The Selling Well

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shifting from a futuristic concept into an essential driver of efficiency, strategy, and hyper-personalized customer engagement. Successfully integrating AI in professional sales requires leaders and teams to look beyond the hype and embed intelligent tools directly into daily workflows. In this episode, host Mark Cox is joined by David Fauser, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Strategy at CIMCO Refrigeration Inc., and Mike Sparling, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Multi-Health Systems Inc. Together, they explore how top-performing sales organizations deploy AI agents to eliminate low-value tasks, elevate relationship selling, and orchestrate hybrid workforces. Discover how sales leaders can move past temporary pilots, build intentional AI strategies, and leverage technology to deliver unmatched value to clients.

In B2B sales, hitting a wall with leadership turnover, rigid procurement negotiations, or declining email response rates can derail even the most promising deals, and navigating these complex hurdles requires a shift from transactional tactics to a robust strategy of strategic selling. In this episode, co-hosts Dave Hanley and Mark Cox of In The Funnel dive into the mailbag to answer real-world questions from high-performing sellers, exploring how to manage account transitions when key decision-makers move on while sharing insights on leveraging tools like a key account plan to check in on client value. They also break down how to loop procurement into the deal-making process early on to minimize disruption and how to stand out on social media with value-driven outreach, referencing classic sales resources like The New Strategic Selling by Miller Hyman and Social Selling and Influence by Timothy Hughes and Adam Gray to help you humanize your sales approach and protect your pipeline.

Join us for ITF Office Hours ad we open up the mail bag and answer your burning questions about B2B sales and sales leadership. Deciding on the next step in your professional journey is never easy, especially when you are a top performer eyeing a leadership position. In this episode, Mark Cox and Dave Hanley discuss sales career advancement, offering a roadmap for high-performing salespeople who are contemplating a transition into management. Beyond the promotion, they explore the complexities of internal sales approvals and the delicate balance between managing existing accounts and driving new business. Listen in as they provide tactical advice on building a sales playbook, prioritizing your time effectively, and ensuring you have the right support before making the leap into a leadership role. For more information about In The Funnel Sales Coaching, visit www.inthefunnel.com. For the In The Funnel Online Sales Academy, check out www.selling-well.com.

In our Office Hours podcasts, we answer your questions on B2B sales and sales management! In this episode... Are your sales demos causing more confusion than conversion? In this episode of ITF Office Hours, Mark Cox and Dave Hanley dive into the trenches of B2B sales to help you stop wasting time and start closing the right deals. We're breaking down actionable strategies to turn your product demos into high-impact conversations, how to coach your SDRs to identify your ideal customer profile, and the art of asking for referrals without the awkwardness. If you're ready to stop the "glaze-over" effect and build a more profitable sales pipeline, tune in for practical, no-nonsense coaching on mastering your sales process. For more information about In The Funnel Sales Coaching, visit www.inthefunnel.com. If you'd like to build your selling skills on your own schedule, check out the In The Funnel Online Sales Academy: www.selling-well.com.

When a company is not growing, it is not only because of the shortcomings of its sales team. Sometimes, your entire sales management is unaligned with the strategies your salespeople are executing. Mark Cox, together with guest co-host Mike Sparling, sits down with Frank Cespedes, a senior lecturer at Harvard University and the author of six fantastic books, who explains how to realign your sales goals with your team goals. He also explores how self-directed omnichannel buying impacts B2B sales today, as well as how AI can be used to increase sales performance and productivity in today's fast-paced world.

The real problem in sales is not in the buyer's trust in a supplier, but their confidence in themselves to make a sound purchasing decision. With the usual buying journey extremely messy and complicated, world-renowned B2B sales researcher Brent Adamson offers a solution: the Framemaking Sale. He joins Mark Cox and guest co-host Mike Sparling to discuss how to make a drastic shift in sales focus, moving beyond the traditional sensemaking practices and into the framemaking one with a human-centric approach. Brent highlights the major problems of the conventional B2B model, breaking down what it takes to address decision complexity, information overload, objective misalignment, and outcome uncertainty. He also talks about the evolving role of AI, making the buying journey more convenient by providing assistance in decision-making while maintaining authentic human connections.

