Sales & Marketing Playbook: Unleashed

40 Episodes
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By: Evan Polin & Craig Andrews

"Sales and Marketing Playbook: Unleashed" is a dynamic and informative podcast that provides listeners with the essential strategies, tactics, and insights to excel in the world of sales and marketing. Hosted by industry experts and thought leaders, this podcast delves deep into the latest trends, best practices, and innovative approaches that drive success in the competitive business landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, "Sales and Marketing Playbook: Unleashed" offers a treasure trove of actionable advice, real-world examples, and inspiring interviews to help you unlock your full potential and achieve outstanding results in sales and marketing. Join us...

Margins Matter: The 10X ROI Secret No One Talks About
Last Sunday at 11:00 AM

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Have you ever wondered why your company struggles to convert leads despite having a robust marketing strategy? The answer might lie in the fundamental misunderstanding that plagues many businesses today.

Dwayne Riff, President of Global Source International, joins hosts Craig Andrews and Evan Poland to unpack a critical business truth: sales and marketing are not the same thing. Drawing from decades of experience helping companies scale their revenue, Dwayne reveals how this misalignment creates significant blind spots in business growth strategies.

"Most companies invest heavily in marketing—SEO optimization, di...


Stop Wishing, Start Planning: Your Post-Summer Sales Playbook
08/24/2025

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The back-to-school season isn't just for students—it's the perfect time for businesses to refocus and strategize for year-end success. Seasoned sales expert Evan Polin and marketing strategist Craig Andrews reveal the playbook for maximizing your Q3-Q4 performance when summer distractions fade and serious business resumes.

We dive deep into the critical task of pipeline review, teaching you how to perform an honest "autopsy" of your year-to-date sales performance. Discover why successful businesses maintain pipelines four times larger than their revenue goals and how this cushion ensures hitting targets despite no...


Swing for Success: Summer Sports Sales Strategies
07/27/2025

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What if the path to sales and marketing excellence was hiding in your favorite summer pastimes? Evan Polin and Craig Andrews reveal powerful business strategies inspired by golf, baseball, and pickleball in this thought-provoking episode.

Golf isn't just about swinging clubs—it's a masterclass in preparation and customized strategy. Like selecting the right club for each hole, successful sales professionals choose the perfect approach for each prospect. The "platinum rule" of treating others how they want to be treated becomes your green-reading guide, helping you understand whether your prospect values results, re...


Summer Sales & Marketing Refresh: Tuning Up for Year-End Success
07/13/2025

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The halfway point of the year often sneaks up on us—one moment we're setting ambitious goals for January, and suddenly we're staring down July, wondering where the time went. This critical juncture demands honest reflection: Are you on track to hit your annual targets, or do you need to recalibrate?

Evan Polin and Craig Andrews deliver a masterclass in mid-year sales strategy assessment with their "Summer Break, Time for Sales Tune-Up" episode. They break down four essential areas every sales professional needs to evaluate now: messaging effectiveness, pipeline reality, CRM op...


Internal Selling: Building Trust in Healthcare Compliance
06/29/2025

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What happens when compliance isn't a jail sentence but a collaborative approach to protecting your organization? Today's conversation with Raul, VP and Chief Compliance Officer for Jackson Health System, reveals the unexpected parallels between effective compliance work and successful sales and marketing strategies.

With oversight of healthcare compliance for 15,000 employees across multiple hospitals and healthcare centers, Raul shares how his team has transformed potential fear and reluctance into trust and partnership. The secret? Embedding compliance officers directly within administrative teams, where they become trusted advisors rather than feared enforcers. "The approach...


Authenticity: Your Company Culture's Secret Weapon
06/22/2025

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Authenticity isn't just a buzzword—it's the lifeblood of successful organizations. In this illuminating conversation with Rachel Platt, CEO of Platinum HR Consulting, we dive deep into how company culture directly impacts your bottom line and why the alignment between what you say and what you do matters more than ever.

