Why Your Discovery Call Isn’t Finding Real Problems | Bite-Sized Tactics

Why Your Discovery Call Isn’t Finding Real Problems | Bite-Sized Tactics

Max Licht (Enterprise AE @ MaestroQA) breaks down his shadow-based discovery process. This technique goes beyond typical discovery calls, allowing you to witness firsthand where inefficiencies and bottlenecks are happening. 1. Identify the Painful Process - Research the customer's current workflow and tools (e.g., Excel, Salesforce) to understand the manual, time-consuming steps involved. - This reveals where inefficiencies exist, giving you a clear picture of the pain your solution can alleviate. It also helps you identify the "drag them through the glass" moments where the pain is most acute, which is critical for building urgency. 2. Set Up the Shadowing Session - Frame the shadow as a collaborative step to fully understand their process. Instead of just making claims, say something like, *“Before I make any promises, I want to fully understand your current reporting process to see where we can add the most value.”* - This approach shifts the focus from selling to problem-solving, making you a trusted partner rather than just a vendor. It also sets the stage for a more meaningful business case. 3. Conduct the Shadow - Watch the prospect use their current tools and processes. Take notes, capture screenshots, and pay attention to friction points, inefficiencies, and workarounds they rely on. - Seeing the workflow in action often reveals unspoken pain points and limitations that even the prospect might not articulate in a standard discovery call. This firsthand observation helps you tailor your pitch to the reality of their day-to-day work. 4. Use Shadows to Build a Business Case - Use the insights gathered to frame your solution as a direct response to the pain points you observed. For example, highlight how your tool eliminates specific inefficiencies, reduces manual steps, or streamlines complex reporting. - This concrete evidence makes your pitch more credible and aligns your solution directly with their business goals, increasing the likelihood of internal buy-in. 5. Follow Up Strategically - After the shadow, summarize your findings in a follow-up email or meeting, highlighting specific pain points you observed and how your solution can address them. Use this to drive urgency and move the deal forward. - This reinforces your credibility as a problem-solver and keeps the conversation anchored in real, observed issues, rather than hypothetical value propositions. 6. Use the Shadow as a Catalyst for Future Conversations - Reference specific pain points in later stages of the sales cycle, using them to frame your solution as a clear, tangible fix for their current frustrations. - This approach keeps the focus on solving their problems, reducing friction in the decision-making process and increasing the likelihood of a successful close. RESOURCES DISCUSSED: ⁠Join our weekly newsletter⁠ ⁠Things you can steal⁠ ⁠Save $50 on any 30MPC course with code “PODCAST”

Episoder(511)

91 (Sell): Joining the resistance to create openings (Josh Braun, Founder @ Josh Braun Sales Training)

91 (Sell): Joining the resistance to create openings (Josh Braun, Founder @ Josh Braun Sales Training)

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Label and agree with objections to lower the zone of resistance. Create an opening by asking “what’s your take on [something they can’t do]”. Highlight business impacts by asking “are you aware of [relevant insight]”. Stop reacting and pitching. Instead, lean on humor and interest. PATH TO PRESIDENT’S CLUB Founder, Josh Braun Sales Training Former Head of Sales @ Basecamp Former VP of Inside Sales @ Jellyvision RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

23 Mar 202231min

Playbook: How to land a killer sales job

Playbook: How to land a killer sales job

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 Every 10th episode, we tear down one topic. This is how to land a killer sales job. FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Build a top 25 accounts list that meet your criteria on space, prestige, size, etc. Have a non-hideous resume with short, punchy sentences and specific numbers. Prep for your interview by developing a point of view from the company’s perspective. Don't be afraid to negotiate the terms of your deal. If you don’t ask, you’ll never get. RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

16 Mar 202234min

90 (Sell): Your questions answered on how to be a cold calling machine

90 (Sell): Your questions answered on how to be a cold calling machine

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 WHAT YOU’LL HEAR Tone, prep, and cold calling fundamentals Openers & value pops Handling objections RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

9 Mar 202231min

89 (Sell): Selling to executives at the enterprise level (Ian Koniak, Founder of Ian Koniak Sales Training)

89 (Sell): Selling to executives at the enterprise level (Ian Koniak, Founder of Ian Koniak Sales Training)

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Start your calls with a point of view on how you can help your prospect. Kill the deck in the first meeting with the executive, focus on listening. Sell the discovery process and yo-yo sell without fatiguing your executive. Target new executives - they’re usually brought in to solve problems. PATH TO PRESIDENT’S CLUB Founder of Ian Koniak sales training/consulting Former Strategic Account Director @ Salesforce.com RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

2 Mar 202234min

88 (Sell): Injecting your demos with discovery (Mor Assouline, Founder of FDTC)

88 (Sell): Injecting your demos with discovery (Mor Assouline, Founder of FDTC)

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Start your demo with a round of intros + what each person wants to get out of the call. Recap stories and pain points from your disco before showing a related feature. Validate whether or not the feature you showed actually solves their problem. Justify the questions you ask to help lower the customer’s guard. PATH TO PRESIDENT’S CLUB Founder of FDTC (From Demo To Close)  Former VP of Sales @ Okendo RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

23 Feb 202231min

87 (Sell): Staying ahead with MEDDICC (Andy Whyte, Founder MEDDICC™)

87 (Sell): Staying ahead with MEDDICC (Andy Whyte, Founder MEDDICC™)

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Ask about the last time they bought something before asking for buying process. Don’t be afraid to call out when a deal doesn’t appear to be a top priority anymore. Get your execs involved when dealing with the buyer’s executive team. Demonstrate the research you’ve done EARLY in the sales cycle. PATH TO PRESIDENT’S CLUB Founder MEDDICC™ RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

16 Feb 202230min

86 (Sell): Nailing the tone of your discovery (Marcus Chan, Venli Consulting)

86 (Sell): Nailing the tone of your discovery (Marcus Chan, Venli Consulting)

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Roleplay the worst case scenario over and over again until you feel confidence. Reference a similar company that you work with in early-stage voicemails. Keep it cool when you jump on a call with an executive. Over-structure is the enemy. Use why questions to understand the intent behind the priorities. PATH TO PRESIDENT’S CLUB President of Venli Consulting Creator of the 6-Figure Sales Academy Founding member at RevGenius Member of the Forbes Business Council Salesforce Top Sales Influencer to Follow RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

9 Feb 202236min

85 (Sell): Selling the partnership instead of the widget (Dan Cutler, Head of Sales)

85 (Sell): Selling the partnership instead of the widget (Dan Cutler, Head of Sales)

Join the most tactical sales newsletter in the world: https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Strive to get 3/3 criteria before give price: technical validation, budget, power. Go exec-to-exec when you’re below the line. Never sell alone. Before you talk at the CXO, start by asking why you’re in the room at all today. Attach your product to key initiatives surrounding making money or saving money. PATH TO PRESIDENT’S CLUB Head of Enterprise Sales @ thepowersthatbe Former Sr. Director of North America Salse @ Particle Former Director of Strategic Accounts @ Box RESOURCES DISCUSSED Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal

2 Feb 202230min

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