sales

Sales Series Wrap up

Sales Series

In today’s episode, I revisit my top 2-3 takeaways from each episode in this series, 10 episodes in total. I hope this quick summary gives you the inspiration to improve your own sales and possibly encourages you to check out some of the episodes in this series that you either missed or want to listen to a second time.

Some top tips … 

Episode 44: Evergreen funnels with Bailey Richert
Defining what an evergreen funnel is and isn’t as well as how they can be used to bring in more consistent income between live launches - not to mention adding a lot of peace to your business and finances.

Episode 45: Email marketing with Kyle Stout
If you’re not focusing on your email list, you’re likely missing out on a lot of money since most audiences need more time to be nurtured and understand more about your business and why they should invest before they’re ready to purchase. He gives a great perspective on how to think through your email content strategy to make it an engaging, interesting experience that your audience wants to continue reading.

Episode 46: Understanding and owning your confidence with Nicole Kalil
In her book, Validation is for Parking, Nicole defines confidence as simply trusting yourself as opposed to looking for external sources to provide you with a specific feeling. It’s a conscious choice to make a decision and choose it til you become it, which shifts your mind from fake it til you make it. It’s ok to be new at something and not to be afraid of failure. Your audience needs to feel your confidence to help inspire their confidence to work with you or buy from you.

Episode 47: SEO with Glenneth Reed
The most surprising tip I learned was the impact that specific details about your images have on bringing traffic to your website and keeping visitors there. Unlike many other places, you do not want high-resolution images on your website because it greatly slows down the loading time. When people have to wait, they leave - in a matter of seconds. Also, naming your images in metatags makes a big difference in Google’s algorithm. Take the extra time and name them. Also, go back and name existing images. It can make a big difference.

Episode 48: Get more sales with better web copy with Reese Spykerman
Audiences always respond better to conversational language than formal “business-sounding” language. Also, your headlines are one of the most important parts of your website, especially your homepage. This is what entices your audience to stay put and read more. Don’t write generic headlines but make them specific and interesting for your audience.

Episode 49: Grow your business like a weed with Stu Heineke
Identify your unfair advantage in business. Each business has one and once you find yours, incorporate it into your brand. The fastest way to grow is with strategic collaborations, the more, the better.

Episode 50-51: Mastering sales conversations with Victor Antonio, parts 1 & 2
Put your prospects at ease by simplifying their buying decision and don’t bog them down with every detail that goes into providing them with your product or service. Focus on what they care about most. Then, understand what they need to get the best results with their purchase - immediately and down the road. Create an upsell process to build that into the buying experience. Most businesses leave a lot of money on the table because they don’t focus on upselling, even though it’s in the client’s best interest.

Women have a unique sales advantage because they are often naturally more focused on listening and wanting to help others. That can make you a better salesperson. Also, make a point to spend time learning how to sell and becoming better at it. You won’t have a business without this skill.   

Episode 52: Become a modern seller with Amy Franko
Build a more profitable business by getting a deeper understanding of the most profitable areas in your business - both to your top line and your bottom line. To take pressure off of sales calls, focus on using your expertise in your field to help your prospect walk through the decision-making process, whether that leads them to work with you or go another route, your only job is helping them make the best decision possible based on your knowledge and expertise in the area. However, this works best when you have a strong pipeline of prospects.

Episode 53: Growing your business with your podcast with Zandra Zuraw
Zandra shares how she makes the majority of her sales from her podcast by finding different facets of her offers that will interest her audience and sharing those on her show the same way she would talk to a friend. She gives several examples of this and how she’s done it to fill up retreats and sell courses. No matter what you want to sell, engaging your audience and bringing them along for the journey is a great way to authentically drive your sales without feeling salesy.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Christie Bilbrey

www.christiebilbrey.com

hello@christiebilbrey.com  

Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/ 

52: How to Become a Modern Seller with Amy Franko

Sales Series

In today’s episode, I interview Amy Franko, a leading sales strategist for growth-oriented mid-market organizations. She works with a variety of sectors to grow sales results through  sales strategy, assessment, and skill development programs. Her book, The Modern Seller, is an Amazon best seller and she is also recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Sales Voice.

