While many businesses haven’t fully realised the impact of AI, its benefits are already proving valuable. That's according to the colourful Graham Arrowsmith, Managing Director of Finely Fettled, and host of The Next 100 Days Podcast.

An advocate for AI and technology in business strategy, Graham discusses the power of tools like MetclabsAI, which aid in refining digital strategies, building efficient websites, and enhancing sales approaches. He emphasises the comparison between AI and historical technological advances, like the steam engine, indicating that while businesses may not fully grasp AI’s potential yet, its positive impact is undeniable.

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Finely Fettled
https://finelyfettled.co.uk/

The Next 100 Days Podcast
https://thenext100days.org/

The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sales leaders are squeezed from both ends – by their teams who are struggling to achieve sales outcomes, and by senior leadership demanding results. Ingrid Maynard believes that with customers delaying buying decisions or becoming more selective, it’s tougher than ever to close deals.

Ingrid shares three key strategies to help sales leaders manage this pressure: transparency of activity, clear communication of progress, and sharing leading indicators. By educating senior leaders on market conditions, progress, and the efforts of sales teams, sales leaders can build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and foster support. Ingrid advises sales leaders to stay calm, be prepared, and maintain open communication with senior leadership to ensure recognition of their hard work in these demanding times.

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The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/  

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dana Walton is an accomplished sales professional with a background in owning and managing gyms, and experience with major brands like Motorola. Currently a sales and marketing specialist at REI Super, Dana is known for her authentic approach and emphasis on adding value.

She discusses with host Ingrid Maynard the critical role of clear expectations in achieving success and how unclear goals can lead to extended setbacks. She emphasises the importance of sales discipline, preparation, and authenticity in overcoming negative perceptions associated with sales.

She highlights the significance of being a servant leader – one who is open, caring, and supportive – and stresses that effective leadership involves setting clear expectations and celebrating both successes and failures. Her advice is to remain authentic – staying true to oneself is crucial for building trust and achieving success in sales.

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The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/  

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recognising internal colleagues as customers enhances organisational culture and drives strategic results. That’s according to Stephanie Christopher, a seasoned sales leader with more than 25 years’ experience, currently serving as the Managing Director at Vistage Australia and New Zealand. She is known for her deep insights into sales strategies, customer consciousness, and fostering a culture of excellence within organisations.

She explains how a narrow view of customers, limited to external parties, can lead to inefficiencies and frustration. There is a need for sales professionals to adapt to higher customer expectations and sophisticated research, as opposed to the order-taker mentality some salespeople exhibit. Investment in sales training, therefore, is crucial, especially in challenging economic times, to ensure sales teams remain effective.

Despite the challenges we’re all facing in business, Stephanie insists there are significant opportunities for skilled salespeople to excel and for organizations to gain a competitive advantage by cultivating top talent.

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Vistage
https://www.vistage.com.au/

The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/  

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stacey Packer, founder of SP Consulting, shares her philosophy of generosity and relationship-building in business. By giving first—whether through introductions or valuable insights—businesses can build stronger, more meaningful connections. Following up on introductions and referrals is crucial; there is value in thanking the referrer and updating them on the outcomes, which strengthens professional relationships and maintains respect.

Entrepreneurs, she says, should be clear about their values and service expectations to attract and maintain aligned relationships. The principles of mutual mattering—such as unconditional positive regard, celebrating wins, and being compassionate—are central to fostering meaningful and supportive professional relationships.

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Stacey Packer Consulting
https://staceypacker.com/

The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/  

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Making customers feel genuinely valued is crucial. Effective sales techniques alone are not enough – the human element of showing customers they matter is essential for long-term success.

Ingrid Maynard recounts an encounter at a brickyard, comparing two vastly different customer service experiences. The first involved a knowledgeable salesperson who, despite employing effective sales techniques, failed in making Ingrid and her husband genuinely valued. The second brickyard, however, went above and beyond, offering a personalised service that left a lasting positive impression.

The overall experience customers have, including how they are treated and whether their needs are met, can make or break a sale. Positive experiences lead to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

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The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian small businesses are grappling with economic uncertainty, talent shortages, and rapid technological advancements, including AI. With a lifetime of experience in the SME marketplace and as Co-founder and Director of the Leadership Think Tank, Jason Tunbridge believes a strong focus on customer needs is essential for business success. Exceptional customer service can turn clients into advocates who promote the business, generating referrals and driving growth even without direct marketing efforts.

Jason insists that a CEO’s active involvement is crucial in creating a robust customer-focused culture, which can lead to long-term business success. The Leadership Think Tank helps CEOs by providing a confidential forum for sharing ideas and strategies across industries, fostering innovative solutions and strategic thinking. CEOs should allocate time for strategic thinking and learning from peers to address business challenges effectively.

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The Leadership Think Tank
https://www.leadershipthinktank.com.au/

The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/  

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Named one of the leading customer experience (CX) leaders in the world, Justin Tippett’s 30-year career began on the phone in a call centre; today he’s CEO of the Australian Customer Experience Professionals Association. His expertise spans the impact of AI on CX, the importance of empathy and personalised service, and the need for strategic investment in both technology and human skills.

There’s a been a shift, he says, in call centres handling simple, transactional calls to more complex interactions due to technological advancements. AI has enabled customers to self-serve, by reducing basic queries handled by agents. This shift makes empathy and interpersonal skills crucial for handling intricate customer issues. Justin questions whether companies are investing enough in training their personnel for these higher-level skills.

He explains to host Ingrid Maynard that smaller businesses excel in building personal connections with customers, a practice larger companies could learn from despite their scale challenges. A holistic CX approach, understanding the customer’s lifetime value, and balancing technology with human interaction are essential.

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Australian Customer Experience Professionals Association
https://acxpa.com.au/

The Sales Doctor
https://thesalesdr.com.au/  

Mutual Mattering E-Book by Ingrid Maynard
https://thesalesdr.com.au/mutual-mattering-e-book/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.