In this last episode of Season 1 of Sales Seekers, Mike Bird talks with Shanti Joy Gold about her journey in B2B tech sales, the importance of authenticity, and what it takes to succeed in sales. Shanti shares insights on genuine connections, overcoming resistance, and embracing change.

• Learn more about Shanti's work
• Tune into her podcast: Stories We Haven't Shared
• Connect with Shanti on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to Mike's weekly emails for salespeople

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• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:49) - If you really know Shanti...
• (02:58) - Shanti's journey into sales
• (06:28) - Sales DNA: what it takes to succeed in sales
• (11:18) - Not sure you have Sales DNA?
• (14:58) - The wildest transition to sales Shanti's seen
• (16:12) - Authenticity in sales: what's it really?
• (19:17) - Why authenticity is so valuable to a salesperson
• (22:34) - Can authenticity be cultivated?
• (23:31) - One thing to know if you're considering a sales career
• (25:17) - One thing that hinders a salesperson's growth
• (26:44) - Connecting and engaging with Shanti's work
• (27:42) - Update on Sales Seekers

Mike Bird discusses the importance of leveraging both close and weak ties during job searches to avoid burnout, loneliness, and prolonged efforts. He offers actionable tips on using broader networks and precise communication to generate leads and opportunities.

• Grab the Job Search Preparation Checklist
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
• More on Mark Granovetter's research, 2016 interview, and 2022 interview

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• (00:00) - 011: It Takes a Village to Land a Job
• (00:04) - Intro
• (00:46) - Two sorts of people we want in our corner
• (01:50) - Mark Granovetter's landmark research
• (02:50) - Putting this into action for your job search

Mike shares a framework for assessing job satisfaction through three key elements: happiness, growth, and financial gain. He explores different scenarios and advises on when it might be time to consider a new job or seek changes within your current role.

• Book a career coaching consultation with Mike
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to get sales career tips by email

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• (00:00) - 010: Signs That You’re Ready for a New Job
• (00:05) - Intro
• (01:11) - 3 things your work should provide
• (02:06) - Different scenarios you may find yourself in
• (05:49) - Reflect on your curent role
• (06:27) - Need some help?

Krysten Connor, a former teacher turned Account Executive, discusses leveraging teaching skills in tech sales, self-development, overcoming misconceptions, and defining personal success. Hosted by Mike Bird, this episode offers strategies for thriving in sales and the importance of self-awareness in career decisions.

• Get coached by Krysten
• Connect with Krysten on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

Have you become a regular listener of the show? Leave us a review and let us know your feedback!

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• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:13) - What you'll never catch Krysten doing
• (02:07) - How Krysten broke into tech sales
• (05:29) - On taking charge of your own development
• (11:10) - Strengths Krysten has leaned into as a salesperson
• (14:06) - Know this before transitioning to sales
• (19:28) - It's never too early, or too late...
• (25:08) - Learn more about Krysten's work

Mike discusses common reasons why résumés may not lead to job interviews. Topics include: lack of targeting, unclear Unique Value Proposition, elimination factors such as typos, visible application barriers, and ATS compatibility issues. Listeners are encouraged to address these areas for improved job application success.

• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to get sales career tips by email

Mentioned in the episode:

• The Behavioural Insights Team, Women Only Apply When 100% Qualified. Fact or Fake News?
• 002: Leveraging Non-Sales Selling to Land a Sales Role
• 006: How to Fix This Top Job Search Mistake

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• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:09) - What is a qualified applicant?
• (03:19) - 1. Your résumé isn’t targeted enough at the position
• (05:45) - 2. Your résumé doesn't convey a cohesive or strong Unique Value Proposition
• (08:49) - 3. Your résumé contains too many elimination factors
• (12:08) - 4. Your résumé doesn't address obstacles or barriers
• (14:21) - 5. Your résumé isn't ATS-friendly
• (17:06) - Need help with your résumé?

Career Coach (and former podcast collaborator!) Lisa Plain joins Mike to chat career reinvention, challenges in transitioning to tech sales, the importance of self-awareness, selling oneself, and job search mindsets for success. Also discussed: handling layoffs, leveraging networks, and understanding personal fit in sales roles.

• Learn more about working with Lisa
• Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn
• October Networking Webinars: Learn more and sign up
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
• And for the curious...our old show, The Career Builder's Podcast

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• (00:00) - Intro
• (03:10) - 3 things Lisa coaches sales most
• (05:11) - Unpacking job seeker discomfort
• (11:49) - Leveraging networking in a job search
• (13:57) - The wildest transition to sales Lisa's seen
• (16:11) - Job searching if you've been laid off
• (21:22) - What should people jumping to tech sales know in advance?
• (23:19) - How job seekers hinder their own efforts
• (26:14) - Where to connect with Lisa
• (26:58) - Outro

Mike discusses the critical job search mistake of not having a clear job search target, its impact on job seekers, and strategies to overcome it for a more effective and focused job hunt.

• Grab the 5-Step Job Search Preparation Checklist here
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

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• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:55) - What is a clear job search target?
• (04:16) - Why not having a clear job search target hurts your job search
• (07:43) - Fixing a job search that lacks a clear target
• (09:52) - Conclusion

Mike discusses key roles in B2B tech sales, including SDR, AE, and AM positions. He covers role responsibilities, success metrics, common challenges, compensation, and tips for effectiveness. The episode provides a comprehensive guide for those transitioning or looking to grow in these sales roles.

• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

Mentioned in the episode:

• Sam Jacobs from Pavillion
• Armand Farrokh from 30 Minutes to President's Club
• The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman
• The Jolt Effect by Matt Dixon and Ted McKenna
• Selling Above and Below the Line by Skip Miller

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• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:00) - SDR: Overview
• (03:32) - SDR: How success is measured
• (04:12) - SDR: Where they often struggle
• (05:20) - SDR: Ways to become more effective
• (06:41) - AE: Overview
• (10:19) - AE: How success is measured
• (11:13) - AE: Where they often struggle
• (13:14) - AE: Ways to become more effective
• (15:58) - AM: Overview
• (18:30) - AM: How succcess is measured
• (19:57) - AM: Where they often struggle
• (21:01) - AM: Ways to become more effective
• (22:57) - Conclusion