Confidence in Sales: From Funk to Momentum

In this dynamic episode of the Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson welcomes seasoned sales leader Brian Kreifels. Brian shares how he maintains confidence in sales, drawing parallels with overcoming the “after-crash” mentality in racing. They emphasize the power of building momentum—compounding small wins instead of swinging for home runs. Brian dives into his engineering-to-sales story, noting how problem-solving and competitiveness led him into a long-term career in technical/ag sales, particularly in agriculture.

They discuss essential aspects of a successful sales approach:- The competitive spirit and internal drive that’s hard to teach.- Strategic meeting preparation with scenario mapping.- Maximizing CRM as a “brag board,” stressing data discipline, usage and executive buy-in.- The evolving sales tech stack—AI’s role in analytics, meeting recordings, and future intelligent workflows.- And at the heart of it all: the power of real human relationships and connections.📌 Key Takeaways- Momentum wins sales: Build confidence through consistent small wins.- Competitiveness matters: Look for it in hiring—it fuels reps through long hours and tough cycles.- Structure your meetings: Clear agendas, goals, and scenario planning lead to productive engagements.- CRM is your ally: With robust data and consistent use, it becomes your reputation and operational hub.- AI is a tool, not a threat: It boosts analytics, prep time, and CRM insights—people still matter.- Relationships over Tech: Authentic connections and referrals (thanks, Jason Nugent!) remain irreplaceable.