This blog post expands on the unique approach of "The Art of Presales" podcast trailer and introduction in episode 002, focusing on its practical, actionable advice and how it differs from other resources in the field. We'll explore the podcast's format, the target audience, and the key skills covered. Ultimately, this post will highlight why this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to excel in a presales career, from students to seasoned professionals.
Introduction: Why This Podcast Differs
The presales landscape is saturated with lots of great information, but much of it varies in terms of quality and depth. My goal with the "The Art of Presales" is to distinguish it by focusing on the practical application of knowledge by covering the "what", "how", and "why" behind successful presales strategies that I've used and have had repeated success with. The goal is to providing listeners with techniques, approaches and mindsets that can be co-opted, customized and implemented immediately. This isn't just about understanding the concepts; it's about mastering the craft and achieving real-world results.
30 Years of Experience brings Wisdon and Unique Perspectives
As I write this, I cannot really fathom that I've been doing this kind of work for THREE DECADES!! That kind of time investment brings a wealth of experience to the table. I like to think of it as wisdom.
According to the teachings of many traditions, acquiring wisdom comes through dedicated practice, reflection on experiences, studying scriptures or teachings (aka books), actively seeking guidance from experienced mentors, and consistently applying insights gained to daily life, all while cultivating a mindful and compassionate attitude towards oneself and others.
The neat thing about this process is that nothing about it is theoretical; I liken it to a tapestry woven with successful projects, global team building, and lots of lessons learned in the school of hard knocks. The last thing I want is to have this podcast and associated online content to become an academic exercise. Instead, my goal is to do my best to distill years of real-world successes and challenges, grounded in practical application, to provide information and data that resonates with the everyday realities of the modern presales professional.
Actionable Advice: Not Just Theory
One of the core tenets of "The Art of Presales" is its commitment to actionable advice. Each episode is designed to equip listeners with specific strategies they can implement immediately. I detest vague generalizations and like to focus on providing clear, concise guidance that translates directly into improved performance. Whether it's perfecting a demo, building stronger customer relationships, or navigating complex sales cycles, the podcast offers practical solutions to real-world problems and the day-to-day challenges that Presales Professionals experience and deal with. The more successful we can make you, the better the entire presales community will be for it.
Episode Format and What to Expect
We're going to have to start at the lowest common denominator. One of my other goals is to attract the next generation of presales engineers to the craft. It's not like I grew up thinking and dreaming of becoming a presales engineer and leader. Far from it! So we're going to educate for most of the first season by following a structured format so I can ensur a consistent and engaging listening experience. We typically begin with a concise overview of the topic at hand, followed by a deeper dive into specific strategies and techniques. I'm going to target 30 minutes per episode, and some topics will require multiple episodes to cover thoroughly. Hopefully this will be okay with the listening audience. Time and your feedback will tell. Whenever and where ever possible, I'll weave in real-world examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts and provide concrete applications. We also incorporate listener questions and feedback to ensure the podcast remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of presales professionals.
Who Should Listen: From Students to Leaders
The podcast caters to a broad audience, encompassing individuals at all stages of their presales journey. Whether you're a college student exploring career options, a professional considering a transition into presales, a seasoned presales engineer looking to refine your skills, or a leader tasked with building a high-performing presales team, my intention is to have the "The Art of Presales" offers something valuable for you, regardless of where your are on your career path. I do believe that the podcast's diverse content and practical approach makes it relevant across experience levels.
Key Skills Covered: Hard and Soft Skills for Success
The podcast covers a comprehensive range of skills essential for presales success. We address both hard skills, such as technical proficiency and product knowledge, and soft skills, such as communication, negotiation, and relationship building. We understand that success in presales requires a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and communication skills. The podcast will equip listeners with the complete skill set needed to thrive.
Beyond the Demo: Customer Engagement and Reputation
While the technical aspects of presales are crucial, "The Art of Presales" emphasizes the importance of prospect/customer engagement and building a strong professional reputation. We'll explore strategies for building rapport, fostering trust, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Understand that long-term success depends on more than just technical proficiency. A strong reputation and positive customer relationships are critical components of a successful and lengthy presales career.
Growth and Leadership: Advancing Your Presales Career
The podcast isn't just about mastering the day-to-day tasks of presales; it's also about charting a course for long-term career growth and leadership. We explore strategies for career advancement, leadership development, and building high-performing teams. We provide insights into navigating career transitions, developing essential leadership skills, and creating a positive and productive work environment. We want listeners to not just succeed in their current roles but to build a sustainable and fulfilling career path. This won't just be me pontificating on subjects, wherever and whenever possible, I'll have data for you to consume and let you come to your own conclusions. While I have opinions based on my experiences, there are loads and loads of other ways to do things. That's why I believe that adaptability is a key trait of successful presales folks.
Call to Action: Subscribe and Connect
If any of this sounds interesting or fun to you, I'm going to encourage you to subscribe to "The Art of Presales" and join our community of presales professionals. By subscribing, you'll receive weekly episodes packed with actionable advice, expert insights, and real-world examples. By consistently applying the strategies discussed in the podcast, you can significantly elevate your performance and achieve your professional goals. You can access the podcast via all major platforms including the trailer episode here: Episode 001 - Trailer for The Art of Presales Podcast
In conclusion, "The Art of Presales" stands apart by offering a practical, actionable approach to mastering the art of presales based on my own unique perspective. But it won't just be me. In season 2, I'll switch from a single host format to a multi-host and/or interview format so listeners can get a broader view on topics of interest to us. Baby steps first.
I have other plans to expand beyond the podcast, but I'll save that for a future date. I hope the structured episode format, detailed content will provide context and detail enough to empower listeners at all levels to leverage the content to create massive positive impact in your personal and professional lives.
I hope you'll come along for the ride as we explore the fascinating role and career that is Presales Engineering.
