Episodios

  • Episode 155 – How Franchise Sales Really Work with James Hilovsky
    Mar 31 2026
    In Episode 155, Drewbie sits down with James Hilovsky to pull back the curtain on the realities of franchise sales, lead quality, and what "passive income" actually looks like in practice. James brings a rare insider's perspective from years inside the franchise world—working with restaurant brands, NFL-backed ownership groups, and now as a franchise broker helping people avoid costly, life-altering mistakes. From tire-kicker leads and constant ghosting, to scarcity mindset and unrealistic expectations around money, this episode dives deep into the psychology behind why people say they want freedom—but disappear when it's time to commit. This conversation explores how franchises really work, why most people misunderstand investment and ROI, and why success comes down to fit, effort, and expectations—not hype. James also breaks down emerging franchise trends, semi-passive business models, and what sales professionals should consider when looking to turn commission income into long-term freedom. If you've ever been pitched an "easy investment," struggled with low-quality leads, or wondered whether franchising could be your next move—this episode delivers clarity without the fluff. Episode Highlights James' real-world "crazy sales story" from the franchise lead trenchesWhy ghosting is at an all-time high in franchise salesThe emotional reason prospects disappear instead of saying "no"Why many franchise leads don't realize money is requiredThe harsh truth behind "business in a box" expectationsWhy a lead isn't really a lead until there's a conversationCost per lead vs. cost per conversation breakdownWhy portal leads often look good on paper—but fail in realityHow sales KPIs reveal where the real breakdown happensJames' journey from restaurant executive to franchise brokerLessons learned from owning multiple franchises pre-COVIDWhy most people should not own restaurantsThe biggest mistakes first-time franchise buyers makeMatching people to businesses instead of "selling" franchisesHow fear and scarcity mindset kill dealsWhy effort—not branding—determines successIndustries James actively steers people toward (and away from)Why boring franchises often outperform sexy onesEmerging franchise trends heading into 2026Indoor golf simulators and low-labor business modelsWhat "semi-passive" really means in franchisingHow sales skills translate into long-term freedom Key Takeaways Ghosting isn't personal. Most prospects disappear because they're confronting fear—not rejecting you. A lead isn't a lead until there's a conversation. Names and emails don't equal intent. Most people underestimate the cost of ownership. Good credit alone doesn't fund a business. Franchises aren't plug-and-play. Every model still requires effort, leadership, and accountability. Restaurants are high-risk for first-time owners. Low margins and high labor crush unprepared investors. Boring businesses win. Home services and recurring revenue models often outperform flashy brands. Passive income is usually semi-passive. Freedom comes from systems and management—not absence. Sales skills create optionality. Commission income can be converted into long-term assets. Fear kills more deals than money. Most prospects walk away before doing the math. Fit matters more than hype. The right business for the wrong person still fails. Connect with James 🌐 Website: https://thefrandream.com 📩 Email: james@thefrandream.com James helps aspiring owners evaluate opportunities, assess fit, and avoid costly franchise mistakes through education-first conversations and personalized guidance. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: • Wild Sales Stories – Lessons from the trenches • Proven Tactics – Sales strategies that actually work • Humor – No-BS conversations about selling • Expert Insights – From professionals across industries Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to turn income into freedom and build long-term leverage. 👉 Interested in being a guest? Apply here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbieridesFollow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads
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    23 m
  • Episode 154 – We Relied on One Lead Source… Then Sales Collapsed | Joel Keith
    Mar 26 2026
