

Surviving Outside Sales
Mike O'Kelly
Surviving Outside Sales is a podcast for outside sales pros that want to learn how to navigate the chaotic world of outside sales. Join host Mike O'Kelly as he shares his sales philosophies, biggest deals closed and some that got away during an award-winning, 20-year career, plus interviews with other sales experts from inside and outside sales, business owners who built something for themselves, as well as many other entrepreneurs. From building business process & systems that scale to landing the perfect sales job and hearing stories from entrepreneurs who have blazed a trail others can follow, it's all here!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 9, 2024 • 20min
Rediscovering Sales Fundamentals: Navigating Q4 Challenges and Opportunities with Mike O'Kelly | SOS Ep. 363
Send us Fan MailWhat if the key to thriving in the fast-paced world of Q4 sales is hidden in the fundamentals we've all been overlooking? Join me, Mike O'Kelly, as we explore how the chaos of personal commitments and professional demands can actually be the perfect catalyst for reassessing your sales strategies. Discover why understanding your client's buying processes can mean the difference between a missed opportunity and a closed deal, and learn the significance of service, teamwork, and concise messaging. We’ll unravel the mystery of being in the right place at the right time and how external factors often shift the gears of purchasing decisions. Inspired by my own journey from minor league baseball to the sales industry, I stress the importance of seizing every opportunity and staying vigilant, even amidst the distractions of life. Hear why seasoned sales professionals are adamant about the power of role-playing, networking, and continuous learning as methods to sharpen your edge in Q4. Reflect on the enduring impact of content, like last year's Q4 guide, which continues to captivate listeners with its timeless strategies. As we charge through this whirlwind season, I encourage you to pause, reassess, and reinforce the basics to ensure you remain a step ahead. Tune in and prepare to elevate your sales game to unprecedented heights.Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Nov 5, 2024 • 20min
Sales Excellence Through Attitude and Action I SOS Ep. 362
Send us Fan MailDiscover the secrets to thriving in outside sales as Mike O'Kelly returns to share his transformative journey from building a retail wellness business. Have you ever wondered how small actions like timely call notes could impact your career progression? Learn from Mike's personal stories and experiences, emphasizing the crucial balance between performance and trust. He reveals the blueprint for finishing the year on a high note and setting a solid foundation for future success, highlighting the significance of hiring not just for talent, but for the right attitude and aptitude.Get ready to pump up your sales game with actionable insights on relentless engagement in business. Mike stresses the importance of genuine, proactive communication and maintaining a positive mindset amidst economic challenges. Hear firsthand accounts of last-minute sales triumphs and discover how a supportive team can make all the difference. Plus, exciting news awaits as Mike announces plans to re-engage with social media and launch new resources tailored for sales success. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s attack those goals together! Cheers to your success in the dynamic world of outside sales!Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Jan 1, 2024 • 33min
Sailing into Success Crafting Dynamic Sales Plans for a Prosperous 2024 | SOS Ep. 361
Send us Fan MailHave you ever stood at the precipice of change, heart pounding with the exhilaration of a new venture? That's where my journey took me as I embarked on the daunting task of launching a health and wellness franchise. It was a test of resilience and a lesson in the importance of health as we sail through the years. In this rollercoaster update, I lay bare the hurdles of early business challenges, from market shifts to real estate woes, and the profound shift from passive investment to active involvement. My gratitude runs deep for your support, and I'm eager to share the wisdom gleaned from consistency and presence, keystones for sustaining success no matter the playing field.The winds of change didn't just bring a new business; they heralded a transformative professional shift that demanded my all. Picture this: a single nugget of wisdom from a conference, igniting a whole new focus for my career. Tough choices were on the horizon—sunsetting clients, pausing the podcast, causing ripples of concern in my network—but they were necessary. This episode takes you through the art of balancing commitments and the finesse required to delegate effectively. And when personal loss and overwhelming workloads tried to break my spirit, I emerged as an advocate for the power of embracing challenges, armed with confidence and unafraid to fail. As we look ahead to 2024, let's arm ourselves with a strategy for triumph. It's about more than setting goals—it's about embracing a growth mindset and understanding the changing tides of our market. In this candid wrap-up, I go beyond just the sales tactics to delve into product knowledge and client engagement that can elevate your game from good to exceptional. Let's continue this journey together on LinkedIn, where we can strengthen our professional ties and share strategies that surge us forward. Here's to a year of seizing opportunities and achieving greatness, with you by my side. Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Oct 26, 2023 • 16min
Mastering Q4 Sales and Embracing Professional Transitions | SOS Ep. 360
Send us Fan MailStrap 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 customers are ready to spend this Q4? Let's dive into the strategies that can help you leverage your resources and time to maximize this potential gold mine of a quarter.Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Oct 2, 2023 • 38min
Embracing Change: Keys to going ALL IN & the future of Surviving Outside Sales | SOS Ep.
Send us Fan MailEver 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. Peek through the keyhole as I wrestle with lease negotiations, taps into the role of an architect firm, and grapple with the SBA process. This tumultuous journey culminates in hiring a general manager, kickstarting construction, and of course, coming to terms with the harsh realities of outside sales. Expect a raw, honest, and enlightening exploration as I share my experiences of dealing with the loss of my dear father, the chaos of September, and the dilemma of juggling too many tasks at once. Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Sep 22, 2023 • 19min
Navigating Personal Challenges: A Journey of Resilience and Lessons from a Sales Legacy | SOS Ep. 358
Send us Fan MailSometimes, 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 the episode is deeply personal, it is also a reminder of the importance of seizing opportunities when they come knocking. As I share anecdotes and insights from my journey in sales, influenced by my father's principles over shortcuts, my aim is to motivate you to embrace every moment in your sales career. Remember, the ripple effect of our actions as sales professionals can have far-reaching impacts on people's lives. So, join me for this heartfelt conversation as we traverse the uncertainties of life and the world of outside sales.Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Sep 21, 2023 • 11min
Exploiting Opportunities and Multiple Income Streams: A Key to Financial Stability with Mike O'Kelly | SOS Ep. 357
Send us Fan MailImagine 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, offering a more in-depth look into financial sustainability.But that's not all folks, seizing opportunities is the key to future success. Get ready to be motivated to take action, to grab hold of what's available and maximize your potential. If you or someone you know is grappling with financial struggles or trying to break into a new field, this episode is a must-listen. Let's embark on this expedition towards financial stability together because every journey begins with a single step. Don't miss out on this chance to secure your future!Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Sep 20, 2023 • 21min
Revitalizing Stagnant Sales: Prospecting Strategies and Celebrating Achievements | SOS Ep. 356
Struggling with stagnant sales? Discover game-changing prospecting strategies to attract new customers each month. Learn the importance of personal presence in building relationships within your market. Explore innovative tech tools to enhance your sales efforts. Celebrate achievements while setting new goals, all while getting insights from a record-breaking month of downloads. Tune in for actionable tips to revitalize your sales journey and keep your growth on track!

Sep 19, 2023 • 9min
Breaking the Routine: A Guide to Transitioning towards Passionate Careers and Thriving in Outside Sales with Mike O'Kelly | SOS Ep.
Send us Fan MailEver 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 that excite and challenge you. In the latter half, we shift gears to explore the landscape of outside sales across various industries. From chemical sales to car sales, Mike unravels the intricacies of each role, armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He generously shares advice, tips, and resources, becoming a guiding light for those looking to reinvent their career path. If you're ready to up your game and become a force to reckon with in your industry, then this enlightening episode is your starting point. No matter your background, Mike's insights can help you navigate your career transition and reach your ambitions. Tune in and let the journey begin!Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard

Sep 15, 2023 • 8min
Pushing the Boundaries: Mike O'Kelly's Revelation in Balancing Workloads and Business Resilience | SOS Ep. 354
Send us Fan MailEver 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.Support the showTo connect with the show: Subscribe, Download & Share!Would appreciate a 5-Star Rating if deserved on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!!!Connect with Mike:Mike@survivingoutsidesales.comLinkedIn: Mike O'Kelly | LinkedInCheck out your career path at:https://survivingoutsidesales.com______________________________________________________________________If you are looking for outside sales career clarity, go to:Surviving Outside Sales Scorecard


