Building sales teams and delighting customers at early stage hyper growth startups.

Mike Gallardo

How to structure an outbound sequence:

(steal these 6 steps today)

1. Value Props

You need two. Spend a lot of time researching and thinking through the core value propositions of your startup. You should know, in your own customer's words, exactly what their challenges are, what they're looking to accomplish and how you specifically help.

2. Triple Tap

Email, phone and social all on the same day to break the noise. Best strategy for getting attention and responses from busy prospects. Plus, you never know which channel your prospect is most likely to engage with.

3. Cold Emails

Two emails per value proposition. The first email you send plus a reply email. That's it. Anything more and you start risking getting marked as SPAM. Focus on quality over quantity.

5. Cold Calls

6 total. No matter what anyone says these work. Tied for first with LinkedIn outreach right now. And If you have a power dialer it can be a superpower. Do not sleep on the phones, friends.

6. Break up email

This is optional but I think it can be done well. A lot of people have strong beliefs here and whenever that's the case my advice is to test it out yourself. 


Bonus tip: Engage with their content on LinkedIn.


What did I miss?

- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7

10 years sober.

Struggling to find the words.

If there's one thing I've learned it's that you really can do anything you set your mind to. No matter how hard or impossible it may seem at the time.

So set yourself an absolutely audacious goal for 2026. And give it everything you got. My money is on you figuring it out and making it happen.

- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7

My favorite cold call opener 

(steal the exact script)

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀:

"Hey Jill - It's Mike from Deel. This is a cold call. But it's a well researched one about [insert research]. Do you have a moment? I promise to be brief."

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁:

1. It's short.
2. Easy to understand.
3. Asks for permission first.
4. Has research and relevancy.
5. Doesn't ask if it's the right person.
6. Lets them know that it'll be a quick call.


Huge shoutout to ️ Batrawy for this gem!


- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

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Certified Public Accountant

Sales Director at Deel

The Best Sales Course

Wow I just promoted 15 people 🤯

Here they are:

1. SDR to AE (6)
2. SMB1 AE to SMB2 AE (4)
3. SMB2 AE to MM AE (3)
4. SMB2 AE to Sales Manager (2)

We run promotion cycles every 3 months at Deel.

The opportunities here are crazy.

Come join us! https://lnkd.in/gkG9ukRk

- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7

How to run discovery calls better than 99% of AEs.

(In 5 simple steps)
 
 
 
𝟭. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 
 
Don't ask "Where are you calling in from?" 
 
Instead: 
 
 
Hey Jill, 
 
Appreciate you taking the time. 
 
I want to make sure we get the most out of our call today. 
 
So I'd like to start with my research, what I know about your business and how I think we may be able to help. 
 
How does that sound? 


The prospects you're speaking to are busy. They have problems they want to solve. They will respect and appreciate you not wasting their time. 

Sure, if it's someone that likes to chit chat change gears. But most of the time getting down to business is the optimal strategy.
 
 
𝟮. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 
 
Don't ask "What brought you to Acme?" 
 
Example: 
 
 
Hey Jill, 
 
In my research I noticed XYZ. 
 
I speak with a lot of founders in your situation and usually, that means a focus on: 
 
1. Priority 1 
2. Priority 2 
 
Is that the case for you or is something else more important? 


𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱

Most AEs don't use SDR notes to formulate questions. Which makes prospects feel like they have to constantly repeat themselves.

Example:

Hey Jill,

I noticed from my colleagues note that [context]. 

Would you mind walking me through... [question].

 
𝟯. 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳
 
Once you learn their key priorities and problems. 
 
Explain the following: 
 
- How you'll specifically help 
- How your solution's different 
- Why those differences are important 
 
Have this be the cornerstone of your entire sales process. 
 
 
𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 
 
Don't ask "What next step makes sense?" 
 
Instead: 
 
- Make a recommendation 
- What will be covered on the call? 
- Why is that valuable to the customer? 
- Multi Thread with other stakeholders 
 
This takes at least 5 to 8 minutes to do. 

Watch the clock and don't be afraid to interrupt if needed.
 
Do these 5 things consistently and watch your confidence with discovery calls soar. 
 
What'd I miss, friends?

- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7

My best AEs run a killer sales process.

