

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

Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 1min
Revolutionizing Your Financial Future with Jennifer Jones | SOS Ep. 323
Send us Fan MailFrom the Business of Sales LIVE LinkedIn series:With Jennifer JonesAre you just clocking in hours at your W2 job and waiting for that next paycheck? What if you could turn the rest of your day into an income-generating machine? Join me, your host, and expert guest Jennifer Jones as we unravel the mysteries of 1099 income and explore how to monetize your passions. Listen to how Jennifer and I challenge traditional employer-employee dynamics, shine a light on the reasons why you're discouraged from seeking 1099 income, and emphasize the need for a shift in mindset.In today's episode, we'll guide you through the myriad benefits of having a 1099 income and how it can be your ticket to financial freedom, even in the face of inflation. Listen to my personal journey of discovering the value of 1099 income when my mother fell ill, and how that gave me the freedom to take care of her when she needed me the most. As we navigate through the changing landscape of the business world, we expose the harsh reality of aging out and why having an extra revenue stream can be a lifesaver.In an enlightening conversation, Jennifer shares her wisdom on maximizing income through 1099 side businesses, networking with the right people, and understanding the tax perks. The beauty of a 1099 income is that it opens up opportunities for you to sell to new networks and overcome limitations. We'll wrap up the episode by crushing those limiting beliefs that hold you back and guide you into building successful businesses that can provide for you and your family for generations to come. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that could revolutionize your financial 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

Jul 28, 2023 • 37min
The Art of Pivoting: Ray O'Kelly's Career Journey in Sales | SOS Ep. 322
Send us Fan MailWhat would you do if your chosen career path suddenly hit a dead end? Ray O'Kelly, my father, was faced with just such a question during the 2009 financial crisis. His journey from pharmaceuticals to real estate, and ultimately authoring a Civil War book, is a beacon of inspiration for those grappling with career transitions. Our candid conversation peels back the layers of a shifting sales industry, painting an intriguing portrait of its evolution from early days to the present tech-saturated era.Ray's story is a testament to resilience and the power of a customer-centric approach. We talk tough decisions, life-altering moments, and the necessity of truly understanding buyer needs. My own experiences fuse with my father's, revealing the steppingstones that have led to my sales career. Featuring a special cameo from Dr. Rose, the doctor who treated me post-college incident, we highlight the importance of empathy in the sales process. Stay tuned for a riveting blend of personal anecdotes, insightful sales advice, and the perfect dose of inspiration for future generations. This is one episode you won't want to miss. 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

Jul 27, 2023 • 45min
Journey Through the Evolution of Sales with Ray O'Kelly | SOS EP. 321
Send us Fan MailWelcome to another exciting episode of our podcast series. This session is a special treat for all of you as we take a nostalgic journey with my father, Ray O'Kelly. As a seasoned sales professional from the late 70s and early 80s, he spins intriguing tales from his career transition from Robbins to Syntex, a California-based company renowned for its innovative product, Naperson. Not only did he witness Naperson's rise to become the number one arthritic drug in the US and eventually worldwide, but he also experienced the gripping three-week and three-day training offered by Syntex.Buckle up folks, because we're about to dive into the evolution of sales strategies and the integration of technology in the late 70s and early 80s. The era brought a significant shift in the pharmaceutical industry to the 'pod system', a unique approach where multiple reps sold the same product, and the advent of IBM slates for call management. Life wasn't all work though! Delight in my father's recollections of unforgettable regional sales meetings, featuring luminary entertainers like Jay Leno, Huey Lewis, and James Brown. But the roller-coaster has more in store. Engage with our discussion on Roche's landmark acquisition of Syntex, a pharmaceutical company boasting 1200 reps, for a staggering $5.3 billion. We dive deep into the changing landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, the differences between copier sales and pharmaceutical sales, and the impact of this acquisition on the sales reps. To cap off our discussion, we travel back in time to the Ford Taurus redesign and the cars my father, Ray O'Kelly, drove during his illustrious career. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the O'Kelly sales lineage! 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

Jul 26, 2023 • 44min
Masterclass in Sales: A Journey into the Heart of the Industry with Ray O'Kelly | SOS Ep. 320
Send us Fan MailJourney with us as we step into the world of sales with seasoned pro Ray O'Kelly. This isn't your run-of-the-mill sales conversation. Ray kicks things off with a trip down memory lane, where Easter eggs and Christmas candy for the Boy Scouts sparked his curiosity and laid the foundation for his career. His first sales job at AH Robbins was an eye-opener, but it was the wisdom from his uncle and father-in-law that truly guided him. Ray's burning passion for sales literature and the art of relationship-building, which we’ll explore, underlined his path to success. 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

