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Diary of an IT Sales Expert

Diary of an IT Sales Expert

James White 174 Episodes Oct 14, 2026

The Diary of a Sales Expert podcast shares stories, ideas, mistakes, and learnings about sales success and failures. Host James White discusses the journey of selling, offering insights to help listeners improve their sales skills. The podcast also provides a scorecard for those frustrated with missing sales targets.

Episodes

Selling to CFOs : How to handle 8 Key Questions
Selling to CFOs : How to handle 8 Key Questions Oct 14, 2026 27:15 Are your deals getting stalled by CFOs or Finance Directors?In this episode, we break down eight key questions CFOs ask when evaluating new investments, projects, or service changes and exactly how you can handle them to close more sales.Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to selling into larger organizations and understanding the CFO's perspective01:04 - Overview of the economic climate and why CFOs de
7 lessons from a 422 Mile Bike Ride That Apply to Business
7 lessons from a 422 Mile Bike Ride That Apply to Business Oct 7, 2026 23:39 In this episode, I Share seven valuable lessons learned from completing a 422 mile charity bike ride from Somerset to Scotland. These insights are applicable to business, sales, and personal growth, emphasizing curiosity, mindset, and resilience.Chapters01:31 – Lesson 1: People are wonderful (talking to and learning about others)05:48 – Lesson 2: Doing something new expands your mind and knowledge
How to Access the Real Decision Makers in Sales Deals
How to Access the Real Decision Makers in Sales Deals Sep 30, 2026 32:05 This episode explores the details of identifying and engaging with the real decision makers within organizations, crucial for successful sales strategies. Watch as I share practical insights on navigating organizational hierarchies, research techniques, and the importance of understanding decision-making processes.Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Reaching B2B & IT Decision-Makers01:14 – The 3 Levels: I
Discussing Budget in Sales Conversations Without Awkwardness
Discussing Budget in Sales Conversations Without Awkwardness Sep 23, 2026 29:46 Talking about money and budget with prospective clients can feel uncomfortable, but open financial discussions are essential for closing the right deals and avoiding wasted time.In this episode, sales expert James White breaks down practical strategies to help managed service providers (MSPs) and sales professionals talk budget with confidence, stand by their worth, and secure better business.Chap
How to Scale Your MSP Beyond £1 Million in Revenue
How to Scale Your MSP Beyond £1 Million in Revenue Sep 16, 2026 26:21 Only a small percentage of UK businesses break past the £1 million revenue barrier. If you are a managed service provider (MSP) founder looking to transition from a lifestyle business to a high-value, scalable company, this episode covers the key operational and strategic shifts needed to scale.Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to scaling MSPs beyond one million pounds02:17 - The importance of shiftin
Building an IT Services Business from the Ground Up: Richard Blanford's Story
Building an IT Services Business from the Ground Up: Richard Blanford's Story Sep 9, 2026 01:30:34 In this episode, Richard Blanford shares his journey of building Fordway, an IT services business, from its inception in 1991 through various transformations, highlighting key lessons on sales, customer relationships, tendering, and business resilience.Richard Blanford also shares his journey of building and exiting a successful MSP business, offering insights on leadership, business growth, and p
How To Qualify MSP Prospects In The First 15 Minutes
How To Qualify MSP Prospects In The First 15 Minutes Sep 2, 2026 21:01 This episode explores effective strategies for qualifying MSP prospects within the first 10 to 15 minutes of a conversation. Learn how to ask the right questions, identify pain points, and determine if a prospect is a good fit to save time and increase success.Chapters00:00 - Introduction: Why Quick Qualification Matters00:29 - The Challenge of Time and Energy in Sales00:58 - Identifying Why Prosp
How AI Will Change the MSP Business Model
How AI Will Change the MSP Business Model Aug 26, 2026 22:33 Join Me as I explore how AI is transforming the MSP industry, changing client expectations, service models, and sales strategies. This episode offers insights into adapting to rapid technological shifts and maintaining human connection in a digital world 00:00 - Intro to AI's impact. 02:04 - Evolving into MIPs. 02:56 - Higher client expectations. 05:03 - Death of basic support. 09:58 - Outcome-ba
The Right (And wrong ways) To Handle Competitors In Sales
The Right (And wrong ways) To Handle Competitors In Sales Aug 19, 2026 27:09 In this episode, we tackle a challenging sales scenario: how to effectively sell against an incumbent or competitor MSP that your prospect already likes. Learn how to qualify the relationship early, stay in control of the sales process, and highlight your unique value without criticizing the competitionChapters00:13 - Selling against a liked or incumbent MSP competitor.01:40 - Qualifying the oppor
How To Know Which Clients Your MSP Should Walk away from
How To Know Which Clients Your MSP Should Walk away from Aug 12, 2026 24:48 Join me as I discuss how to identify which Clients your MSP Business should consider walking away from, focus on profitability, treatment of your team and alignment with your business model. Chapters 00:59 – The "BMW" client acronym. 03:01 – Sign 1: Mistreating your team. 04:39 – Sign 2: Low profitability vs. high support costs. 06:08 – High pain vs. high profit framework. 07:43 - Sign 3: High tim
Should MSP Founders ever stop selling personally
Should MSP Founders ever stop selling personally Aug 5, 2026 15:39 In this episode, we address a crucial question for Managed Service Provider (MSP) owners: Should you completely step away from sales? While many founders dream of handing off sales entirely, the goal shouldn't be removing yourself from the process altogether , it's about removing the company's sole dependency on you. Learn why you will always be your company's best salesperson and how building a r
What To Do When Referrals Dry Up.
What To Do When Referrals Dry Up. Jul 29, 2026 18:29 Are you relying entirely on word of mouth to grow your MSP business? In this episode we discuss why relying on referrals isn't a sustainable growth strategy and what actions you need to take when that source dries up Chapters 00:00 – Topic intro: Referrals and MSP growth. 00:41 – Defining business goals and growth limits. 02:07 – Evaluating customer satisfaction. 02:44 – Customer Happiness Score e

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