Supercharging B2B Sales Teams Interview with Tom Slocum
May 09, 2024Building a supercharged B2B sales team requires a blend of strategic insights, authentic engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement. In today's discussion, we're joined once again by Tom Slocum, a seasoned sales strategist and the founder of The SD Lab. With over a decade of experience in sales and revenue growth, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly in crafting personalized sales playbooks and optimizing sales processes.
At The SD Lab, Tom and his team specialize in helping founders and co-founders establish their first-ever sales motion with an outbound high-growth b2b sales team. Whether it's assisting startups in building their initial sales infrastructure or fine-tuning the strategies of Series A and Series B companies, The SD Lab is dedicated to driving repeatable success and enabling businesses to focus on growth.
One crucial aspect Tom emphasizes is the need for continuous review and refinement of sales processes. In the rapidly evolving landscape of B2B sales, complacency is a luxury no team can afford. By regularly evaluating and adapting b2b sales strategies, effective sales leaders can ensure their sales teams remain agile and responsive to changing market dynamics, particularly in the era of AI and remote work.
A cornerstone of effective top-of-funnel activity, according to Tom, is social branding. But what exactly does social branding entail? In essence, it's about proactively engaging with your target audience through authentic, value-driven content. Tom shares his journey of leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to establish a personal brand rooted in authenticity and humour.
By sharing valuable insights and experiences, individuals and businesses can build trust and credibility at scale. Tom highlights the importance of being genuine and relatable, noting that people buy from people they trust and connect with on a personal level. Through a mix of education and entertainment, brands can captivate their audience's attention and foster meaningful relationships over time.
When it comes to practical tips for building a strong social brand, Tom offers three key pieces of advice:
- Get Active: Engage with others' content, leave thoughtful comments, and participate in conversations within your industry. Authentic engagement is often more effective than simply posting content.
- Be Authentic: Don't overthink your content. Share your authentic experiences and insights, even if they're imperfect. Progress over perfection is key.
- Collaborate: Seek opportunities to collaborate with others in your industry. By supporting and cross-promoting each other's content, you can expand your reach and provide added value to your audience.
Listen to the podcast: Social Branding, What's All the Fuss, with Tom Slocum
In essence, building a strong social brand is about creating value for your audience, both in the short term and the long term. By consistently delivering valuable content, engaging authentically with your audience, and collaborating with others in your industry, you can establish a strong presence and position yourself as a trusted authority in your field.
As Tom continues to demonstrate through his own success and the achievements of The SD Lab, the path to building superpowered b2b sales teams starts with a commitment to authenticity, continuous improvement, and meaningful engagement with your audience. With these principles at the forefront, sales leaders and teams can navigate the complexities of the modern b2b sales landscape and achieve lasting success
Eager for more insights?
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Ben
I’m a builder of incredible sales teams, trainer, coach and an avid believer that the best sales leaders are constantly sharpening their tools to achieve an ‘edge’.