    In Episode 154, Drewbie sits down with Joel Keith, co-founder of ASP Branding, to unpack one of the most dangerous growth traps businesses fall into: relying on a single sales channel. Joel shares a raw behind-the-scenes story from his agency's journey—how rapid growth, strong referrals, and a solid network masked deep vulnerabilities in their sales process. When deals suddenly stalled and revenue collapsed, it forced a hard reckoning around sales diversification, accountability, and leadership ownership. This episode goes beyond lead generation tactics. Joel delivers a powerful masterclass on sales empathy, especially for local service businesses and home service professionals, where sales conversations often happen in high-stress situations. From aligning marketing and sales teams to teaching technicians how to sell without "selling," this conversation is packed with practical insights for business owners, agency leaders, and sales professionals who want sustainable, predictable growth. If you've ever experienced feast-or-famine revenue, blamed "low-quality leads," or struggled to convert opportunities into real revenue—this episode will change how you think about sales systems and human connection. Episode Highlights Joel's "crazy" sales story rooted in systemic failure—not a single bad dealHow a fast-growing agency went from ~$80K months to under $10K MRRWhy funneling all sales through one person and one channel is dangerousThe hidden risk of relying solely on referrals and networkingWhat happens when KPIs, accountability, and checks & balances are missingThe wake-up call that forced diversification of lead acquisitionRebuilding momentum from $45K MRR back toward $75–80K monthsWhy reopening and repairing existing channels should come before adding new onesHow referral programs can turn clients into active advocatesUsing financial incentives to multiply referral volumeThe challenges of cold outreach and paid ads for agenciesWhy most businesses ignore the leads they already paid forAligning marketing with sales instead of blaming "lead quality"The disconnect between lead generation and sales executionWhy technicians and service pros struggle with sales conversationsHow empathy beats pressure in high-stress buying momentsSelling preventative solutions instead of transactional fixesWhy understanding customer stress changes close rates dramaticallyThe difference between "taking orders" and real sellingHow leadership framing affects sales team buy-inWhy preparation matters more than confidence in the fieldSmall human gestures that build trust and increase AOV Key Takeaways One sales channel is a liability. No matter how strong it is, relying on a single source of leads puts your business at risk. Fast growth can hide broken systems. Revenue doesn't equal stability—processes and accountability matter. Referrals still matter—but they can't be everything. They should be supported by joint ventures, outbound efforts, and paid channels. Old leads are still leads. Most businesses are sitting on untapped revenue in their existing database. Marketing can't fix broken sales. Lead quality isn't always the issue—conversion often is. Empathy is a sales skill. Understanding customer stress changes how you sell and how you're perceived. People buy trust before solutions. They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Sales is not about pressure—it's about positioning. Lowering stress builds confidence and long-term value. Leadership framing determines resistance. Sales teams buy in faster when coaching is positioned as support, not punishment. Preparation beats talent. In stressful moments, people fall back on training—not confidence. Connect with Joel 🌐 Website: https://aspbranding.com 📩 Email: joel.keith@aspbranding.com 📱 Social Media: @AtomicSoulsProductions Joel and his team share regular insights, videos, and podcast clips focused on marketing, sales alignment, and sustainable business growth. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: • Wild Sales Stories – Real-life lessons from the field • Proven Tactics – Strategies you can apply immediately • Humor – Sales conversations without the fluff • Expert Insights – From professionals across industries Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, agency owners, and small business leaders looking to improve sales performance, marketing alignment, and long-term growth. 👉 Want to be a guest? Submit your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbieridesFollow Call ...
