The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills Podcast

Steve Vaughan

The Luxury of Choice podcast is a sales skills and knowledge podcast brought to you by the training team of george james ltd. Each month Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton and Steve Vaughan discuss various aspects of technical sales methodologies and skills. The mid month show features a guest interview with a subject matter expert in a relevant field.

George james ltd is a specialist training, executive recruitment and consulting business operating in the life science, laboratory equipment, medical devices and precision industrial market sectors. Based in the UK , our customers base is global.

All opinions voiced on the podcast as those of the presenter in question and may not necessarily be the policy of george james ltd. Any facts and data quoted are believed to be correct at the time of recording.
read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Facing Objections in the Sales Process
6d ago
Facing Objections in the Sales Process
Message the show!In this episode, Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss customer objections in the sales process.  They define customer objections as concerns or disagreements raised by customers that can halt the sales process. They explore the reasons why customers raise objections, including misunderstandings, competitor influence, biased opinions, and the need for certainty before making a decision. The hosts emphasize the importance of clear communication and understanding customer perspectives. In this conversation, the team discuss the importance of understanding customer objections and concerns in the sales process. They emphasize that objections are actually good news because they indicate customer interest and provide an opportunity to address any doubts or uncertainties. They also highlight the distinction between real objections, which are genuine roadblocks, and false objections, which can be overcome or minimized. The hosts stress the need for salespeople to actively seek out objections early in the sales process and to ask probing questions to fully understand the customer's concerns. They also touch on the topic of price as a common false objection and the importance of handling objections with patience and empathy.TakeawaysCustomer objections are concerns or disagreements raised by customers that can halt the sales process.Objections can arise due to misunderstandings, competitor influence, biased opinions, and the need for certainty before making a decision.Clear communication and understanding customer perspectives are crucial in addressing objections.Objections can be seen as opportunities and buying signals rather than obstacles. Objections are good news in the sales process as they indicate customer interest and provide an opportunity to address concerns.Salespeople should actively seek out objections early in the sales process and ask probing questions to fully understand the customer's concerns.There is a distinction between real objections, which are genuine roadblocks, and false objections, which can be overcome or minimized.Price is often a false objection, and salespeople should seek to understand the underlying reasons behind the objection.Handling objections requires patience, empathy, and a focus on seeking to understand the customer's perspective.Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Jo Keeler: Building effective teamwork using Belbin team roles
May 11 2024
Jo Keeler: Building effective teamwork using Belbin team roles
Message the show!In this episode, Steve Vaughan interviews Joe Keeler, the Managing Director of Belbin Ltd. They discuss the concept of Belbin team roles and how they can help teams work better together. The Belbin team roles theory originated from research conducted at Henley Business School in the 1960s and has since been applied in various industries. The theory identifies nine distinct clusters of behavior that are crucial for team performance. Each team member has a preferred team role, and understanding these roles can help teams identify gaps and optimize their performance. Belbin is a tool that helps teams understand their strengths and weaknesses by identifying nine different team roles. These roles include the Resource Investigator, Team Worker, Coordinator, Shaper, Implementer, Completer Finisher, Plant, Monitor Evaluator, and Specialist. Each role has its own unique characteristics and contributions to the team. Belbin can be used in various contexts, including team building, recruitment, and sales. It helps individuals become more self-aware and understand their impact on others. The future of Belbin lies in promoting the importance of teamwork and celebrating diversity within teams.Key Takeaways:Belbin team roles theory originated from research conducted at Henley Business School in the 1960s.There are nine distinct clusters of behavior that are crucial for team performance.Each team member has a preferred team role, and understanding these roles can help teams identify gaps and optimize their performance.Managers should be realistic and recognize the strengths of each team member to effectively manage and get the most out of their team. Belbin helps teams understand their strengths and weaknesses through nine different team roles.It promotes self-awareness and helps individuals understand their impact on others.Belbin can be used in team building, recruitment, and sales strategies.The future of Belbin lies in promoting the importance of teamwork and celebrating diversity within teams.Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Jiteen Ahmed- Purchasing and supplier engagement at a leading UK university
Mar 17 2024
Jiteen Ahmed- Purchasing and supplier engagement at a leading UK university
