Episodi

  • "You're Not for Everybody" with Steve Van Diest

    "You're Not for Everybody" with Steve Van Diest
    Oct 6 2026
    Steve Van Diest joins Walter Crosby to talk about cigars, community, executive coaching, authentic leadership, and why business owners need people who are willing to challenge them. Episode Overview What makes a cigar such a powerful catalyst for conversation? Walter sits down with Steve Van Diest, entrepreneur, executive coach, and Growth Catalyst with Acumen, inside Steve's home cigar lounge—a space intentionally designed for community, connection, and honest conversations. Steve shares how cigars became part of his life during some of his most difficult seasons and eventually became a way to bring people together. His "Shalom Lounge" now serves as a gathering place for clients, business owners, friends, and family. The conversation moves from cigars into the realities of entrepreneurship and leadership. Steve explains why business owners need more than systems and strategies—they need trusted people willing to challenge them, ask difficult questions, and help uncover what's really happening beneath the surface. Walter and Steve also dig into sales, authenticity, mentorship, and why the best salespeople approach their work with a desire to help people rather than simply close transactions. Episode Highlights Why cigars create space for deeper conversationsThe story behind Steve's home cigar loungeHow Steve went from ministry to entrepreneurship and executive coachingWhy business owners need a trusted peer groupThe difference between advice and experience-based coachingWhy company values need to influence actual decisionsThe importance of vulnerability and accountability in leadershipWhy entrepreneurs can't hide behind bravadoHow authenticity changed Steve's approach to prospectingWhy great salespeople need skillful hands, a tender heart, and thick skinWalter's philosophy that sales is ultimately about helping peopleWhy the next generation needs experienced mentors willing to share their mistakes Key Takeaways Cigars create commitment to conversation. When two people light a cigar, they're committing time to each other. That creates room for conversations that often don't happen over a quick coffee or drink. Business owners need people who will challenge them. A trusted peer group can expose blind spots, challenge assumptions, and provide perspectives that even a great one-on-one advisor may not see. Values have to be lived. Core values shouldn't simply appear on a wall or website. They should serve as a filter for hiring, leadership, and business decisions. Authenticity matters in sales. Prospects can recognize when someone is performing. Steve learned that becoming more comfortable with who he was made him more effective at building relationships. Sales is about helping people. Walter argues that the foundation of great selling isn't manipulation or transactions—it's genuinely wanting to help someone solve a problem. Who Should Listen This episode is for business owners, CEOs, sales leaders, entrepreneurs, executive coaches, and anyone interested in building stronger relationships while becoming a more authentic leader. Links & Resources Acumen — Peer advisory communities for business owners and leadersHoly Smokes — Community connecting faith and cigarsHow to Build a Non-Anxious Life — John DelonyThe Shack — William P. YoungEOS / Entrepreneurial Operating SystemCamino de Santiago Continue the Conversation Want to continue talking about sales, leadership, and building stronger sales organizations? Join the Sales Integrator Community, a free community for salespeople and sales managers featuring coaching insights, practical sales tools, resources, and conversations with Walter. Join the Sales Integrator Community Subscribe to Sales & Cigars Sales & Cigars is hosted by Walter Crosby, the Sales Integrator with Helix Sales Development. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Listen to the full episode and more Sales & Cigars conversations The only smoke we blow is from cigars.
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    1 ora e 21 min
  • Sales, Cigars, and the Relationships That Build a Business with Jim Zazenski

    Sales, Cigars, and the Relationships That Build a Business with Jim Zazenski
    Sep 8 2026

    Walter Crosby sits down with entrepreneur Jim Zazenski to talk cigars, relationship-driven sales, building a high-end sign business, hiring salespeople, accountability, mentorship, and the lessons learned from decades in business.

    What can a cigar shop teach you about sales, relationships, leadership, and building a business?

    Quite a bit.

    In this episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby sits down with Jim Zazenski at Edward's Pipe & Tobacco in Englewood, Colorado—a shop Jim has been frequenting for more than 20 years.

    The conversation begins with cigars and the unique relationships that form around them. For Jim, cigar shops have become much more than places to smoke. They are places where friendships are built, business gets discussed, perspectives are challenged, and even an informal "board of directors" can emerge over a few good sticks.

