Ep. 107 – The Third P of Sales: Pay, Part 1

FourPs-Image“Sales is a secret startup weapon!” exclaims host and business coach Tom Ryan. In today’s episode, Tom explores the third major element of the “Four Ps” of sales: Pay. The first big sales question startups generally ask is: “How much should we pay for sales?” It’s a big decision, and one that deserves some careful thought, even for established companies.

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan guides listeners through the fundamental concepts behind establishing the right compensation for their sales teams. As always, Tom is joined by co-host Jason Pyles. To catch up on the “Four Ps of Sales,” check out: Overview; “Process” (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3); and “Performance.” Continue reading

Ep. 106 – The Second P of Sales: Performance

FourPs-ImageNow that we’re laid the groundwork for the “Four Ps of Sales” by thoroughly examining “Process,” it’s time to dive into the second P: “Performance.” Understanding the optimization of performance means having a firm grasp on your expenses, your gross revenues, and your overall revenue goals.

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan guides listeners through the fundamentals of sales performance. As always, Tom is joined by co-host Jason Pyles. To catch up on the “Four Ps of Sales,” check out: Overview; “Process” (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3). Continue reading

Ep. 105 – Process: The First P of Sales, Part 3

SIB-Blog-1In today’s episode, Tom wraps up the to simple questions that define the “Process” step of the “Four Ps of Sales.” Learn how sticky notes can help you determine the critical path for your sales sequence, and how to distinguish between a theoretical and realistic sales capacity.

As always, Tom is joined by co-host Jason Pyles. Click here to listen to part one, and here to listen to part two. Continue reading

Ep. 104 – Process: The First P of Sales, Part 2

FourPs-ImageIn part one of this multi-episode series about the Four Ps of Sales, host Tom Ryan gave us an overview of the first few elements of step one, the “Process.” In this episode, we pick up right where we left off, exploring the 10 easy questions that will help you optimize your sales process.

Learn about the importance of connecting with the buyer’s advisors, why your sales channel matters, and the fundamental requirements of making any sale. As always, Tom is joined by co-host Jason Pyles. Click here to listen to part one. Continue reading

Ep. 103 – A Less Effective E-mail for Turbo-Thruster

SIB-Blog-4A few days ago, Tom Ryan received an unsolicited investment pitch through LinkedIn. This was no mere spam message; it was a train wreck. The message was so incomprehensibly bad that stuck with him for days. Here, in a few short lines, was nearly every mistake business marketers should avoid in their communications.

The message also presented a great opportunity for a “teachable moment.” In this episode, Tom and co-host Jason Pyles (an experienced copywriter in his own right) break down everything not to do when sending out a blind email like this one. Continue reading

Ep. 102 – Accomplishing Your Optimal Work-Life Balance, Part 2

SIB-Blog-2What are your real priorities in both your work life and your personal one? It’s an important question for every business owner and entrepreneur, and it’s not always an easy one to answer. Priorities can shift quickly, and if you want to see optimal results, you have to keep track of them.

Back in episode 96, host Tom Ryan explained some simple ways to identify your biggest work and personal priorities. In part two, he digs into a few common-sense techniques for keeping the biggest priorities at the top of the list. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading

Boosting Your Membership Retention: Growing Connections Within Your Community

SIBP-1When you run a membership-based business, it’s all too easy to overlook one of the most powerful selling points you have: Membership itself. In the right context, being a member or a subscriber means more than simply paying a regular fee in exchange for a service. It means being part of a group, or even a community. As membership-based businesses grow, it’s important to keep in mind that the community is often just as important as the service. Continue reading

Ep. 101 – How Asheville’s Talent Jam Solves the Talent Gap

TalentJam-AVL-LogoTM-FBWhat happens when great businesses can’t find the local talent they need to grow? What happens when talented people can’t find great local employers or clients to work with? Nothing happens … and that’s a problem. It’s called the “talent gap,” and it’s an issue faced by small businesses and workers across the globe.

“It’s when you have this misalignment between folks that are really talented in a market, and folks who need that type of talent in their businesses,” host Tom Ryan says. And instead of just talking about it, Tom decided to do something about it.

What if there was a way to get all these people in the same room? Maybe add some great local food, and even a healthy supply of craft beer to help the socialization? Great things can happen. Continue reading

Ep. 100 – Celebrating 100 Episodes of the Success in Business Podcast

300x300new_resizedIt’s time to celebrate! Break out the streamers and champagne! Today’s episode is the 100th installment of the Success in Business Podcast. That’s a major milestone, and worthy of a little reflection.

Today, we’re taking a look back at the 99 podcasts in our rearview mirror, and showcasing our favorite moments. Join host Tom Ryan and producer Jason Pyles as they revisit the show’s greatest hits. Continue reading

Ep. 099 – GoWorx’s Ryan Klinger on Finding a Work-Life Balance, Part 3

Ryan Klinger

Ryan Klinger

Like every entrepreneur, GoWorx founder Ryan Klinger has things he would do differently if he had to start all over again. What advice does Ryan have for other industrial designers who are considering starting their own companies? “Gather a great team as early as you can.”

In this final interview segment, host Tom Ryan and producer Jason Pyles talk with Ryan about the entrepreneurial lifestyle, maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and much more.

• Introduction and recap of the interview

• What would Ryan do differently if he was starting GoWorx over? Continue reading