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  1. Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount
  2. 5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late
5 Hard Sales Lessons  Most Reps Learn Too Late

5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount · Apr 23, 2026

Master sales with hard-won lessons on goal setting, effective coaching, multichannel prospecting, and leveraging team 'working geniuses' for success.

Writing Down Goals Feels Uncomfortable Because It Exposes Your Risk of Failure

The act of putting goals on paper is anxious because it forces a confrontation with the difficulty and risk involved. This discomfort signals you are challenging yourself beyond easy, tangible wants and confronting the gap between your ambition and reality.

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5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount·2 months ago

Qualify Prospects Through the Gatekeeper *Before* You Leave a Voicemail

When an assistant offers to transfer you to voicemail, pause and ask quick qualifying questions first. Frame it as "not wanting to waste their boss's time." This lets you vet the lead instantly instead of wasting effort on a dead end.

5 Hard Sales Lessons  Most Reps Learn Too Late thumbnail

5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount·2 months ago

Sales Teams Ignore Their VPs But Heed Identical Advice From Outside Consultants

Leaders often face the "Parent Effect," where their constant, valuable advice becomes background noise. An external voice repeating the same message is perceived as novel and authoritative, breaking through the team's resistance and driving adoption.

5 Hard Sales Lessons  Most Reps Learn Too Late thumbnail

5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount·2 months ago

Your Anger Toward Feedback Often Reveals You Already Know the Criticism Is Valid

A strong, emotional reaction to feedback is a key indicator of pre-existing self-awareness. The anger isn't about the information itself, but about being held accountable for a shortcoming you already knew existed and needed to fix.

5 Hard Sales Lessons  Most Reps Learn Too Late thumbnail

5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount·2 months ago

Stop Defaulting to Video Calls; Ask Prospects Their Preferred Communication Channel

Over-reliance on video calls adds unnecessary friction for busy prospects. After an initial meeting, ask clients directly how they prefer quick communications—text, email, or a phone call. Adapting to their workflow builds rapport and accelerates the sales process.

5 Hard Sales Lessons  Most Reps Learn Too Late thumbnail

5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount·2 months ago

Map Team Members' "Working Geniuses" to Specific Enterprise Sales Cycle Stages

In team selling, align members' inherent strengths (e.g. "Galvanizer," "Tenacity") to the right sales stage. An "Inventor" might brainstorm solutions while a "Tenacity" expert manages closing details, preventing gaps and leveraging everyone's best abilities.

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5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount·2 months ago

Expect Rapid Gains on New Skills But Only Incremental Progress on Mature Ones

Goal progress is non-linear. New skills show large, motivating gains quickly, while refining long-held expertise yields small, incremental improvements. Understanding this distinction helps manage expectations and maintain long-term commitment to both types of growth.

5 Hard Sales Lessons  Most Reps Learn Too Late thumbnail

5 Hard Sales Lessons Most Reps Learn Too Late

Sales Gravy: Jeb Blount·2 months ago