    From there, Walter and Jim dig into Jim's career and the growth of his custom manufacturing sign company, including its work on high-end properties throughout Las Vegas. Jim explains why his company refuses to compete simply on price, how value engineering helps protect both quality and margin, and why doing the right thing for a customer can be far more valuable than maximizing a single transaction.

    They also get deep into the realities of managing salespeople: hiring mistakes, compensation plans, account concentration, prospecting, autonomy, accountability, and the danger of letting a successful salesperson become too comfortable.

    It is a conversation about cigars, certainly—but underneath it is a discussion about relationships, standards, hard work, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

    About Jim Zazenski

    Jim Zazenski is an entrepreneur with a background spanning engineering, operations, sales, marketing, and custom manufacturing. His company specializes in high-end interior signage and wayfinding solutions for complex properties, including extensive work throughout Las Vegas.

    He is also a longtime cigar enthusiast who has spent more than two decades frequenting Edward's Pipe & Tobacco in Englewood, Colorado.

    His daily cigar of choice?

    A Padrón 5000.

    And his philosophy is equally straightforward:

    Life is too short to smoke a bad cigar.

    Continue the Conversation

    Want more conversations about sales, entrepreneurship, leadership, and, of course, cigars?

    Listen to the full episode of Sales & Cigars here:
    https://helixsalesdevelopment.com/podcast/

    The only smoke we blow is from cigars.
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    1 ora e 29 min
  • A New Chapter for Sales & Cigars

    A New Chapter for Sales & Cigars
    Aug 25 2026
    A New Chapter for Sales & Cigars Sales & Cigars is changing. In this behind-the-scenes episode, Walter Crosby sits down with producer Mark Labriola II to talk about the next chapter of the podcast—and why it was time to make a shift. After years of remote conversations, the show is moving toward a more immersive, in-person format with stronger production, longer conversations, and a much bigger emphasis on cigars. But the core of the show isn't changing. Sales, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the real experiences behind building a business will still drive the conversation. The difference is that those topics will now come through more naturally—over cigars, face-to-face, in environments designed for deeper and more interesting conversations. Walter and Mark talk candidly about Zoom fatigue, storytelling, production value, building authority through podcasting, and why the best conversations often happen when you stop trying to force the "perfect" interview. Consider this your preview of what's coming next. Episode Highlights Why Sales & Cigars is changing its formatMoving away from primarily remote interviews toward in-person conversationsWhy listeners are experiencing Zoom and remote-video fatigueBringing cigars further to the forefront of the showCreating more natural conversations around sales and entrepreneurshipWhy face-to-face conversations create different energyIncreasing the production quality of the podcastMoving toward longer-form conversations driven by chemistry rather than a rigid clockThe role podcasting can play in building authority and thought leadershipCreating more short-form content between full episodesTaking Sales & Cigars into cigar lounges and potentially other citiesWhat listeners can expect from the upcoming season What's Changing More cigars. Cigars will become a bigger part of the conversation—not simply as branding, but as a way to learn about guests, their stories, and the experiences that connect people around them. More in-person conversations. Instead of another remote video call, Walter will increasingly sit across from guests and let conversations unfold naturally. Better production. The new episodes will feature stronger visuals, better sound, and environments that better reflect the personality of Sales & Cigars. Longer conversations. Rather than forcing every episode into the same structure, conversations will go as long as the chemistry and subject matter warrant. The same business value. Sales, leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth remain at the heart of the show. The goal is simply to uncover those lessons through more organic conversations. Why the Change? Remote podcasting made conversations possible during a period when nearly everything moved online. But today, many people spend their entire workday moving from one virtual meeting to another. Another split-screen interview can easily become something to scroll past. The new Sales & Cigars aims to create something different: the feeling that you're sitting in the room while two people have a conversation you actually want to hear. The objective is still to educate—but also to entertain, tell better stories, and create the kinds of conversations that lead to unexpected ideas. Who Should Listen This episode is especially valuable for: Longtime Sales & Cigars listeners wondering what's nextEntrepreneurs who enjoy candid conversations about businessSales professionals looking for practical ideas without another scripted interviewCigar enthusiasts interested in the stories behind what people smoke and whyBusiness owners using content to build authority and grow their brandAnyone interested in the behind-the-scenes evolution of a podcast Want to Be Part of the New Format? Have a great cigar story? An entrepreneurial journey worth talking about? A sales lesson learned the hard way? As Sales & Cigars expands its in-person format, Walter and the team are looking for interesting people and conversations—potentially from cigar lounges and cities around the country. Reach out to the Sales & Cigars team if you think there's a conversation worth having. Continue the Conversation The same philosophy behind the new Sales & Cigars format also drives the Sales Integrator Community: better conversations, practical learning, and access to ideas that help sales professionals improve. The community is built specifically for salespeople and sales managers who want an edge and want support from someone who has spent more than 40 years learning the profession the hard way. Inside, members can access coaching insights, practical sales tools, resources, and ongoing conversations designed to help them get better at the craft. Free forever. Special founding member badges are available for the first 250 members. Join the Sales Integrator Community here: https://helix-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=8b6622d942c852339d856b2af3504123cf9476e2-8b78b151-d94f-46df-a26b-ec4a6df24460 Subscribe to ...
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    12 min
  • Core Values, Accountability, and Getting the Founder Out of Sales

