Higgle: The B2B Sales Club

Why do most sales conversations quietly fail before anyone realizes what went wrong? Today, I sit down with Philip Squire, CEO of Consalia, to explore a research journey that begins with a deceptively simple question: how do customers actually want to be sold to? In this first of a two-part series, we go back to the early interviews that sparked his doctoral research, where senior buyers openly sh...

What happens when brilliant delivery is no longer enough to keep clients loyal? It's time to explore what truly drives sustainable agency growth by unpacking two decades of relationship data with Emma Hillary, Head of Growth & Marketing at Verity Relationship Intelligence. We focus on why great work alone no longer guarantees retention, even when client satisfaction appears high. Emma breaks down...

What if the biggest sales opportunities you're missing could be unlocked simply by changing how you follow up? We're talking with Evelyn Oluwole today, AKA "The Follow-Up Queen," digging into the experiences that shaped her journey to leading major global accounts. Evelyn, who is the Senior Sales Director at WeTransfer, challenges the assumptions many of us carry about what real selling actually r...

What if the key to closing more sales lies in understanding body language and reading the room effectively? Kevin Kelly, an international keynote speaker and author, takes us through his Three A's framework (awareness, attention, and action) in this episode. We explore the secrets to forming genuine connections with clients, where likability and trustworthiness take center stage. Curious about how...

Could the power of active listening and effective questioning be the missing link to winning more sales? We're getting deep into the art of crafting persuasive sales presentations with the insightful Tom Martin, Founder & President of Converse Digital, in this episode. Together, we unlock the secrets of using authenticity and vulnerability to transform ordinary pitches into extraordinary ones. Are...

What are the often-overlooked red flags and chemistry factors that can make or break your agency's success in the RFP process? I'm thrilled to welcome Michelle Cleary, a seasoned marketing procurement professional with Anywhere Real Estate, to unravel the myths and unlock the potential of procurement in agency collaborations. Michelle shares her unique insights into how early engagement with procu...

Could AI leaders be the new key players in achieving financial revenue targets, or is this just another tech myth? In the second of two parts, we welcome back Waseem Ali, former Chief Data Officer at Lloyd's and now CEO at Rockborne. Waseem offers an expert's perspective on the role of AI and data leaders, arguing for their potential to directly influence financial revenue targets. We discuss the...

How can businesses ensure responsible innovation without getting lost in the AI hype, and what role does upping your skills play in this journey? Waseem Ali, former Chief Data Officer at Lloyd's and now CEO at Rockborne, is here to share his top insights on thriving in an AI-driven market. As we explore the ever-evolving landscape of job roles influenced by technological advancements, Waseem share...

How can emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity transform your B2B sales strategy in a world dominated by automation? Joining the podcast today is Oya Mustafa, the Chief Growth Officer at Not Normal Group. We get into a deep discussion about transformative power of emotional intelligence in B2B sales, discussing how human-centric approaches can outshine the surging trend of AI. Oya passion...

Are you ready to discover the magic of combining scientific insights with emotional connections in brand strategy? Ulli Appelbaum, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at First The Trousers Then The Shoes, joins us in this episode to explore the nuanced world of brand strategy. As he shares his wealth of experience in creating brand clarity and emotional connections, we examine how the science of bran...

What secrets do expert negotiators use to transform conflicts into win-win situations? Andres Lares, Managing Partner of the Shapiro Negotiations Institute, joins us to share his wealth of negotiation experience in this episode. We explore the transformative power of empathy and emotional intelligence in achieving successful outcomes, as Andres emphasizes the importance of considering the other pa...

Are you curious about the strategies that can turn a simple proposal into a winning formula for sustainable agency growth? We're welcoming Anna Stone today, Head of Growth at True and a veteran in business development, to unravel the evolution of agency growth strategies from the days of cold calling to the modern era of video calls and personalized outreach. Anna shares her insights on how meanin...