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    20 m
  • Episode 153 – How To Building Sales, Relationships & Social Impact with Michael Podolny
    Mar 24 2026
    In Episode 153, Drewbie sits down with Michael Podolny to explore one of the most counterintuitive—but powerful—principles in sales and business: give to get. With over two decades of experience in mergers & acquisitions, advisory work, and professional services, Michael shares how his biggest sales wins came not from pitching harder—but from building genuine relationships, serving first, and trusting long-term value creation. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Michael walks through how this philosophy led him into an unexpected mission in Africa—creating real jobs for women exiting sex work by building a Ghana-based virtual assistant business that serves U.S. entrepreneurs and professionals. From breaking scarcity mindset, to building follow-up systems most professionals avoid, to proving that social impact and profitable business can coexist, this episode delivers deep wisdom for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven leaders alike. If you've ever struggled with networking, follow-up, delegation, or wondering how to build a business that actually matters—this episode will shift how you think about sales forever. Episode Highlights Michael's "craziest" sales story: winning business without trying to sell Why the give-to-get philosophy outperforms traditional selling How real relationships compound like a "Rube Goldberg machine" Breaking out of scarcity mindset in sales and networking Why doing what you love creates your strongest lead generation engine The difference between giving value and avoiding sales fundamentals Why most professionals hate newsletters—and why they desperately need them How follow-up systems create long-term deal flow Michael's accidental entry into social impact work in Africa Building jobs—not just training programs—as the real solution Turning disadvantaged women into skilled virtual assistants How Theodore Ghana helps solopreneurs buy back their time The role of delegation in scaling income and impact Why AI will never replace real human connection in sales Building a sales engine that supports both profit and purpose Key Takeaways Giving creates leverage. The more value you give without expectation, the more opportunity finds you. Scarcity kills relationships. Holding too tightly limits growth—abundance attracts it. Sales fundamentals still matter. Giving doesn't replace branding, clarity, or value propositions—it enhances them. Follow-up is where deals are born. Most professionals lose business simply because they disappear. Do what you love—and let curiosity do the selling. Passion builds trust faster than pitches ever will. Training without jobs doesn't create change. Real economic impact requires real employment. Delegation multiplies effectiveness. High-value work belongs with you—everything else should be outsourced. Break-even is a massive win. Sustainability comes before scale. Sales engines create freedom. Systems outperform effort every time. Purpose amplifies profit. When business serves people, everyone wins. Connect with Michael Podolny 🌐 Nonprofit / Business Incubator: https://theodoraafrica.com 🌐 Virtual Assistant Services (Ghana): https://theodoraghana.com/ 📩 Email: michael@podolny.com Michael's work bridges the gap between entrepreneurship, ethical outsourcing, and sustainable social impact—proving business can be both profitable and transformational. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads
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    20 m
  • Episode 152 – Value Creation, Leadership, and Knowing When to Say No with Dusty Holcomb
    Mar 19 2026
    In Episode 152, Drewbie sits down with Dusty Holcomb for a deep, thoughtful conversation that reframes how sales professionals think about value, leadership, discipline, and long-term success. Dusty shares how his first real exposure to sales started at just 16 years old in a high-end men's clothing store—and how those early lessons shaped every leadership role he's held since, including serving as a CEO and President. Rather than treating sales as persuasion or pressure, Dusty breaks down why sales is really about education, guidance, and value creation. From knowing when to say no to a deal, to building trust through expertise, to applying the mindset of Ironman endurance racing to sales consistency—this episode is a masterclass in what it actually means to sell with integrity and confidence. If you believe sales is something you do to people, this episode will change your mind. If you believe sales is something you do for people, this episode will sharpen your edge. Episode Highlights Dusty's first sales role at 16 years old—and why it changed everything Moving from stock boy to top salesperson without "selling" Why sales is education, not persuasion The mentor who taught Dusty that sales is something you do for someone Understanding the buyer as the hero—and the salesperson as the guide Why expertise builds trust faster than charm Selling $5 instead of $3 by creating real value How sales principles translate into executive leadership Knowing when to say no to a deal—even when it's easy money The danger of value mismatch between buyer and seller Protecting brand promise over short-term revenue Why great sales professionals are confident enough to walk away Lessons from running five Ironman races The discipline of process over motivation Why consistency beats inspiration Hearing "no" as "not yet" Why the race—and the sale—is the reward Key Takeaways Everything is sales. Every interaction is about creating value—inside and outside the deal. Sales is not something you do to someone. It's something you do for someone. The buyer is the hero. Your job is to guide them—not be the star. Expertise creates trust. When you understand your product deeply, people invest confidently. Confidence is knowing when to say no. Not all business is good business. Value mismatch kills relationships. If you can't deliver what they truly value, walk away. Protect the long game. Short-term revenue is never worth long-term brand damage. Process beats motivation. Pros do the work even when they don't feel like it. Sales resilience matters. "No" often means you haven't earned the right—yet. The finish line feels best when you've done the work. In sales and in life, the race is the reward. Sales, Leadership & the Ironman Mindset Dusty draws powerful parallels between endurance racing and selling: You need a plan You trust the process You show up on hard days You execute consistently You don't quit when it gets uncomfortable Just like Ironman training, sales success isn't about bursts of motivation—it's about daily discipline. Knowing When to Say No One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Dusty's story of turning down a deal—even when the prospect wanted to buy. Why? Because true sales leadership means protecting: The client's outcome Your brand promise Your team's integrity You haven't "arrived" in sales until you can confidently say no—and explain why. Connect with Dusty Holcomb 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb 🎁 Free Resource for Sales Leaders & Sellers: Rules of Engagement Guide A practical workbook to help you clarify expectations, values, and how your team can win together. 🌐 Get it here: https://arcqusgroup.com/ Dusty works with CEOs, executives, and sales leaders to bring clarity, alignment, and speed to their organizations. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth ...