Rachel unveils the costly consequences of cultural disconnects: when your external messaging doesn't match your internal reality, employees sense it immediately, leading to eroded trust, disengagement, and ultimately, higher turnover. "The employee experience is your brand," Rachel emphasizes, "and the en...


Your Vision Needs to Leave Your Head
06/08/2025

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Ever witnessed the classic battle between sales and marketing teams? "They're sending us garbage leads!" versus "They can't close what we're giving them!" This fundamental conflict has existed since the dawn of business itself, but it doesn't have to plague your organization.

In this enlightening episode, EOS Implementer James Wisdom joins hosts Craig Andrews and Evan Polin to reveal how the Entrepreneurial Operating System transforms business alignment. With over two decades of experience leading Fortune 100 marketing teams and running his own agency, James brings practical wisdom to the perpetual sales-marketing divide.<...


Measuring Marketing Impact: Beyond Vanity Metrics
06/01/2025

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What happens when a C-suite executive asks the marketing team about bottom-line impact and is met with blank stares? For Mike Strata, that uncomfortable moment became the catalyst for creating Galileo, a revolutionary marketing analytics platform that's exposing the massive blind spots in how businesses measure marketing effectiveness.

You're about to discover why the metrics you've trusted for years might be leading you astray. Mike reveals how one company was unknowingly losing 40 cents on every dollar spent on their seemingly "best-performing" marketing channel while a neglected channel was quietly generating 4.5x...


Know Your Buyer: How Sales Personas Drive Revenue Growth
05/25/2025

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Are you struggling to connect with potential clients? The answer might be hiding in your understanding of customer personas. In this illuminating episode, sales coach Evan Polin and marketing expert Craig Andrews reveal how developing detailed customer personas can transform your sales approach from scattershot to laser-focused.

"Personas are only important for salespeople and companies that want to close sales," declares Evan, setting the tone for a conversation brimming with practical wisdom. This isn't just theory – it's battle-tested advice from professionals with decades of experience. They reveal how to identify your id...


Master Your Customer Personas
05/11/2025

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Have you ever felt like your marketing dollars are disappearing into thin air? Or wondered why your sales team struggles to convert seemingly good leads? The answer might lie in how well you understand who you're actually selling to.

In this enlightening episode, Craig Andrews and Evan Polin tackle the often misunderstood concept of customer personas and why they're fundamental to business success. As Evan aptly puts it, "If you don't know what a good prospect looks like, you're never going to find them." They reveal how properly defined personas serve...


Finding Your Core Customer: The Key to Business Growth
04/28/2025

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What if everything you thought about your ideal customer was wrong? In this eye-opening conversation with Kevin O'Connor, Vice President of Strategic Coaching and Consulting for Align5 and scaling up business coach, we uncover the crucial difference between high-revenue customers and truly profitable core customers that can transform your entire business strategy.

Kevin challenges conventional thinking by defining core customers as those who not only generate maximum profit but are also genuinely passionate about your product or service. This distinction proves revolutionary for businesses struggling to grow efficiently. "Revenue is vanity...


Trade Show Aftermath: Converting Connections into Cash
04/21/2025

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The trade show is over. You've collected business cards, scanned badges, and had promising conversations. Now what? In this final installment of our trade show trilogy, Evan Polin and Craig Andrews reveal the most critical—and most commonly neglected—phase of trade show strategy: the post-show follow-up.

We begin with the clear signs of on-floor success that should set you up for effective follow-up. From high booth traffic and qualified leads to social media buzz and positive brand recognition, these indicators help you prioritize your post-show efforts. But here's the shocking trut...


Beyond Cold Calls: The Relationship-First Approach to Market Expansion
04/13/2025

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Breaking into new markets demands more than just cold calling and digital prospecting—it requires strategic relationship building. In this episode, we dive deep with Brendan Dodge, networking extraordinaire from VC3, who reveals exactly how he successfully entered the Philadelphia/New Jersey marketplace by leveraging his existing connections.

