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This episode of The Sales Today Podcast is a little different - a live webinar recording where Fred Copestake breaks down a practical approach to closing more sales without compromising how you do business. At the heart of it is a simple idea: ethical selling isn't about being "nice" or "soft"… and it's definitely not about making things complicated. It's about finding the balance - what Fred calls the Goldilocks dilemma. Too hard? People assume ethical selling is expensive, slow, and requires a complete overhaul of processes and training. Too soft? Others worry it means becoming passive, giving everything away, and losing commercial edge. The reality sits in the middle. Done right, ethical selling creates win–win–win outcomes - where the customer benefits, the business benefits, and the salesperson can stand behind what they've done. Fred reframes ethical selling as something practical, not philosophical. Yes, there are principles behind it - honesty, transparency, integrity - but what really matters is how those principles show up in day-to-day sales conversations. That's where tactics come in. This episode introduces the ETHICAL model, a framework designed to make ethical selling usable in the real world. It focuses on seven key areas where small shifts in behaviour can lead to better conversations, stronger relationships, and ultimately more deals closed. A big theme running through the session is clarity - helping customers make sense of their situation. Buyers don't just want information; they want support in making decisions. That's where good salespeople stand out. Fred shares seven practical takeaways you can apply immediately: Asking better questions - not just more questions, but the right types. Open questions, probing prompts, hypotheticals, and even silence all play a role in helping customers think more clearly. Leading with a flaw - being honest about where you might not be the best fit builds trust faster than trying to be perfect. Treating value as something to discover together - not something you present, but something you co-create with the customer. Prioritising buyer safety - making it easy for someone to say "no" creates more honest conversations and better long-term outcomes. Using the "Does it make sense…?" close - a low-pressure way to move things forward while respecting the buyer's process. Thinking like a partner - shifting from "selling to" someone to working alongside them changes the entire dynamic. Negotiating through exchange, not concession - the simple "If you, then I" approach keeps value balanced on both sides. And finally, adopting a growth mindset - recognising that selling is a skill you continuously refine, not something you've "already mastered." What ties all of this together is intent. Ethical selling isn't about tactics alone - it's about using them in a way that genuinely serves the customer while still achieving commercial outcomes. The result? Better conversations, stronger trust, and more sustainable success.   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rW02bZ1i-bU   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/   Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Sales Today Podcast for more practical insights on modern selling and leadership.

In this episode, Fred is joined by Gearoid Cox, founder of Sales Pipeline, to explore why selling feels harder in a world full of noise, new vendors, and empty promises.   From early-stage founders doing all the selling… to the challenge of building trust when buyers are more cautious than ever, this conversation digs into what actually helps sales teams stand out today.   The big theme running through the episode is simple:   Trust matters more than ever. And screaming value is not the same as creating it.   Key Takeaways Buyers are more educated, more cautious, and slower to trust Trust sits in three places: the brand, the solution, and the seller Founders often underestimate how hard sales becomes once they move beyond their own network Great selling is about understanding the problem, not shouting about the product The more noise in the market, the more important calm, relevant selling becomes Real growth happens when sales, marketing, and service all learn from the customer together   It may be easier than ever to reach people.   But it is harder than ever to earn their trust and stand out.   That means modern sellers need to be more relevant, more thoughtful, and far less generic.   About Gearoid Cox   Gearoid Cox is founder of Sales Pipeline, helping early-stage businesses build realistic, effective sales systems that go beyond founder-led selling.   🌐 Website: sales-pipeline.io 🔗 LinkedIn: Gearoid Cox - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gearoidcox    Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/Ujoa6tsaZJM   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/   Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Sales Today Podcast for more practical insights on modern selling and leadership.

