Managing your calendar is one thing — managing your energy is what really drives performance.

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner talks with performance coach Neil Wagstaff about the link between time management, energy management, and productivity in rural sales. You’ll discover why it’s not just about doing more, but doing the right things at the right times — based on your own biology.

Neil shares:
- The 6 key factors that impact energy and time management
- How to align your workday with your natural performance peaks
- Why understanding Epigenetics is like having a user manual for your body
- Practical strategies to get more done without burning out
- Ways rural sales reps can protect their focus in high-demand seasons

Whether you’re running a rural business, managing a sales territory, or working in agribusiness, these insights will help you work smarter, recover faster, and stay productive year-round.

📌 Resources:
For more information on Epigenetics or to connect with Neil Wagstaff direct:
- ⁠Neil Wagstaff — Peak Fitness & Health⁠: https://www.peakfitnesssandhealth.co.nz/

🎧 Listen now and start managing your energy, not just your time.

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Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: linkly.link/2DU5w

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#5: Work Smarter in Rural Sales: Time, Energy & Performance Tips w/ Neil Wagstaff

This week we talk to multi-million dollar coach, mentor and serial entrepreneur James Kemp. A kiwi/New Zealander by birth who now lives in Asia, James has a huge track record of success consulting and coaching clients from $5m - $500m.

James brings a fresh outside-in perspective to rural sales and marketing which we both agree sometimes suffer from some immaturity and lack of sophistication. 

If you want to learn about the importance of offers, attribution and accountability, the future of ad agency models, platforms, marketing managers, media and what the best salespeople look like then this episode is for you.

James drops a ton of value bombs in this special episode so make sure you take some notes!

Enjoy.


Show Notes:

To contact James direct email him at: jk@jameskemp.co

If you would like to look at the platform he has created specifically for coaches and consultants: https://getcmm.com/ 

Grab a copy of your FREE “How To Master Rural Sales” Ebook: https://www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook  

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3000+ rural sales professionals) here

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.agrarian.co.nz

#6: Sales, Marketing & Agency Trends With James Kemp

This week we talk to retired lieutenant colonel Otis McGregor who has seen over 25 years of active service in the US Army and Green Berets – the special forces unit of the US Army.

Otis teaches and trains companies on leadership and purpose, drawing from his vast military background which saw him in active service in Iraq, Afghanistan and even the Artic.

We talk about leadership, adaptability, strategy and what it takes to lead a team.

PS. Otis’s big boss was US Navy Admiral William McRaven who’s clocked up 14m+ views on his very famous YouTube speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs&ab_channel=Goalcast

Enjoy.

Show Notes:
To find out more about Otis and what he and his team does please visit: https://www.tribe-purpose.com

Want a FREE copy of “How To Master Rural Sales” Ebook? Help yourself here: https://www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3000+rural sales professionals) here

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.agrarian.co.nz

#7: Leadership, Adaptability & Resilience Skills w/ Otis McGregor, Former Green Beret US Army

This week guest Jonathan Stark conquers commoditisation by laying a challenge to rural business owners. Jonathan is one of the world’ best pricing and positioning experts with a worldwide following (just Google him to see what we’re talking about). He’s a big fan of writing emails every day to his list – and he proves how it works for him after being taught by global marketer Seth Godin.

We talk Peter Drucker marketing and innovation, how to prevent pricing objections, the cadence of content, the power of positioning and why most problems stem from poor positioning, and how to sell effectively and strategically.

We are very lucky to get guests like the calibre of Jonathan on our show so make sure you listen to this one. He doesn’t pull any punches and shares a ton of tools and tips you can use straight away to get better results.

Show Notes:

To find out more about Jonathan: www.jonathanstark.com

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Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: https://www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3000+ rural sales professionals)here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.agrarian.co.nz

#18: Pricing, Positioning & Publishing with Jonathan Stark

This week we welcome highly respected and recognised senior journalist and PR/Corporate Communications Expert Pattrick Smellie.  

Pattrick has worked for The Australian, been Chair of the NZ Parliamentary Press Gallery and editor for the Dominion Post. Pattrick also worked under Finance Minister Roger Douglas back in the day and is now CEO of BusinessDesk – a leading media subscription company now owned by NZME, owners of the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB.

Pattrick shares what makes a senior journalist tick and what they look for most in a story that makes it newsworthy. He also shares some stories and highlights from his illustrious career including meeting the Queen and sitting alongside Nelson Mandela for dinner.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by journalists and don’t know how their world works, Pattrick explains it all.

Enjoy.
 

Show Notes:

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Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: https://www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3000+ rural sales professionals)here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.agrarian.co.nz

#21: Demystifying The Media Landscape w/ Pattrick Smellie

This week we welcome Wesleyne Greer, Founder and CEO of Transformed Sales. Wesleyne is a US-based sales trainer and coach who runs a fantastic sales podcast that focusses specifically on training and teaching sales managers to become better sales leaders.

We talk about why sales managers deflect, deny and defer sales training for themselves and why the multiplicity of a sales manager makes a bigger impact than training sales teams alone. Any sales success always starts with the manager.

Wesleyne also shares how to successfully sell CRM to sales teams and why sales meetings should be about “skill builds” and not demotivating pipeline reviews.

This is a terrific show if you are a CEO or Managing Director who wants to get the best from your national sales manager in order to get the best from your frontline rural sales team.

Show Notes:

To find out more about Wesleyne, connect with her on LinkedIn to access a ton of free resources she generously shares (click on the link in her bio): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleyne/ 

You can also reach her and her team here: https://www.transformedsales.com/ 

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If you want to get a free copy of my How To Succeed In Rural Sales ebook (normally $US19.95 on Amazon), join my weekly rural sales email or find out more about our Rural Sales Success™ team training programme or our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ training programme, please visit www.ruralsalessuccess.com where I share a ton of free tools and resources, just like I do with this podcast.

Appreciate it and appreciate you.

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.agrarian.co.nz

#24: How To Solve Sales Manager Mistakes w/ Wesleyne Greer

Stu Taylor is GM of Craigmore Sustainables, who I had the pleasure of studying alongside down at Lincoln University when we both completed our Kellogg Programmes many moons ago.

Stu is a big deep thinker, and I’ve always admired him for his people management skills, so I got him on the show to talk about just that.

We talk how to have those difficult courageous conversations, managing poor performance, what leadership means and much more.

If you manage a team then this is the episode for you to see the true potential of your people and how you can tap into that.

Enjoy.

Show Notes:

To connect with Stu feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-taylor-40490bb/

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Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: https://www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3000+ rural sales professionals)here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.agrarian.co.nz

#29: Managing People & Performance w/ Stu Taylor

This week we welcome owner and founder Richard Harris of The Harris Consulting Group who specialise in teaching and scaling tech/SAAS sales teams. Richard is also one of only a few very esteemed “Sales Blazers” having been recognised formally by SalesForce.

Richard and I talk about why so many managers and teams resist sales training and the psychology behind their reluctance to change so they can become better.

We also touch on why there is often the same resistance and reluctance when it comes to sales teams using and adopting CRM.

Show Notes: 

To connect with Richard on LinkedIn where posts both prolifically and intelligently you can do that ⁠here⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rharris415/

To find out more about his company and what they do: https://theharrisconsultinggroup.com/ 

And watch out for his upcoming book which will be released in February 2024 called The Sellers Journey (which I will be putting on pre-order and on my watchlist).

+++

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner/

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide): bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/rural-sales…-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#49: Why Sales Teams & Managers Resist Sales Training w/ Richard Harris

This week we welcome Bridgit Hawkins who is the Chief Sustainability Officer of ⁠CropX⁠(https://cropx.com/), Chair of ⁠Agritech NZ (https://agritechnz.org.nz/)⁠ and mentor at ⁠Sprout https://www.sproutagritech.com/)⁠.

Bridgit shares a ton of insights starting with her own Regen start up story before she sold and exited to CropX, what she would have done differently if she had to do it again, the product, sales and marketing mistakes she suggests you avoid and her best advice for any agritech company when the going gets tough (which it always will).
This is an episode that will be useful to you if you are an owner, founder or head up or manage an agritech or rural agribusiness as there’s so much we cover in this episode that can save you a lot of time, money and pain.

Show Notes:

To connect with Bridgit on LinkedIn you can do that ⁠here⁠: linkedin.com/in/bridgit-hawkins-485a9b8

+++

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner/

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide): bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/rural-sales…-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#51: Avoiding Agritech Mistakes w/ Bridgit Hawkins

“How long do you need to suffer for?”
“The frame is more important than the picture”

Kane Brisco is a Taranaki dairy farmer, author and coach of Farm Fit NZ.

Kane published a book (link below) 2 years ago which is brilliant so I got his own the show to share why he wrote it and what other rural men and women can learn from it.

We talk about the mistakes Kane sees rural men make inc. a lack of self-awareness and in his case being too proud to ask for help (he did eventually with a farm consultant). We also talk about the connection between body and mind, the importance of self-care, having a purpose, smelling the roses, connecting with nature and people, the legacy you want to leave and why exercise creates energy even when you don’t feel like it.

Since reading his book I’ve wanted to talk to Kane for a while. You’ll get a ton from this episode if you listen with an open mind.

Awareness is key. Enjoy.

Show Notes:

Email Kane (⁠farmfitnz@hotmail.com⁠)
Connect with him on Instagram: ⁠Farm Fit NZ⁠ (https://shorturl.at/besK0)
To buy his brilliant book ⁠here⁠ (https://shorturl.at/jFNPQ)

+++

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner/

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide): bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/rural-sales…-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#57 Tools For The Top Paddock w/ Kane Brisco

This week we got lucky and managed to convince former Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Wallabies player Beau Robinson to come onto the show.

Beau specialises in leadership coaching predominantly to the Ag sector and shares many lessons on what he learnt along the way as a high performance athlete and how they translate into the corporate and agri world.

We talk plenty of footy and code with a good dose of talking about business, coaching, management and the difference between them all.

Beau shares some gold with key insights working alongside high performance athletes and coaches across his illustrious career. Make sure you take note of them.

Enjoy.

This week we got lucky and managed to convince former Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Wallabies player Beau Robinson to come onto the show.

Beau specialises in leadership coaching predominantly to the Ag sector and shares many lessons on what he learnt along the way as a high performance athlete and how they translate into the corporate and agri world.

We talk plenty of footy and code with a good dose of talking about business, coaching, management and the difference between them all.

Beau shares some gold with key insights working alongside high performance athletes and coaches across his illustrious career. Make sure you take note of them.

Enjoy.

+++

To connect with Beau do this here on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beaurobbo/

To buy his brilliant book In The Arena go here:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Arena-business-climbing-overcoming-adversity/dp/0648540421

+++
Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner/

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide): bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/rural-sales…-invitation)

#63: Lessons on Leadership from High Performance Rugby w/ Beau Robinson

“The minute we begin to think we have all the answers, we forget the questions.” Madeleine L’Engle



This week we speak to top selling machinery area sales manager Tony Hennessey from JCB Construction which is part of the Power Farming Group. (www.powerfarming.co.nz)

Tony is based in Waikato, New Zealand and has enjoyed a meteoric rise to his current role in less than 7 years.

He has been a consistent top sales person and winner of company sales records in large and mini excavators and strives for excellence.

We talk about how he got to where he is today, the struggles and sacrifices he made, the lessons he learnt along the way (including catching himself when he got arrogant and strayed from the system or process he’d put in place)  and the structure, routine, rituals and habits he’s installed to support his success (top traits of a high performer there btw 😊

He also talks about what he teaches and trains his team on and what he looks out for most in performance drawing from his own experiences. If you sell machinery and are struggling this is episode for you and I have no doubt we will be hearing a lot more about Tony in Ag leadership soon enough.
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Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian/

To connect him direct: realgearliveshere@gmail.com
+++
Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner/

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide): bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/rural-sales…-invitation)

#64 Sales Tips From Top Performing Machinery Sales Manager w/ Tony Hennessey

This week the tables get turned on me as I get interviewed by friend and colleague Bridgit Hawkins who is CSO of CropX and Chair of NZ Agritech.

We talk about my passion for life-long learning, what I do to motivate myself, boundaries, standards, routines, rituals, non-negotiables and the importance of energy management.

Whilst this was different I hope there are some nuggets you can take out from it and use in your own life to get further ahead.
 
+++

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner 

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#70 Why I Do What I Do w/ St John Craner

This week I got lucky – again. For the second time I got back on with the wonderfully knowledgeable Andy Paul and his excellent show The Win Rate podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B2IyepUjl01CP2LbOzxt3

Andy, me and his guests talk about the importance of not selling, selling like a human and the problem with forcing prospects through a seller’s process, rather than a buyer’s process.

This was a lot of fun and I think you’ll learn a lot about what stance to take when selling to win more deals.

Enjoy this one.

To connect with Andy do it here LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realandypaul/
Make sure you follow and subscribe to his podcast show The Win Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/co/podcast/the-win-rate-podcast-with-andy-paul/id1688743707?
And make sure you buy a copy of his brilliant book Sell Without Selling Out: https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Without-Selling-Out-Success/dp/1989603572

+++

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#76 Be The Person Who Doesn’t Want To Win The Deal w/ Andy Paul

This week we go to Alberta, Canada to speak to top territory manager Joe Messina who works for ⁠Noble Equipment⁠: https://www.nobleequipment.ca/.

Joe typifies what a great territory manager looks like: disciplined, self-motivated, driven and focussed. Listen to how he plans his weeks, manages his time, segments his customer base and bounces back from knock backs or rejections.

If you’re a machinery sales rep – or any rural sales rep for that matter – you can learn a lot from the likes of Joe.

Enjoy this one.

To connect with Joe do it here ⁠LinkedIn⁠: www.linkedin.com/in/joe-messina-963055191/

+++

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz


#77 Top Tips From A Territory Manager w/ Joe Messina

In this episode, Simon Bowen shares valuable insights on sales, emphasising the importance of understanding human behaviour. He advocates for a noble approach to selling that prioritises value and understanding over pressure tactics.

Simon discusses using models to enhance communication and highlights the difference between being a vendor and a customer hero. He also addresses how sales are evolving in our AI-driven world and the significance of wisdom in the process.

He encourages a future-proofing approach by simplifying complexity, maintaining calm, and helping clients become the heroes of their own stories. Finally, Simon underscores the importance of embracing AI to stay competitive in the changing market.

Make sure you watch Simon and me chat as he draws his wonderful and powerful selling models on our new YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC4AbZvx4kE⁠

To find out more about Simon and his models visit: ⁠www.modelsmethod.com⁠ and make sure you sign up for his 20min teachings.

+++

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” Ebook here: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#81 The Noble Art of Selling w/ Simon Bowen

In this conversation, Mike Simmons discusses the misalignment often found in sales processes and the importance of understanding buyer needs. He emphasizes that sales should be viewed as an act of leadership and service, where the salesperson helps the buyer make informed decisions. The discussion covers the significance of curiosity, the alignment of sales processes with buyer journeys, and the evolution of sales techniques over time. Mike advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging sales professionals to focus on problem-solving and genuine engagement with customers.

Mike Simmons and St John Craner delve into the complexities of leadership and sales management. They discuss the inevitability of problems in leadership, the pitfalls of micromanagement, and the importance of effective coaching. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to serve as guides rather than micromanagers, fostering an environment where team members can thrive. They also touch on the significance of setting clear expectations and the role of curiosity in coaching. The conversation concludes with legacy advice for sales reps and managers, highlighting the importance of being useful and helping others.

If you want to find out more about Mike and what he and his team offers go to: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/

To connect with Mike do it here LinkedIn, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesimmons/

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Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#86 Transforming Sales: From Misalignment to Meaningful Leadership w/ Mike Simmons

In this conversation, Stuart Austin shares his extensive journey in agriculture, from his upbringing on a beef cattle farm to his entrepreneurial ventures in Canada and Australia. He discusses the importance of financial acumen in agriculture, the significance of natural capital, and the lessons learned from his experiences at Wilmot Cattle Company. Stuart emphasizes the role of curiosity and listening in personal growth and the challenges of holding a mirror to oneself in decision-making processes.

Stuart Austin and St John Craner delve into the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and the evolving role of salespeople in agriculture. They discuss the significance of understanding technology in solving real problems, the necessity of building relationships in sales, and the fundamentals of business that drive success. The dialogue emphasizes the need for authenticity, the value of personal development, and the impact of effective communication in professional settings.

If you want to find out more about Stuart and what he and his team offers go to: ⁠⁠https://www.audaciousag.com.au/⁠⁠

To connect with Stuart do it here ⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-austin-70858217/

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#87 Curiousity and Listening: Keys to Personal Growth w/ Stuart Austin

In this conversation, exercise scientist Ben Nevares shares his journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a powerlifter for Team USA. He discusses the importance of limiting options in fitness routines, the significance of habit formation, and the role of reflection in self-accountability. Ben emphasizes the influence of mentors in his life, particularly Dr. Lightfoot, who taught him kindness and patience. He also shares his motivation to succeed in powerlifting, driven by a desire to prove others wrong and find personal fulfillment.

Ben shares his journey from a small town to competing for Team USA, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and mentorship. He delves into exercise science, discussing the significance of maintaining physical activity to prevent muscle atrophy and improve quality of life. The discussion highlights the 'Core Four' elements of health: sleep, exercise, nutrition, and hydration, and how to incorporate fitness into busy lifestyles, especially for those in rural sales. Ben offers practical nutritional hacks for travelers and stresses the importance of sleep for energy and overall well-being. He concludes with actionable advice for listeners to make immediate changes in their health routines.

If you want to find out more about Ben and what he and his team offers go to: https://iehealth.co/

Also, make sure you follow his podcast, Ben Thinking:
⁠Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ben-thinking/id1554962040
⁠Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZQogfWNj6ip5v3W5d87WG

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#88 The Science of Habit Formation in Fitness w/ Ben Nevares

In this conversation, David Brock, author of the "Sales Manager Survival Guide", discusses the evolving role of sales management, emphasizing the importance of maximizing team performance over merely hitting numbers. He explores the challenges faced by sales managers today, including time pressures and the impact of AI on sales strategies. David advocates for integrating coaching into daily activities and highlights the significance of human connection in coaching, warning against outsourcing critical thinking to AI. The discussion also touches on the use of OKRs to clarify objectives and the necessity of stopping outdated practices to enhance productivity.

If you want to connect and find out more about David, do it here in ⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebrock/

Also, get his book "Sales Manager Survival Guide" on ⁠Amazon⁠ to help you become a great sales manager: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997560207/

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#89 A Sales Manager’s Survival Guide w/ David Brock

In this conversation, Steve Benson, CEO of Badger Maps, shares his journey from a field salesperson to an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges faced in territory management and the inefficiencies in field sales. He highlights the importance of technology in optimizing sales routes and improving productivity. The discussion also covers the significance of fair territory distribution and how Badger Maps addresses these issues through its software solutions.

If you want to connect and find out more about Steve, do it here in ⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbenson

To know more about his product Badger Maps go to https://www.badgermapping.com/

Also, make sure you follow his podcast:

Outside Sales Talk: https://www.outsidesalestalk.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outside-sales-talk/id1378407033

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#90 Smarter Territory Management w/ Steve Benson

In this podcast episode, I share 54 valuable lessons I wish I had learned in my 20s, covering a wide range of topics including personal development, health, resilience, sales strategies, time management, and the importance of relationships. We emphasize the significance of continuous learning, self-awareness, and creating a supportive environment for success. Each lesson is designed to provide insights and practical advice for listeners to apply in their own lives.

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#91: 54 Lessons I Wish I Knew In My 20s

What does it really take to succeed in rural sales?

In this feature episode of The Sales Podcast with Wes Shaeffer, St John Craner shares his journey from a corporate marketing background to becoming one of Australasia’s leading rural sales trainers. He explains why rural selling demands a different mindset, one grounded in psychology, consistency, and service over pushy sales tactics.

You’ll learn:
- Why referrals are the lifeblood of rural business growth
- How to build daily sales routines that create consistency and resilience
- The psychology behind selling in rural markets — and why mindset matters most
- Why the most important sale is the one you make to yourself first
- How to move from selling to serving, and build trust that lasts
- Practical strategies for finding clients and deepening relationships

If you’re in rural sales, agribusiness, or B2B markets, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for building a referral-driven, service-led business that thrives long term.

🎧 Listen now to discover how routines, psychology, and service can transform your rural sales success.

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#92: Referrals, Routines & Rural Selling (Wes Shaeffer The Sales Podcast feature)

CRM systems fail not because of the technology, but because sales teams never buy in.

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner talks with John Golden, Chief Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM and host of SalesPOP! podcast. John shares how sales leaders can successfully implement CRM systems, avoid common pitfalls, and turn them into true performance drivers.

You’ll learn:
- Why defining your sales process is essential before rolling out CRM
- The common mistakes businesses make during CRM implementation
- How AI can enhance CRM and sales effectiveness
- Why sales leaders should focus on the early pipeline stages
- How to prepare properly for sales calls to improve close rates
- The role of incentivization in driving CRM adoption
- How to align sales strategies with changing buyer behavior

John brings decades of experience in sales enablement, coaching, and marketing leadership — making this episode a must-listen for anyone struggling with CRM adoption or looking to sharpen their sales process.

📌 Resources:
- Learn more about ⁠Pipeliner CRM⁠: https://www.pipelinersales.com/
- John Golden’s podcast: ⁠SalesPOP!: ⁠https://salespop.net/

🎧 Listen now to discover how to make CRM work for your sales team, not against it.

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#93: How to Sell Your Team on CRM w/ John Golden

What does it take to go from farm life to becoming a top rural sales performer?

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner talks with Jade Sklenars of Power Farming, New Zealand, who shares his inspiring journey from a dairy farming background to thriving in agricultural machinery sales.

Jade opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way — from finding structure in routines to shifting from a traditional “product-pitch” approach to a service-first, customer-focused mindset.

You’ll discover:
- Why routines and consistency are critical for sales success
- How to ask the right questions to uncover true customer needs
- The shift from selling products to building trust and serving clients
- How to stay productive without feeling overwhelmed
- The role of effective training and coaching in levelling up your sales career
- Why investing in relationships is the key to long-term results in rural markets

Jade’s story is proof that with the right mindset, structure, and focus on serving rather than selling, anyone can rise to the top in rural sales.

🎧 Listen now to hear Jade’s journey — and the practical lessons you can apply to your own sales career.

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#94: A Sales Journey from Bottom to Top w/ Jade Sklenars of Power Farming

Selling isn’t about pressure — it’s about positioning, psychology, and trust.

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner speaks with Blair Enns, world-renowned sales trainer and author known for helping creative professionals master the art of selling expertise.

Together, they unpack what truly drives sales effectiveness — and how mindset, framing, and confidence shape every client conversation.

You’ll learn:

- Why mindset matters more than tactics in high-trust selling
- How to sell your expertise instead of discounting your value
- Smart strategies for pricing, packaging, and bundling services
- The four conversations that define every successful sale
- How to handle objections without losing authority or rapport
- Why not everyone needs to be a “salesperson” — and what to focus on instead

Blair and St John explore how to lead better sales conversations built on clarity, trust, and curiosity — lessons that apply whether you’re selling creative services or complex rural solutions.

🎧 Listen now to learn how shifting your mindset can transform how you sell, price, and build long-term client relationships.

📌 Resources:

- Books by Blair Enns:
**The Win Without Pitching Manifesto: https://www.winwithoutpitching.com/book/the-win-without-pitching-manifesto/
**Pricing Creativity: https://www.winwithoutpitching.com/book/pricing-creativity/
**The Four Conversations: https://www.winwithoutpitching.com/book/the-four-conversations-a-new-model-for-selling-expertise/

- 2Bobs Podcast with David C. Baker and Blair Enns: https://2bobs.com/
- Learn more at winwithoutpitching.com
- Connect with Blair on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairenns

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#95: How to Win Sales Without Pitching w/ Blair Enns

Selling with confidence isn’t about being pushy — it’s about people, performance, and purpose.

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner heads across the ditch to Sydney to chat with Yvonne Hilsz, an award-winning sales trainer and coach who helps teams sell with confidence and leaders lead with clarity.

Together, they explore what really drives sales success — from mindset and motivation to coaching, connection, and confidence. Yvonne shares her journey from hospitality to high-performance sales training, revealing how trust, rapport, and great questioning underpin every successful sale.

You’ll learn:
- Why confidence is the cornerstone of consistent sales performance
- How to coach your team instead of just managing them
- The difference between high and low performance types — and how to lead each one
- Why mindset and self-awareness matter more than scripts or KPIs
- How to build rapport that leads to long-term customer relationships
- Practical ways to recognise top performers and lift underperformers

Yvonne and St John unpack the psychology of selling, the art of coaching, and the human side of leadership — lessons that apply whether you’re leading a rural sales team or running your own business.

🎧 Listen now to discover how shifting your mindset and coaching approach can transform how you lead, sell, and build trust with every client.

📌 Resources:
- Learn more about Yvonne Hilsz: ⁠https://yvonnehilsz.com/
- ⁠Connect with Yvonne on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnehilsz/

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: bit.ly/3voaPS7

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#96: The Confidence Factor: Mindset, Motivation & Sales Leadership w/ Yvonne Hilsz

Unlock the unspoken side of selling.

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner talks with New Zealand’s leading body language expert, Suzanne Masefield, to show you how reading nonverbal cues can help you connect faster, earn trust, and close more rural sales.

You’ll discover:

- Where to sit in a first sales meeting to make buyers feel at ease
- The real meaning behind gestures like chin-rubbing and hand-wringing
- Handshake secrets that signal confidence and credibility
- How to spot unspoken objections before they derail your deal
- Practical body language tips for selling to farmers, ag suppliers, and rural business owners

Whether you’re in agricultural sales, B2B rural markets, or face-to-face selling, these techniques will give you an edge in every conversation.

