Laura Krauss’ Post

1️⃣ What is the best invention ever made? 2️⃣ Is there something that makes you very sleepy? 3️⃣ Have you ever had anything published? (Authors…here’s your chance to let us know)! 4️⃣ If you could have chosen another profession what would it be? 5️⃣ What’s your favorite food to bring to a barbecue? Welcome to #FridayFunFacts 🤓 When I led my sales teams, one of the tools I used to get to know one another better over time was Friday Fun Facts. ✅ Create a GoogleSheet with each person’s name along the top columns. This will be where they enter their answers each week. ✅ On Mondays, craft up 5 questions for them to answer. The first column will be a rolling list of 5 questions you add to the GoogleSheet each week. ✅ Attach the GoogleSheet link in a calendar invite for 12 noon on Fridays so it’s an occurring meeting on their calendar. Most will complete well before Friday. ✅ Enjoy learning more about your team each and every week as they complete the questions. Best part…seeing your team connect on things they probably never would have known about one another. —— My answers: 1️⃣ The printing press. Mass production providing reading materials to humanity. 📚 2️⃣ Watching TV. I’m known for missing the last twenty minutes of every show because I fall asleep on the couch. 📺 3️⃣ Not yet. Ask me again in six months 🤓 4️⃣ Something with food. I’d say chef at a high end restaurant, but the hours suck. Food critic maybe? 🤔 5️⃣ Fruit Tarts (pic below) OK, ready for the easiest recipe? Purchase a few packs of phyllo cups, already baked and in the frozen food aisle. Make vanilla pudding per the box instructions and fold in a cup of sour cream. Fill the phyllo cups with the pudding mixture. Top each cup with your favorite fruit. Bring to your next barbecue and thank me later. 🍓 Happy Friday, everyone 🙌🏻💯❤️ —— Hi! I’m Laura. I’m fulfilling two passions in 2024: 👩🏻💼I coach sales reps and first line sales leaders with EASE: Everything is Attitude, Skill, & Effort. I love mentoring sales professionals. Let’s chat! 📖 I’m writing a book called “The Layoff Cooties: It’s Them, Not You.” It’s part of my healing process after an unexpected layoff last year. Publishing in Fall 2024!

Hey (ex)Boss 👋 Following a great catch up with Guy Ousey last week after many years, I have been reflecting on my journey and how it is shaping my future. Grab a cuppa, it's a long one ☕️ Encouraged by my Grandad and inspired by Yvonne Fennell, I ventured into the world of FMCG with determination, despite my initial lack of expertise; I struggled to use the basics of excel! Field Sales presented its challenges, but the experience was enriching, shaping my foundation with grit, charm, and a can-do attitude. I progressed moving into a Regional Account Exec role and then an NAE reporting into Guy. One thing stood out and left a lasting impression on me...I'd been up and down the country, spent consecutive nights away at trade shows with various Forecourt suppliers, Convenience chains and High Street customers and I had a particularly bad day. I got to my hotel and Guy rang me: 🗣 'go check in, I've paid for a treatment for you in the SPA, enjoy, you deserve it.' I nearly cried 😭 I still don't know whether he managed to expense it or not 😉 what I do know, is that I felt appreciated and valued. Now, transitioning into a leadership role at Boundless, I'd like to emulate Guy's style, ensuring my team feels valued and supported. Feel free to share any stories or advice on your experiences. I know the team will read this...so, no, although you all deserve it, I cant quite afford SPA treatments for you all (yet) and we are a start up so nooooo to expensing that 🤣 I have popped a little token of appreciation in the post for you though 🙃 💼🌟 #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCulture #EmployeeAppreciation #ProfessionalGrowth

It's amazing to see the impact we can have on someone's life. Today, I spoke with a gentleman we helped get a sales role last May. He was hesitant at first, transitioning from retail management. We reinforced that he had all the skills, qualities, and experience needed to be successful. Since joining the company, they have grown each month, last month hitting $80,000 in revenue! He told me today, "Mike, I didn't know if this was a good idea, but having you and your team involved helped me take the leap." It's so rewarding to hear that he's finding success and enjoying his weekends with his family. His success makes the company successful. I ❤️ this stuff!! #successmindset #careerdevelopment #salesgrowth #impactinglives #helpingpeople

