Surviving Outside Sales

Strap in as I, Mike O'Kelly, take you on an exhilarating ride through my journey of surviving outside sales and mastering the Q4 sales period. Picture Q4 as the Super Bowl of sales - the stakes are high and the tension thicker. Drawing from my experience of setting up a brick and mortar business, I know the sweat and toil that's involved. But the real question is - are you equipped to seize the opportunity when your custo...

Ever felt like you've bitten off more than you can chew? 

Well, brace yourselves as I take you through my taxing adventure of investing in franchises, opening a new store, and enduring the challenging journey of outside sales. From the complexities of real estate to the arduous legal aspects of the franchise process, it's a wild ride that has taught me invaluable lessons. 

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Sometimes, life throws us curveballs that make us question everything. This episode of Surviving Outside Sales is a testament to that. I, your host, Mike O'Kelly, find myself wrestling with the imminent loss of my father, a veteran pharmaceutical sales rep who has been my greatest inspiration. As I navigate the emotional whirlwind, I hit the mic to discuss how personal challenges shape our professional lives.

While th...

Imagine sustaining yourself comfortably on something less than a 250K annual income - does that sound like an impossible dream? Well, it isn't! I, Mike O'Kelly, am here to share my journey of how multiple income streams, from coaching programs to consulting, have allowed me to thrive in the outside sales landscape. I'll reveal how crucial it is to ensure that all your products and services have crossover potential, o...

Are your sales stagnating, or worse, flatlining? What if you could revive your sales by attracting at least 10% new customers every month? Brace yourself for an enthralling episode of Surviving Outside Sales where we reveal game-changing strategies for prospecting and market canvassing. We're spilling the beans on how to be an exemplary prospector, reducing stress about individual deals, and keeping your growth on an upward tr...

Ever felt like your job has turned into a mundane routine with no spark? Well, it's time to break free from the shackles of dissatisfaction and strike out in search of new professional horizons. Mike O'Kelly is your torchbearer on this quest, emphasizing that life is too short to be stuck in a passionless job. Our conversation today explores the signs that it's time for change, and the importance of seeking roles tha...

Ever tried to take on more than you can handle, only to find it was a mistake? 

That's what happened to me. I tried to up my game from five podcast episodes a week to seven. I took a leap of faith, thinking that pushing my boundaries would enhance my work. Guess what? It didn't. It was an unsustainable pace that left me scrambling, but it was a valuable learning curve.

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How badly do you want success? 

It's a provocative question that I, Mike O'Kelly, host of Surviving Outside Sales, challenge you to contemplate. Success isn't about wishing but doing. Are you ready to make sacrifices, endure pain, and come out stronger for it? I'm here to tell you, it's worth it. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the importance of self-promotion, building multiple streams of in...

Are you rising with the sun, eager to tackle your workday or are you caught in the churning tides of stagnation? 

As your host, I, Mike O’Kelly, discuss the powerful question of when it's appropriate to consider a career change. If you're not bounding into Mondays with drive and vigor or if you're not excited about initiating positive changes for your clients or prospects, it might be time to cast a wider ne...

Imagine the power of taking breaks. 

It’s not just about work-life balance but a mental rejuvenation that can significantly boost your productivity. In our latest podcast episode, we take a deep dive into the often overlooked aspect of outside sales – the strategic importance of time off. We share insights on how breaks can prevent burnout and why it's essential to mentally reset. Hear us out on why planning for meeti...

Are you sick and tired of being stuck in the same old sales routine? 
Craving a winning strategy that will supercharge your sales career? Well, buckle up, because in the latest episode of Surviving Outside Sales, yours truly, Mike O’Kelly, is ready to impart some serious wisdom. I’ll be walking you through the three pivotal phases of a sales professional's career: breaking into the industry, conquering the market, and most...

What if the secret to sales success was akin to the commitment of an athlete? 
Join us as we unpack the parallels between a pro in the field and a pro in the sales game. We uncover why sales isn't a typical 9-5 job, but instead, a career that demands constant growth, adaptation, and a dedication to personal development. Dispel the myth that sales training is solely about product knowledge, features, and benefits. Discover ...

Ever had one of those weeks where it feels like everything is out of control and you're just surviving? 

That's the chaos I, Mike O'Kelly, found myself in this week, smack dab in the aftermath of an exhausting Labor Day weekend. Yet, I didn't let that stop me from submitting a speech for an upcoming business conference, even though I barely had time to prepare. 

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Surviving the tumultuous world of outside sales is no walk in the park. 

From dealing with sudden layoffs to navigating career changes, it’s a long game full of setbacks and opportunities. Join me, Mike O'Kelly, as I share my own experiences of charting out a long-term career plan, overcoming setbacks, and creating my own path. We dive into the importance of not jumping on the first job opportunity that comes your way...

Are you ready to break free from the distractions and diversions that are costing you deals? Let us guide you through the labyrinth of sales negotiations with practical advice drawn from our early career missteps. We've been where you are - caught in a whirlwind of tangential discussions, driven off-course by the prospect. By sharing these personal experiences, we shed light on the importance of maintaining razor-sharp focus o...

Are you ready to unravel the complexity of 1099 versus W2 sales positions? 

We promise to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of both roles, their perks, and their pitfalls. Join me, Mike O'Kelly, as I break down the intricate world of sales positions, shedding light on the pros and cons of both. We kick off with why W2 positions tend to be more suitable for those new to the field, thanks to the training su...

Here's a hard truth: no one is irreplaceable, even Jamie Foxx, who was swapped out for a body double mid-film due to illness. Companies, as I learned the hard way in my pharmaceutical career, often prioritize their bottom line over some of their most loyal employees. I've seen top sales reps denied transfers and quickly replaced. It's a stark reminder that in the world of sales, it's essential to take control an...

Ever wondered how to transform your prospecting game in the world of sales? 
Strap in as we unmask the secrets to effective prospecting. From decoding the basics to building momentum, we're going to take you through the entire prospecting funnel, providing a detailed guide on how to identify your product market fit, create an ideal customer profile, and harvest the low-hanging fruit. Plus, we have a tried and tested system...

Ready to take your outside sales game to the next level? 

Brace yourself for an episode that transforms the way you approach your Q3 planning. Your host, Mike O'Kelly, is all set to take you on a tour of his own Q3 planning process, spiced with personal experiences. He reveals how he's accounting for time off, sales conferences, and more, all the while shedding light on the need for optimum time and productivity ...