Ian Altman discusses the common oversights in channel sales teams, emphasizing that top performers excel in sales skills rather than product knowledge. He suggests that product launches should focus on market demand, problem-solving, and customer needs rather than just features. Altman recommends gathering feedback on sales challenges, preparing responses to objections like price, and using role-play scenarios to enhance sales techniques. He also stresses the importance of ongoing education and ...
Jun 09, 2025•7 min•Season 21Ep. 378
Ian Altman discusses the biggest blind spot in sales meetings: lack of preparation. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals aligned with the client's needs rather than unrealistic expectations. Altman advises salespeople to identify what clients need to believe to achieve their goals and to prepare for different meeting scenarios (the good, the bad, and the ugly). Role-playing these scenarios with different team members helps salespeople practice and improve their ability to hand...
Apr 29, 2025•7 min•Season 21Ep. 377
Ian Altman discusses strategies for expanding existing accounts without appearing pushy. He criticizes common sales tactics like offering capabilities briefings, which customers often find unappealing. Altman introduces the concept of the "client vision pyramid," which categorizes client needs into effective, enhanced, and engaged levels. He advises salespeople to highlight unique services they offer to their best clients and to take responsibility for not discussing these before. This approach ...
Mar 18, 2025•6 min•Season 21Ep. 376
Ian Altman discusses the difference between real and wishful sales forecasts on the Same Side Selling podcast. He emphasizes that salespeople are optimistic by nature and often provide unrealistic forecasts, especially when deals are forecasted to close at the end of the month, which frequently get pushed to the next month. Altman advises sales managers to ask more probing questions to uncover the true status of deals, such as understanding the client's motivations and alternatives. By focusing ...
Mar 08, 2025•7 min•Season 21Ep. 375
Ian Altman discusses the pros and cons of using AI in sales. He emphasizes that AI should be used as a tool to assist, not replace human efforts. Poor use includes AI-generated emails sent without editing, which often fail to engage customers. Effective use includes leveraging AI for drafting and summarizing tasks, such as using Otter.ai for meeting transcriptions and show notes. Altman advises against using AI for outreach or intake, citing examples of AI mishandling scheduling. He concludes th...
Feb 10, 2025•7 min•Season 21Ep. 374
Ian Altman introduces the connection between high-performing sales professionals and role play. Top performers practice role playing for at least one hour per week, with some dedicating 90 minutes to two hours weekly. Ian explains that regular practice leads to better productivity and performance in sales interactions. He highlights common excuses people give for not embracing role play, such as being better in person with clients. Ian argues that people who feel they perform better in person ar...
Dec 03, 2024•9 min•Season 21Ep. 373
Ian Altman and Tamsen Webster discuss her new book, "Say What They Can't Unhear," which focuses on creating messages that stick and lead to sustained action. Tamsen emphasizes the importance of aligning sales messaging with existing client beliefs and leveraging their desire to be seen as smart, capable, and good. She introduces nine persuasion proverbs, such as "Change isn't just an action, it's a reaction" and "Identity is the greatest influencer," to help salespeople build long-term buy-in. T...
Oct 09, 2024•36 min•Season 21Ep. 372
Ian Altman discusses common mistakes in sales presentations, emphasizing that clients often view them as a time to rest rather than a valuable interaction. He suggests setting expectations in advance, focusing on understanding the client’s needs, and using a “Jeopardy board” approach to tailor the presentation to their specific issues. Altman advocates for a consultative approach, where the salesperson aims to solve the client’s problems rather than just presenting their products or services. He...
Sep 06, 2024•7 min•Season 21Ep. 371
Ian Altman emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the top obstacles to sales performance, prioritizing opportunities for growth. He advocates for a tailored approach, focusing on specific problems and scenarios, building muscle memory, and developing targeted skills that can be applied broadly across the organization. Biggest Mistakes Trying to do too much, too quickly, which is like trying to boil the ocean. Attempting to change every behavior, focus on every nuance, and change...
Aug 09, 2024•8 min•Season 21Ep. 370
Ian Altman shares strategies for optimizing trade show experiences. He emphasizes setting objectives, identifying key attendees, and tailoring booth design and messaging to address attendees' problems. Altman advises against collecting numerous business cards and instead, engaging in meaningful conversations that address the attendees' needs. By prioritizing the attendees' problems, organizations can achieve better results from trade shows. Action Items Update booth design and messaging to focus...
