Charlene Thompson, a powerhouse in sales operations, joins us on the Sales Lead Dog podcast to share her unique perspective on transforming sales teams. With over 15 years of experience, Charlene brings a fresh, dynamic approach to how businesses can rethink efficiency and performance. She treats business challenges like a sport, using her creativity and strategic mindset to drive innovative problem-solving. Her approach sheds light on the importance of deeply understanding the interplay of people, processes, and technology to truly elevate sales operations.

Throughout our conversation, Charlene unpacks the complexity of developing effective sales processes and metrics. She stresses that technology should complement established processes, not override them. By engaging with sales teams and stakeholders, businesses gain valuable insights into their operations. Charlene emphasizes the necessity of having proper metrics, highlighting a common shortfall where organizations lack dedicated roles to track progress effectively. Her insights are a wake-up call for businesses to establish realistic benchmarks that align with their objectives, ensuring long-term success.

In the final segment, we explore the critical role of sales operations as the glue between sales, marketing, and the broader business environment. Charlene dispels the notion that sales ops is just about managing CRM systems and underscores its strategic significance across the customer journey. She advocates for a holistic approach that nurtures client relationships beyond short-term sales metrics. As businesses face an AI-driven future, Charlene's wisdom on fostering genuine customer care emerges as a beacon for sustainable growth. Tune in to discover how investing in the right talent and training can maximize the potential of sales operations and set a business on the path to enduring success.

Charlene Thompson is a sales operations expert with over 15 years of experience helping businesses optimise their sales processes. She’s worked with 7-9 figure companies, improving systems, streamlining operations, and making data-driven decisions using CRMs the right way. Charlene is passionate about helping businesses create sustainable sales structures that fuel long-term growth.

Quotes:

"I treat business as a sport. You want to do things well, with quality, ensuring everything is primed and ready to go. Sometimes you might not win, but there's a difference between losing because the other person won and losing because you lost."

"The first 30 days with a client are all about understanding the people, processes, and technology. Often, what you're told is just the tip of the iceberg. Speaking to those affected can reveal the true underlying issues."

"Sales operations isn't just about managing CRM systems; it's about strategic planning and execution that supports the entire business, improving the efficiency of sales managers so they can focus on selling."

Links:

Charlene’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thompson-salesops/

The Sales Ops Effect Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/16LcAgeeNTmbNiDirakOfg

The Sales Ops Effect YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@salesopseffect/featured

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/

Jeffrey Goldstein, Managing Director of Queue Associates, unveils exciting insights on how Microsoft Dynamics and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are reshaping ERP systems. He shares his vision for a future where AI advancements redefine CRM and ERP terminologies, and underscores the importance of partnering with innovators like Microsoft. Jeffrey’s journey through the early adoption of cloud technology gives a compelling perspective on maintaining a competitive edge in today's fast-paced industry landscape.

Equip your sales team with powerful methodologies as we explore the essentials of establishing credibility through comprehensive product knowledge. By leveraging the Microsoft suite, we empower our team to offer authentic client recommendations, weighing the benefits of cohesive integrated systems over a best-of-breed approach. The conversation unfolds the value of minimizing operational risks by choosing systems that communicate seamlessly, ultimately offering more value than disparate top-tier solutions.

Leadership shines under the spotlight as we focus on the power of positivity and leading by example. Discover how happiness and joy can motivate teams, and why transparency and decision-making are crucial components of effective leadership. The episode wraps up with an exploration of personal goal setting in sales, showcasing how visualizing aspirations and celebrating team achievements can drive success. Balancing CRM strategies to align with business goals emerges as a theme, illustrating the challenges and freedoms within these systems.

Jeffrey Goldstein is Co-Founder and Global Managing Director of Queue Associates. Jeffrey has and continues to play a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of the company through his strategic insights and leadership. Since originating Queue Associates in July of 1992, Jeffrey has developed a deep understanding of information systems, driven innovation, and ensured client satisfaction.

Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management Information Systems from PACE University (1980-1984), as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management Science from Ioana University (1986-1989). Jeffrey’s talents extend beyond his professional commitments, actively participating in industry associations, events, and sponsorships. He served as a past President of the IAMCP Americas, further dedicating his time towards promoting excellence and collaboration within the technology industry.  Among his proudest achievements with Queue Associates was the company’s recognition as worldwide Microsoft Dynamics SL Partner of the Year. The company’s accolades continue to increase as Queue expands operations across the globe.

Quotes:

"In the evolving world of ERP, AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are not just enhancements; they're game changers that redefine the way businesses operate."

"Success in today's fast-paced industry isn't just about having the right technology; it's about having the right people and partnerships."

"Choosing happiness and leading by example aren't just personal philosophies; they're essential leadership strategies that motivate and inspire teams."

"In sales, establishing credibility starts with comprehensive product knowledge and the ability to offer genuine, informed recommendations."

Links:

Jeffrey’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylgoldstein/

Queue Associates - https://queueassoc.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/

Join us as Jim Moineau, Senior Director of Channel Sales at Transaction Network Services, shares his transformative journey from a passionate chef to a powerhouse in sales. Much like the patience and precision required to land a trophy fish, Jim has mastered the art of reeling in big deals by navigating the waters of rejection, resilience, and relationship-building. He also sheds light on the critical role TNS plays in safeguarding business communications, combating issues like spam and spoofing that erode consumer trust.

In this conversation on high-performance sales leadership, Jim emphasizes the importance of treating team members as unique individuals, fostering trust, and creating a results-driven environment inspired by Jack Welch’s performance-oriented management style. He unpacks the most common pitfalls in sales leadership—from mishandled compensation to lack of transparency—and shares hard-earned lessons from his own career.

Beyond sales, Jim dives into the psychology of motivation and authenticity in leadership, highlighting how personal experiences shape work ethic. He discusses what truly drives people—whether it’s the lure of success or the fear of failure—and the difference between hollow praise and meaningful recognition. Drawing from decades of experience, he underscores the power of genuine relationships and trusted networks as the ultimate fishing net for long-term success in sales.

Whether you're angling for bigger deals or leading a team of top performers, Jim’s insights will help you refine your approach and land the big one.

Jim Moineau is a seasoned sales leader with over 40 years of experience in channel sales, sales management, and executive selling. As Senior Channel Sales Director at Transaction Network Services, he consistently ranks in the top 10% of performers, driving revenue and building high-impact sales teams. A proven channel champion, he has held key roles at Metromedia, AT&T, Level 3, and Masergy, where he became the top seller of all time, contributing 10% of company revenue ($6M MRR). Focused on delivering exceptional customer outcomes and financial success for partners, Jim leads with a results-driven mindset—win or move on. Outside of work, he is a passionate former chef, avid offshore and fly fisherman, and dedicated cyclist. Originally from Palm Beach County and Boston, MA, he brings the same energy and precision to his personal pursuits as he does to sales.

Quotes:

"Rejection is not the end—it's the beginning of a conversation. Embrace it as a sign that something is happening."

"True leadership is about understanding that work impacts personal and family well-being, and treating each team member as an individual with unique needs."

"The essence of effective sales leadership lies in authenticity and trust. It's about fostering meaningful connections and leveraging trusted contacts for success."

"From selling beepers using pay phones to leading channel sales, my journey has always been about tenacity and never giving up."

Links:

Jim’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmoineau/

Transaction Network Services - https://tnsi.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog Episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/