Hey you 👊 yeah, I’m talking to YOU! Don’t be a corporate puppet. You know, the one whose strings can be manipulated to play the part Corporate America wants played. I spent 25 years in various sales roles from Sales Operations to Senior Account Executive to Regional VP of Sales. Never quite fit the role of a marionette. And still had tremendous success. An epic career, really. Rep of the Year…very cool. Multiple President Club Achievements…solid performance. Millions of dollars of software sold…respectable results. ✅ That’s what you see on the resume or LI profile. But what about the business problems solved? The lives changed with sales coaching and mentorship? The relationships built over the years? ✅ That’s what you see (and sometimes don’t get to see) in your ripple effect years later. After nearly 25 years in Corporate America… I did it my way. Without any strings. And with an open heart. You see, it’s all about control. When you don’t have strings, you can’t be controlled. You can give your heart freely. It’s servant leadership. That’s scary for bureaucratic red tape and corporate politics. You speak up when things aren’t right. You fight for the underdog. You are the underdog. You fight for others. Who can’t bark. Won’t bark. Woof. So let other people be the puppets. Roles they were meant to play. That’s their act, not yours. Playing the same part over and over again? Those lines get old. They’re predictable. I think that’s boring. Shallow, even. Heartless. Please don’t be a puppet. If you are, then cut the strings. You’ll feel much better being free. Your future self (and heart) will thank you. —— Hi! I’m Laura. I’m fulfilling two passions in 2024: 👩🏻💼I coach sales reps and first line sales leaders with EASE: Everything is Attitude, Skill, & Effort. I love mentoring sales professionals. Let’s chat! 📖 I’m writing a book called “The Layoff Cooties: It’s Them, Not You.” It’s part of my healing process after an unexpected layoff last year. Publishing in Fall 2024!

1️⃣ Do you think you can learn something from everyone you meet? 2️⃣ Do you text with one hand or two? 3️⃣ What do you love most about a carnival or county fair? 4️⃣ What is the worst thing that has ever bitten you? 5️⃣ What is the most annoying song ever? Welcome to #FridayFunFacts 🤓 When I led my sales teams, one of the tools I used to get to know one another better over time was Friday Fun Facts. ✅ Create a GoogleSheet with each person’s name along the top columns. This will be where they enter their answers each week. ✅ On Mondays, craft up 5 questions for them to answer. The first column will be a rolling list of 5 questions you add to the GoogleSheet each week. ✅ Attach the GoogleSheet link in a calendar invite for 12 noon on Fridays so it’s an occurring meeting on their calendar. Most will complete well before Friday. ✅ Enjoy learning more about your team each and every week as they complete the questions. Best part…seeing your team connect on things they probably never would have known about one another. —— My answers: 1️⃣ Yes. Whether it’s something good or bad, you’re still learning from that person. 👍 2️⃣ Only one. Pointer finger on my right hand. I’m in awe of the younger generation who can text with two thumbs at the speed of lightning. $20 to anyone in Gen Z who wants to train me. 💬 3️⃣ Funnel cake. Powdered sugar only please - no other topping allowed. 🎟️ 4️⃣ The Layoff Cooties…apparently it’s so contagious, your closest friends from work forget all about you for fear of infection. 🥹 5️⃣ It’s a tie between the 12 Days of Christmas and Feliz Navidad. I love Christmas music, but those two songs turn me into the Grinch immediately. 🎶 (Video below is a short clip from my Oaxaca, Mexico retreat in March…I could have listened to this music all day)! Happy Friday, everyone 🙌🏻💯❤️ —— Hi! I’m Laura. I’m fulfilling two passions in 2024: 👩🏻💼I coach sales reps and first line sales leaders with EASE: Everything is Attitude, Skill, & Effort. I love mentoring sales professionals. Let’s chat! 📖 I’m writing a book called “The Layoff Cooties: It’s Them, Not You.” It’s part of my healing process after an unexpected layoff last year. Publishing in Fall 2024! 🔔 Follow ♻️ Repost ❤️ Be Kind

Every now and then, we all need someone to bet on our potential... Luckily, I was given that chance back in 2010. I was doing my first role out of college as a field sales representative covering 6 Home Depot stores in Orlando, FL. Not the most glamorous stocking shelves, putting up literature, and selling in the aisles.... but it taught you about the brands, how Home Depot operates, and the end user which was crucial. I was proactive and befriended a local high-flyer in the company, Mike Heist, and built some rapport. When an opportunity for a promotion came up, I wasn't at the top of the list. But since I was bold networking within the company I got a shot. I had a 2 hour heads up and drove straight there with little time to prep. Ended up interviewing with Mike and another sales leader, Daniel Jonke (pictured above). Was definitely nervous, fumbled at times, but did a good enough job to get the offer. I feel pretty confident I wouldn't be where I'm at now if I wouldn't have gotten that first promotion at Milwaukee Tool/TTi. Appreciate Mike, Daniel, and the entire regional team that ended up hiring me to come on board. Came full circle recently when I reconnected with Daniel at an event 14 years later. The lesson here is you always will need someone to throw you a bone to really break out in your career, you need to be proactive with networking, and do hard things on purpose so your prepared when you get a shot! 💪🏼💪🏼 #mindset #sales #habits