Brendan shares the game-changing mindset shift that transformed his networking approach: switching from "what's in it for me" to "how can I help you?" This giving-first philosophy created a foundation for meaningful relationships that naturally evolved into business opportunities. He explains his tactical ap...


Whole Being: The Evolution of Corporate Wellness
04/07/2025

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Former architect Alice Dommert reveals how she transformed her corporate wellness company Prasada Whole Being through strategic data management and relationship building. From her first days as an entrepreneur, Alice implemented CRM systems that allowed her team to track every client interaction, analyze engagement patterns, and make data-driven decisions about sales and marketing approaches.

Alice's architectural background instilled a deeper understanding of systems thinking that she applies to business growth. "When you're trained as an architect, you are all about systems because systems build the foundation of any building," she explains...


Trade Show Success: Maximizing Your Presence on the Floor
03/31/2025

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Trade show season is upon us, and success requires much more than simply showing up with a booth and some brochures. Sales expert Evan Polin and marketing strategist Craig Andrews dive deep into what really makes trade shows work for your business during the crucial "at-show" phase.

The foundation of trade show success begins before you ever reach the event. Without proper preparation—researching attendees, scheduling meetings in advance, and preparing your team with strong elevator pitches—you're already at a disadvantage. As Evan vividly explains, your booth's appearance directly impacts perc...


The Strategic Approach to Pre-Trade Show Preparation for Maximum ROI
03/25/2025

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Trade shows demand substantial investments of money, time, and resources—so why do so many companies approach them without a comprehensive strategy? In this first installment of our three-part trade show series, we unpack the critical pre-show preparation phase that separates ROI winners from budget wasters.

Most organizations focus exclusively on the event itself, missing the opportunity to lay groundwork weeks before arrival. We reveal proven tactics for researching attendee lists, scheduling high-value meetings in advance, and preparing your team for cohesive, effective engagement. One client scheduled 20 meetings before ever boarding th...


The Sexy Side of LinkedIn: Why Clarity Wins in B2B
03/17/2025

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Ready to transform your LinkedIn profile from a digital resume into a powerful business development machine? Our latest episode featuring Angela Dunz, the self-described "Business Development Badass," delivers game-changing insights that will revolutionize how you approach professional networking online.

Angela cuts through the noise with a refreshingly direct message: "The sexiest thing on LinkedIn right now is clarity." While many professionals hide behind clever but cryptic messaging, Angela reveals that being clear about who you serve and what problems you solve creates immediate trust with potential clients. This isn't just theory – sh...


Your Elevator Pitch Is Making People's Eyes Glaze Over - Here's How to Fix It
03/08/2025

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Beholder Agency
We provide marketing strategies & services that increase in awareness, sales & engagement.

Polin Performance Group
We offer strategies to increase sales, maximize performance and increase revenue for businesses.

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The Elevator Pitch: It’s Not Just About Selling
03/03/2025

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Unlock the secrets to a powerful elevator pitch in our latest episode of Sales and Marketing Playbook Unleashed! Is your current pitch captivating enough to grab attention in the first 10 seconds? If you find yourself struggling to connect with potential clients, this episode is a must-listen. We dive into the core elements that make an elevator pitch effective, moving beyond the typical facts and figures to identify and engage with the problems your prospects face.

Discover how a well-crafted elevator pitch can integrate seamlessly into your overall marketing strategy, highlighting that...


Reimagining Law Firm Efficiency with AI and Strategy
02/18/2025

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This episode emphasizes the critical need for legal professionals to embrace technology, particularly AI, to stay competitive and efficient in today's market. Daya Nafe shares practical insights on redefining success, assessing operational efficiency, and making strategic decisions to drive growth. 
• Understanding the importance of a growth mindset 
• Exploring the role of AI in modern business practices 
• Assessing the risks of traditional practices in the legal industry 
• Benefits of value-based pricing over hourly billing 
• Encouraging strategic planning and self-reflection 
• Tips for overcoming indecision and advancing success 
• Importance of attracting a tech...


