The ability to communicate is one of the wonders of the business world. And storytelling is very much a key that. Andrew Griffiths is a storytelling maestro – he’s written 13 books, including ‘Someone has to be the most expense, why not make it you?’ He’s also a sought-after keynote speaker and mentor to business leaders.

He says that storytelling should be genuine and consistent across all platforms, reflecting your true self. Aligning personal purpose with organisational goals enhances storytelling impact, focusing on serving the audience rather than self-interest. Value perceptions, he says, can change over time, and so businesses need to adapt their value propositions to stay relevant.

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Andrew Griffiths
https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/

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

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/

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/  

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 

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 

The Sales Doctor