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    26 m
  • Episode 151 – From Broke to Booked: The Paid Proposal Strategy with Ryan Clark
    Mar 17 2026
    In Episode 151, Drewbie sits down with Ryan Clark, a marketer and sales strategist who shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how he went from a struggling entrepreneur working grocery store shifts to building a thriving business that allowed him to move to Rio de Janeiro. Ryan breaks down the pivotal moments that forced him to rethink sales, pricing, and messaging—especially after losing his first business with close friends. What followed was a hard-earned lesson in audience building, low-barrier offers, and why selling small first can unlock massive long-term growth. This episode dives deep into Ryan's Paid Proposal Strategy, his viral Cheetah Method for outreach, and why most funnels fail before they ever have a chance to work. If you sell services, coaching, or marketing solutions—and you're tired of long sales cycles and constant rejection—this episode will change how you approach selling. Episode Highlights Ryan's painful breakup with his first business partners Working a grocery store job while trying to make entrepreneurship work Building an audience for years with almost no results The conversation that sparked Ryan's first scalable offer How Ryan went from $500 offers to $10K in just weeks Why low-ticket offers close faster than high-ticket pitches The origin of the Paid Proposal Strategy How to structure offers that naturally lead to upsells Why most funnels fail before messaging is clear The "Funnel First Fallacy" and how to avoid it Buyer angles, root cause messaging, and the "big idea" Why targeting matters more than clever messaging The Cheetah Method for DM outreach Starting conversations without sounding salesy Market Leaders vs. Market Messiahs Why trust and likability matter more than ever in the AI era Key Takeaways Selling doesn't start with a pitch—it starts with a conversation. Low-pressure conversations open more doors than perfect presentations. Cheap doesn't mean weak—when positioned correctly. Low-barrier offers create momentum, trust, and long-term clients. If your funnel isn't converting, it's probably the messaging. Generic language leads to generic results. Targeting beats tactics. Talking to the right people at the right stage matters more than the script. Value first always wins. Give before you ask, and people lean in. People buy people. In a crowded, AI-driven world, trust and personality matter more than ever. The Paid Proposal Strategy (Simplified) Ryan's core framework focuses on: Solving a front-end problem quickly Offering a low-friction entry point Delivering fast, tangible results Creating a clear 3–12 month roadmap Allowing clients to either DIY or continue working together This removes pressure from the sale and positions the upsell as the obvious next step. The Cheetah Method (DM Outreach) Ryan's outreach philosophy is built on: Hyper-targeting active, relevant prospects Leading with curiosity, not pitching Introducing a simple, intriguing concept Asking permission before continuing Offering value without pressure The goal: start conversations, not force closes. Market Leader vs. Market Messiah Market Leaders sell expertise Market Messiahs build movements Messiahs create trust, community, belief, and advocacy—not just transactions. Connect with Ryan Clark 💼 LinkedIn: Search Ryan Clark (Primary platform for content & outreach) 📍 Bonus: If you're feeling adventurous, Ryan is living in Rio de Janeiro—Copacabana Beach optional. 🇧🇷 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals—Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads
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    23 m
  • Episode 150 – Why Your Marketing Isn't Working (And What Your Friends Know That You Don't) with Rachel Allen
    Mar 12 2026
    In Episode 150, Drewbie sits down with Rachel Allen, an experienced copywriter who's worked across industries—from astrologers to accountants—to unpack what's actually happening in marketing, sales cycles, and buyer trust right now. Rachel shares her unconventional entry into copywriting, including landing her very first client—without knowing what a "nurture campaign" was—and closing a five-figure deal by figuring it out in real time. From there, the conversation dives deep into the intersection of sales, copywriting, psychology, and trust. This episode breaks down why sales cycles have lengthened, why broadcast content is losing influence, and why your marketing might not be converting—even if your strategy "looks good on paper." Rachel delivers sharp insights on AI copywriting, email marketing, unsubscribes, and why the real buying decisions are happening in private conversations, not public comments. If you sell anything high-ticket, relationship-driven, or trust-based, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights Rachel's first-ever sales call and accidental five-figure close Leaving the U.S. at 22 and starting over in Hong Kong Discovering copywriting through necessity Why copywriting mirrors a real sales conversation The breakdown between marketing promises and sales reality How poor marketing sets sales teams up to fail Why sales teams should drive marketing messaging The truth about AI copywriting and where it actually helps Three foundational questions every piece of copy must answer Why people don't engage with content anymore How trust has shifted to private conversations The real reason your offers aren't converting Why email marketing is not dead How to write subject lines that avoid spam filters The psychology behind unsubscribes (and why not to take them personally) How polarizing your message improves conversion Key Takeaways Copywriting is sales—written down. If your marketing sounds different from your sales calls, something is broken. Sales teams hold the truth. They hear real fears, objections, and motivations—marketers should be listening. Vibes are not strategy. Clarity beats cleverness every time. Nobody cares about your product—yet. They care about themselves first. Speak to that. Trust has moved offline. People buy based on what their friends say, not what your content claims. If people aren't buying, it's not the algorithm. It's a trust problem. AI separates the good from the great. It replaces "okay" work—but not excellence. Email still works—when done with respect. Bad email marketing ruined email's reputation, not the medium itself. Unsubscribes are not rejection. They're aligned. Strong reactions are better than mild interest. The goal is resonance, not approval. Rachel's 3 Rules for Better Copywriting Define the exact goal. Not "more leads"—but who, where, why, and at what stage. Make it about the reader. Your perspective doesn't matter until theirs is addressed. Match the level of touch to the price. High-ticket offers require human-to-human connection. Why Your Content Isn't Converting Rachel explains that modern buyers don't trust broadcast marketing the way they used to. Instead, decisions are made in: Group chats Private messages Emails One-on-one conversations If those people don't trust you—or worse, don't like you—your funnel stalls. Connect with Rachel Allen 🌐 Website: https://www.boltfromthebluecopywriting.com/ 📧 Email: rachel@boltfromthebluecopywriting.com 💼 LinkedIn: Search Rachel Allen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelallenwrites/ Rachel helps businesses create human, trust-driven messaging that converts—without gimmicks, pressure, or empty hype. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: ...
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    23 m
  • Episode 149 – Selling from Presence, Not Pressure with Joanna Zhang
    Mar 10 2026
    In Episode 149, Drewbie welcomes Joanna Zhang for a deeply reflective and practical conversation about sales, energy, delegation, and what it really takes to scale a business without burning yourself out. Joanna shares her personal evolution—from pushing hard in sales with a transaction-first mindset to shifting into a presence-led, value-driven approach that completely transformed her results. After a personal "soul awakening," Joanna realized that chasing deals from fear and scarcity was blocking growth—not just in sales, but in leadership and life. From there, the conversation expands into one of the biggest challenges sales-driven entrepreneurs face: doing everything themselves. Joanna breaks down how she built a high-performing, specialized operations team, why most business owners become their own bottleneck, and how identifying your zone of genius is the key to sustainable scale. This episode is a must-listen for solopreneurs, founders, and sales leaders who want more time, more energy, and more alignment—without losing control of what they've built. Episode Highlights Joanna's shift from push-based selling to flow-based sales How intention and energy impact sales outcomes Why transactional selling creates resistance Letting go of scarcity and selling from authenticity Leading teams through energy, not pressure The difference between being busy and being effective Why most business owners resist delegation Building a "genius-focused" operations team How delegating drains less energy than doing everything yourself The hidden cost of control in business growth Becoming a servant leader instead of a controlling one How to stop being the bottleneck in your own business Trust, expectation, and leadership growth Scaling without sacrificing vision or values Key Takeaways Sales follow intention. Selling from fear repels; selling from presence attracts. Letting go creates momentum. Releasing expectations often unlocks unexpected