Today’s episode discusses how women entrepreneurs can change the way they think about sales and their own business, find the unique value they have to offer, and take all the pressure off of sales calls with one simple switch.

Some top tips … 

Amy discusses how a mental shift can change your entire outlook and bring more peace into the way you approach sales. She believes that once entrepreunerus know their business inside and out, their bottom line and their weak spots, it helps build a more profitable business. Amy talks about how finding value in your work and expertise, and betting on yourself,  will make you a stronger modern seller.

This episode at glance … 

>>(2:25-3:40): What makes the biggest difference in building a sales career in the corporate world

>>(3:40-5:00): The biggest mental shift coming from corporate to owning your own business

>>(5:00-11:00): Defining the modern seller

>>(11:00-16:10): The skills required for any modern seller

>>(16:10-18:45): Changes business owners can incorporate into their 2023 goals

>>(18:45-22:00): The biggest mistakes people make in sales

>>(22:00-26:20): How business women change can stop playing small and go after larger clients

>>(26:20-28:30): How to pitch yourself for speaking opportunities

>>(28:30-31:45): Tips for being a modern seller

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Amy Franko & Christie Bilbrey

amyfranko.com

https://amyfranko.com/resources/ebooks/a-modern-seller-is-social/

https://amyfranko.com/resources/ebooks/the-modern-seller-inventories-free-resource/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyfranko/ 

www.christiebilbrey.com

hello@christiebilbrey.com  

Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/ 

51: Mastering Sales Conversations - Part II

Sales Series

In today’s episode, I talk with Victor Antonio, an international speaker, sales trainer, and author of 13 books who previously had a 20-year career as a top sales executive. When he was Vice President of International Sales in a Fortune 500 $3B corporation, he was selected from over 500 sales managers to join the President’s Advisory Council for excellence in sales and management. 

Today’s episode discusses how women business owners can shift their thinking about sales, find and use their advantages, find their own sales style, and plant their battle flag to become a specialized expert and open more opportunities for themselves.

Some top tips … 

Often, entrepreneurs are not sure where to start when it comes to sales conversations, but Victor Antonio urges them to make time and find a process to make their business profitable. He believes in being fearless, no matter what situation you are in, and planting your battle flag. Entrepreneurs need to embrace their sales style and find confidence in themselves to give their prospects the confidence they need to say yes to buying from you.

Victor has graciously given my audience FREE access to two of his books, Mastering the Upsell and Response Block Selling. If interested, please email me at hello@christiebilbrey.com to receive your copies.

This episode at glance … 

>>(4:00-6:50): Make time to become better at sales

>>(6:50-9:45): Women’s advantage in sales

>>(9:45-11:00): How to improve your sales style

>>(11:00-12:45): Find your own style and confidence 

>>(12:45-14:30): Plant your battle flag

>>(14:30-19:40): Be so good they can’t ignore you

>>(19:40-24:00): How to know your value and avoid negotiating

>>(24:00-34:00): How to advocate for yourself and guide new clients

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“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Victor Antonio & Christie Bilbrey

https://victorantonio.com/

To get a free copy of Victor’s books: Mastering the Upsell and Response Block Selling, email hello@christiebilbrey.com.

www.christiebilbrey.com

hello@christiebilbrey.com  

Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/

50: Sales series - Mastering Sales Conversations with Victor Antonio - Part I

Sales Series

In today’s episode, I speak with Victor Antonio, an international speaker, sales trainer, and author of 13 books who previously had a 20- year career as a top sales executive. When he was Vice President of International Sales in a Fortune 500 $3B corporation, he was selected from over 500 sales managers to join the President’s Advisory Council for excellence in sales and management. 

Today’s episode discusses how women business owners can shift their thinking about sales, develop an effective sales strategy, and experience more peace and success by applying commonsense, neuromarketing techniques.