    Core Values, Accountability, and Getting the Founder Out of Sales
    Jul 28 2026
    Core values only matter if leaders are willing to use them. In this episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby sits down with EOS Implementer Jim Coyle to talk about culture, accountability, leadership, and the challenges founders face when trying to step out of the sales seat. Jim shares his journey from entrepreneur and bar owner to becoming one of the earliest EOS Implementers. He explains why core values should be discovered rather than created, how EOS gives organizations a common language, and why companies must be willing to make difficult decisions when employees do not align with the culture. The conversation also explores why the best salesperson is rarely the best sales manager, how founder-led companies become too reliant on the CEO to close deals, and why accountability must apply to culture as much as performance. If you are still the best closer in your company—or your core values only live on the wall—this episode will give you plenty to think about. Episode Highlights Why Traction remains one of the most transformative books for entrepreneursHow Great by Choice helps leaders test ideas before making major betsJim's journey from entrepreneurship to EOS implementationWhy EOS works through simple tools and shared languageWhy core values should be discovered, not inventedHow leadership teams can uncover values from their best employeesWhy core values must be used as a business toolHow to address employees who perform well but damage the cultureWhy a "moldy blueberry" can quickly affect the rest of the teamThe danger of promoting top salespeople into management without supportWhy founders struggle to step away from the sales seatHow accountability conversations help people improve Key Takeaways Simple does not mean easy. EOS provides straightforward tools and language, but leaders still have to do the hard work of implementation and accountability. Core values already exist inside the business. The goal is not to invent impressive words. It is to identify the behaviors shared by the people who best represent the company. Values are only useful when they guide decisions. Core values should influence hiring, coaching, promotions, performance conversations, and terminations. Culture must apply to top performers too. A salesperson who hits their number but damages the team cannot be exempt from accountability. It may be better to have no core values than fake ones. When leaders tolerate behavior that contradicts the stated values, they weaken trust across the organization. The best salesperson is rarely the best sales manager. Selling and managing require different skills, including coaching, patience, process, and accountability. Founders get pulled back into sales because it feels natural. They built the company through relationships and selling, but long-term growth requires developing a team that can perform without them. Accountability is an act of support. Clear feedback gives employees the chance to improve, align with the culture, and become more successful. Who Should Listen This episode is especially valuable for: Founders who are still the primary closer in the companyEntrepreneurs considering EOSSales leaders building accountability across their teamsCompanies reviewing or redefining their core valuesCEOs dealing with high-performing employees who damage the cultureLeadership teams trying to create consistency across the organizationBusiness owners who want the sales department to run without them Links & Resources EOS Worldwide https://www.eosworldwide.com Contact Jim Coyle jim.coyle@eosworldwide.com Traction by Gino Wickman Great by Choice by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen Enshittification by Cory Doctorow Continue the Conversation If this episode made you think differently about accountability, leadership, culture, or how to get the sales department running without everything flowing through the founder, join the Sales Integrator Community. The community is built exclusively for salespeople and sales managers who want an edge and practical support from someone who has learned the hard way over 40 years in sales. Inside, members can access coaching insights, sales tools, practical resources, and ongoing conversations designed to help them improve their craft and lead more effectively. Free forever. Special founding member badges are available for the first 250 members. Join the community here: https://helix-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=8b6622d942c852339d856b2af3504123cf9476e2-8b78b151-d94f-46df-a26b-ec4a6df24460 Subscribe to Sales & Cigars Sales & Cigars is hosted by Walter Crosby, the Sales Integrator with Helix Sales Development. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. The only smoke we blow is from cigars.
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    41 min
  • AI Isn't Coming for You Job. It's Coming for Your Excuses