What really happens when a top salesperson gets promoted into leadership?   In this episode, Fred is joined by Amanda Downs, Director of Commercial at The Uspire Partnership and author of Step Up to Sales Leader, to explore the challenges of moving from individual contributor to sales leader.   From letting go of old habits… to leading former peers… to creating the right structure for growth, this episode is packed with practical insight for anyone stepping into sales leadership or supporting others to do it.   Key Takeaways Great salespeople do not automatically become great sales leaders One of the hardest shifts is learning to release the reins The "white knight" trap stops teams from growing Leadership requires clarity, structure, and consistency Amanda's GROWTH toolkit gives sales leaders a practical framework Positive regard and genuineness are powerful leadership habits Values matter most when things go wrong Sales leadership is not about doing more yourself — it is about enabling others   The Big Shift Stepping into sales leadership is not just a promotion. It is a move from doing the work to leading the people who do the work.   About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Director of Commercial at The Uspire Partnership and author of Step Up to Sales Leader. She helps organisations develop stronger sales leadership through practical frameworks, coaching, and commercial insight. 📘 Step Up to Sales Leader - Available from 20 April on Amazon and through major booksellers.   Chapters 01:51 Stepping Up Challenges 05:35 White Knight Trap 07:49 Player Coach Debate 09:35 Growth Toolkit Overview 15:37 Release Reins Process 20:01 Leading Former Peers 21:48 Opportunities Magic Matrix 23:24 Gap Analysis Tools 24:59 Availability And Distribution Basics 29:48 Self Coaching And Imposter Syndrome 31:42 Touchpoints And Thought Leadership 33:00 Value Proposition Storytelling 35:16 Values In Action   Connect with Amanda ·         LinkedIn: Amanda Downs - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2 ·         Email: [email protected]   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zsiv0vMrzKU   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/   Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Sales Today Podcast for more practical insights on modern selling and leadership.  

What if selling wasn't about speed… but about timing?   In this episode, Fred is joined by Mark Kempf, author of Unfurl Your Sales, to explore a different approach to selling -one that is gradual, progressive, and deeply personalised.   From slowing down to speed up… to building relationships that last decades, this conversation challenges the pressure to rush and reframes what effective selling really looks like.   Key Takeaways Slow down to speed up in sales Focus on quality over quantity Personalisation is about the conversation - not just research Confidence comes from competence and preparation Stop forcing urgency - align with the buyer's timing The goal isn't a sale… it's a long-term client   The Big Shift Sales doesn't need to be rushed. The best sellers move with intention, not pressure.   About Mark Kempf Mark Kempf is the author of Unfurl Your Sales, bringing decades of experience in relationship-led, long-term selling. 📘 Unfurl Your Sales - https://amzn.eu/d/0hPZfBXL 👉 https://www.unfurlyoursales.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Mark Kempf    Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/v4hBh8Kk6ms   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/   Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Sales Today Podcast for more practical insights on modern selling.

The way buyers buy has changed - but most sellers haven't. In this episode, Fred is joined by Steve Knapp (co-founder of PLAN.GROW.DO) to explore what the Buyer Revolution really means for modern sales. From buyers being 83% through their journey before speaking to you… to why most sellers are preparing for the wrong conversation - this episode challenges traditional thinking and offers a more practical, buyer-led approach.   Key Takeaways Buyers are further ahead than you think Your first job is to validate, not qualify Preparation must match the buyer's reality Most value is created before the first conversation Personalised content builds trust - corporate content doesn't It's easier than ever to sell… but harder than ever to stand out   The Big Shift Sales isn't broken. But the timing, approach, and expectations have changed. The sellers who adapt to how buyers actually buy will win.   Chapters 0:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:35 Beyond Sales Training 04:21 Buyer Revolution Research 09:00 Validate Not Qualify 11:37 The Two 83 Percent Stats 14:33 Nurturing Between Orders 19:32 Hybrid Channels and Personalisation 25:57 Leadership and Measurement 28:04 Personal Brand Amplification 31:27 Resources and Wrap Up   Connect with Steve Steve Knapp is co-founder of Plan Grow Do, helping organisations evolve their sales approach through training, coaching, and consultancy.   Website: https://plangrowdo.com LinkedIn: Steve Knapp - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveknappsales Get Steve's Book - Selling Lubricants Smarter Buy on Amazon Beyond The Blend Podcast - https://plangrowdo.com/beyond-the-blend-podcast     Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/BwRzJ2_JS-0   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/   Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Sales Today Podcast for more practical insights on modern selling.

