311 Name-Dropping Can Help or Hurt- Use the "Three R's"
Is name-dropping a powerful credibility booster or a fast track to sounding desperate? In this eye-opening episode, Art reveals the shocking truth about strategic name-dropping that most sales professionals get completely wrong. Discover why mentioning the right name can boost your email open rates by an astonishing 468%, while the wrong reference can instantly kill your deal. Art shares his embarrassing early-career mistake that taught him the "3 R's" framework for name-dropping that actually works. You'll learn: When name-dropping creates instant credibility (and when it backfires) The psychology behind why prospects are drawn to certain references A simple test to determine which names to use with specific prospects Real-world examples of name-dropping wins and epic fails Plus, Art challenges you with a practical exercise that will transform your approach to establishing credibility in any sales situation. Whether you're a seasoned sales pro or just starting out, this episode gives you an unfair advantage in a world where first impressions make or break deals.
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10:21
310 Two Powerful Questions to Get Prospects Selling Themselves
Ever had a prospect who knows they have a problem but just hasn’t pulled the trigger on fixing it? In this episode, I share two simple but powerful questions that uncover what’s been holding them back—and more importantly, what’s finally pushing them to take action now. We’ll break down the psychology behind these questions, how a paver salesman used them on me to close a deal I had been putting off for years, and how you can apply them to your own sales conversations to create urgency without pressure. Plus, I’ll share five variations of each question so you can make them sound natural in any situation. Use this strategy, and you’ll have prospects convincing themselves why they need to move forward today. Hit play now and start turning hesitation into action!
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13:00
309 My Experience with a Painting Contractor's Mistake-Filled Sales Approach
Art breaks down a real-life sales experience with a local painting company and uncover the critical sales mistakes that cost them the job. From the first contact to the follow-up (or lack thereof), we’ll dissect what went wrong—and more importantly, how sales pros can avoid making these same costly errors. You’ll learn: -Why rigid qualifying questions can push buyers away -The power of asking the right questions—and actually listening -How unnecessary upselling can lose trust and sales -Why speed and simplicity in quoting are game-changers -The importance of following through on promises Listen in and make sure you’re not making these common mistakes in your own sales process! 🎧
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308 Stop Asking IF There’s a Problem—And What TO Ask That Will Transform Your Calls
Asking prospects “Do you have a problem?” is ineffective, and causes conversations to die. A better approach that gets them to open up is using "assumptive problem quesitons. These get them to relive their challenges, and create urgency for a solution. Art breaks down the psychology behind these questions, shares examples from different industries, and provides an actionable exercise to create your own. Learn how to turn conversations into results and position yourself as the trusted expert every prospect needs. Art also announced the opening of the new, revised Smart Calling College prospecting and sales training program: http://SmartCallingCollege.com
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10:49
307 How to Be the Ultimate Sales Professional: The Four Pillars
There are four pillars that comprise being the Ultimate Sales Professional, and not someone who just does sales. Being fearless and rejection-proof, Being others-focused in your thinking and actions, Mastering a proven prospecting and sales process, and messaging, Having the discipline, habits, and radical responsibility to do the work. You'll hear the problems and challenges you might experience when someone is lacking in any of these areas, and what to do to excel in all of them. To learn about Art's new Smart Calling Ultimate Sales Pro Mastery coaching and training program mentioned in this episode, go to http://SmartCalling.com/coaching.
Everyone sells, regardless of what your job title is, and this is your place for authentic, conversational sales and prospecting tips without the sleaze factor. Art Sobczak shares proven sales and cold calling (without the cold) tips that you’ll feel comfortable using, and that get the results you want. You’ll help people buy, instead of pushing them into being sold. Over the past 30 years Art has helped hundreds of thousands through his books, newsletters, audios, videos, online courses, public seminars, customized company training and keynotes, and now, this podcast.