(steal all their best moves)


𝟭. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀
Get a firm timeline with an exact date. Then clearly communicate everything that needs to happen before that date. This ensures your buyer is truly committed. It helps them get the resources they need. And it prevents overcommitting and a poor experience.

𝟮. 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀
I can't emphasize this enough. Quick response times are one of the best ways to stand out as an Account Executive. Respond the same day at the very least. Shoot for within two to three hours. Responding fast builds trust. It provides a better experience. And you can easily win deals on this alone.

𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Arm your buyer with the right tools, information and collateral, so they can make the strongest case possible internally. This is how you win complex deals. You create a shared space for all their resources and stakeholders. That way you never stop selling. Even when you’re not in the room.

𝟰. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀
Do not wait to match power with power. Bring in your leadership early. It’s a great way to build confidence earlier than your competition. This also encourages your buyer to include other stakeholders from their side. Leaders can also add value and help get things done internally faster.

𝟱. 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
This is very underrated. Most salespeople just want a signature then throw the deal over the fence. The best AEs stay involved. They ensure implementation is a great experience. And they get a lot of referrals from their buyers. 

𝟲. 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀
Who would I be if I didn't mention next steps? The best reps watch the clock. They reserve enough time to discuss next steps without being rushed. And they make sure those steps are clear and invaluable. So the buyer is motivated to schedule the call as soon as possible.

𝟳. 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀
If you are not texting with your buyers you’re leaving money on the table. It's the best way to get information quickly, check in on how a call went or how things are going, and to be available for your buyers. Use this strategy to blow past your competition.


What would you add?

- Mike G

My best AEs crush it on LinkedIn.

Steal their 3-step process.


Step 1: Refer back to the email you sent.
Step 2: Provide value based on a trigger.
Step 3: Soft CTA offering to be a resource + social proof.

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀:

Step 1:

Hey Jill, sending over an email shortly. Subj: “SKO Plans”. Wanted to connect
and put a face to the name.

Step 2:

Jill, It’s Q4 which means SKO is probably top of mind. Here’s a calculator that give you cost breakdowns by city: [link]

Thought you’d find it helpful.

Step 3:

When you start planning SKO happy to be a resource - Helped XYZ plan theirs
for 57 reps in Mexico City so feel free to shoot me questions anytime.


𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁:
- Keep it simple and don't overcomplicate it.
- Just quick/easy message with value and resources.
- And watch the responses come rolling in.


Good luck out there!
Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

90% of my team hit quota in Q4 🤯

Here’s how we use AI:


As you can see:

We’re all about working smarter, not harder :)


How we use AI:

1. First Touches
AI analyzes role, company, funding, job posts, and web activity to generate tailored openers. This drives way higher reply rates without burning hours on research.

2. Discovery Prep

AI surfaces likely pain points, key priorities and key details from previous convos. This allows AEs to come in as experts and focus on revenue driving activities.

3. Call Debriefs

AI summarizes real pain, decision criteria, power structure, and risks.
Follow ups get sharper and deals move faster.

4. Objection Handling

AI predicts legal, security, finance, and procurement pushback.
AEs easily get ahead of likely objections in conversations, decks and emails.

5. Battle Cards

AI generates specific positioning vs competitors in real time.
That way AEs are never caught off guard or have to circle back with answers.

6. Selling 24/7

AI can answer questions the customer (or new stakeholders) have at any time.
AEs keep deal momentum and keep selling even when they’re not there.

7. Deal Strategy

AI alerts AEs when new stakeholders engage, what content buyers are consuming, and where risk is building inside the deal. Reps instantly know what to focus on, how to adjust their strategy, and where to lean in to win through superior insight.


By the way…

We use Aligned for 6 and 7. 

I highly recommend checking them out (for free!) here: https://lnkd.in/gqNS6GRW


What's your opinion on AI?
- Mike G

Brand partnership • Sales Director at Deel

A simple cold call formula.

(4 easy steps)

 
𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿:
Keep it as simple and straightforward as possible. Provide a little context. Let them know the call will not be long.
 
Hey, this is Mike with Acme. Good morning. I’m reaching out about your X process. Do you have a moment? I’ll be brief. 
 
𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵" 
Instead of sharing features describe the challenges that you help people like them solve. Ask them if those challenges are relevant.
 
Typically, when I talk to other Sales Leaders that are X, a couple of challenges are top of mind: 
 
- Challenge 1 
- Challenge 2 
 
Are either of those relevant to you or did I miss the mark? 
 
𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 
As soon as you have some momentum or interest. Try and book the meeting. Don't be afraid to ask early and often.
 
That’s something I hear from a lot of the founders I speak with and how we can potentially help. 
 
For context, our platform [insert value prop]. 
 
Would you be opposed to taking a look to see if we can help you as well? 
 
𝟰. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 
Save deeper discovery for after the call is booked. Try and get the information that will be most helpful for your Account Executive.
 
Before you hang up, do you have 20 seconds for a couple of quick questions so we make the most out of our time tomorrow? 
 

What'd I miss?
 
-Mike G 

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

A simple outbound sequence structure.

Only needs 6 things.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱:

1. Value Props

You only need two.

Spend a lot of time researching and thinking through the core value propositions of your startup. You should know, in your own customer's words, exactly what their challenges are, what they're looking to accomplish and how you specifically help.

2. Triple Taps

Email, phone and social all on the same day to break the noise. No this is not annoying for most people. Oftentimes, they only see one of the three messages. You never know which channel is best for someone.

3. Cold Emails

Two emails per value proposition. The first email you send plus a reply email. That's it. Anything more and you start risking getting marked as SPAM imo. Plus, you really shouldn't need more emails than that (4 total).

5. Cold Calls

I have 6 in this sequence but you can add more if you'd like to. This is the second best channel right now. LinkedIn being the first. So don't sleep on it.

6. Break up email

This is OPTIONAL but I think it can be done well. A lot of people have strong beliefs here and whenever that's the case my advice is to test it out for yourself before making any assumptions.

What's your opinion on this structure?
What would you change?

- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

End cold calls ~ 5 mins.

The entire point is to book the meeting.


So, once someone has interest.


𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁:
 
"Hey Jill - Sounds like there's we could help with [priority/challenge]. Would you be open to taking a quick look and seeing how that would work?" 
 

That's it. 
 
Short, sweet and direct. 
 
Book the meeting and on to the next one.
 
 
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 
 
You're really really good and are 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 confident longer calls do not mess up your close rates. 
 
More the exception than the rule. Most of the time, the best play is just to go for the close.
 
- Mike G 

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

I've done 100+ promotions at Deel 🥳

Here they all are:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 
 
1. SDR > AE (31) 
2. AE I > AE II (10)
3. AE > Senior AE (25) 
4. Senior AE > MM AE (9) 
5. Senior AE > AM (1) 
6. Senior AE > Manager (10) 
7. Senior AE > SDR Manager (4) 
8. Manager > Senior Manager (5) 
9. Senior Manager > MM Manager (2) 
10. Senior Manager > SDR Director (1) 
11. AE > Enablement (1) 
12. AE > Revenue Operations (1) 
13. Sales Manager > Sales Director (1) 


And the best part?
I'm hiring AEs!

So if you're looking for a massive opportunity...

Apply here!:https://lnkd.in/gkG9ukRk

-Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

I just hit 100k followers 🥳

3 things I need to share with you:

𝟭. 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱

If you would have told me 5 years ago (when I started) that this is where I'd be I would've thought you were crazy. One of the greatest life lessons is that taking action is 100x more important than having a plan. Trust yourself to figure out things a long the way. Life's too short to play small. So take some risks, don't be afraid to try new things, and have some fun!

𝟮. 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳

I'm also going to be 10 years sober this year. Which is so wild! Literally went from rock bottom (and an intervention) to turning everything around and creating a life that I thought was literally impossible back then. If you're in a tough spot just keep telling yourself "you can do this" and do everything you can to take the best next step forward. I'm telling you, no matter how bad things are, you can always turn things around.

𝟯. 𝗜'𝗺 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴!

Ok, I had to throw this one in here. The opportunity at Deel is too good not to share! I'm looking to hire AEs because I've literally promoted so many people off my team to MM, management, other teams, etc. And I'm looking for some gritty, tenacious, sharp individuals to help us continue crushing it in 2026. If you're interested, even in the slightest bit, join me at the webinar below to learn all the details!

👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eRm_v7Qz

PS. We're also hiring SDRs, leaders, and a bunch of other roles too. So grab a spot if you'd like to learn more; our founders Alex and Shuo will be there too!

Here's to a massive 2026,
Mike G

How to book meetings on Linkedin. 

