Sales Assassins Podcast

"I don't know everything, and that's my superpower."In this raw, straight-talk episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft tackle the biggest roadblock holding back sales professionals: waiting to be "ready enough" to start.What You'll Learn:• Why taking action before feeling fully prepared leads to faster growth• How to build confidence through real-world experience instead of endless preparation• The simple mindset shift that separates top performers from everyone else• Why your clients care more about your intent to help than your perfect knowledgeKey Insights:Joe shares his proven formula: "Do it, think about it, feel it, repeat" - breaking down why this reverse approach creates better results than traditional preparation methods.Jason reveals his personal struggle with over-preparation and how letting go of perfectionism transformed his business success.Practical Takeaways:• Specific strategies to overcome the fear of "looking foolish"• How to leverage modern tools to fill knowledge gaps instantly• Ways to build trust through authenticity rather than perfect expertiseThis episode strips away excuses and shows you exactly how to start making progress today, even if you don't feel completely prepared.Perfect for sales professionals who:• Feel stuck in "preparation mode"• Want to accelerate their results• Need permission to start before feeling readyPress play to transform your approach from endless preparation to profitable action.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/18

Your business is perfectly designed to get the results it's getting right now - even if you hate those results. In this powerful episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft break down the critical link between systems and sales success. They share fresh insights about building effective processes that boost results while maintaining authentic human connections. Key Topics: • Why random actions lead to random results in sales • Creating systems that support genuine relationships • Smart ways to blend automation with personal touches • Practical tips for tracking and improving client interactions • Real examples of system changes that instantly impact revenue The hosts tackle common myths about sales systems and show why having the right structures actually helps you build stronger relationships. Through real-world examples and candid conversation, they explain how to stop leaving your success to chance. You'll learn: - Practical ways to organize your sales approach - Methods to stay consistent with follow-ups - Techniques for tracking meaningful client interactions - Strategies to maintain authentic connections at scale Perfect for sales professionals who want to increase their effectiveness without sacrificing authenticity. Listen now to transform your approach to sales relationships and results. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/17

Every single member doubled their sales targets - here's how they did it. In this episode, Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft break down the remarkable success stories from the Sales Assassins program, where members achieved extraordinary results in just one year. One standout performer even multiplied their production by 6X. What Made This Possible: • Weekly hot-seat sessions where members tackle their biggest challenges • A proven accountability system that keeps everyone moving forward • Regular monthly challenges that build momentum • Peer-to-peer support that extends beyond scheduled meetings The Secret Sauce: The real transformation happens when members show up consistently and face their challenges head-on. Through the program, participants shift from tentative professionals to confident leaders who think bigger and achieve more. Key Takeaways: • The power of setting clear deadlines and next steps • Why treating your calendar like a professional changes everything • How to build genuine confidence in high-stakes situations • Simple strategies that create massive results Join Joe and Jason as they share practical insights that have helped insurance agents, financial advisors, and sales professionals across industries reach new levels of success. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe now to get proven sales strategies that create real results. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/16

"Chemistry can't be commoditized." - Joe Blackburn drops this truth bomb in a powerful discussion about authentic sales in 2025. In this raw, unfiltered episode, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft share critical insights about: • Why major marketing players are moving away from paid ads • How a 23-year-old advisor generated $40M in premium sales without advertising • The shift from digital courses to real human connections • Why local influence matters more than ever in 2025 • Building trust that AI can't replicate SUCCESS STORY SPOTLIGHT: Meet the quiet achiever who doubled his revenue in a town of just 12,000 people using pure relationship-based selling. KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Why "word of mouth" beats paid advertising - How to build genuine connections in both online and offline spaces - Creating trust that lasts beyond market changes This episode is perfect for: • Sales professionals looking for sustainable growth • Business owners tired of unreliable ad platforms • Anyone wanting to build real influence in their market Listen now to learn why human connection remains your strongest asset in an AI-driven world. New episodes release weekly. Follow Sales Assassins for more straight-talking sales wisdom from the field. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/15