    AI Isn't Coming for You Job. It's Coming for Your Excuses
    Jul 14 2026
    AI isn't replacing great salespeople—it's exposing average ones. In this solo episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby explains how to use AI to improve your sales process while doubling down on trust, judgment, and authentic human connection. Episode Overview Artificial intelligence is changing sales—but not in the way most people think. In this solo episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby shares why AI isn't the threat many sales professionals believe it is. Instead of replacing great salespeople, AI is raising the standard by eliminating excuses and exposing those who rely on shortcuts instead of skill. Walter explains why trust, judgment, curiosity, and meaningful conversations remain the true competitive advantages in complex B2B sales. He also introduces the new Sales Integrator Community, a free resource created to help salespeople and sales managers continue developing their craft through coaching, practical tools, and ongoing discussions. Whether you're a salesperson worried about AI, a sales manager coaching your team, or a CEO building a sales organization, this episode offers practical advice on how to embrace technology without losing the human advantage. Episode Highlights Why AI isn't replacing salespeople—it's exposing average onesIntroducing the new free Sales Integrator CommunityWhy great salespeople don't automatically become great sales managersHow AI should be used as a tool—not a replacementWhy personalization isn't the same as genuine connectionBuilding trust through conversations, not automationHow AI can improve preparation, research, and consistencyWhy judgment is becoming one of the most valuable sales skillsCoaching salespeople to make better decisionsWhy authentic human relationships will become even more valuable as AI evolves Key Takeaways AI raises the standard—it doesn't eliminate salespeople. The future belongs to sales professionals who learn to leverage AI while continuing to build trust and solve complex business problems. Average performers who rely on automation instead of relationships will struggle. Trust can't be automated. AI can generate emails, summarize information, and prepare research, but buyers still choose people they trust. Authentic conversations remain the foundation of complex sales. Judgment creates competitive advantage. Knowing when to ask another question, when to challenge a prospect, and how to interpret information requires experience and critical thinking that AI can't replace. AI belongs in preparation—not persuasion. Use AI to research companies, organize information, write first drafts, summarize meetings, and automate repetitive tasks so you can spend more time having meaningful conversations. More activity doesn't mean better results. AI makes it easy to send more emails and create more content, but quantity without relevance simply creates more noise in an already crowded marketplace. Managers still have to coach. Technology cannot replace coaching. Sales managers develop judgment by asking better questions, helping reps think critically, and creating opportunities for continuous improvement. Being human is becoming more valuable. As AI-generated content becomes more common, authenticity, empathy, curiosity, and genuine relationships become stronger differentiators. Who Should Listen This episode is especially valuable for: B2B sales professionalsSales managers coaching growing teamsEntrepreneurs building scalable sales organizationsCEOs concerned about AI's impact on revenueSalespeople looking to use AI more effectivelyAnyone who wants to stay competitive as sales continues to evolve Links & Resources Helix Sales Development Sales Integrator CommunityClaude AIWalter Crosby The Sales Integrator Community Walter created the Sales Integrator Community exclusively for salespeople and sales managers looking to sharpen their skills and continue growing. Inside you'll find: Sales coaching insightsPractical sales tools and resourcesReal-world strategies from over 40 years of experienceOngoing discussions and Q&ABlog content and training materialsTips shared directly from Walter's coaching sessions Free forever. The first 250 founding members receive a special Founding Member badge. Join the community here: https://helix-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=8b6622d942c852339d856b2af3504123cf9476e2-8b78b151-d94f-46df-a26b-ec4a6df24460 Continue the Conversation How are you using AI in your sales process? Are you using it to automate busy work—or to become a better salesperson? Join the conversation inside the Sales Integrator Community and learn alongside other sales professionals committed to improving their craft. Subscribe to Sales & Cigars Sales & Cigars is hosted by Walter Crosby, founder of Helix Sales Development. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. The only smoke we blow is from cigars.
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    27 min
  • Entrepreneurship, Risk, and the Next Generation of Leaders