(3 easy steps) 💙 
 
 
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟭. 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 
 
My default is a blank connection request. 
 
But if that's not how you roll... 
 
Here's a template you can use: 
 
Hey Jill. Sending over a note shortly regarding SKO planning. Wanted to introduce myself and put a face to the name.
 
 
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮. 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 
 
Use external and internal resources: 
 
 
Hey Jill.

With Q4 underway, many sales leaders are starting to plan SKO.

Here is a calculator teams are using to compare costs across different cities. 

(link)

Thought you might find this helpful.

Cheers,
Mike G
 
 
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟯. 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 
 
Out of the 1000s of DMs I get... 

1% of them (or less) are voice notes.
 
Great way to pattern interrupt and get attention. 
 

Here's a template for ya: 

 
Hey Jill.

Hope the resources were helpful.

If you would ever like to connect on SKO planning and which locations tend to offer the best experience while keeping costs efficient, happy to share what we are seeing.

I also sent a note with the subject line “SKO Planning” if it is easier to reply there.
 
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: Send a quick (45 second) video showing how your software would help with their most likely priority and/or challenge.


What'd I miss? 
 
- Mike G 

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

#1 Channel: LinkedIn
#2 Channel: Cold Calls
#3 Channel: Cold Emails


And the #1 strategy...
Using all 3 channels in your outbound.

Cold calls used to be #1.
But I think LinkedIn is where it's at right now.

What do you think?
- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7

How to start discovery calls strong.

(using a simple script)


It may seem like a small thing, but...

People don't like repeating themselves.

So if your SDR shares notes...

Make sure to use them!


𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄:

Hey Jill,

Excited to connect today. I spoke with my colleague Sara, and she shared some context around [SDR notes].

Did I capture that correctly, and what is most important for me to understand about your business and what you're looking to accomplish?


Why this works:

1. Prospect doesn't have to repeat themself
2. Show that you're prepared
3. Focus on their priorities


It's the simple things that matter most,
Mike G


👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

Here's my best agenda structure.

Simple, easy, and direct.


𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁:

Hey Jill. Appreciate you taking the time.

To start, I will give a quick two minute overview of what we do at Acme so you have context on how we typically help our customers.

From there, I would love to learn more about you, what prompted you to take this meeting, and the key initiatives your team is currently focused on.

If there is alignment, we can walk through the platform and talk through how we could support your top priorities and goals.

Is there anything specific you would like to make sure we cover today?


3 tips:
1. Start with what you do (for outbound leads)
2. You can remove that (for inbound leads)
3. Give the people what they want (demo on first call)


𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: On a scale of 1 to 10 what would you rate this agenda?


Double espresso kind of day,
Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

I get 1000s of DMs.

Not many have voice notes.


If you want to stand out.
Try adding them to your LI outreach.


𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁:

Hey Jill,

Thanks for connecting.

I’ve been talking with a lot of sales leaders lately who are planning their SKO in cities outside of Vegas. The goal is keeping costs under control while still creating a really strong experience for their teams.

I’ll send over a few helpful resources shortly. The planning process can get surprisingly time consuming, especially when you are coordinating travel, venues, and budgets for a large remote team.

Glad to be connected. If any questions come up, feel free to shoot them my way anytime.


PS. Gotta send them valuable resources too ;)

Question: Do you send a note with your connection request?


Stand out, book meetings, make money,
Mike G

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Max out your 401(k).

Starting today.

If that's not possible, no worries.

Just make it your #1 priority and focus. 

And be willing to make sacrifices (short term) to make it happen.

- No new car
- No buying a home
- No expensive vacations
- Grocery shop and cook most meals

It's legit the most important thing you can do for your future self.

It sounds easy.

But trust me it's hard.

Especially when in your 20s.

At least, that's how it was for me. 

Investing was the absolute last thing on my mind.

So I didn't invest much until much later in life (early/mid 30s).

If I could go back in time... 
This would literally be the one change I'd make.

So don't make the same mistake I did.
And start maxing out your 401(k) today.

I promise the sacrifice will be worth it,
- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

The Menu of Pain.

One of the greatest discovery tricks.


𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁:

Hey Jill,

I work with a lot of founders in similar situations, and they are usually focused on a couple of core priorities:

(1) Priority 1. Short description
(2) Priority 2. Short description

Is that what you are experiencing as well, or did I miss the mark?


𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿: This strategy can be used in a lot of different scenarios! Basically, when you ask a question give a couple of options. Great way to demonstrate subject matter expertise and make answering easier for your prospect.


Shoutout to 👩🏻‍🏫 Krysten Conner for this awesome strategy! 


Menu of pain = a lot to gain,
- Mike G

👉 Get The Best Sales Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for FREE: https://lnkd.in/g-dHTj7s

Building a community of sales professionals, leaders, & founders mastering the craft of sales and transforming the inner game /Host of The Rising Leader, Top 100 Sales Podcast /Formerly @ Outreach, Microsoft, & DocuSign

Our mission is to bring forth the new wave of the rising sales professional and leader to help others feel a greater sense of purpose, connection, and drive incredible results. Alluviance is not just a community, it's the essence of this mission. 

As someone who's been apart of large corporations and fast growing startups, my experience tells me that the success of these companies boil down to 3 things: 

1/ Mastering your craft
2/ Clarity on your vision 
3/ Having a great culture  

Luckily, these are the 3 things that I'm most passionate about and what I am bringing to sales professionals, leaders, teams, and companies. I've gained my experience by being in 13 years of tech and for the last 5 years I’ve hired, trained, and developed 100+ AE’s and built over 10 teams in segments from SMB to Enterprise. Nearly 70% of the people on my teams hit President’s Club and there was a zero percent attrition rate.

Alex Kremer

I’m 33.

It took me 10 years to learn this. I’ll save you the time:

1. Not fitting in isn’t a flaw.

There are old friend groups I no longer align with and it's painful to admit. But outgrowing people doesn’t make you disloyal, it means you’re evolving. Forcing connection out of history will keep you stuck.

2. The “safe” path isn’t safe.

For years, people told me the smart move was to keep climbing to VP of Sales, CRO, the whole ladder. Instead, I started a community and began running retreats. Almost no one around me understood it, especially my mom and dad. Following a polished career path that isn’t yours is far riskier than building something honest.

3. Getting fired isn’t the end.

It’s often the beginning. After 5 years at Outreach, I got laid off. At the time, it felt like a massive punch to the guy. In reality, it was a push I wouldn’t have chosen but desperately needed. Starting my own company came directly from that moment & I’m grateful it happened.

4. No one is coming to save you.

Not your company. Not your coach. Not your spiritual teacher. I’ve invested deeply in growth - coaches, therapists, retreats. All of it matters but none of it works unless you take radical responsibility for your life.

5. If you’re being criticized, you’re probably doing something right.

I’ve had trolls on LinkedIn and elsewhere. It stung at first but now I see it as confirmation. People who are comfortable rarely attack those who challenge the status quo. Let em talk.

6. It’s not too late.

I started over at 30, you can start over whenever you decide. 
The only deadline is the one you keep agreeing to in your head.

Ps - join over 9k people who are on my weekly newsletter - https://lnkd.in/g2VH8Pgc

Inner Game of Sales & Leadership / Helping High Performers Sell and Lead from Presence & Purpose / Founder of Alluviance / Ex-Microsoft, Outreach, DocuSign

Just wrapped our first-ever corporate engagement, and damn what a ride.

5 months.
It started with a full-day onsite, evolved into monthly reinforcement sessions, and included weekly syncs with their executive leadership team.

We covered a lot of ground:
– Sales leadership training
– Culture development
– Identity work 

But my favorite moment?
Helping the team define who they became in 2025 and what they’re boldly stepping into in 2026.

That kind of clarity redefines how you lead, sell, and show up.

And the best part? 

They’ve asked us to keep going and expand the work to more sales leaders and the broader sales org.

Life is good.
Grateful to be living the mission.

Grateful to my brother Chris Caldwell for being on this mission with me. 

Needing support for your sales or leadership team? DM me!

The world lost a legend this past weekend.

Bob Weir, one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead. 

I love this band.
And maybe even more than the music, I love the movement they inspired.

The thing about the Grateful Dead is… they were weird.
Like, unapologetically weird.

Long songs.
No setlists.
Meandering jams that could make your head spin.

Dancing bears, turtles, and skeletons that couldn’t help but make you smile.
And of course, the almost required uniform: tie-dye

And somehow… it all worked.

You couldn’t really explain why people loved them so much unless you felt it. The music wasn’t polished nor trying to be cool.

