The Selling Podcast

Author: Mike Williams and Scott Schlofman

Feeling stuck in a sales slump? Pipeline looking thinner than a supermodel on a juice cleanse? Want to grow your business faster than a startup funded by a lottery winner? Then buckle up, buttercup, because "The Selling Podcast" is your new obsession!Join your seasoned (slightly graying but still very spry) sales pros, Mike and Scott, who collectively boast over 50 years of crushing quotas (and racking up enough airline and hotel points to live perpetually in a suite). They're not just here to drop wisdom; they're here to deliver a potent mix of "deep-ish thoughts and some truly mediocre advice" (their words, not ours... mostly) on everything from closing monster deals to navigating the wild ride of life.Every week, prepare for unfiltered stories, battle-tested philosophies, hard-earned insights, and enough random tangents to keep you laughing and learning! They even drag in some special guests (who usually offer the really deep insights, just between us) to elevate the conversation even further.Whether you're a seasoned sales manager, a hungry rep grinding for commission, or just someone who wants to understand the human element of persuasion, Mike and Scott cut through the fluff with their signature blend of sharp sales strategies and hilarious banter.Stop wishing for more sales, start getting them! Hit subscribe, join the conversation, and let Mike and Scott help you sell better, live better, and most of all... enjoy all of it!
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Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Careers, Management

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Four-Letter CRM? Turn the Dreaded Tool into your Secret Sales Weapon with CRM Whisperer Jason Kramer
Wednesday, 20 May, 2026

Visit Jason here at AfterTheLead.comIn this episode of The Selling Podcast, hosts Scott and Mike dive into the often-dreaded world of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. They welcome Jason Kramer, founder and CEO of Cultivize and self-proclaimed "CRM Whisperer," to discuss why CRMs are often despised by sales teams and how to transform them from an administrative burden into a powerful tool for driving revenue.Why CRMs are Often HatedJason begins by explaining that the negativity surrounding CRMs stems from a lack of process and proper training. Many salespeople view them merely as tools for data entry rather than aids to make their jobs easier. Companies often hire salespeople and expect them to naturally know how to use these complex tools without providing a clear playbook or defining the necessary processes.Common CRM Mistakes and the Importance of NurturingA major hurdle for sales reps is the failure to follow up effectively. Salespeople get busy and postpone following up with leads who aren't ready to buy immediately, causing potential deals to fall through the cracks.Jason emphasizes the critical importance of "nurturing" leads, which he defines not as bombarding them with weekly emails, but as educating them. By providing valuable resources (like relevant articles or insights) that help solve their problems, you build rapport and educate them to make better decisions when they are ready to buy. Studies show that 63% of leads who enter the funnel will eventually buy if properly nurtured.Practical Advice for Sales RepsBlock Time on Your Calendar: The "I don't have time" excuse is common. Jason and the hosts strongly advise allocating rigid time blocks on your calendar specifically for Business Development. Treating CRM updates as part of business development makes it less likely to be pushed aside.Define Your Process: Take a step back and literally write down the steps in your ideal sales cycle. This defines the standard activities that need to happen at each stage.Utilize "Lead Scoring": Most CRMs track prospect activity (website visits, email opens, etc.). Leveraging lead scoring allows sales reps to prioritize leads who are actively showing interest, telling you who to call today.The 15-Minute Rule: When responding to new inbound leads, speed is everything. Statistically, waiting more than 15 minutes to reach out can cause you to lose the deal to a competitor who responds faster. If you cannot call immediately, utilize automated auto-responder emails to set expectations and maintain the conversation.The Role of AI in the Future of CRMThe conversation concludes with insights into how AI is impacting CRM usage. AI tools can analyze transcripts of calls and meetings to identify pain points, detect tonality, and provide actionable highlights. Furthermore, AI can help salespeople articulate follow-up communications more clearly and effectively by analyzing the customer’s concerns and suggesting the best language to overcome them.