Boosting Business Performance Through Clarity and Accountability
02/03/2025

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The episode focuses on the essential role of accountability in driving business success. Industry professionals Darren Webster, Evan Polin, and Craig Andrews discuss strategies for aligning sales and marketing teams, the importance of actionable goals, and how technology can enhance accountability.

• Focus on maintaining fewer, essential goals 
• Understand the difference between leading and lagging indicators 
• Harness technology for real-time accountability tracking 
• Foster a positive accountability culture within teams 
• Regularly assess and adjust processes based on feedback

Beholder Agency
We provide marketing strategies & services that increase in awareness...


Mastering the Art of Elevator Pitches: Strategic Insights for Networking Success
01/27/2025

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Unlock the secrets to crafting a captivating elevator pitch with expert insights from Evan Polin, president of Polin Performance Group, and Craig Andrews, CEO of Beholder Agency. Learn how to capture attention and make memorable first impressions within the first 15 to 40 seconds of any conversation. Discover the critical importance of tailoring your pitch to your audience's needs, ensuring your message is not only relevant but also compelling. Our experts share strategies to help you avoid the common pitfalls of self-focused pitches, empowering you to enhance your networking game as we enter a season...


Navigating Regulated Industries: Strategic Legal and Marketing Insights for Sustainable Growth
#3
01/19/2025

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This episode explores the interplay between sales, marketing, and legal considerations essential for business growth. Bernard Williams joins us to share insights on avoiding legal pitfalls, the importance of contracts, and the valuable role of fractional general counsel in helping small businesses navigate complex regulations.

• Understanding regulatory issues in sales and marketing 
• The critical role of contracts in preventing disputes 
• Common legal hurdles during business growth 
• Proactive measures to avoid costly mistakes 
• The value of a fractional general counsel 
• Creative marketing within legal boundaries 
• Key legal advice for sma...


Supercharge Your Business in 2025: Strategic Goal Setting and Content Creation
01/05/2025

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Unlock the secrets to supercharging your business in 2025 by mastering the art of strategic goal setting and content creation. Join us, Craig Andrews and Evan Polin, as we ring in the new year with a powerful discussion on the significance of reflecting on past successes to shape future victories. Evan shares his tried-and-true methods for analyzing client interactions, while Craig champions the use of data-driven insights for making impactful adjustments. Together, we paint 2025 as the "year of content," urging you to harness storytelling as your ultimate differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.
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Building a Thriving Law Firm Through Strategic Relationships
#22
12/29/2024

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What happens when a county prosecutor takes a bold leap into the world of criminal defense? We sit down with Dan Rosenberg, managing partner at Rosenberg Perry Associates, to uncover the strategies that have made his firm a standout in aggressive legal marketing. Dan takes us on his unique journey, sharing how questioning norms and embracing unconventional methods have been key to his success. Alongside our co-hosts, Craig Andrews and Evan Polin, we navigate the dynamic interplay between marketing and sales, uncovering how these elements can both clash and harmonize to build a...


Preventing Burnout and Enhancing Team Well-Being with Rachel Boehm
#21
12/16/2024

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Discover the secret to sustainable success with Rachel Boehm, a renowned expert in burnout prevention and peak performance. Rachel shares her personal journey from burnout to becoming a coach and offers transformative insights into how mental well-being is a cornerstone of business success. Gain practical strategies to ensure your team thrives without compromising health, innovation, or creativity. Learn why fostering an environment where individuals can flourish personally and professionally is crucial for effective leadership and workplace well-being.

In our conversation, Rachel delves into the mindset shifts essential for modern leadership. She...


Elevating Your Law Firm Through Strategic Marketing and Sales
#20
12/09/2024

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Unlock the secrets to building a successful law practice with Dan Posternock, managing shareholder at PosternockAppel, as he shares his journey into embracing an entrepreneurial mindset in the legal world. Together with Evan Polin, president of Polin Performance Group, and Craig Andrews, CEO of Beholder Agency, we examine how the often overlooked skills of sales and marketing can transform a professional career. Dan opens up about the challenges of marketing his firm and how law schools must prepare lawyers for the business side of their careers. This episode promises to deliver insights into...