In this episode of the Sales Today Podcast, Fred Copestake is joined by Marc Baladi, sales and senior leadership coach, and co-host of the podcast Beyond Enough.   Together, they explore a challenge many people in sales quietly face: feeling overwhelmed, behind, or not good enough - even when they're capable and putting in the effort.   Marc's argument is simple but powerful:   You are probably not struggling with capability or effort.   You are struggling with cognitive load - and not knowing what "good enough" looks like.   In this episode Why "imposter syndrome" and "burnout" are real, but often misunderstood How cognitive overload shows up in sales and leadership roles Why your to-do list keeps getting longer The difference between what needs to be done and what you just feel you should do How to spot what you are avoiding Why defining a "good enough" day can reduce pressure The role of routines, values, and self-awareness in managing workload Why progress matters more than perfection   The 3 questions Marc shares:   1. What are the 3 things that actually need to be done today? Not everything on your list matters equally. Focus on the few things that genuinely move things forward.   2. What are you avoiding or letting slip? Sometimes the issue isn't lack of effort - it's uncertainty, pressure, or misalignment.   3. What would a "good enough" day look like? If you defined success more realistically, would you feel more in control?   Key takeaway Most people are trying to do too much, prove too much, or be too perfect. A better approach is to define your operating baseline - what good enough looks like for you - and work from there. Because the goal isn't perfection. It's sustainable progress.   Connect with Marc ·         LinkedIn: Marc Biladi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaladi   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/ucQEhWkWpmI   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/

In this episode, Fred Copestake is joined by Ollie Whitfield of Slingshot Content to explore a sales tactic that surprisingly few salespeople use: running webinars themselves.   While marketing teams often lead webinars, salespeople can use them as a powerful way to stand out, demonstrate expertise, and create valuable conversations with prospects.   The key is doing them well.   Not product demos. Not long introductions. And definitely not disguised sales pitches.   Instead, the best webinars focus on insight, useful ideas, and real problems your customers face.   In this episode, we cover: Why webinars can help salespeople stand out Why most reps never try them What makes a webinar worth attending How to structure a webinar so people stay engaged Why titles and clarity matter The difference between public and private webinars How webinars create better follow-up conversations   Key takeaway A good webinar allows salespeople to teach before they sell. Done well, it helps build trust, demonstrate expertise, and create a natural reason to follow up with prospects. . Connect with Ollie ·         LinkedIn: Ollie Whitfield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olliewhitfield   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/haeCH5I4uLc   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/  

In this episode, Fred Copestake is joined by Ollie Whitfield of Slingshot Content to explore a sales tactic that surprisingly few salespeople use: running webinars themselves.   While marketing teams often lead webinars, salespeople can use them as a powerful way to stand out, demonstrate expertise, and create valuable conversations with prospects.   The key is doing them well.   Not product demos. Not long introductions. And definitely not disguised sales pitches.   Instead, the best webinars focus on insight, useful ideas, and real problems your customers face.   In this episode, we cover: Why webinars can help salespeople stand out Why most reps never try them What makes a webinar worth attending How to structure a webinar so people stay engaged Why titles and clarity matter The difference between public and private webinars How webinars create better follow-up conversations   Key takeaway A good webinar allows salespeople to teach before they sell. Done well, it helps build trust, demonstrate expertise, and create a natural reason to follow up with prospects. . Connect with Ollie ·         LinkedIn: Ollie Whitfield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olliewhitfield   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/haeCH5I4uLc   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/  

In this episode of the Sales Today Podcast, Fred Copestake speaks with Alex Nicholls-Gray, founder of The Prospect Experience Company, about why the prospect experience has never been worse and what salespeople can do to fix it.   With automation tools and AI making it easier than ever to send thousands of messages, buyers are overwhelmed with generic outreach across email and LinkedIn. The result? Lower response rates, more spam complaints, and prospects who ignore most messages.   Alex argues that the solution isn't sending more outreach it's improving the experience of being prospected.   Why Prospecting Is Getting Harder   Two key changes are shaping modern prospecting: Automation at scale: Sales tools allow thousands of messages to be sent instantly, often replacing thoughtful messaging with volume. AI-generated outreach: AI can produce polished emails quickly, but because everyone uses the same tools, many messages now sound identical. The result is more noise and less impact.   Three Ways to Improve Prospecting Alex suggests focusing on three simple principles: 1. Show effort: Prospects notice when real time and thought have gone into outreach. 2. Be creative: Memorable outreach stands out. If a prospect remembers your message months later, it worked. 3. Show personality: Human communication beats automated scripts every time.   Why Direct Mail Works   One overlooked approach is sending something through the post. Because inboxes are crowded but physical mailboxes are not, a simple handwritten card or small item can capture attention quickly. Alex often sends a card with a short handwritten note and a small item such as a tea bag - something simple but memorable.   A Simple Prospecting Metric   Alex suggests sales teams track one question: When you follow up, does the prospect remember your outreach? If they do, you've cut through the noise.   Connect with Alex Nicholls-Gray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexnichollsgray Website: https://thepxc.com/   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QDArjg6vjVI   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/

