -Sabine Gedeon.
    Resources
    Sabine Gedeon on LinkedIn
    Gedeon Enterprises
    Bob Berg's book, "The Go-Giver."
    Streak
    Boomerang for Gmail
    LinkedIn Sales Navigator
    Sponsorship Offers
    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot. With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
    2.            This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
    3.            This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
    Credits
    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as f

    • 26 min
    Donald Kelly | Personalized LinkedIn Connection Request or Not?

    Donald Kelly | Personalized LinkedIn Connection Request or Not?

    You're about to send a LinkedIn connection request, and the platform allows you to create a personalized message.
    Do you take the time to do it? Yes or no?
    If you choose not to do it, you must tune into this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast." Even if you said yes, still click play.
    Host Donald Kelly delves into the ongoing debate surrounding LinkedIn connection requests. Should sales professionals personalize them or keep them generic? 
    Discover the importance of personalized connection requests and learn how to create meaningful conversations that can lead to sales opportunities.
    The Great LinkedIn Debate
    Donald addresses a common question among sales professionals: the importance of personalizing LinkedIn connection requests. 
    He debunks myths, points out common mistakes, and emphasizes the potential impact of a well-crafted, personalized approach.
    Personalized vs. Generic Requests
    Donald discusses why generic messages are ineffective and often ignored. 
    He advocates for personalized messages, which he argues can significantly increase your chances of connecting and engaging with your targeted prospects.
    The LinkedIn Monetization Insight
    An interesting point Donald raises is LinkedIn's decision to charge for personalized connection requests. 
    He interprets this as evidence of their effectiveness and a tool that LinkedIn monetizes because it works, not because it doesn't. This key insight provides a unique perspective on the platform's internal data and user behavior.
    Donald's LinkedIn Connection Strategy
    Listen to Donald's own methodology for LinkedIn engagement. 
    His process involves Sales Navigator, account and lead list building, proactive engagement with recent posters, and meaningful follow-up through multiple communication channels. 
    Donald's tactic is all about grabbing attention, starting conversations, and fostering relationships that lead to sales opportunities.
    Engagement Leads to Opportunity
    Donald emphasizes that engagement is the key to unlocking potential business opportunities. 
    He shares personal anecdotes and client results to support his stance on using personalized connection requests to initiate conversations.
    Join Donald and his colleagues for a live discussion on LinkedIn, furthering the conversation on this topic. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about it.
    “Do you feel that you're so unique that you are the only one asking them to connect because you have a mutual connection? That's so preposterous!” - Donald Kelly.
    Resources
    The Sales Evangelist Sales Mastermind
    LinkedIn Sales Navigator
    Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn
    Sponsorship Offers
    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
    This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
    This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
    Credits
    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
     

    • 16 min
    Donald Kelly | Take Control of The Meeting

    Donald Kelly | Take Control of The Meeting

    Do you have full control over your sales meeting?
    Is it difficult getting your prospects to go in the direction you want them to go?
    You answer "no" to the first question and "yes" to the second question. Right? Well, you know what to do now!
    Tune into this episode of "The Sales Evangelist Podcast," where host Donald Kelly dives deep into mastering client interactions. Within this five-minute episode, you'll be ready to take control, establish authority, and confidently guide your prospects.
    Take advantage of these critical strategies that can accelerate your sales success!
    Taking Control of Your Sales Meetings
    The key to having a successful sales meeting is being in control of its direction. 
    Donald emphasizes that while catering to the prospect's requests is essential, offering them a meeting roadmap ensures they recognize you as an expert in your field. 
    The Agenda of A Guided Sales Session
    To lead your sales meeting, set a clear agenda. Address the prospect's hopes and set the stage for the main goal. It's to guide them through informed choices. 
    Donald suggests asking prospects what they want to learn. This is to consider the meeting effective. 
    Then, build the conversation around those objectives. Also, share your expertise and insights.
    Expert Advice on Pricing Queries
    One common challenge salespeople face is when a prospect jumps straight to pricing. Donald advises against catering to this demand blindly. 
    Instead, offer transparency about your pricing range while steering the conversation back to understanding their specific challenges and whether your service is a good fit.
    Maintaining Control with A Robust Conclusion
    Donald stresses that you should reserve the last five minutes to review the main points and schedule the next meeting. 
    This strategy helps maintain the sales process's momentum and positions you as a prepared and experienced professional.
    Join “The Sales Mastermind” for hands-on guidance and an interactive learning environment. It's an opportunity for you to practice, role-play, and get actionable tips to enhance your sales performance.
    Lastly, subscribe to keep up with the newest content to improve your sales game! 
    “The key is to get them to feel they're giving you all the stuff they need and want to give.” - Donald Kelly.
    Resources
    The Sales Evangelist Sales Mastermind
    LinkedIn Sales Navigator
    Donald C. Kelly on LinkedIn
    Sponsorship Offers
    This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.
    With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.
    This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.
    Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.
    This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.
    Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.
    Credits
    As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.
     

    • 6 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
255 Ratings

255 Ratings

DJSKOL ,

Fantastic!

Short and friendly episodes with high value take home points. I truly recommend this podcast to anyone who’s looking to improve their sales skills.

D Triathlete ,

Sales Wisdom with a Side of Wit

Every episode is like grabbing coffee with a sales guru. Can't thank you enough, Donald - your show's my sales talk playbook!

Sam Kal. ,

Highly recommend for anyone in sales

I am an avid podcast listener and read many sales related books. I enjoy the topics and guests on this show. Utilizing the tips I have learned from this podcast has made me one of the top BDR performers at my company.

Top Podcasts In Business

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Money News Network
REAL AF with Andy Frisella
Andy Frisella #100to0
The Ramsey Show
Ramsey Network
Young and Profiting with Hala Taha
Hala Taha | YAP Media Network
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Stanford GSB
The Money Mondays
Dan Fleyshman

You Might Also Like

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount
Jeb Blount
The Advanced Selling Podcast
Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale: B2B Sales Trainers, Business Strategists and L
The Art of Sales with Art Sobczak
Art Sobczak, cold calling and sales trainer
30 Minutes to President's Club | No-Nonsense Sales
Nick Cegelski & Armand Farrokh
The Brutal Truth about Sales and Selling - We interview the world's best B2B Enterprise salespeople.
Brian Burns
The Sales Management. Simplified. Podcast with Mike Weinberg
Mike Weinberg