Bill and Bryan are joined by Kevin Koharki, an accounting professor at Purdue University who specializes in teaching sales professionals how to speak the language of finance. Kevin shares his unique journey from investment banking and now helping sales teams worldwide understand how to communicate financial value to CEOs and CFOs. Learn the difference between gross margin and operating margin, why "payback period" isn't enough for most B2B sales, and how to shift conversations from simple ROI ca...
Jun 23, 2025•23 min•Ep. 843
In this episode, Bryan unpacks what makes a truly effective sales playbook - and why now is the time for sales leaders to get serious about it. He shares the key components every playbook must include: a foundational philosophy, planning elements, defined processes, contingency plans, and accountability mechanisms. Bryan spotlights the Blind Zebra Sales Operating System (BZSOS), a comprehensive set of procedures, tasks and scoreboards, with 10 guiding principles that help sales teams achieve cla...
Jun 18, 2025•12 min
Bill and Bryan dive deep into the universal experience of self-doubt in sales and business development. Moving beyond the typical "fake it till you make it" advice, they explore how conditional self-doubt shows up in specific areas—like shooting videos, talking about money, or making cold calls—even when we're confident elsewhere. The guys reveal how even the most successful people struggle with imposter syndrome. But here's the twist: instead of fighting these insecurities, what if you embraced...
Jun 16, 2025•21 min•Ep. 842
What if the most valuable sales asset you have is something you don't even realize you possess? In this week's episode, Bill and Bryan explore the concept of "familiarity blindness" - why we discount our own expertise and fail to see the goldmine of knowledge we're sitting on. Whether you've been in your industry for 3 years or 30, you have insights that could transform your client relationships and differentiate you from the competition. The guys challenge listeners to document the "12 things y...
Jun 09, 2025•19 min•Ep. 841
Bill Caskey kicks off a new 12-week series based on his book "12 Bold Moves" by tackling the first bold move: creating a sales process that genuinely benefits prospects, not just salespeople. He challenges the traditional approach of "shoving people through" a process and shares how reframing discovery as mutual understanding can dramatically improve close rates. Caskey includes a real client example of using pre-call assessments to increase closing rates from 20% to 40% while providing genuine ...
Jun 05, 2025•7 min
In this episode, Bryan shares a powerful mindset shift to help salespeople take control of the chaos: become a student of your calendar. He breaks down how proactive calendar management (daily, weekly, monthly, and even into next year) can give you more clarity, better pipeline health, and fewer wasted hours. Bryan challenges you to look at your calendar not just for what’s there, but for what’s missing. What calls, activities, or planning sessions should be on there but aren’t? He shares how to...
Jun 04, 2025•16 min
It's graduation season, and Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale are sharing their top advice for new graduates entering the workforce—plus essential reminders for seasoned professionals who might need to hear these truths again. In this episode, you'll discover why understanding that life and sales naturally go up and down like an accordion can save you from unnecessary stress and help you navigate both the highs and lows with greater wisdom. Bill and Bryan explore how to build a professional network th...
Jun 02, 2025•20 min•Ep. 840
Bill and Bryan continue their deep dive into evolving buyer behavior with some eye-opening insights that challenge conventional sales wisdom. In this episode, they tackle the myth of "the decision maker." They explore how buying by committee has become the new normal and why your traditional one-to-one sales training might be preparing you for a world that no longer exists. The guys also discuss the critical importance of elevating the buyer experience beyond just data dumps, why price objection...
May 27, 2025•19 min
In this episode, Bryan introduces a bold shift in how sales coaching should be done - by focusing on the science and mechanics of selling rather than the often subjective "art" of it. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience as a coach (and a self-proclaimed “recovering sales trainer”), Bryan proposes a more measurable, documentable, and results-driven approach to developing salespeople. Bryan explains why sales leaders should spend more time coaching what can be seen, measured, and repeate...
May 21, 2025•12 min
Bill and Bryan explore how sales professionals need to shift their focus from traditional sales techniques to understanding modern buyer behavior. They discuss how buyers have become more self-directed in their research, the growing "trust gap" between buyers and sellers, and why transparency in the sales process is crucial for success in today's market. The guys examine why conventional manipulation tactics no longer work and offer practical strategies for adapting to how today's customers make...