 

Some top tips … 

Entrepreneurs in this economy often believe they need to be better and more discounted than their competitors. Victor says this is not necessarily the case. He believes in providing value for value and establishing a symbiotic relationship with consumers. Entrepreneurs need to find confidence in their sales strategies and become an advocate for their clients and prospects to establish trust and to imbue the buyer with the confidence needed to make the buying decision. 

Victor has graciously given my audience access to two of his books, Mastering the Upsell and Response Block Selling. If interested, please email me at hello@christiebilbrey.com to receive your copies.

This episode at glance … 

>> (4:00-7:30): How Victor got into sales

>>(7:40-14:30): Mastering the sale and finding out why people buy

>>(14:30-18:30): Developing an effective upsell strategy 

>>(18:30-20:40): Increase sales by keeping decision fatigue in mind

>>(20:40-24:00): What most people miss in their sales strategy

>>(24:00-26:30):  How to increase trust and make more sales by becoming an advocate for your prospects 

>>(26:30-30:45): What will be most important for sales success in 2023

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Victor Antonio & Christie Bilbrey

https://victorantonio.com/

To get a free copy of Victor’s books: Mastering the Upsell and Response Block Selling, email hello@christiebilbrey.com.

www.christiebilbrey.com

hello@christiebilbrey.com  

Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/ 

49: Grow Your Business Like a Weed with Stu Heinecke

Sales Series

In today’s episode, I talk with Stu Heinecke, Wall Street Journal cartoonist and author of How to Grow your Business Like a Weed as well as How to Get a Meeting with Anyone. 

Today’s episode discusses how business owners can organically grow their businesses like weeds by collaborating and finding their own unfair advantages.

Some top tips … 

Entrepreneurs often feel there is a specific and classic success model they need to follow for their business. Business owners often need to change their mindset and not let their emotions and fear of failure get in the way of trying untraditional techniques to grow their businesses. 

Sharing ideas, supporting others, and not seeing everyone as competition but rather as collaborators. Power in business happens when mindsets change and we begin to naturally collaborate, and build symbiotic relationships, just like weeds do.

This episode at glance … 

>> (5:00-12:30): Start into the publishing industry and how to get a meeting with anyone

>> (12:30-20:30):  Advice on showing your value to potential clients and finding connections

>> (20:30-23:30):  Weeds strategy: Collaborating

>> (23:30- 29:00): The model to growing your business like weeds

>> (29:00-42:00): How to identify and build an unfair advantage for your business

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Stu Heinecke & Christie Bilbrey

Stu Heinecke author site (Get first two chapters free)): https://stuheinecke.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuheinecke/

How to Grow Your Business Like a Weed on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FO16bM

How to Get a Meeting with Anyone on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PNpFff

www.christiebilbrey.com

hello@christiebilbrey.com  

Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/

48: Sales series - Get More Sales with Better Website Copy with Reese Spykerman

In today’s episode, I talk with Reese Spykerman, a design and copywriting consultant who helps small businesses increase their websites’ revenue by optimizing the online buying experience. 

Today’s episode discusses how copywriting can bring in more sales to your website, how to write a headline that connects you with your audience, the importance of knowing your clients desires, and the best headline formula.

Some top tips … 

Don’t sound too formal. Business owners have this reconceved notion of what copywriting should look like due to school. Copywriting should be conversational and help the business create a personal connection with your customers. It is important to talk with your customers rather than talking to them. 

Headlines should catch the attention of your customers. The headline is the most important element of your homepage. It should be genuine, conversational, and over all inviting. Having three to four headlines on your website will make it easier for the audience to engage with your business.

Stop writing generic headlines. Your customers want to know you're their best friend, so create a headline that is specific to them. 