It was free.
It was uniquely theirs.

And in that, it gave people permission to be their own unique selves too.

For the past 3 years, the Grateful Dead has been my most-played band on Spotify Wrapped. 

They're also one of the biggest ways I bond with my dad.
He’s been a proud Deadhead since the ’60s.

Some of my favorite memories are with him, my oldest sister, and me going to shows together watching something that felt completely outside the normal rules of music, time, and culture.

Dear Bob... 

Thanks for the music.
Thanks for the weirdness.
And thanks for the memories that spanned generations.

❤️⚡️

One of my favorite posts I get to write each month. 

Our Alluviance Member of the Month goes to Mudassar Ahmed. 

Mud has been in our community for 2 years now.
And if you’ve ever been in a room with him, you know exactly what I mean when I say this:

He full sends it.

At immersions.
In the work.
In life.

Mud is one of those rare people who isn’t afraid to go deep to be fully seen, to bring his heart, and to meet others with real presence. When he looks you in the eyes, you feel it. Like, this guy is seeing into my soul.

He carries what we like to call a Warrior Poet energy.

He can work his ass off.
He can push himself physically (he’s done 75 Hard about 100 times).
And at the same time, he stays intimate with life including his family, his team, God, and this community. 

That combination is rare.

Strength and vulnerability.
Discipline and devotion.

Mud is deeply committed to his inner work, his craft, and taking care of those closest to him. 

He shows up consistently, quietly. and powerfully.

I freaking love this guy.
And it’s been a true honor to walk the path alongside him.

If you know Mud, give him some love👊❤️

Ps - looking to join a community of bad asses like Mud? Check us out to be surrounded by them in your own work - alluviance.co

Most sales people answer this question wrong.

Is sales an art or a science? 
Your answer says a lot about you.  

What I believe actually matters is the level of perception you bring to the craft.

Mastery in sales isn’t about crushing talk tracks or product demos.
It’s about developing the ability to NOTICE more.

❌ The amateur notices what the prospect says.
✅ The master notices how they say it.

❌ The amateur hears the objection.
✅ The artist senses the unspoken fear beneath it.

Go back to your last big call... 

Did you catch the question they didn’t ask?
Did you notice the moment of hesitation before they spoke?
Did you feel the shift in the room when you told a story vs. listed features?

This is the real work.
This is what it means being a master.

Being so deeply present that the totality of the conversation changes.
You’re no longer running a playbook.
You’re feeling the flow of the game.

And the best part?

This isn’t a gift.
It's a muscle you build. 

You ready to build? 
Check us out for how - alluviance.co

There's 2 things that make up your identity: 

1/ The story or image you have for yourself. 

2/ The standards & commitments you hold yourself accountable to. 

The whole goal of a new commitment is to force you outside your comfort zone. 

This is the arena where courage is required. 

You will stumble & you will fail. 

But each loss becomes feedback that makes you stronger. 

Bit by bit, you build skills you never had. 

You develop capabilities you wouldn’t have touched without making that commitment in the first place.

Over time, you develop a new sense of what "normal" is. 

That’s how mastery is forged.

By raising your standard, falling short, and rising again and again.

The most important advice I can give someone looking for their next job:

Figure out your lens.

When I decided to leave Microsoft for a startup, I got brutally clear on what I cared about. There were 3 non-negotiables:

1/ I wanted a challenge.

I was growing… but honestly, a lot of deals closed because I had an @microsoft.com email address.

I wanted to sell something that would push me to my edge. 
A product that forced me to sharpen my craft.

2/ I wanted a leader worth learning from.

Someone who had done the job before and would actually coach me.
Not just manage me.

And I wanted a clear path to step into leadership myself.. fast.

3/ I wanted a culture I belonged to.

Not a group of individual contributors who happened to report to the same manager. But a team.

Shared standards and identiy. 

Here’s the key:

Once you find your lens, everything changes.

The questions you ask.
What you listen for in interviews.
What you say yes, or no, to. 

Don’t just look for the next role.
Look for the next environment that will shape who you become.

What’s in your lens right now?

Ps, loved diving into this on the Deen & Deals podcast with Mohammed Kiswani and Futhallah Hamed. 

Check out the episode - https://lnkd.in/gPwqGphD

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The Battle

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Alex Kremer

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