May 19, 2025•21 min•Ep. 838
Bill and Bryan Neale dive into a game-changing concept called "Everyday Leads" - a systematic approach to generating B2B leads continuously, not just when you desperately need them. The guys explore why salespeople often find themselves with empty pipelines after closing quarters strong, and how to break free from the traditional labor-intensive prospecting cycle. Bill shares insights from his work with clients on building automated webinar systems that generate warm leads, while Bryan emphasize...
May 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 837
In this episode, Bryan continues exploring the Guiding Principles of the Blind Zebra Sales Operating System, picking up where he left off in Part 1. This time, he dives into the principles of intent and assertiveness — and why they’re game-changers for sales conversations. He shares how locking in a clear next step can eliminate the dreaded "calendaring ping pong" and keep momentum strong. Bryan explains how intent and assertiveness create a more customer-centered experience, even if that means ...
May 07, 2025•13 min
Bill and Bryan explore the enduring fundamentals of sales that have stood the test of time despite decades of technological advancement. The guys reflect on timeless skills that remain essential in today's sales landscape: the art of discovery and qualification, the importance of genuine understanding and connection, bringing authenticity and purpose to your work, and the critical role of creating and executing a solid business plan. While new technologies and methodologies constantly emerge, th...
May 05, 2025•20 min•Ep. 836
In part 2 of their special live episode on navigating uncertain markets, Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale continue their discussion on essential skills for sales professionals. The guys emphasize the importance of utilizing free and low-cost tools already at your disposal, from LinkedIn to ChatGPT, rather than waiting until circumstances force your hand. Bill shares a powerful strategy for commanding premium pricing by developing a customer roadmap that builds trust in your process. Meanwhile, Bryan ...
Apr 28, 2025•21 min•Ep. 835
In this episode, Bryan dives into two of the Guiding Principles from the Blind Zebra Sales Operating System: Objectivity and Expert Persona. He challenges salespeople to view their funnel without bias - imagine betting your own money on each deal to test your objectivity. Bryan also unpacks what it means to become an expert in your customer’s world (not just your own product). It’s about earning trust by showing you care enough to really understand their business. Plus more tactical applications...
Apr 23, 2025•15 min
In this special live episode, Bill and Bryan discuss essential skills for sales professionals facing economic uncertainty. Rather than focusing on what you can't control, the guys break down practical strategies for maintaining your edge when markets get volatile. Learn why identifying what's in your control, maintaining pricing discipline, and understanding the true abundance of opportunities in your market are critical during challenging times. Bill and Bryan also explore how to adjust your me...
Apr 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 834
In this episode, Bill and Bryan dive into the often-overlooked world of financial conversations in sales. Moving beyond simple ROI calculators, they explore how to effectively discuss investment value with prospects through compelling storytelling rather than dry spreadsheets. The guys challenge salespeople to think beyond "break-even" mentality, understand the lifetime value of clients, and recognize the importance of time horizons in financial discussions. Bill and Bryan also share insights on...
Apr 14, 2025•21 min•Ep. 833
Bill and Bryan follow up on their popular episode about why every salesperson should have a YouTube channel, sharing Marcus Sheridan's prediction that YouTube could soon become more important than company websites. The guys tackle common obstacles like being "intrigued but intimidated" by video creation, offering practical content ideas including customer spotlights, technical demonstrations, and answering frequently asked questions. Bill and Bryan make a compelling case that the downside is zer...
Apr 07, 2025•26 min•Ep. 832
In this episode, Bill and Bryan discuss the importance of crafting compelling stories that connect with prospects on a deeper level. They dive into how salespeople can move beyond personal anecdotes to tell meaningful market stories and "I was where you are" narratives that resonate with customers. The guys also touch on the problem of "over-discovery" in the sales process, suggesting that modern selling should focus more on explaining value than excessive questioning. Whether you're struggling ...
Mar 31, 2025•19 min•Ep. 831
In this solo episode, Bill challenges traditional sales approaches by advocating for a fundamental shift from "selling" to "guiding." He explains why old-school sales tactics create negative "karma" with prospects and offers a fresh alternative: becoming a trusted guide who provides value before asking for payment. Caskey shares personal examples of how creating helpful content has naturally attracted clients to him, eliminating the need for aggressive sales tactics. If you'd like to talk to Bil...
