How to Be a Hands-Off CEO, With Mandi Ellefson

The Sales Podcast

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How to Be a Hands-Off CEO, With Mandi Ellefson

Wes Schaeffer

Oct 23, 2024

Mandi Ellefson is a long time friend and returning guest to The Sales Podcast.

We explore the evolution of business ownership and the challenges faced by CEOs and we discuss her book, 'Hands Off CEO,' which addresses the struggle of business owners feeling trapped by their own success.

We get into the balance between systematization and customization in service delivery, the importance of understanding client impact, and the necessity of feedback loops.

Mandi emphasizes the significance of creating compelling offers and the dual approach of mindset and systems for growth, and we also touch on effective sales strategies, the power of storytelling, and the value of building relationships in outreach efforts.

Finally, Mandi shares insights on marketing strategies and the importance of showing up with value, culminating in a discussion about her upcoming retreats and the transformative experiences they offer.

Takeaways

Mandi's book 'Hands Off CEO' addresses the challenges of successful business owners.
Many CEOs feel trapped by their own success, leading to burnout.
Finding the right balance between systematization and customization is crucial.
Feedback loops are essential for understanding client impact and success.
Business owners often get pulled into service delivery, limiting scalability.
Identifying core problems in sales can lead to more effective solutions.
Creating scalable offers requires a focus on the 80/20 rule.
Transformational outcomes should be engineered based on client needs.
Sales strategies must balance authority and collaboration with clients.
Mindset and systems are both necessary for sustainable growth.

00:00 Revisiting the Journey: A Seven-Year Reflection

03:39 Finding Balance: Systematizing vs. Customization

05:46 Understanding Client Impact: The Importance of Feedback

08:59 The Role of the Business Owner in Service Delivery

12:43 Creating Scalable Offers: The 80/20 Rule

15:38 Transformational Outcomes: Engineering Services for Success

18:24 Sales Strategies: Balancing Authority and Collaboration

20:57 Mindset and Systems: The Dual Approach to Growth

22:40 Tactical Sales Techniques: What Really Works

24:52 Crafting Compelling Offers: The Art of Specificity

27:19 Inbound vs. Outbound: The Power of Storytelling in Sales

30:39 Building Relationships: The Key to Successful Outreach