"If you don't believe in what you're selling, your prospects won't either." In this straight-talking episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft break down the real foundation of sales success - authentic belief in what you offer. Key Topics: • Why belief must come before confidence • The importance of being your own best client • How professional integrity builds lasting confidence • When walking away from deals actually makes you stronger • Real examples from decades of sales experience Joe shares a bold story about standing up to a challenger in front of 50 people at a country club seminar, showing how genuine conviction can transform client interactions. Jason and Joe also discuss: - The danger of misalignment between what you believe and what you sell - Why technical knowledge alone isn't enough - How to maintain confidence as a new professional - The critical difference between confidence and arrogance Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build genuine confidence in their business offerings. Listen now to gain practical insights on building belief-based confidence that clients can feel. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/14

STOP LOSING MILLION-DOLLAR OPPORTUNITIES TO BAD MEMORY In this powerful episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft reveal a deceptively simple tool that's helping sales professionals turn casual conversations into major deals. What You'll Learn: • The exact method top performers use to capture critical sales intel without looking awkward • A real-world example of how ignoring this technique almost meant disaster • The 48-hour rule that separates winners from wannabes Key Takeaways: • The strategic way to work a room of 200+ people • How to transform basic networking into high-value relationships • The bathroom technique for capturing critical information • Why writing beats typing for sales success Learn how to turn small moments into massive opportunities. Joe and Jason break down a proven system for making every conversation count. Listen now to learn why the most successful sales professionals never leave home without their "Million Dollar Book." Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/13

"Most people treat goal-setting like a New Year's fling - hot and heavy until January 11th, then ghosted forever. Stop leaving your success to chance." In this power-packed episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft break down the science of turning goals into reality. As a self-proclaimed "newly converted" goal-setter, Jason brings fresh perspective while Joe shares battle-tested strategies from years of coaching high performers. The hosts cut through the complexity of goal achievement, revealing a simple yet potent system anyone can implement immediately. From the crucial "10 Goal" framework to the psychology of daily written goals, this episode delivers practical tools to transform your business and life in 2025. Key Insights to Look Out For: • The three-part success formula: self-ideal, written goals, and total responsibility • Why writing goals by hand rewires your brain's neural pathways for faster achievement • How to use the "extreme version of yourself" as a powerful decision-making filter This isn't another fluffy discussion about resolutions - it's your blueprint for measurable success. Whether you're targeting $1 million or $100 million, these proven strategies will accelerate your path to achievement. Listen now and learn why the most successful people on the planet share one common habit: they write down their goals and achieve them systematically. Want to stop drifting and start driving real results? Press play, take notes, and prepare to transform how you approach goal achievement. Make sure to subscribe for more game-changing insights from the Sales Assassins team. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/12

Most sales "gurus" tell you to never give up on a prospect. Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft think that's terrible advice. In this raw conversation about modern sales psychology, Joe shares his controversial "F*** them next" mindset that helped him build multiple 7-figure businesses. While most coaches push endless follow-ups, Joe explains why obsessing over reluctant prospects actually repels the people who want to work with you. The episode breaks down: - Why your empty pipeline makes you act desperate (and how to fix it) - The "Are you okay?" text that gets ghosting prospects to respond within hours - How to know when to keep pursuing vs when to move on - The exact system for staying connected without being annoying - Why being everyone's second choice can be more profitable than being first Jason brings out practical examples through targeted questions, while Joe shares stories from his decades of experience - including the legal bill he keeps on his desk as a reminder to stop chasing the wrong prospects. Joe also reveals the "catch-all event" strategy - a way to nurture relationships at scale without spending much time or money. From Tesla test drives to Santa photo sessions, they break down exactly how to create events that keep you top-of-mind. Whether you're tired of prospects going cold or want to build a more sustainable sales approach, this episode gives you permission to stop the endless pursuit and focus on people who actually want to work with you. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/11