Mar 28, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Bill and Bryan tackle the challenge of time management in sales, exploring how “time goes fast and speeds up” as quarters and years fly by. They discuss the pitfalls of short-term thinking and offer practical strategies for sales professionals to extend their planning horizons. The guys emphasize the importance of looking beyond the current week to plan months ahead, while balancing immediate tasks with future initiatives. They share insights on creating momentum for future quar...
Mar 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 830
In this solo episode, Bill explores the critical concept of believing in your own economic value as a sales professional. Drawing from his document “The 15 Profit Amplifiers” created for clients, Bill discusses how understanding the economic impact of your solution transforms your ability to communicate value to prospects. Bill examines two primary ways your solution can deliver economic value: by alleviating pain points that cost customers money or by helping them achieve aspirational goals lik...
Mar 17, 2025•4 min
In this solo episode, Bill Caskey challenges traditional sales approaches that may be holding you back. If your closing rate is hovering around 20% or less, your approach likely needs an overhaul. Bill argues that many sales organizations are stuck in outdated paradigms, failing to adapt to modern buying processes where more stakeholders are involved and decisions take longer. Bill emphasizes that people don’t buy features—they buy transformation and results. He challenges listeners to start the...
Mar 13, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Bill and Bryan make a compelling case for why every sales professional and business leader should have their own YouTube channel. Moving beyond traditional sales training advice, they explore the numerous benefits of creating video content, from building deeper connections with younger buyers to establishing yourself as an industry thought leader. The guys share their “3E” framework—Educate, Explain, and Edify—while addressing common hesitations and highlighting the zero-downsid...
Mar 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 829
In this episode, Bill and Bryan tackle the critical topic of authentic communication in a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated content. The guys share examples of personalized communication that stands out, including a clever LinkedIn exchange between Bryan and a company that demonstrates how simple, authentic engagement can create meaningful connections. Bill and Bryan also challenge listeners to reconsider mass-produced outreach strategies and instead focus on thoughtful, personalized ...
Mar 03, 2025•18 min•Ep. 828
In this solo episode, Bill makes a case for why sales professionals can no longer afford to ignore YouTube as a critical business tool. He explains that in 2025, not having a YouTube channel is equivalent to not having a business card in 1985—it renders you virtually invisible to a significant portion of your potential clients. Bill addresses the changing buying behaviors of modern prospects who prefer to research, learn, and vet solutions through video content before ever speaking with a salesp...
Feb 27, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Bryan dives into the importance of a regular CRM cleanup because let’s face it, an overloaded sales pipeline is just a junk drawer of data if left unchecked. He compares it to tidying up a messy garage: if you don’t clean it out, it becomes impossible to find what you actually need. Sales teams should make monthly CRM clean-outs a habit to keep their pipeline accurate, realistic, and actionable. Plus, a cleaner funnel = happier CEOs and CFOs. Tune in to learn how a streamlined C...
Feb 26, 2025•16 min
In this episode, Bill and Bryan tackle a critical but often overlooked aspect of the modern sales process - what to do during the time gaps between prospect meetings. Moving beyond outdated practices like sending marketing brochures, they explore innovative strategies for maintaining momentum and building deeper connections. The guys share five powerful approaches including making strategic introductions, creating customized content, developing digital resource libraries, utilizing trackable vid...
Feb 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 827
In this solo episode, Bill explores why even experts fail to effectively communicate complex ideas, drawing from a recent experience watching an AI expert lose his audience. Through a practical framework, Bill reveals three essential components that transform complicated explanations into influential communications. He demonstrates how proper explanation isn’t just about information sharing—it’s about creating transformation and building trust. Bill breaks down how to build context, establish pu...
Feb 20, 2025•5 min
In this episode, Bill and Bryan challenge traditional sales metrics and explore the often-overlooked numbers that truly matter in today’s digital sales landscape. The guys discuss crucial modern measurements like inbound lead generation through LinkedIn, the power of tracking unsolicited introductions, and the importance of understanding average days to close. They give valuable insights about price increase mathematics and volume relationships, offering listeners practical ways to improve their...
Feb 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 826