    Entrepreneurship, Risk, and the Next Generation of Leaders
    Jun 30 2026
    In this episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby sits down with Reed Nyffeler to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, discipline, and what it takes to build opportunity for the next generation. Reed shares how entrepreneurship runs through his family history—from his great-great-grandfather immigrating to America and farming land in Nebraska, to his own early experiences selling gum in school and building lofts for college dorm rooms. The conversation explores why entrepreneurs are essential to the American economy, why self-discipline matters more than ideas, and why the next generation needs new models of ownership that match how they want to work and live. Reed also breaks down his approach to franchising, leadership development, and identifying the people who have the language, focus, and courage to become successful entrepreneurs. Episode Highlights Why entrepreneurship is deeply connected to America's growthReed's family history of immigration, farming, ownership, and opportunityThe early lessons Reed learned from selling gum and building dorm loftsWhy owning your job comes before owning a businessHow coming alongside an owner teaches entrepreneurial thinkingWhy the next generation wants autonomy before opportunityReed's vision for building app-driven franchise opportunitiesWhy fear and lack of focus are the two biggest threats to entrepreneursHow language reveals whether someone is ready to own a businessWhy small bets matter before taking big risks Key Themes & Takeaways Entrepreneurship starts with ownership. Before someone owns a company, they need to learn how to own their work.Value gets noticed. When people create value, the right leaders recognize it and reward it.Autonomy is changing entrepreneurship. Younger generations want control over how, where, and when they work.Fear and focus determine success. Entrepreneurs either get stuck because they are too afraid to move forward, or because they cannot focus long enough to win.Language reveals mindset. How people talk about responsibility, blame, and opportunity often reveals whether they are ready to lead.Risk should be calculated. Entrepreneurs do not avoid risk. They make smaller bets first and learn before firing the cannonball.Letting people go can create opportunity. Keeping the wrong person in a role can hold back both the company and the person who could thrive somewhere else. Who Should Listen This episode is especially valuable for: Entrepreneurs thinking about the next generation of ownershipYoung professionals who want to build something of their ownBusiness owners hiring or developing future leadersFranchise leaders looking for better ways to evaluate candidatesSalespeople who want to think more like ownersAnyone interested in discipline, risk, and entrepreneurial growth Links & Resources The Next in Leadership https://thenextinleadership.com Reed Nyffeler Transform Through Purpose by Reed Nyffeler Lead Exponentially by Reed Nyffeler Continue the Conversation If this episode made you think differently about ownership, discipline, sales, or what it really takes to build something, join the Sales Integrator Community. It's built exclusively for salespeople and sales managers who are looking for an edge—and for professionals who want support getting their questions answered by someone who has learned the hard way over 40 years. Free forever. Special founding member badges are available for the first 250 members. Join here: https://helix-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=8b6622d942c852339d856b2af3504123cf9476e2-8b78b151-d94f-46df-a26b-ec4a6df24460 Subscribe & Follow Sales & Cigars is hosted by Walter Crosby of Helix Sales Development. The only smoke we blow is from cigars. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
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    37 min
  • Accountability, Visionaries, and the Right-Hand Seat

    Accountability, Visionaries, and the Right-Hand Seat
    Jun 16 2026
    In this episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby sits down with Matt Haney, fractional COO and integrator, to talk about accountability, visionary entrepreneurs, and what really keeps businesses from scaling. Matt works with founders who have built strong companies but have reached the point where they need help turning vision into execution. The conversation digs into the tension between visionaries and operators, why accountability often breaks down, and how leaders can create clearer expectations without slipping into micromanagement. Matt also explains why many business problems are really people problems—and why having a trusted right hand can help founders get out of seats they should no longer be sitting in. If you are a visionary leader trying to scale, this episode is worth your time. Episode Highlights Why founders often struggle to move from doing to leadingHow accountability breaks down when expectations are unclearWhy working sessions can become necessary when execution stallsThe danger of visionaries staying one or two levels too deep in the businessHow sales leaders can work better with founder-led organizationsWhy trust between a visionary and sales leader is criticalThe role of a fractional COO as operator, advisor, and accountability partnerWhy third-party perspective can help resolve leadership tensionHow to identify when your business needs a trusted right hand Key Themes & Takeaways Accountability starts with clear expectations. People cannot execute against vague direction. Leaders must define what success looks like.Visionaries often need help getting out of the way. Founders built the business by doing everything, but scaling requires them to release control in the right places.Execution problems are often people problems. Missed targets, stalled growth, and lack of follow-through usually connect back to communication, clarity, or accountability.Trust must be intentionally built. When founders bring in sales leaders or operators, information flow and role clarity are essential.A strong right hand creates leverage. The right operator helps translate vision into action, hold people accountable, and reduce chaos inside the business.Outside perspective can reduce friction. Sometimes a neutral third party helps leaders hear each other more clearly and move through tension faster. Who Should Listen This episode is especially valuable for: Visionary entrepreneurs who feel stuck in the weedsFounders looking for a trusted right hand or integratorSales leaders working inside founder-led businessesCEOs struggling with accountability across the teamService-based businesses trying to scale operationsLeaders who know the company needs structure but are unsure where to start Links & Resources Sinclair Ventures https://sinclairventures.com Matt Haney matt@sinclairventures.com Matt Haney on LinkedIn Continue the Conversation If this episode made you think differently about accountability, leadership, or how to build a business that can scale without everything running through you, join the Sales Integrator Community. It's built exclusively for salespeople and sales managers who are looking for an edge—and for professionals who want support getting their questions answered by someone who has learned the hard way over 40 years. Free forever. Special founding member badges are available for the first 250 members. Join here: https://helix-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=8b6622d942c852339d856b2af3504123cf9476e2-8b78b151-d94f-46df-a26b-ec4a6df24460 Subscribe & Follow Sales & Cigars is hosted by Walter Crosby of Helix Sales Development. The only smoke we blow is from cigars. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
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    35 min
  • Invest in Yourself Before You Blame the Company