Empowering Teams Through Strategic Alignment
#19
12/02/2024

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Unlock the secret to bridging the gap between sales and marketing with insights from Anthony Constantini, principal advisor at SRV HR. Discover how aligning these vital functions can propel your business to new heights by ensuring objectives and key results are in harmony. Misalignment often stems from sales focusing on revenue while marketing targets new markets. Anthony delves into how HR plays a pivotal role in this alignment, setting the stage for increased productivity and strategic success. Learn how clear expectations and targets can transform your teams' dynamics, paving the way for a...


Business Leadership: CEO Roundtables and Communication Strategies for Success
#18
11/18/2024

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Unlock the secrets to transformative business success with insights from Evan Polin and Craig Andrews alongside our special guest, Marc Sinkow. Dive deep into the world of CEO roundtables, where we explore how these sessions can elevate business leaders by fostering accountability and shared experiences. Marc, a veteran in guiding entrepreneurs as a "chief Sherpa," shares invaluable perspectives on overcoming the unique challenges that CEOs face. Discover how these collaborative environments provide a breeding ground for innovation, offering support on critical topics like culture and financing, and ultimately enabling business leaders to thrive...


Strategic Sales Coaching and Effective Communication
11/04/2024

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What if you could reshape the way your business approaches sales and marketing to achieve unprecedented growth? Together with Evan Polin, president of Polin Performance Group, and Craig Andrews, CEO of Beholder Agency, we unlock the secrets to accelerating sales cycles and enhancing digital presence. Evan shares his mastery in sales coaching, guiding businesses to cultivate the right mindset and strategic planning. Meanwhile, Craig illuminates the path to effective growth marketing strategies, crucial for boosting your digital footprint. Plus, our special guest, John DePrince, a certified business and executive coach, reveals his innovative...


Revolutionizing Sales and Marketing: Accountability and Data-Driven Growth Strategies
#18
10/28/2024

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Unlock the secrets to transforming your sales and marketing approach with insights from Evan Polin, president of Polin Performance Group, and Craig Andrews, CEO of Beholder Agency. Learn how to overcome stagnation, shorten prolonged sales cycles, and boost referrals with Evan's expert strategies. Craig reveals how Beholder Agency leverages accountability, data, and analytics to nurture leads, turning your sales pipeline into a powerhouse you never imagined possible.

Discover the art of goal setting and accountability that transforms ambitious objectives into actionable steps. We'll guide you through crafting a dynamic plan that...


Elevate Your Law Firm with Proven Growth Strategies from a Fractional COO
#17
10/20/2024

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Unlock the secrets of business transformation with the wisdom of Evan Polin, Craig Andrews, and Rachel Steininger as they synergize sales, marketing, and operations for unparalleled growth. Witness how Evan, the president of Polin Performance Group, breaks down barriers in securing ideal clients and accelerating sales cycles, while Craig, the CEO of Beholder Agency, reveals the magic behind revamping underperforming websites into marketing powerhouses. Rachel, founder of Upward Acceleration, steps in to illustrate the profound impact of scalable systems and the role of a fractional...


Transforming Sales and Marketing: Innovative Thinking and AI-Driven Tools
#16
10/14/2024

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Uncover how innovative thinking can transform your approach to sales and marketing with insights from Mac, also known as Steve P McKeon, the mastermind behind MacGyverTech and MacnNerd. With a rich background in tech, Mac shares his extraordinary journey of deconstructing and creating, steering clear of the mainstream and inspiring creative solutions. Get a glimpse into his fascinating life, from pioneering software development and ethical hacking to living in a fortress-like castle, as we explore how his mindset can revolutionize any business endeavor.

Communication stands as a critical pillar in the...