What if listening is the ultimate skill missing from your sales toolkit? Brooke Pinkney, Managing Director at Broadley Speaking, joins us today to challenge the pitfalls of short-term thinking in sales strategies and emphasize the importance of patience and long-term planning. Brooke also examines the misconception that quick-fix solutions can resolve the complexities of significant B2B purchases...

What simple daily practices can dramatically boost your sales success and negotiation outcomes? We're getting deep into the power of mindset and authenticity in this week's episode. Joining me is the insightful David Meade, an expert in high-performing teams, who sheds light on how small, daily changes can significantly impact sales outcomes. We discuss the importance of adopting a growth mindset...

Are you prepared to tackle the challenges of AI governance and leverage its potential for innovation in digital marketing? In this episode we sit down with Sumeet Vermani, Founder & Chief Marketing Officer of SKV Consulting, to unlock the secrets of implementing AI in business. We explore the vital need for aligning AI strategies with broader business objectives, going beyond the mere trendiness o...

How can a UK-based business successfully navigate the complexities of expanding into the competitive US market without losing its foothold at home? Today we're welcoming back Jennifer Quigley-Jones, the Founder and CEO of Digital Voices, as she talks about boldly expanding her UK-based business into the vibrant US market. She shares her strategic decision to reinvest $400,000 of retained profits,...

How can agencies build trust and articulate value to excel in complex third-sector negotiations? Jenny Kitchen, the CEO of Yoyo Design, is with us today to explore the transformative journey of a digital agency evolving into a leader in the third sector. She explains how Yoyo Design strategically partnered with technology like Umbraco and collaborated with organizations such as the RNLI to fuel th...

What strategies can agencies implement to harness the power of referrals and retention for sustainable growth? Tom Poynter is a seasoned industry expert who has honed his skills at prestigious companies and is currently Managing Director at Keel. In this discussion, we get into the importance of niche specialization in the competitive landscape of UK agencies, where 25,000 entities vie for attenti...

Are you ready to discover how aligning purpose-driven initiatives with business goals can elevate your marketing campaigns? Becky Hipkiss, the New Business Director at We Are Futures, joins us today as she shares her journey from client services to becoming a standout figure in business development. She opens up about her unique experiences, including her side hustle as a micro-influencer, where s...

How can embracing friction in sales negotiations unlock more creative and effective deal-making strategies? Saad a Saad is a negotiation consultant with Corporate Visions and the author of In the Lead: Mastering Your Sales Negotiation. We explore the art of negotiation beyond mere price discussions in this episode, focusing on the nuances that differentiate sales contexts from others. Saad shares...

What are the surprising findings about client awareness of agency services, and how can agencies bridge this gap? In this episode, I sit down with Remeny Armitage once again, Founder of Brilliant and Human, to discuss the intricacies of client-agency relationships. Remeny's extensive research reveals a surprising gap: 40% of agencies acknowledge that their clients might not fully understand the br...

What are the critical steps for aligning leadership and embracing change to drive business transformation in the marketing industry? This week I sit down with Caroline Johnson, Co-Founder of The Business Model Company, to get an inside look at her groundbreaking approach to transforming business models in the global marketing services industry. Caroline shares her extensive experience in evolving...

How did this marketing agency transform its approach to become a leading expert in the engineering and manufacturing sector during the pandemic? In this episode we're welcoming Rob Dando, MD & Co-Founder of FINALLY Agency, to get insights from his fascinating journey that took him from web development to becoming a leading figure in niche marketing for engineering and manufacturing. We explore how...

How did a mere £500 and a unique perspective lead to a groundbreaking influencer marketing agency? In this first of two parts, we're welcoming Jennifer Quigley-Jones, the founder and CEO of Digital Voices. She takes us through her incredible journey from working on refugee economic integration to establishing a thriving agency with just £500. We examine the world of influencer marketing, examining...

What if you could scale your sales pipeline with minimal staff and maximum efficiency using AI? I sit down with tech sales expert Frank Sondors this week to explore how AI and lean teams are reshaping the B2B sales landscape. Frank, with his extensive background at Google and various B2B SaaS companies, shares his journey of building efficient sales pipelines without the traditional large sales te...