opportunities. You can't scale while doing everything. Delegation isn't optional—it's foundational. Your energy sets the tone. Teams and clients feel pressure, authenticity, and alignment. Control limits possibility. Trusting others opens doors you can't see alone. There is no perfect person—only a perfect team. Specialization beats self-reliance every time. Sales is a zone of genius for many founders. Protect it by delegating everything else. Leadership is a personal growth journey. Business bottlenecks often mirror internal ones. Delegation is a skill—not a switch. It's learned layer by layer, not all at once. Growth requires courage. You don't need certainty—just the willingness to start. The Zone of Genius Framework (Shared by Joanna) To identify what to delegate, Joanna recommends mapping your work into four layers: Incompetence – Things you dislike and aren't good at (delegate first) Competence – Things you can do well but don't love Excellence – Things you're great at and enjoy Genius – What's uniquely you and irreplaceable Your goal is to gradually move your time and energy toward the genius zone. Connect with Joanna Zhang 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhang-joanna/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app 🎁 Free Resource: How to Feel Less Stuck and Get More Time & Energy Back A practical guide for solopreneurs who do too much themselves and want to scale without burnout. ➡️ (Link to be added in show notes) Joanna helps founders and sales-driven business owners delegate strategically, build specialized support teams, and scale from alignment—not exhaustion. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads
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    23 m
  • Episode 148 – Negotiation Lessons from the Buyer's Side with Ted Stephany
    Mar 5 2026
    In Episode 148, Drewbie flips the script and brings in someone from the other side of the table—professional buyer and sourcing expert Ted Stephany—to unpack what actually happens inside procurement conversations and why most sales professionals unknowingly sabotage their own deals. Ted shares his journey from being a tech sales rep who was taught to "go around procurement" to becoming a procurement leader himself—and why that advice was completely wrong. With firsthand experience on both sides of the deal desk, Ted explains why sales and procurement are far more aligned than most sellers realize. This episode dives deep into negotiation psychology, deal planning, silence, questioning strategies, and how to turn procurement into your internal champion instead of your biggest obstacle. If you've ever lost momentum late in a deal, discounted too fast, or talked yourself out of leverage—this conversation will change how you sell. Episode Highlights Ted's transformation from seller to procurement leader Why "going around procurement" is terrible advice The biggest misunderstanding sales pros have about buyers How misalignment inside buying teams kills deals Why selling value to only the end user isn't enough Questions every seller should ask sourcing and procurement How procurement can help you shorten the deal cycle Turning buyers into internal cheerleaders Why salespeople talk themselves out of leverage The power of silence in negotiations Why "best and final offer" usually backfires How discounting too early weakens your position Using time as a negotiation lever Planning concessions before the negotiation starts The danger of hedging language ("I think," "maybe," "we'll see") How to get buyers to advocate for your proposal internally Simple negotiation tweaks that create massive results Key Takeaways Procurement is not the enemy. Buyers and sellers are more aligned than most sales pros think. Sell to the entire buying team—not just the end user. Different stakeholders value different outcomes. Bring procurement in early. Early involvement shortens deal cycles and uncovers landmines. Silence is a negotiation weapon. Six seconds of silence can completely shift leverage. Have a plan before you negotiate. Unplanned concessions lead to unnecessary discounts. "Best and final" often kills collaboration. Negotiation is a conversation, not a shutdown. Confidence beats hedging language. Uncertainty invites pressure and further concessions. Time is negotiable. Deadlines should be engineered—not demanded. Create internal champions. Get buyers to sell your proposal for you. Small tweaks create massive gains. Negotiation mastery is about refinement, not reinvention. Connect with Ted Stephany 🌐 Website: https://www.tedstephany.com Ted shares insights on negotiation strategy, procurement dynamics, and sales effectiveness—helping sellers and buying teams create better, faster, more collaborative deals. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads
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    24 m