Message the show!In this Luxury of Choice interview episode, Steve meets Jiteen Ahmed. Jiteen is Head of Technical Services in the colleague of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, UK. He is also chair of the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium. In a wide ranging discussion, Jiteen and Steve discuss :Why suppliers to UK universities MUST have a sustainability policyThe importance of framework agreements in scientific purchasing Why salespeople should engage early with purchasing department when working on a new projectThe importance of understanding the various stakeholders when working on an opportunity at a university,  and why the technician is your best friendWhy purchasing are not the enemy!Jiteen Ahmed's LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiteenahmed/Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Decision Makers - how to get to see them and what they will want to talk about
Mar 3 2024
Decision Makers - how to get to see them and what they will want to talk about
Message the show!In technical sales, at some stage in the sales process we have to engage with ultimate decision makers. Often senior people in the account, they are unlikely to want to have technical conversations; instead they will want to know about return on investment Investment, any pereceived risk,  and how any purchase would fit into the organisation's strategic goals.  In this episode Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss:How to identify and make contact with key decision makersHow to prepare for any meeting with themHow to find our about the account's strategic directionWhy you need a sponsor to help you reach key senior peopleWhy we should always aim high in our customers organisation. Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Why Cold Calling isn't Dead - Anthony Stears, The Telephone Assassin
Feb 18 2024
Why Cold Calling isn't Dead - Anthony Stears, The Telephone Assassin
Message the show!In this Luxury of Choice Interview show, Steve talks to Anthony Stears, The Telephone Assassin. Anthony is a leading expert on Telephone Engagement, specialising in helping businesses to improve customer service and sales results via the telephone.  They discuss:How to get more appointments using the phoneWhat are the " 3P's" of proactive telephone useThe importance of preparation and research before picking up the phoneHow to handle voicemail. What cold calling still can be effectiveAnthony is based in Berkshire, UK, and delivers training to technical sales teams in markets such as pharma, software, banking and IT. He is also an accomplished public speaker. Anthony's website : https://www.anthonystears.co.uk/Anthony's LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-stears/Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Debbie Airey- Experienced Sales Leader at Halma plc- A Luxury of Choice Interview
Jan 21 2024
Debbie Airey- Experienced Sales Leader at Halma plc- A Luxury of Choice Interview
Message the show!For this interview episode Steve talks with Debbie Airey.  Debbie is an experienced and successful Sales Leader within Halma plc, a global group of life saving businesses, and one of the UK's most admired companies. After 4 successful years with the Halma business Crowcon, where she has doubled sales, she is starting a new role at another group business, Minicam.  Steve and Debbie discuss:How she achieved the sales growth at CrowconHow sales and business has changed since the pandemicThe challenge of being a female sales leader in a mostly male dominated marketplaceThe importance of building a personal brand on LinkedInWhy channeling your inner "imposter syndrome" voice can lead to great resultsThe importance of coaching in sales leadership, and not being afraid to fail This is a must listen for any sales leader or aspiring sales manager operating in technical B2B sales.Debbie's LinkedIn details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-airey-43026110/Halma plc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/halma-plc/ Crowcon Detection Instruments: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crowcon-detection-instruments-ltd-/Minicam: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minicam-ltd/Music for the show from Epidemic Sound Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
10 great New Year's resolutions for salespeople in technical sales
Jan 7 2024
10 great New Year's resolutions for salespeople in technical sales
Message the show!Steve, Jonathan and Pru are back for the first show of 2024, and their topic is 10 great New Year's resolutions for salespeople in technical sales.  They discuss:Why the start of the year is a great time to work on your personal developmentWhy looking back on what you did- or didn't- do last year is a great place to start your plans for 2024Why seeing the customers you don't like seeing may be the key to your success in 2024Plus a special bonus 11th resolution from Pru right at the end!  Remember we want YOUR questions for the team - email the show at podcast@georgejames-training.com Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
The Culture Challenge and the impact of toxic culture in business
Dec 10 2023
The Culture Challenge and the impact of toxic culture in business
Message the show!For this month's interview show Steve talks with three HR and business professionals about the impact of culture on sales and business. Becky Crisp, Katy Davies and Jo Boyd discuss with Steve:How company culture is not just about having some words on a piece of paper!Why culture doesn't (just) come from the boardroom but from the whole organisationWhy anyone in an organisation with toxic culture should be able to speak up to highlight the problemsHow a toxic culture can lead to poor productivity and employee retentionWhy culture eats strategy for breakfast!LinkedIn profiles for Becky, Katy and Jo:Beck Crisp https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-crisp/Katy Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-davies-shift/Jo Boyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-boyd/Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