This episode at glance … 

>> (10:30-15:50) What are the most important aspects of your homepage and what needs to be included 

>> (15:50–18:06) Advice on how to connect with your audience through your pain points 

>> (18:07-20:54) What businesses get wrong when creating a home page 

>> (20:55-31:44) The best formula to use: Say goodbye formula 

>> (32:17-35:05): Tips on improving your website by changing your “submit” button 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Reese Spykerman & Christie Bilbrey

https://www.designbyreese.com/
www.instagram.com/reesespykerman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/designbyreese/

www.christiebilbrey.com
hello@christiebilbrey.com  
Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/ 

47: Sales series - SEO with Glenneth Reed

In today’s episode, I talk with Glenneth Reed who is an SEO, Google Ads, and online marketing expert. With her background in marketing, technical writing, and product management, Glenneth works with small business owners and online entrepreneurs to increase their visibility on Google so they can attract new customers and become more profitable.

Today’s episode discusses what SEO is, the most important factors to consider, the role of social media in SEO, and how to optimize Google Analytics.

Some top tips … 

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and it is optimizing your website so search engines can find the content on your site and allow you to be more visible to your audience. SEO can be customizable depending on which search engine you’re focusing on and what kind of site you’re trying to promote.

The two most important factors to consider when utilizing SEO are site speed and performance, especially on mobile devices. For content, it’s important to focus on the title tag so Google prioritizes your page and an effective meta description so that your audience is drawn to your site. 

Social media can be crucial for SEO and it’s important to make sure your content is shareable across different platforms. It’s also important to utilize Google Analytics to identify where your traffic is coming from and recognize that SEO developments take months to show results.

This episode at glance … 

>> (6:00-6:50) What is SEO?

>> (6:55-11:00) What are the most important factors to improve SEO for websites?

>> (11:45-14:45) How to compress images for your website and why it matters

>> (15:50-18:10) Main content-related factors to consider

>> (18:15-22:30) How to optimize your social media pages through SEO

>> (22:35-24:50) Why it’s important to plan ahead for websites

>> (25:00-26:35) What role does link building play in SEO?

>> (26:40-30:00) Creating content for Google vs. your audience

>> (30:05-36:20) What to focus on in Google Analytics

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Glenneth Reed & Christie Bilbrey

https://www.thevisibilitymethod.com/

SEO checklist:  https://www.thevisibilitymethod.com/product/seo-checklist/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennethdotcom/

www.christiebilbrey.com

hello@christiebilbrey.com  

Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey/

45: Email Marketing with Kyle Stout

Sales Series

In today’s episode, I talk with Kyle Stout, founder of Elevate & Scale and email marketing expert. He helps 7-figure product-based entrepreneurs elevate their brands and scale their growth.

Today’s episode discusses how brand storytelling helps connect your products and services 

to your customers, how email marketing enhances your business and builds the relationship between your business and its customers, and tips on understanding your customers and creating products for their needs. 

Some top tips … 

Create a story that resonates with your customers. Sales often lack a human connection, leaving customers feeling like it’s a one-sided relationship. Business owners should focus on connecting with their audience, confidently sharing how their products and services speak to their customers needs and desires. 

Email marketing not only drives sales but it continues to nurture relationships between businesses and their customers. To speak more directly to your target audience, create customer personas to help you get inside the heads of your customers, identifying what they like, how to appeal to them, and most importantly, how your products or services will solve their problems or needs. 

Many business owners fear that all emails must promote or sell a product and miss the opportunity to connect with their customers. By sending fun holiday emails, weekly newsletters, and emails educating them about a specific product, service, or feature, businesses show customers they genuinely care for them. 

This episode at glance … 

>> (9:50-14:38) Tips to connect more deeply with your audience by using emotion when speaking about your products and services

>> (14:38-18:00) How to come up with more content ideas to tell your brand story

>> (18:20-21:50) Two categories that will help the success of your sales 

>> (21:56–-23:40) Tips and ideas to create content for email marketing

>> (23:46-26:23) How to start an email list with customer life cycle 

>> (26:22-29:00) How to use email marketing to share a specific benefit of your product 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Christie and The Business That Story Built podcast!” Does that sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! Every week I release an episode that helps strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others. Follow now!

Links to reach Kyle Stout & Christie Bilbrey

www.elevateandscale.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-stout-6804a117

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLjeqLuTNUhhhDFw0YSzTxA

www.christiebilbrey.com

hello@christiebilbrey.com  

Download my free guide: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey