#087 The SDR DiscoCall Show – Mark Ackers

In this episode, Neil Bhuiyan interviews Elle Bytautaite, an architect and founder of Studio Elle. Elle shares her journey of becoming an architect and starting her own business. She discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the architecture industry, the decision to start her own business, and the process of setting up her brand and website. Elle also talks about the difficulties of selling her services and acquiring her first client. In this conversation, Elle and Neil discuss various aspects of running a business, including setting prices, dealing with difficult customers, establishing boundaries, and speaking at events. Elle shares her experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of trust, bravery, and faith in the entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of the SDR Disco Call Show, host Neil Bhuiyan interviews Charlotte Higgins, a former BDR at ScreenLoop. The conversation covers Charlotte's journey into tech sales, her passion for music and selling beats, and the lessons she learned as a BDR. The episode emphasizes the importance of mindset, proactivity, and continuous learning in the sales profession. Charlotte shares her advice for aspiring SDRs and highlights the value of understanding one's “Why” to stay motivated and overcome challenges. In this conversation, Neil Bhuiyan interviews Charlotte Higgins about her career journey and recent promotion to CSM at Screenloop. They discuss the lessons learned from contracts and the enjoyment of content creation. Charlotte shares her decision to pursue the CSM role and the alignment with her communication, confidence, and business acumen skills. They highlight the versatility and learning opportunities in a lean company like Screenloop. The conversation also explores the trend of SDRs exploring roles beyond AE and the benefits of wearing multiple hats as an SDR. Charlotte concludes with advice for her younger self and the importance of mindset. The episode ends with a farewell and encouragement for listeners to support the podcast.

In this conversation, Mattia Schaper, an entrepreneur and former SDR, shares her journey in sales and the lessons she has learned along the way. She emphasises the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself in sales. Mattia also discusses the power of personal branding on LinkedIn and how it can help sales professionals succeed. She highlights the similarities between sales and boxing, both requiring strategy, discipline, and mental fortitude. Mattia shares her experience in founding SDRs of Germany, a community for sales professionals, and the value of collaboration over competition. She encourages individuals to embrace imperfection and take action, while also investing in their own education and personal growth.

In this episode, Neil Bhuiyan interviews Alex Newell, an account executive at Sales Confidence. They discuss the role of Sales Confidence as a membership community for salespeople in the tech industry. They also talk about the support and resources provided by Sales Confidence, including events, networking, and accountability groups. Alex shares his journey from working in local government to transitioning into tech sales. They discuss the skills gained from his previous role and the importance of having a personal why in pursuing a career in sales. The onboarding process at Sales Confidence is also discussed. In this conversation, Alex Newell shares his experience as an SDR at Sales Confidence and provides advice for networking at events. He discusses the difference between startups and established companies and emphasizes the importance of mindset in sales. Alex also gives three pieces of advice to his younger self and expresses gratitude to the Sales Confidence team.

Lea Buecker discusses the changing landscape of German sales and the rise of young, motivated professionals who are reshaping the industry. She shares her experience joining forces with SDRs and AEs and the opportunities that come with it. Lea also talks about becoming an ambassador for the SDRs of Germany and the impact of the founders on her decision. She highlights the importance of creating opportunities in German DACH sales and the role of the SDRs of Germany Book Club in providing sales education. Lea emphasises the need for a supportive community and managing stress in sales. She concludes with advice for young sales professionals and expresses gratitude to her supporters.

Neil Bhuiyan engages Sherriff Shahen, an enterprise SDR at Deel, in a discussion centred on sales development and cold calling. Sherriff's calling expertise originates from his days as a "telemarketer" and the period of Cold Calling 300 prospects daily. He reflects on how this experience continues to benefit him seven years later as an SDR at Deel. Sherriff emphasizes resilience and the need to adapt to prospect preferences, urging fellow SDRs to prioritise controllable factors and recognise the potential for substantial earnings. He highlights that the reception to cold calls is generally positive, with many prospects appreciating the calls and placing value on the ensuing conversations.

In this Dynamic Duo episode of the SDR DiscoCall show, Neil Bhuiyan engages in a compelling conversation with James Drummond and Oliver Edwards from Kantata. James, the adept Business Development Manager, shares his transformative journey from HR to the dynamic realm of business development, while Oliver, the seasoned senior enterprise BDR, narrates his transition from HR to sales. Both underscore the critical importance of embracing risks and navigating challenges for those aspiring to carve a niche in the tech sales domain.

In this engaging interview, Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Mark Ackers, the Co-founder and head of sales at MySalesCoach, to explore Mark's intriguing journey in the tech sales industry and delve into his pivotal role at MySalesCoach. Mark candidly shares his evolution from a background in marketing to finding success and overcoming initial embarrassment in the realm of sales. The conversation takes an insightful turn as Mark unveils the genesis of the book "Problem Prospecting?!" conceived during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The book serves as a beacon of actionable advice and practical guidance for sales professionals grappling with prospect engagement. Mark reflects on his journey from Refract to the founding of MySalesCoach, underscoring his unwavering passion for sales coaching and the profound significance of aiding sales representatives in their improvement journey. The dialogue navigates the transition from a corporate setting at Refract to the entrepreneurial landscape of co-founding a startup with Kevin Beales, shedding light on the impactful lessons from prior experiences.

In this episode, Neil Bhuiyan engages in a conversation with Tom Bertrand, a seasoned sales professional working at Reach Desk. Tom takes listeners on a journey through his career, starting from his days in recruitment to his experiences in various startups before finding his niche at Reach Desk. The discussion delves into Tom's struggles with anxiety and the pressure to perform in different work environments, highlighting his path to self-discovery and fulfilment. Tom shares his daily routine, emphasizing the importance of practices like cold showers, meditation, and mindfulness. He provides valuable insights into cold calling techniques and building rapport with prospects, drawing inspiration from his personal drive and his twin brother.

Join host Neil Bhuiyan in a transformative conversation with Luis Buitrago Vallejo, a trailblazing BDR at Braze. Explore Luis' inspiring journey from a Colombian engineering student to a London-based entrepreneur. Luis Buitrago Vallejo, a trailblazing BDR at Braze. This episode dives deep into the nuances of sales, emphasizing the power of mindset and consistency. Learn from Luis' pandemic pivot, where he turned adversity into opportunity by consistently creating content on Instagram, showcasing the transformative impact of taking action.