    Invest in Yourself Before You Blame the Company
    Jun 2 2026
    In this episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby sits down with John Golden, Chief Marketing Strategy Officer at Pipeliner CRM and host of Sales Pop, for a sharp conversation about sales leadership, self-development, business acumen, and what it really takes to stay valuable in sales. John shares why SPIN Selling remains one of the most important sales books ever written and why great salespeople are still defined by their ability to ask better questions, listen deeply, and resist the urge to jump into solution mode too quickly. The conversation also dives into one of John's biggest pieces of advice for sales professionals: invest in yourself. Don't wait for your company to train you. Don't complain that no one is developing you. Your career is your responsibility. From coaching and mentorship to business acumen and sales-marketing alignment, this episode is a reminder that the best salespeople never stop learning. Episode Highlights Why SPIN Selling still matters in modern salesThe difference between hearing and active listeningWhy silence after a good question is powerfulHow salespeople can stop rushing into solution modeWhy every salesperson should learn a sales methodologyJohn's advice to invest in yourself before blaming your companyThe ROI of hiring a coach or finding a mentorWhy sales, sales leadership, and CEO roles can feel lonelyThe importance of business acumen in today's sales environmentHow salespeople can bring value through insight, not just productsWhy a great sales call should be valuable enough to pay for Key Themes & Takeaways Great salespeople ask better questions. The best reps do not rush to pitch. They slow down, listen, and dig deeper.Silence is part of the process. When a prospect pauses after a strong question, don't interrupt. Let them think.Your career is your responsibility. If your company is not investing in your development, invest in yourself.Coaching pays for itself. A good coach or mentor can challenge your thinking, expand your goals, and accelerate growth.Sales can be lonely. Whether you are carrying a bag, leading a team, or running a company, you need people who can challenge and support you.Business acumen matters more than ever. Salespeople need to understand how businesses operate, how decisions get made, and how their solution impacts the whole organization.Value starts before the deal closes. A sales conversation should help the buyer think differently, even before they buy anything. Who Should Listen This episode is especially valuable for: Salespeople who want to take ownership of their careerSales leaders trying to develop stronger, more independent repsCEOs and entrepreneurs who want better sales conversationsTeams looking to improve discovery and active listeningRevenue leaders focused on sales and marketing alignmentAnyone who wants to become more valuable in every business conversation Links & Resources SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham Pipeliner CRM https://pipelinersales.com Sales Pop https://salespop.net John Golden on LinkedIn Continue the Conversation If this episode made you think differently about sales, leadership, or how to take ownership of your career, join the Sales Integrator Community. It's built exclusively for salespeople and sales managers who are looking for an edge—and for professionals who want support getting their questions answered by someone who has learned the hard way over 40 years. Free forever. Special founding member badges are available for the first 250 members. Join here: https://helix-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=8b6622d942c852339d856b2af3504123cf9476e2-8b78b151-d94f-46df-a26b-ec4a6df24460 Subscribe & Follow Sales & Cigars is hosted by Walter Crosby of Helix Sales Development. The only smoke we blow is from cigars. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
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    34 min