The exponential skill that matters in building your business isn't what you think. It's not your expertise, sales tactics, or marketing funnels. It's your ability to build genuine relationships that last. In this raw conversation between Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft, they break down why mastering PILLRs™ - Joe's term for strategic relationship building - is the foundation for sustainable success. Joe shares his journey from corporate America to building a thriving coaching business from his basement, all through the power of authentic connections. He explains how he now only works with people he genuinely likes, does what he wants, when he wants - the true definition of wealth. Jason brings his perspective on why we often overcomplicate business growth, searching for complex solutions when the answer is right in front of us: meaningful human connection. Key insights: - Why processes and systems mean nothing without strong relationships (but you still need systems!) - How to build a network that markets for you - The freedom that comes from working only with people you click with - Why this skill is portable across any industry or role - The real reason clients pay for your services (hint: it's not what you think) This episode is a wake-up call for professionals tired of chasing tactics and ready to build lasting success through genuine relationships. Whether you're an advisor, coach, or service provider, Joe and Jason's practical wisdom will transform how you think about business growth. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/10

Elite business owners pay six figures to learn what you're about to hear for free. Most business meetings drain your soul. But in Scottsdale, Arizona, something different happened. Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft take us behind the scenes of an exclusive mastermind where high-performing business owners gather every four months to level up their game. This isn't your typical corporate networking event with boring power points and forced small talk. Joe reveals how he structures these gatherings to build real connections: Starting with poolside drinks, followed by bacon-filled breakfasts (apparently the best bacon of his life), and plenty of "Stand and Deliver" opportunities. But the magic happens between these moments. The group uses a principle called "The Mustard Rule" - if someone has mustard on their face, you tell them. It's not kind to stay quiet. This creates an environment where hard truths are shared, blind spots are spotted, and real growth happens. Jason expertly pulls out insights about why even successful business owners need this kind of support. He highlights how progress often feels incremental day-to-day, until you look back and realize how far you've come. Key takeaways: - Why going back to basics often beats chasing new strategies - How to create trust in business groups - The power of mixing different industries in one room - Why focusing on family is crucial for sustainable success The episode ends with plans for 2025, including a new program called Lion Cubs - teaching business principles to the next generation. This conversation gives a rare glimpse into how top performers think, grow, and support each other in ways most people never see. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/9

The holidays aren't your signal to slow down - they're your chance to pull ahead while everyone else takes their foot off the gas. In this episode of Sales Assassins, Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft break down why November and December are actually prime time for relationship building and setting up massive wins for the new year. Joe shares his proven holiday game plan that turns standard seasonal networking into real business opportunities. His approach? Pure gratitude and strategic generosity. Key takeaways: - Why waiting until January to restart your momentum will cost you until March - The exact framework for picking your "Focus Five" relationships to nurture - How to turn holiday parties from awkward mingling into real connections - Smart ways to get in front of your clients' entire family during the season - The "Mayor Strategy" that makes you the most visible person in your market Most business owners use the holidays as their excuse to coast. Top performers use them as their advantage. Between charity events, social gatherings, and natural opportunities to show gratitude, the next 60 days are filled with chances to strengthen your network while your competition hibernates. Jason pulls out practical tips through targeted questions, while Joe provides the strategic framework and mindset shifts needed to maximize the season. This isn't about aggressive selling during the holidays. It's about authentic relationship building when people are most open to connecting. Want to crush Q1? The work starts now. Listen to learn exactly how to make it happen. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/8

The difference between average and extraordinary isn't talent - it's knowing how much gas is left in your tank. Joe Blackburn opens up about the raw reality of running multiple businesses while his wife was on bed rest with twins, dealing with NICU stays, and managing heart monitors that sound like police sirens - all while being evaluated for a leadership position. But this isn't a story about hardship. It's about the lie we tell ourselves when we think we're at our limit. Through a candid conversation with Jason Croft, Joe breaks down: • Why comparing problems is pointless - your current challenge is always your Mt. Everest • The myth of work-life balance vs. the truth about impactful moments • How crisis builds capacity - and why that's actually good news • The real reason most people tap out too early • Why society's obsession with hours worked is destroying potential Jason brings practical wisdom to the discussion, highlighting how presence overrides time when it comes to family. Key takeaway: Your gas tank is like an iceberg - 90% lies beneath what you think is empty. The episode wraps with actionable mental frameworks for pushing through when everything screams stop, including Joe's personal mantra that got him through 2 am chaos with twins, cancer scares, and business scaling. This episode is for professionals ready to stop underestimating their capacity and start operating at their true potential. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/7