Fred is joined by Mark Young, whose LinkedIn headline says it all: "A cat person helping technical AI founders earn trust before the first call."   This episode is a lively (and refreshingly sceptical) conversation about why so much LinkedIn advice is formulaic, outdated, or simply irrelevant - especially for technical founders and specialists who need trust, not vanity metrics.   What you'll learn Why a lot of LinkedIn "best practice" is recycled templates and pseudoscience The danger of chasing quick wins like "20,000 followers in 90 days" claims (and what's actually behind them) What LinkedIn's algorithm shift has changed (and why "do every format every week" can hurt reach) Why the people who "do best" on LinkedIn are often… the ones selling LinkedIn How to build trust with the right audience without trying to game the platform   The LinkedIn Audit: what Mark looks at Mark explains the simple profile elements that matter most if LinkedIn is going to work as a sales tool: Banner (top real estate): quickly signals "you're in the right place" Headline: follows you everywhere—comments, search, connection requests should clearly show who you help + how you help and can include a small "human hook" (yes, like cats or Mary Poppins) About section: should read more like a landing page than a CV clear ICP, clear outcomes, easy to contact you Credibility signals: proof, continuity, trust markers (without making it all about you) ICP clarity: pick a focus for your campaign (even if you can sell wider) Call-to-action strength: what you want people to do next, made simple   Trust on LinkedIn: what actually works Engage properly (not spam comments, not "AI parroting") Use LinkedIn like a real-world networking event: show up, contribute, be relevant Build familiarity and credibility before you ask for time or a call Avoid "potato-style" engagement hacks that create noise, not trust   Connect with Mark Young LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markyoungsocial Email: [email protected] Want an audit? Comment POTATO 🥔   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KTJSIrxcHWY     Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/

In this episode of The Sales Today Podcast, Fred Copestake is joined by Sebastian Hidalgo, co-founder of DURINDAL and creator of the SWAT method - a sales framework influenced by hostage negotiation principles.   Fred admits he's often sceptical when crisis negotiation gets blended with commercial sales, so this becomes a lively, grounded conversation: what genuinely transfers, what doesn't, and how to use "hostage" techniques ethically to improve trust, discovery, and positioning.   What you'll hear in this episode Sebastian's unusual origin story: becoming a certified hostage negotiator at 18 The persistence it took to get accepted into training as a civilian and young applicant How later PSYOPs (psychological operations) training triggered an "aha" moment: he'd been applying negotiation principles in business without realising it Why Sebastian believes there's a gap between negotiation books (e.g. Never Split the Difference) and practical sales structure Fred's perspective: crisis negotiation ≠ commercial negotiation - and why that matters   The SWAT Method in a nutshell Sebastian explains SWAT as a four-stage sales method designed to: Earn trust faster Create positioning in real time - not just against competitors, but against the buyer's past failed attempts with similar solutions The four stages are: Influence Diagnosis Failure Mapping Value Alignment (what most people would call "the close", though Sebastian avoids that framing) Influence + Diagnosis + Failure Mapping sit mainly in what traditional sales calls "discovery", but with more emphasis on trust, relevance, and reducing friction.   Where the "hostage" skills show up (without the Hollywood nonsense) Sebastian's view: you don't need dramatic tactics - you need fundamentals executed well. Key transferable skills include: Listening (with intent - often reinforced by taking notes) Active listening + mirroring (what intelligence work calls elicitation: helping people talk themselves deeper into the real issue) Staying calm under pressure Reading the person in front of you (tone, pacing, reactions) rather than hiding behind slides He also highlights the need for flexible creativity - adapting your knowledge to the buyer's reality in the moment.   Key takeaway The value isn't "hostage negotiation theatre." It's using proven human skills - listening, trust-building, uncovering blockers early, and positioning through relevance  to make sales feel less "gross" and more like service.   Connect with Sebastian ·         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-dp-hidalgo Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.durindal.com     Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-IP6Z7zU9Rg   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/  

