In this episode of Uncapped, hosts Zoya Segelbacher and Caroline Jones welcome Lori Richardson, a renowned Revenue Growth Strategist from Score More Sales. Lori shares her extensive experience in B2B sales, emphasizing the importance of visualization and confidence in the sales process. Her insights offer valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of sales and the significance of asking the right questions to foster success.
The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities for women in sales. Lori, a vocal advocate for gender equity in the sales industry, discusses her initiatives to promote inclusivity. She highlights the need for pay equity, supportive leadership, and a conducive work environment. Her experience as a sales coach at Harvard Business School’s Entrepreneurial Sales course further enriches the discussion with practical advice and strategies.
Lori also touches on the impact of economic fluctuations on sales and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. She encourages sales professionals to focus on solving customer problems and staying resilient amidst external challenges. This episode not only provides a wealth of knowledge for sales professionals but also inspires listeners with Lori’s dedication to empowering women in the field.
Featured Guest
Name: Lori Richardson
What she does: Revenue Growth Strategist
Company: Score More Sales
Noteworthy: Lori is a top Salesforce and LinkedIn sales influencer, advisor for the Sales Education Foundation, and a sales coach at Harvard Business School’s Entrepreneurial Sales course. She is recognized for her expertise in B2B sales and her advocacy for women in sales, providing valuable insights into sales strategies and career growth.
Key Insights
The Power of Asking Questions in Sales
Lori Richardson emphasizes the importance of asking questions in the sales process. She shares that never has she lost an opportunity by asking too many questions, but has lost many by not asking enough. The key, she notes, is in the approach – asking from a place of genuine curiosity rather than making it feel like an interrogation. This insight underscores the value of understanding customer needs and interests deeply, which can significantly impact sales success.
Creating an Inclusive Environment in Sales
Lori discusses the necessity of a supportive and inclusive work environment, especially for women in sales. She stresses the importance of having good leadership, pay equity, and a belief in the product or service being sold. Lori’s perspective is shaped by her experience as a sales coach and her advocacy for gender equity in sales. This insight is crucial for organizations aiming to foster diversity and inclusivity in their sales teams.
Visualizing Success and Overcoming Challenges
The conversation highlights the importance of visualization in achieving sales goals and career growth. Lori shares her belief in the power of visualization and encourages others to practice it. She also touches on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and resilience in the face of economic fluctuations and other external challenges. This insight is particularly relevant for sales professionals navigating a rapidly changing business landscape.
Episode Highlights
Lori Richardson on Visualization and Goal Setting
Lori Richardson discusses the power of visualization in achieving goals. She encourages listeners to create visual representations of their aspirations, emphasizing how this practice can turn dreams into reality. This segment is particularly inspiring for those looking to harness the power of their imagination to propel their careers and personal goals forward.
“I love when people create pictures of what they want to materialize and make happen. And that really works. So I encourage people to do that.”
The Importance of Mindfulness in Sales
Lori Richardson speaks about the need for mindfulness in sales, especially during challenging times. She advises on being thoughtful about timing and checking in with clients and team members without expecting anything in return. This approach fosters stronger relationships and a more human-centric business model.
“It’s good to be more mindful of someone that, you know, might be going through a tough time on their own and just checking in with people more often — whether they’re clients or they’re people on your team.”
Economic Challenges in Sales
Lori addresses the impact of economic fluctuations on sales. She emphasizes the need for sales professionals to maintain confidence and belief in their products and services, regardless of external economic conditions. This part of the discussion underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in sales.
“It’s been economy related, people are kind of waiting, more buyers seem to be waiting for things to happen and things definitely slowed down over the last number of months.”
Career Reflections and Teaching Sales
Lori reflects on her career trajectory, discussing her initial desire to be a teacher and how it has influenced her current role as a sales coach. She shares insights from her experiences, including overcoming various economic and world crises, and how these have shaped her perspective on sales and teaching.
“I wanted to be a teacher. And I kind of am, you know, I kind of help guide people and, now in particular, now that I’ve been in sales for such a long time, I feel like I have things to share.”