Jul 25, 2023 • 33min
Embracing Sales Success as a Duty: A Tribute to Ray O'Kelly | SOS Ep. 319
Send us Fan MailWhat if your success in sales was your duty? What if your work ethic could shape your journey from a self-taught musician to a sales professional, and even beyond the professional realm to leave a lasting legacy? Join me, Mike O’Kelly, as I reminisce about my late father, Ray O'Kelly, sharing the indelible marks he left on my life and the pearls of wisdom he imparted. From stories of my father's relentless dedication to his work, to the unforgettable moments we shared on the baseball field, this episode is a heartwarming tribute to the man who has been my greatest inspiration.Get ready to realize the importance of nurturing strong relationships in sales, the potential of learning from successful predecessors, and the significance of creating a powerful legacy. Listen as I recall my father's belief that sales success is not just an achievement, but a responsibility – a philosophy I passionately share. I also express my gratitude for the last interview I had with him, a treasure trove of insights, and life lessons that have shaped my own journey in sales and beyond. This episode is not just about honoring a remarkable man, but also about embracing the guiding principles of success in sales and life. Tune in and be inspired by the enduring legacy of Ray O'Kelly. 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

Jul 24, 2023 • 54min
The Power of Networking and Mentorship in Medical Sales with Carly Clark, RDH BS | SOS Ep. 318
Send us Fan MailAre you ready to navigate the captivating world of medical sales with us? Meet Carly, a dental hygienist turned dental sales rep, who eventually found her niche in the competitive medical sales industry. As we traverse through her journey, we uncover the power of networking, the unexpected twists and turns in her career, and how shifting states and industries impacted her professional trajectory.We delve into the transition from dental sales to the medical device industry. Carly narrates her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced and the decisions she had to make, such as choosing between job offers and dealing with sudden changes in management. We also discuss the importance of respecting and admiring your management in the medical sales domain. Finally, we explore the art of networking and relationship-building in the sales industry. Observations from our own networking experiences, including how we connected on LinkedIn and eventually collaborated for a speaking event, are shared. And then there's the Lobby - a groundbreaking mentorship program that opens doors to executives in the medical device industry. Carly shares her personal journey with the Lobby, painting a picture of an inclusive, collaborative environment and how it surpassed her expectations. Tune in to learn, grow, and be inspired! 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

Jul 21, 2023 • 8min
Rebroadcast - Becoming a Product of Your Product: Understanding the Buyer's Journey and the Power of Authentic Storytelling | SOS Ep. 317
Send us Fan MailEver wondered what it would be like to step into your buyer's shoes? To truly understand how they perceive your product? That's what we're exploring in this eye-opening discussion with our host, Mike O'Kelly. He challenges us to become a product of our own product, to go through the buyer's journey and see firsthand what our customers experience. This can help identify potential issues and understand the product's real strengths and limitations.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

Jul 20, 2023 • 8min
Rebroadcast - Podcasting Every Day: A Lesson in Humility | SOS Ep. 316
Send us Fan MailSupport 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

Jul 19, 2023 • 19min
Seize the Day: Navigating Trials and Transformations in Outside Sales | SOS Ep. 315
Send us Fan MailYou know, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn. My father, a 30-year veteran in outside sales, recently fell seriously ill. This came as a stark reminder of how fleeting opportunities can be and the importance of having a contingency plan. His journey has taught me to seize the day and plan for the unforeseen. Being an outside sales professional myself, it's hard not to wonder about the lasting impact of our decisions, not just on our lives but also on those we serve. 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

Jul 18, 2023 • 8min
Redefining Your Sales Career: Unlocking the Potential of 1099 Contracting | SOS Ep. 314
Send us Fan MailGet ready to redefine your sales career! This week, I'm thrilled to have the amazing Jennifer Jones at my side, an absolute powerhouse in the 1099 world. We sit down to share insights on the importance of securing secondary and tertiary incomes and unlocking the potential of 1099 contracting. The method to our madness? Always preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. We unveil practical strategies on how to identify lucrative opportunities and offer valuable advice on how to keep your head above the water in the ever-changing corporate world.In the face of the recent upheavals in the sales domain, having a backup plan has never been more critical. We dissect scenarios like sudden company reorganizations or job loss, and how to brace yourselves for such abrupt changes. Are you curious about how Jennifer conquered the 1099 realm? She generously shares her personal journey and wisdom, making this conversation an absolute must-listen. To top it off, we also discuss my upcoming course - the Sales Escape Plan - that aims to steer your sales career in the right direction and plan your next moves. So, buckle up for an episode jam-packed with knowledge and inspiration. Let's transform that sales hustle!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