In this episode, Fred is joined by Tom Ridley, an AI sales coach, for a refreshingly grounded conversation about AI in sales.   Instead of racing through a list of tools, Tom makes a different point: AI isn't the story - being human is. The real value of generative AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) is that it removes the admin-heavy work salespeople hate and frees them up to do what matters most: have better conversations, build stronger relationships, and help customers make sense of complex decisions.   They explore how to use AI to research accounts, focus on the right opportunities, prepare sharper conversations, and even critique proposals through the lens of different stakeholders (CRO, CFO, Procurement). Along the way, they also tackle a real risk: AI can create a false sense of confidence if you stop at surface-level answers, which is why critical thinking and comprehension matter more than ever.   This episode is all about making AI feel accessible and giving listeners permission to start simple, build confidence, and improve one step at a time.   What You'll Learn Why AI in sales isn't "about tools" - it's about freeing time to be more human What generative AI actually means (and how it differs from older AI like recommendations/analytics) How AI helps with the "admin" tasks salespeople avoid: CRM, account research, note tracking How to use AI to narrow 300 accounts into a focused "top 20" priority list The danger of "AI confidence" without real understanding (Dunning–Kruger in the AI era) Why you need to keep probing deeper instead of accepting the first AI response How to use AI as a memory + insight engine across long enterprise sales cycles Simple ways to use AI to: generate questions find non-obvious insights critique proposals roleplay stakeholder objections Treating AI like an "employee" you manage - and why prompt clarity matters A practical way to measure ROI: did it move you forward and improve the quality of the activity?   "AI can do the tasks salespeople don't like… so you can focus on great conversations."   If AI feels overwhelming, this episode is your reset.   Start simple. Use what you already have. Focus on better conversations, not shiny tools.   And if you want to go deeper, Tom shares how he helps teams build AI into sales workflows from SDR to CRO level.   Connect with Tom           LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomridley Website: https://amplify-consultancy.com Podcast: The Business and Bots Podcast (with Dexter Winters)  YouTube:   Spotify:     Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/FnyRVZdj5Xc   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/

In this episode, Fred is joined by Chelsea Burns - marketing psychologist, brand ethicist, and non-manipulative marketer to explore where ethical marketing and ethical selling overlap… and where they can go wrong.   Chelsea introduces a practical way to draw the line between persuasion and manipulation: Agency - a person's genuine ability to choose. From there, the conversation goes deep into real-world examples of questionable tactics, why "FOMO" can backfire, and how the brain evaluates purchases immediately after the transaction.   Chelsea also shares her four pillars of ethical branding - consent, reciprocity, trust, and belonging and explains how relational psychology can turn ethics from "debating club theory" into day-to-day, tactical decisions that build long-term relationships (and better business).   Fred rounds things out with sales parallels like transparency selling, "lead with a flaw," and a brilliant ethics conundrum involving goats, segmentation… and B1G1.   What You'll Learn Why ethical persuasion is possible and why "all marketing is manipulation" isn't true The ethical line: agency and a customer's ability to choose A real example of manipulative tactics (and how they show up in launches) Chelsea's four pillars of ethical branding: Consent Reciprocity Trust Belonging Why manufactured urgency and "never-ending discounts" blur ethical consent How FOMO can turn into FOMU (fear of messing up) and increase buyer anxiety Why buyers judge value immediately after purchase and how negative emotion backfires The "transformation arc" in marketing and selling: current state → desired state → bridge Why implementation is what people pay for (not just information) A practical ethics test: transparency + intent + consent + follow-through   If you want marketing and selling that drives results without crossing ethical lines, this episode will give you a clear framework  and a few things you may never unsee again.   And if you've ever wondered whether a tactic "works" but feels a bit… off ,Chelsea's agency test is a great place to start.   Connect with Chelsea ·         LinkedIn: Chelsea Burns:  linkedin.com/in/chelseaburns26 ·         Website: https://www.the-marketing-psychologist.com/   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/2CHGDwCMtpc   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/