Your inner voice is sabotaging your success. But it doesn't have to. In this episode of Sales Assassins, Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft reveal how to silence your inner critic and unlock your true potential. Joe shares his personal journey of breaking through mental barriers, from his days going door-to-door to running a high-ticket mastermind. He explains how a simple mindset shift - "just add a zero" - transformed his sales approach and skyrocketed his income. Jason digs deeper, exploring how our environment shapes our limitations. They discuss the power of surrounding yourself with big thinkers and the importance of regularly visualizing your ideal future. Key insights: • Why most people are constrained by artificial limits • The psychology behind self-imposed ceilings (and how to break them) • How to use "stretch goals" to expand your vision • The critical importance of consistency in mindset work • Why writing down your goals is scientifically proven to increase success Joe introduces two powerful exercises: creating a 10-year dream and writing your own obituary. These tools force you to think bigger and hold yourself to a higher standard. The hosts emphasize that greatness is rarely achieved alone. Even top performers need outside perspective and coaching to reach new levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through to the next level, this episode provides actionable strategies to dream bigger, silence your inner critic, and achieve more than you ever thought possible. Don't let your inner litigator hold you back. It's time to find out how big you can truly be. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/6

Are you too available? In this eye-opening episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft tackle the often-overlooked skill of guarding your time. Joe shares his recent experience of moving to a new location and relearning the art of time guarding. He emphasizes the importance of allocating time wisely, especially when dealing with different tiers of clients. Jason adds valuable insights on applying this concept to online spaces and highlights the significance of standing confidently in your expertise, even as a newcomer. Key takeaways: • The power of word-of-mouth increases as you move up in affluence • Guarding your time is crucial at all levels of business • It's okay to say no to meetings and invitations, even when starting out • Pricing can be a marketing tool to attract attention from ideal clients • Everyone, regardless of success level, faces similar human challenges Joe shares a powerful anecdote about a young professional who consistently made his presence known in a Rotary club, leading to business opportunities. Jason underscores the importance of giving yourself permission to guard your time, reminding listeners it's not about ego but about allocating time effectively for your business. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their business and make the most of their time. Whether you're just starting or aiming to break through to the next level, the principles discussed here will serve as your blueprint for success. Don't miss out on this game-changing conversation that could transform the way you approach your business and time management overall. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/5

Your online presence can make or break million-dollar deals. In this episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft dive deep into the often-overlooked importance of digital presence and media content for professionals. Joe shares eye-opening experiences where potential high-ticket clients researched him online before committing. He emphasizes how a strong digital footprint can be the deciding factor in closing major deals. Jason adds valuable insights on leveraging media content to build relationships and enhance credibility. He stresses the importance of giving potential clients material to "binge" on, effectively planting yourself in their minds. Key takeaways: • Your online presence is now a crucial part of your professional credibility • Potential clients will Google you - make sure they like what they find • Creating content isn't about going viral, it's about providing value to your network • A strategic online presence complements traditional networking methods • You don't need to be a content creator - just show that you exist in the digital world Joe and Jason discuss the balance between maintaining a professional image online and oversharing. They provide practical advice for professionals who may be hesitant about diving into the digital realm. This episode is a must-listen for any professional looking to stay competitive in today's digitally-driven business landscape. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, you'll gain valuable insights on how to leverage your online presence to close more deals and build stronger professional relationships. Don't let your lack of digital presence cost you your next big opportunity. Tune in now and learn how to become a true Sales Assassin in both the physical and digital worlds. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/4

Your reputation can make or break your business. But how do you build it strategically? In this episode of the Sales Assassins Podcast, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft dive deep into the power of reputation and reach in business networking. Joe shares his experience of starting from scratch in a new location, emphasizing the importance of being curious about others and creating strategic connections. He warns against the common pitfall of being "that person" everyone avoids at social events. They talk about the concept of "big dog syndrome," where successful individuals fail to recognize their own influence. Joe elaborates with a personal anecdote about his dogs, drawing parallels to business scenarios. Jason emphasizes the importance of owning your worth and knowing you belong in the room. The hosts discuss the delicate balance of expanding your reach without coming across as pushy. Joe introduces the concept of "strategic intent" - having a game plan for social interactions without forcing business conversations. Key takeaways include: - The importance of keeping social events social - How to pivot conversations naturally towards business opportunities - The power of being a giver in your network - Why immediate gratification in relationship building often backfires Joe and Jason also touch on the concept of "levels of leverage" - choosing activities and connections that provide the most value for your time investment. The episode concludes with a real-life example from Joe's coaching experience, illustrating the nuances of seizing opportunities in social settings. Whether you're new to networking or looking to up your game, this episode provides actionable insights to build your reputation and expand your reach effectively. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/3