How to make a great sales visit to a customer
Nov 26 2023
How to make a great sales visit to a customer
Message the show!Steve Vaughan is joined by three new members of the george james training team  for a discussion on what makes a great sales call, and some key do's and don't for a professional visit to a customer. Steve, Jayne, Christian and Pascal discuss, amongst other topics :Why there is no excuse for not being fully prepared!The importance of having a clear objectiveHow silence can be so powerful in a sales callWhy the customer should do most of the talkingWhy there is always a next step after any sales visit. This is a great listen for any technical salesperson making a sales visit to a customer, perhaps on the way to the meeting! Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Mental Fitness in business - Luke Evans of Heddway
Nov 10 2023
Mental Fitness in business - Luke Evans of Heddway
Message the show!On our latest interview show, Steve talks to Luke Evans from Heddway. Luke specializes in provided training for mental fitness and a positive mental approach. Luke tells Steve:How his personal journey from growing up in the Welsh Valley's to working as a trainer for a leading pharmaceutical company has led to him starting his own business to provide mental fitness trainingWhy training skills is not enough; training attitude and approach is just as important!What is mental fitness and how does it differ from mental health How businesses can get an immediate ROI from mental fitness training in reducing lost hours due to stress and anxiety Luke is very open about his personal challenges in learning to manage his anger and depression and how he taught himself to manage these challenges in a positive and productive way. To find out more about Luke and Heddway: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heddway/about/Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
LinkedIn and marketing - interview with Martina Neville, Detta Consults
Oct 13 2023
LinkedIn and marketing - interview with Martina Neville, Detta Consults
Message the show!In this 2nd of our interview shows, Steve talks to Martina Neville, PhD of Detta Consults. Martina is a specialist and subject matter expert in the field of life science marketing.  This is a thought proving show that will for sure get you thinking! Martina tells Steve:Why companies move too quickly into tactical marketing communications before getting their strategy sortedWhy most companies get it wrong on LinkedInWhy your company can't tell you what to post on LinkedInHow AI is being used (for better or worse) in social mediaWhy sales is a branch of marketing!Martina's LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-n/Detta Consults LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/detta-consulting/Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Qualification of Sales Opportunities - the why and the how!
Sep 29 2023
Qualification of Sales Opportunities - the why and the how!
Message the show!In this latest episode, Jonathan, Pru and Steve, the training team of george james ltd discuss qualification of sales opportunities. Qualification is a key part of any well managed sales processes.  The team discuss:Why you don't have to run with every sales opportunityWhy commercial qualification is just as important as technical qualificationWhy sales people don't ask about the available budget early enough in the sales processWhy we are kidding ourselves if their is no competition for the sale!What is "ABQ"?Jonathan, Pru and Steve also give a short overview of their own sales careers and their journey into full time sales training. Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/
Channel Partner Recruitment and Management - Interview with Sharon Eaton, BioChannel Partners
Sep 17 2023
Channel Partner Recruitment and Management - Interview with Sharon Eaton, BioChannel Partners
Message the show!The Luxury of Choice Podcast now becomes a two episodes per month show, with our first guest, Sharon Eaton of BioChannel Partners. Sharon has over 30 years of expertise in working with, managing and finding channel partners in the laboratory equipment and life science markets. BioChannel Partners have been in business for over 20 years and specialises in finding high quality channel partners in any country around the world, for manufacturers looking for distributors, with a database of over 13000 channel partners. In this first Luxury of Choice interview Steve and Sharon discuss:Why an over-enthusiastic potential new channel partner might not be a good thing!How to find and appoint new channel partners;What are the key considerations when on-boarding new channel partners;Why having a contract in place with your partner is a must!What to do when things aren't working out with your channel partner.Steve and Sharon jointly run two dedicated channel management training courses for laboratory, medical device or life science channel partner managers; Mastering Channel Partner Management, and Inspirational Channel Partner Leadership. Full details on the george james ltd and BioChannel Partners websites as  below:https://georgejames-training.com/training-programs/open-programmes/https://biochannelpartners.com/training/Sharon Eaton's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharoneaton/Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper and Pru Layton are Senior Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com The full list of sales trainers as follows: Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/Andy Uff https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-uff-09160610/ george james ltd training LinkedIn page https://uk.linkedin.com/showcase/george-james-ltd-traininggeorge james training website https://georgejames-training.com/