In this episode of The Sales Today Podcast, Fred Copestake is joined by sales thought leader, author, and one of the kindest people in the profession, David Brock.   Together, they explore David's new book "Is Good Enough, Good Enough?"  and why it's not another "do this, do that" sales methodology book. Instead, it focuses on the mindsets and behaviours that separate high performers from those who are simply checking the boxes.   With win rates often accepted at 15–20% in many SaaS environments, David challenges the idea that "making the number" should be the benchmark. The conversation asks a bigger question: what becomes possible when we stop settling for good enough?   In this episode, they explore: Why David wrote Is Good Enough, Good Enough? and what triggered his frustration The hidden cost of "acceptable" win rates and how much time teams spend losing Why sales improvement isn't just about tools, process, tech, or methodology What really separates high performers: mindsets and behaviours Why customer centricity is still misunderstood (and often too seller-focused) How to build trust by leading with what the customer cares about - not your product Why buyers increasingly want rep-free journeys (and what that really means) How questioning needs to evolve from "agenda-driven" to "sense-making" The role of curiosity and continuous learning in modern, complex sales How insight works in the real world - and why it doesn't need to be revolutionary AI as an amplifier: how it boosts good thinking (and scales bad thinking fast) Why curiosity may be the most important starting point for sellers and leaders   Key insight The biggest performance gap in sales isn't caused by a lack of methodology. It's caused by settling. When salespeople stop being curious, stop learning, and start focusing on themselves instead of the customer, "good enough" becomes the standard - even when far better is possible.   Practical takeaways Lead with the customer's world, not your product story Ask questions to understand, not to "set up" your pitch Use insights to start conversations - you don't have to be perfect, just thoughtful Let AI support deeper research and better preparation, not lazy automation Build your foundation: curiosity, customer focus, discipline, accountability, and care   About David Brock David Brock is a respected sales leader, writer, and author of Sales Manager Survival Guide and Is Good Enough, Good Enough? His work focuses on helping sales professionals and leaders perform at a higher level by strengthening the behaviours and thinking that drive real results.   Where to find David Brock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebrock Blog: https://partnersinexcellenceblog.com/ Book: Is Good Enough, Good Enough? available on Amazon - https://a.co/d/8qcWKx9   Connect with Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Free resources Collaborative Selling Scorecard Check how your sales approach fits today's environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/   Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers    Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode, Fred is joined by John Richardson, Co-Founder and Director of Coaching at My Sales Coach, to explore a key question: how do you get faster, more meaningful results from training and coaching?   Their answer is simple but powerful: start with the right assessment.   They unpack why great coaches are always assessing (without judging), how the right diagnostics can shorten the path to meaningful improvement, and why revenue alone isn't a useful starting point for development. John explains how My Sales Coach uses assessments to build coaching plans with focus, structure, and evidence of progress and why the Objective Management Group (OMG) assessment stands out for sales performance.   The episode finishes with practical guidance on how to position assessments in a way that builds trust, reduces anxiety, and helps salespeople see the value: better outcomes, faster - without overwhelm.   What You'll Learn Why assessment is the shortcut to meaningful development (without "wasting time") The difference between coaching with structure and coaching by guesswork Why "more revenue" isn't a straight line from "better selling" How to use assessments to create coaching focus without overwhelming the rep Why OMG is not a personality test or a skills matrix and why that matters The two "below the surface" indicators that often unlock the biggest progress: Need for Approval Supportive Buy Cycle How "Will to Sell" works (Desire, Commitment, Motivation) and why it can be uncomfortable - but useful How to position assessment so it feels like support, not judgement Why top performers still benefit from diagnostics (elite sport analogy)   If you're responsible for sales performance and want training/coaching to land faster and stick longer- this episode is a must-listen.   And if you're curious about using assessment to create more focused, personalised development, connect with John directly:-    Connect with John ·         LinkedIn: John Richardson:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrichardson11/ ·         Website: https://www.mysalescoach.com/ ·         Email: [email protected]   Follow Fred: https://linktr.ee/fredcopestake   Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/AvQrgeEAEwI     Watch Fred's FREE YouTube Course: Sales Mastery for Engineers: https://bit.ly/Sales-Mastery-For-Engineers   Useful resources Take the Collaborative Selling Scorecard – free Check how well your sales approach fits today's buying environment https://collaborativeselling.scoreapp.com/