In this episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft drop truth bombs about the lost art of word-of-mouth marketing. Joe shares his hard-won wisdom on why building genuine relationships beats cold outreach every time. He breaks down his "SAP" method - Sourcing, Arranging, and Pivoting - that turns casual conversations into business opportunities without being pushy. Jason digs deeper, questioning Joe on how to start these conversations naturally and when to make "the pivot" to business talk. Their back-and-forth banter brings clarity to this often-overlooked skill. Key takeaways: - Why starting with word-of-mouth is faster (and cheaper) than paid ads - How to train your brain to spot opportunities in everyday chats - The right way to ask for introductions without being "that guy" - When to talk business and when to shut up (hint: cocktail parties are not the time) - How to build a network that makes you "recession-proof" Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your game, this episode is packed with actionable advice to make you a true sales assassin. Don't miss the hosts' final thoughts on why mastering word-of-mouth is the ultimate career insurance policy. As Joe puts it, "I can go anywhere, any place, any time and build a business." Listen now and learn how to become the most trusted name in your network. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/2

The secret weapon of business titans isn't what you think. It's not AI, fancy ads, or even superior products. It's the lost art of word-of-mouth marketing. In this episode of Sales Assassins, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft reveal the PILLR system - a revolutionary approach to building a thriving business through genuine connections. Joe, drawing from his experience as an insurance agent and financial advisor, shares how he went from farm-to-farm sales to creating a 7-figure business built entirely on referrals. He breaks down the PILLR acronym: P - Pay (clients who pay your ideal amount) I - Introductions (they introduce you when asked) L - Like (mutual enjoyment of working together) L - Listen (they follow your advice) R - Referrals (unsolicited recommendations) Jason digs in to help listeners understand the nuances of this system. He highlights the confidence boost that comes from working with ideal clients and the importance of giving your best advice, not just what the client wants to hear. The hosts dive deep into: - Why working with "A-hole" clients can sink your business - The ethical dilemma of charging different rates for the same service - How to transition from taking any client to working only with ideal ones - The dangers of relying solely on digital marketing platforms - Real-world examples of the PILLR system in action This episode is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs drowning in marketing tactics. It's a return to the fundamentals of business - building real relationships that lead to sustainable growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through to the next level, the PILLR system offers a blueprint for becoming the most trusted and valued professional in your network. Don't miss this masterclass in the art of influence. Your next big client might just be a conversation away. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.salesassassinspodcast.com/1

Most professionals are clueless about the one thing that truly matters in business. It's not your skills, your degree, or even how good you are at your job. In this introductory episode of the Sales Assassins Podcast, hosts Joe Blackburn and Jason Croft dive deep into the often overlooked foundation of business success: word-of-mouth marketing. Joe, drawing from his 20+ years in financial services, shares why being great at your job isn't enough. He explains how professionals often fall into the trap of direct selling, pushing away potential clients instead of attracting them. The hosts discuss: - Why cold calling and door-to-door tactics are outdated for service professionals - The danger of relying solely on online marketing strategies - How to build trust and relationships that lead to effortless sales - The concept of "Sales Assassins" and why it's more effective than being a "sales warrior" - The importance of being "unapologetically profitable" in your business They bring up the critical point that many professionals struggle with guilt around charging for their services and emphasize that if you don't value your time, no one else will. This episode is a wake-up call for professionals who've been focusing on the wrong things. It's time to master the art of getting people to know, like, and trust you - or risk becoming irrelevant in today's market. Whether you're a financial advisor, real estate agent, coach, or any other service professional, this conversation will change how you approach growing your business. A powerful key insight to look out for: why leaving things to chance always comes back as a problem or objection in your business. Find all the show notes and links here: