In this episode of The Art and Science of Complex Sales, Paul Fuller sits down with Mark Grundy, Fractional Sales Management of MFG Solutions. Mark brings 40 years of sales experience to the table, including 13 years specializing in fractional sales leadership.
Their conversation dives into the importance of aligning sales processes with buyer behavior, building agile playbooks, and bridging the gap between frontline sales teams and leadership. Mark also shares insights into how AI and shifting trade dynamics are impacting B2B sales, especially across the US-Canada border.
Mark defines sales not as a script to follow, but as a process designed around helping buyers make decisions. The conversation focuses on recognizing buyer steps, not seller steps, and how great sales execution requires identifying the “state change” the buyer is seeking. From transactional retail to enterprise B2B, the goal remains the same: deliver value that enables the buyer to move forward confidently.
Playbooks should serve the buyer’s journey, not box sellers into rigid frameworks. Mark shares how effective playbooks include key questions to ask, tools to use, and clear exit criteria at every stage. He distinguishes between a generalized process and the granular play-by-play approach needed for each decision-maker in a complex deal. His coaching motto: “Process can’t be about checking boxes; it has to be dynamic, situational, and value-focused.”
Mark explains how separating accountability reviews from coaching conversations builds trust and clarity. One-on-ones are kept short, factual, and frequent, tailored to each rep’s performance. Coaching, on the other hand, dives into skill development and deal strategy. He emphasizes the power of “windshield time,” riding along with reps in the field to reinforce culture and drive real impact.
Paul Fuller’s stated mission is to help others maximize their gifts by using his.
Paul has been a pioneer in the sales process and training, sales as a service, content marketing and CRM. As a previous founder and owner of multiple successful growth organizations in these spaces, Paul has effectively trained and led sales and marketing teams across the world to focus on and achieve dynamic growth.
He firmly believes sales is defined best in three categories:
• Service - helping other get what they need
• Leadership - guiding others toward their vision
• Wayfinding - navigating the path to success together
He is firmly committed to elevating the sales profession through coaching, leading, and empowering others through systems that enable strong performance.
Currently Paul leads revenue growth at Membrain.com - the top sales effectiveness CRM in the world. Working with his team, and a group of over 100 top sales consultant organizations across the globe, they are focused at creating scalable growth through sales excellence in companies and teams in over 80 countries.
Schedule a call with him here.
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