Revamping Your Sales Strategy: Back-to-School Tips and Effective Time Management Part 2
#17
10/07/2024

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Ready to kick your business growth into high gear this fall? Discover how aligning your sales and marketing strategies with the back-to-school season can propel you towards achieving those end-of-year goals. Join Evan Polin and me, Craig Andrews, as we uncover the tools you need—like CRM systems and sales enablement software—and the power of time management to stay on top of nurturing campaigns and important events. We'll also share the benefits of teaming up with strategic partners and introduce the concept of "homework" in sales, ensuring your strategies stand out by know...


Revamping Your Sales Strategy: Back-to-School Tips and Effective Time Management
#14
09/23/2024

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Is your business ready to ace the back-to-school season? Discover how the end of summer can be a prime opportunity to refocus your sales and marketing strategies. Join Evan and me, Craig Andrews, as we draw fascinating parallels between students gearing up for a new school year and businesses striving to hit their annual goals. We’ll share actionable tips on building a solid sales foundation, much like students need their essential supplies, and provide insights to help your team re-energize for the final stretch of the year.

Struggling with time ma...


Unlocking Local SEO Secrets: Boosting Your Business Visibility with Emilia Andrews
#13
09/09/2024

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Unlock the secrets to dominating your local market with our latest episode of the Sales and Marketing Playbook Unleashed. Join us as we uncover the power of local SEO services and "near me" searches to attract customers in your community.

Craig Andrews and Evan Polin discuss the pivotal role of building local relationships and how being well-known in your area can skyrocket your business success. We're also joined by digital marketing expert Emilia Andrews, who shares invaluable insights on improving visibility and engagement within your local market.

Have you...


Episode 12 Mastering Sales and Marketing for Non-Selling Professionals
#12
08/12/2024

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Can non-selling professionals like lawyers, architects, and accountants master sales and marketing? Evan Polin and Craig Andrews think so, and they’re here to show you how. In this episode of Sales and Marketing Playbook Unleashed, we explore the evolving business landscape that demands these professionals step out of their comfort zones and actively seek new clients. With insights from Evan’s book, “Selling Professional Services, the Sandler Way,” and practical strategies from Craig, we provide actionable tips to build a robust book of business amidst fierce competition.

Have you ever wondered...


Episode 11: Authenticity in Sales: Transforming Your Strategy with Genuine Personal Branding
#11
08/05/2024

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How can embracing your authentic self revolutionize your sales and marketing strategy? In this episode, Craig Andrews brings a humorous twist with his Game of Thrones-inspired personal brand, while Evan Polin joins to dissect the pitfalls of inauthenticity. Together, they shed light on how genuine relationships are the backbone of business success. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on childhood experiences, they illustrate the transformative power of personal connections in enhancing your brand. Practical tips are shared on maintaining authenticity, being comfortable in your own skin, and aligning both personal and company brands to...


Summer Sales Strategies: Turning Slow Seasons into Prime Opportunities
#10
07/26/2024

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Have you ever wondered if the summer slowdown is just a myth? Craig Andrews, partner and CEO of Beholder Agency & Evan Polin, President of Polin Performance Group, joins us to reveal why summer is the golden season for maintaining sales and marketing momentum. 

Discover the truth behind the misconception that business grinds to a halt during the summer months. Craig and Evan highlight key strategies such as increasing availability for one-on-one meetings and reduced competition to capitalize on this often-overlooked period. We'll walk you through the process of summer prospecting and s...


Episode 9 Sales & Marketing Playbook - The Debate Part 2
06/14/2024

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Can you imagine a world where fragmented CRM usage and inconsistent data are a thing of the past? Join Craig Andrews and Evan Polin as they dive into the intricate dance between sales and marketing metrics and KPIs, revealing how these distinct yet complementary functions can harmonize to boost organizational performance. We kick off by revisiting essential topics from our last episode, like time to market and content strategy, before diving into a heated discussion on the divergent perspectives of sales and marketing. Evan takes us through the sales side with a focus...