Is artificial intelligence a threat to the personal touch of professional sales, or the ultimate tool for execution? In this episode, Mike Sparling joins the conversation to dive deep into the intersection of AI and modern sales strategy. Discover why simply having a strategy isn't enough—you need the resources and mechanisms to drive real success at every individual sales touchpoint. Learn how growth leaders are leveraging technology to bridge the gap between high-level execution and meaningful market impact.

Building genuine connections is the key to "selling from the heart," a strategy that transcends mere transactions and fosters lasting relationships in today's challenging trust landscape. In this episode, Larry Levine, author of "Selling from the Heart" and "Selling in a Post-Trust World," joins us to explore how authenticity fuels successful sales. Larry, with his extensive experience in the office technology channel, discusses shifting from product-focused approaches to relationship-centered interactions, emphasizing that everyone, especially in competitive markets, is essentially in the people business. We delve into actionable methods for establishing trust rapidly, connecting genuinely with clients at all levels, and transforming existing relationships into powerful growth drivers. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or just beginning, Larry's insights will guide you in enhancing your people skills and achieving sustained success through heart-centered selling.

Sometimes, the loudest messages are conveyed without using any words at all. Mark Cox chats with communication expert Dr. Nick Morgan about the subtle science of power cues and how they play out in the world of sales. In this episode, he explains how facial gestures, body language, and vocal cords override even conscious communication. He breaks down several tips for self-awareness and mastering non-verbal communication, making sales pitches more relatable and authentic. Dr. Nick also shares about three pivotal moments in his life: being inspired by the teachings of Dalai Lama, learning his father was gay, and having a near-death experience.

Ready to master sales training and elevate client conversations? In this episode, we explore how preparation, planning, and confidence drive successful sales with sales relationship coach Jason Cooper. Learn to step outside your comfort zone, build instant rapport, and tap into the unconscious triggers shaping buyer perceptions. Discover how top sales leaders blend authenticity with strategy, using AI for quick client insights and deep selling tactics. We dive into mental rehearsal, body language, and thoughtful questions that move conversations — and prospects — forward. Join us to uncover strategies that turn first meetings into lasting relationships, helping you confidently guide clients through your sales funnel. Don't miss this must-listen episode!

Building trust, navigating cultural nuances, and mastering European sales requires more than just traditional strategies. Mark Cox is joined by Domenico Le Pera, a sales leader with years of experience across European markets, to discuss what it takes to master the unique dynamics of selling in Europe. Together, they dive into the differences between North American and European approaches, the importance of utilizing different communication styles, and how to create a collaborative and motivated team. Whether you are a seasoned sales professional or a newbie to the global markets, this conversation offers practical tips and actionable insights to help you find success in European sales.

Social selling isn't just a buzzword—it's a game-changing approach to building trust, standing out, and creating meaningful relationships in today's digital world. In this thought-provoking conversation, Mark Cox welcomes Adam Gray, a leading expert in social selling and co-author of two groundbreaking books on the topic. Together, they dive into what makes social media a powerful tool for connection, how authenticity sets you apart, and why gratitude is essential for personal and professional growth. Whether you're new to LinkedIn or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help you network smarter and sell better.

Skillful asking is more than just posing questions; it's a powerful approach to unlock deeper insights and foster genuine connections. Jeff Wetzler, author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of the People Around You, joins Mark Cox to explore the art and science of asking the right questions. Jeff shares his five-step "Ask" framework, drawing on his extensive experience in management consulting and education reform. He reveals why people often hold back valuable information and provides practical strategies to create psychological safety and cultivate authentic curiosity. Tune in to discover how skillful asking can transform your leadership, improve communication, and drive breakthrough results.