🎧 Listen now and start speaking the silent language of sales.

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: linkly.link/2DU5w

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

The Science of Sales Podcast (for Rural)

#1: How To Use Body Language to Make More Sales w/ Suzanne Masefield

Turn LinkedIn into your most profitable marketing machine.

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner talks with Anne Miles — one of Australia’s top marketing communication experts and founder of the global creative community, ⁠Suits & Sneakers (https://www.suitsandsneakers.global/)⁠. Anne has helped brands and professionals worldwide transform LinkedIn from a basic social media profile into a high-performing lead generation engine.

You’ll learn:
- The biggest LinkedIn mistakes that cost you leads
- How to optimise your LinkedIn profile to attract the right prospects
- Using LinkedIn Search effectively for keywords (not just names)
- Why posting specialist content beats going broad every time
- Why blogging on LinkedIn is better than blogging elsewhere
- How one article earned Anne 198 emails and $3M in deal flow
- The growth strategies that took her from 1,000 to 17,000 followers in 2 years
- Real client success stories that prove these tactics work

If you’re a rural business owner, sales rep, or marketer wanting more inbound leads, better connections, and stronger authority in your niche, this episode will show you exactly how to make LinkedIn work harder for you.

🎧 Listen now and start turning your LinkedIn into a 24/7 sales engine.

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: linkly.link/2DU5w

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#3: How to Use LinkedIn for Lead Generation: Growth & Prospecting Tips w/ Anne Miles

What does it take to turn a rural retail store into a thriving online brand?

In this episode of The Rural Sales Show, St John Craner talks with Phil Grant, owner of ⁠New Zealand Natural Clothing⁠ — home to iconic rural brands like Norsewear and Swanndri. Phil reveals how smart online marketing, email campaigns, and SEO turned his business into one of New Zealand’s leading rural retail success stories — with sales up 200% in-store and a thriving e-commerce arm.

You’ll learn:
- How to run high-converting email campaigns using keyword searches
- Why your email list is one of your most valuable business assets (and how to grow it)
- The simple 5% discount incentive that boosted sign-ups
- How consistent, quality blogging drives traffic and sales
- The SEO tactics that work for both organic and paid search
- Why you should treat online customers like they’ve just walked into your store
- The power of title testing to increase clicks
- How 50% of sales can come from just 5 product SKUs
- Phil’s views on the future of Fieldays and rural retail trends

Phil also shares how social media fueled exponential growth during COVID lockdowns, why he turned down Amazon, and how he built his own .com platform with offshore contractors.

📌 Resources:
- ⁠NZ Natural Clothing Website⁠: https://nznaturalclothingshop.co.nz/
⁠- NZ Natural Clothing on Facebook Page⁠: https://www.facebook.com/NewZealandNaturalClothing
⁠- Fieldays⁠: https://www.fieldays.co.nz

🎧 Listen now to learn how to take rural retail online — and win.

+++

Grab your copy from Amazon⁠ here: https://www.amazon.com.au/365-Days-Rural-Sales-Mastery/dp/B0F1489HH4/
(or join our Facebook Group below to get a free online copy).

Want to make more rural sales? Get your FREE copy of my first book “How To Succeed In Rural Sales” ⁠Ebook: www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/ebook

Connect with or Follow me on LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com/in/stjohncraner

Subscribe to my weekly rural sales email (which goes out to 3500+ rural sales professionals worldwide) here: linkly.link/2DU5w

To join our private Facebook Group where we share a ton of free rural sales and lead generation tools almost daily join here: www.facebook.com/groups/285326399207141/

For details on our training programmes you can check out what we do for sales teams with our Rural Sales Success™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation) or for managers with our Rural Sales Manager Mastery™ programme here (www.ruralsalessuccess1.com/programme-invitation)

For more on us, what we do and who we work with: www.ruralsalessuccess.com / www.agrarian.co.nz

#4: Rural Online Marketing Success: How NZ Natural Clothing Grew w/ Phil Grant

This podcast helps rural business owners, sales managers and reps be more productive and profitable by sharing insightful and intelligent conversations with guests who are at the top of their game. So if you are a rural company or rural marketing professional that wants to profit more, this show is made just for you.

The Rural Sales Show

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