1️⃣ What was your favorite age so far? 2️⃣ Have you ever been in a play or theatre of any kind? 3️⃣ What is something you wish you could avoid? 4️⃣ Do you have a preferred airline you like to travel with more than others? 5️⃣ What’s your favorite kind of seafood? Welcome to #FridayFunFacts 🤓 When I led my sales teams, one of the tools I used to get to know one another better over time was Friday Fun Facts. ✅ Create a GoogleSheet with each person’s name along the top columns. This will be where they enter their answers each week. ✅ On Mondays, craft up 5 questions for them to answer. The first column will be a rolling list of 5 questions you add to the GoogleSheet each week. ✅ Attach the GoogleSheet link in a calendar invite for 12 noon on Fridays so it’s an occurring meeting on their calendar. Most will complete well before Friday. ✅ Enjoy learning more about your team each and every week as they complete the questions. Best part…seeing your team connect on things they probably never would have known about one another. —— My answers: 1️⃣ 44 - The stars seemed aligned in every area of my life with career, family, finances, etc. 2️⃣ Yes I was in several plays in middle school; I think this helped with my public speaking skills. 3️⃣ I wish I could avoid corporate politics. Play the game or get played unfortunately. 4️⃣ Southwest - shocked at the recent announcement to get rid of open seating! 5️⃣ Oysters…mix in enjoying them with good friends? Can’t beat it! Play along and answer this week! C’mon, you know you want to 😉 Happy Friday, everyone 🙌🏻💯❤️ —— Hi! I’m Laura. I’m fulfilling two passions in 2024: 👩🏻💼I coach sales reps and first line sales leaders with EASE: Everything is Attitude, Skill, & Effort. I love mentoring sales professionals. Let’s chat! 📖 I’m writing a book called “The Layoff Cooties: It’s Them, Not You.” It’s part of my healing process after an unexpected layoff last year. Publishing in Fall 2024!

New leaders often ask me what is one thing to consider when taking on a new team. And the answer is simple: Learn from our losses or mistakes and celebrate our success. At Merchants Fleet Fleet, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees often so they know we appreciate all they do for our clients. If you're looking for a new role, check out this post for open sales positions! #sales #hiring #careers #SpreadTheFun

Over the holidays, I decided to help out a friend at her pet store in Toronto's Distillery District during the busy Holiday Market weekends. Although I work full-time, I didn't mind putting in extra hours because I had a great time meeting other pet parents and their furry friends. Some friends questioned why I would volunteer my time in retail, but for me, it wasn't work. I enjoyed talking to customers about products and sharing my personal experiences with them. It was rewarding to hear customers express gratitude for my patience and insights, and it reminded me why I chose sales as a career path. Sales can be less scary and fun when you are selling something you believe in because of personal experience with the product or solution, or when you do it through storytelling. In today's world, we're all sellers in some sense when we share our experiences with products or solutions on social media or review pages. Now, as a seller at PathFactory, I am proud to say I get to sell a solution I used before joining the company, continue to use now, and love (shout out to my fav CSM Charlie Thomas at the time when I was a user, and now grateful we get to work together on the sales team). I'm grateful to have turned this into my career, be able to share my experience using the solution, and work with a great team to help customers succeed. If you're interested in learning more about my career path or PathFactory, feel free to reach out to me directly or stay tuned for future posts. #b2bsales #sales #dowhatbringsyoujoy

Sharing a #TBT! DISH Network was where I landed my first #Sales job in the "corporate" world, and I realized only after a few days of sitting in my cubicle attached to my headset that I could not be trapped inside my cubicle for another second; #InsideSales just wasn’t for me, and needed to be out in the field. Fortunately, my boss recognized that I would thrive in a #FieldSales position; he took a chance on me and offered me an opportunity to take on a new role, and I'd be the first in the company! Jeffrey Sanford! I moved to Portland, OR, and covered the Northwest. I managed large accounts like Fred Meyer, Costco, and Ace Hardware. I was by far the youngest on the team, and I was also the ONLY woman. The funny thing is that they had to change their 2-to-hotel room travel policy since I wasn't bunking with a man! I experienced a lot of, let’s call them, “challenges,” being the only woman and so young at the time. But that’s for another post! I learned the product's features and benefits (yes, when solution selling was a thing)🤷♀️ because I was selling to managers and owners who were making a living off of OUR products. I LOVED this stuff. I wanted to learn EVERYTHING so I could answer questions and guide my customers to become successful. This presentation was in 1999. Yeah, I know, people will say I shouldn't share dates because you can figure out my age, but I think my experiences can be of value, and I'm proud of my career path! In the video, I was conducting a training where we were rolling out the ability to pause live. We were doing it before anybody else. It was an exciting time. I got to go to the EchoStar satellite launch party and events sponsored by HBO and Showtime, and I was even able to visit the TiVo HQ due to the partnership! This was my first #RemoteJob; I worked from home. I had DSL at the time and a camera with a floppy disk, so I could take pictures at all of my stores and send them back to corporate. I remember needing to update my notes and make sure to send over my files before the overnight synch happened! I learned to teach my customers how to sell and make more commission! I made sure to get in front of as many as possible! I planned my weeks in 4 states and even packed my snowboard in my pickup truck just in case I got caught in a snowstorm 😉. I would even climb up on the roof at Costco to fix the satellite so our demo TV would work. In my suit, mind you. If the demo TV wasn’t working, I knew we wouldn’t sell any DISH! I KNEW sales was the path for me; I loved the independence and doing something that would make an impact. #SalesMethodology has changed!!! I really hope we are not standing up rattling off features and benefits, but what is the same? It is dedication, truly understanding what you are “selling, “ and engaging with people. 🎥In the video, I do a #demo and Pause live TV. It was evident back then that I would become a #trainer and be #speaking; even as a sales rep, I was all over it! Enjoy!