Jun 21, 2024•8 min•Season 21Ep. 369
Ian Altman emphasizes the importance of understanding why a client's interest in a solution may have waned, and encourages sales professionals to ask the right questions to determine if a problem is significant enough to warrant a solution. He highlights the need to build a business case for investment in a project or solution, providing evidence of attempts at alternative solutions and convincing the client or prospect of the urgency and importance of solving the problem. OutlineSales technique...
May 16, 2024•6 min•Ep. 368
How EW Motion Therapy Adopted Same Side Selling. Saw alignment with company values. Differentiation was a big challenge. Client Vision Pyramid helped explain service levels. Referrals grew 34% year over year. Aiming for 30% referral growth this year. Issues & Risks Commoditized market with many competitors. Staff didn't see themselves as part of the sales team. Difficulty training staff in sales and marketing. Next steps Continue using Same Side Selling Academy. Provide staff with Same Side ...
Mar 27, 2024•23 min•Season 21Ep. 367
Which subject lines might your audience open in their inbox? How to come across as subject matter experts, not stereotypical sellers What is the goal of your cold outreach? Are you trying to get too much, initially? Where do LinkedIn Polls come into play when it comes to Cold Outreach? What should be your goal of the discovery meeting? Hint: It's not getting a meeting.
Mar 04, 2024•7 min•Season 21Ep. 366
Topics covered: - Effective follow up after a break like the holidays or when it's been a while since contacting someone - Two scenarios: after a break, or when they've gone "dark" - The key is to "disarm" and not make it about selling - Focus on understanding what issues they wanted to solve originally - Acknowledge that priorities may have changed and it's okay if they tell you it's no longer a fit - For cold calls, discuss common issues others in their role/industry face without assuming they...
Jan 24, 2024•5 min•Season 21Ep. 365
Answering "What Do You Do?" In this episode, Ian Altman discusses effective strategies for answering the common question "What do you do?" in networking and sales situations. Key takeaways: Get context first. Before answering, ask a bit about the other person's role or industry. This allows you to frame your answer relevance to them. Spark interest. Give an intriguing response that prompts further questions. Ex: "We help law firms keep more of their money." Focus on problems you solve. Don't jus...
Dec 21, 2023•6 min•Season 21Ep. 364
In this week's Same Side Selling podcast, host Ian Altman discusses three important topics: the common trap of ineffective prospect messaging that focuses too much on the seller's perspective rather than solving customer problems; dealing with increased pricing pressure in the current economic climate by keeping conversations focused on results and differentiation rather than price alone; and the consistent practice of an intentional, structured selling methodology that sets apart top sales perf...
Nov 27, 2023•6 min•Season 21Ep. 363
Have you been making the mistake of asking your customers about budget or who the decision maker is? In this episode, Ian Altman reveals the secrets to successful B2B selling. Discover why asking about budget, decision-makers, and offering the cheapest option can backfire. Ian shares a game-changing approach that focuses on uncovering what truly matters to your clients using the Same Side Quadrants methodology. Tune in for essential insights that can revolutionize your B2B sales strategy. Don't ...
Oct 04, 2023•8 min•Season 21Ep. 362
In this captivating episode, Ian Altman draws intriguing parallels between the reliability of Yellowstone's Old Faithful geyser and the key qualities clients seek in business partnerships. Ian explores how predictability, consistency, and a commitment to delivering desired outcomes can make a significant impact on client relationships. Discover how you can become the "Old Faithful" in your industry and provide the reliability your clients truly value. Tune in now for insightful lessons from natu...
Sep 27, 2023•7 min•Season 21Ep. 361
Are you finding cold outreach more and more difficult? In this episode, Ian Altman tackles the evolving landscape of B2B cold calling. He dives into why it's becoming increasingly challenging to reach potential clients and offers practical insights into overcoming these obstacles. Ian emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling messages, disarming your approach, and empowering the recipient to decide the next steps. If you're looking to enhance your cold outreach game and achieve better res...
Sep 20, 2023•7 min•Season 21Ep. 360
In this episode of the Same Side Selling podcast, Ian Altman reveals the three biggest blunders that can sink your sales kickoff meetings. Drawing from his wealth of experience with B2B companies, Ian discusses the importance of starting by asking your team where they're struggling, offering practical solutions. He also highlights the pitfalls of using these meetings solely for product announcements and explains how involving your sales force can lead to better results. Tune in now to revolution...
