GB Ep 15: My Favorite Sales Books or Blogs

Startup Stock PhotosWelcome to another episode of Growth Bites. Today we’re talking about my favorite sales books and blogs. These are some of my must-reads for my sales team and what leaders in Silicon Valley are reading.

  • Start your reading list with “Predictable Revenue” by Aaron Ross [01:26]
  • A lot of SaaS develop Aaron’s predictable revenue model by hiring separate closers and executives. It’s hard to do be both roles efficiently and they should be specialized whenever possible. [01:51]
  • The book also lays out compensation structure and tools you can use. [02:21]
  • Aaron Ross also has a blog called PredictableRevenue.com with free resources and information and serves as a Bible for Silicon Valley. [02:40]
  • Next, pick up “Ultimate Sales Machine” by Chet Holmes. This book takes a look at what it really takes to close deal. There are actionable tips you can do like make up a list of 100 dream companies you want to work with, how to approach people with cold calling, and getting past a gatekeeper. [03:02]
  • In my opinion, combining email with cold calling works well to add some personal touches. [03:42]
  • Another great book is “Influence” by Robert B. Cialdini. It lays out different case studies to why people do what they do.
  • For example, the Anchor Strategy includes walking into a store and deciding not to buy a jacket for $1,000. But on your way out, you get stopped by a sales rep who tells you it’s only $400. When the price lowers, the cost doesn’t see so bad. [04:51]
  • Read Jason Lemkin’s blog, SaaStr.com. Jason is the co-founder of Echosign and they broke over 100 million before selling the company to Adobe. Jason discusses when it’s time to hire a VP of Sales, metrics you should look at, lead velocity rate, numbers to hit billion dollar company. [6:06]
  • You can also check out Jason’s writing on Quora. [7:35]

Selected Links from this Episode:

Leave some feedback:

Connect with Eric Siu:

 

More From This Category

Join 14,000+ Marketers and Founders

Enter your email to get free instant access