Sep 13, 2023•6 min•Season 21Ep. 359
Have you struggled with facing rejection in your sales position? In today's episode, Ian addresses the fear of rejection in B2B sales. He introduces the concept of finding the right fit with clients, much like matching puzzle pieces. Ian emphasizes the importance of focusing on solving client problems rather than pushing products since not every client is a right fit for your solutions. He also shares the Same Side Quadrants framework for understanding client needs, helping you shift from sellin...
Sep 06, 2023•7 min•Season 21Ep. 358
Discover the secrets to effective email outreach on this week's episode of the Same Side Selling podcast. In this episode, Ian Altman uncovers the most common mistakes that businesses make when reaching out via email. Are your messages getting lost in spam folders? Are your carefully crafted campaigns falling flat? Ian dives deep into the traps to avoid and the tactics to embrace. Learn how to shift from selling to solving, master the art of subject lines, and create emails that not only get ope...
Aug 30, 2023•10 min•Season 21Ep. 357
There are three essential beliefs crucial for success in B2B sales and in this episode Ian Altman reveals some unexpected perspectives. While the first belief centers on the customer's conviction that your product or service warrants a change, the subsequent two beliefs are equally pivotal. Ian shares the importance of the seller's confidence in their offering's value and the buyer's belief in their team's ability to implement the solution. Ian unravels how addressing these beliefs bridges the g...
Aug 23, 2023•7 min•Season 21Ep. 356
Are you looking to build a culture of growth in your organization with a proven sales strategy? In this episode, Ian Altman is joined by Kevin Bock and Eric Keebler of Precision Air Convey to share their transformative journey. These industry experts discuss their transformative sales approach to fostering growth, refining lead qualification, and drastically reducing sales cycles. Gain insights into how their innovative approach has not only boosted revenue but also redefined client interactions...
Aug 16, 2023•34 min•Season 21Ep. 355
Looking for tips on how to build the ultimate team in your business? In this episode, Ian Altman is joined by with organizational psychologist and author of Best Team Ever, David Burkus where David dives deep into the art of crafting unbeatable teams. Explore groundbreaking insights that debunk common myths about success and talent acquisition, while discovering the transformative power of team culture vs company culture. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will reshape your approa...
Aug 09, 2023•35 min•Season 21Ep. 354
Join host Ian Altman on this week's Same Side Selling podcast as he uncovers the secret to building a culture of growth for non-salespeople. Discover how to transform your team's mindset, moving away from the conventional sales approach towards a foundation of integrity, trust, and results. Learn the power of showing up as problem solvers, equipped with a consistent process and playbook to handle common obstacles, all while receiving regular coaching and mentoring. Tune in to explore how even th...
Aug 02, 2023•7 min•Season 21Ep. 353
In this episode of the Same Side Selling podcast, host Ian Altman discusses the challenges businesses face when cross-selling their new products or services to existing clients. He highlights two common traps: transitioning from a free offering to a paid one and focusing on features instead of client problems. By offering actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles, Ian shows listeners how to turn cross-selling into cross-solving and achieve remarkable success in expanding their offerings ...
Jul 26, 2023•7 min•Season 21Ep. 352
Do you find it challenging to work with difficult people, whether it's coworkers or customers? In this episode, Ian Altman sits down with Michael Bungay Stanier, author of "How To Work With Almost Anyone," to discuss the art of cultivating strong relationships with coworkers and customers in sales. Michael shares practical insights and actionable tips for navigating the ups and downs of working relationships, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and understanding. Don't miss thi...
Jul 19, 2023•27 min•Season 21Ep. 351
Welcome to the Same Side Selling podcast and the 350th episode! In this episode, Ian Altman dives into the the importance of optimism, persistence, and effective qualification in professional selling. Ian highlights the pitfalls of solely relying on persistence and emphasizes the need to qualify based on the client's needs, rather than what the seller wants to sell. He introduces the Same Side pitch, client vision pyramid, and Same Side Quadrants as powerful tools for effective qualification. Tu...
Jul 12, 2023•9 min•Season 21Ep. 350
Do you find yourself constantly asking your team about the status of deals during pipeline reviews? Are you falling into common traps? In this episode, Ian Altman uncovers the three most common traps in pipeline reviews and how to pivot your approach to use your reviews to increase sales success. Discover the three most important questions you need to be asking your team and your clients to maximize your sales potential and achieve remarkable results. Tune in now or essential sales strategies to...
Jul 05, 2023•7 min•Season 21Ep. 349
