What happens when you build a business around something most entrepreneurs hate doing? You create a 25-year success story. Sherry Wheat, founder of TeleSales, joins us to reveal how direct conversation remains the secret weapon in business development, even as digital marketing dominates the landscape.
Wheat's journey began in 1998 when she discovered her talent for connecting with prospects over the phone could translate into serious business results. Without formal marketing training, she built TeleSales on a revolutionary concept for its time: a fully virtual team of callers who worked as independent contractors. This approach gave both her and her team unprecedented freedom while delivering exceptional results for clients.
What's particularly fascinating is how TeleSales has survived—and thrived—through multiple technological revolutions. From broadcast faxing to the internet boom to today's AI calling agents, Wheat has consistently adapted while maintaining her core belief that human connection matters. "People are actually answering the phone and returning my calls," she explains. "There's so much pleasure in talking to people." This insight feels particularly relevant as many businesses struggle to break through digital noise and create meaningful connections.
The conversation explores Wheat's business philosophy through the BEPIC framework: Bringing energy, Education, Planning, Inspiration, and Commitment. Her perspective on commitment stands out—she advises regularly analyzing your commitments to ensure they align with your natural flow and values. Perhaps most profound is her observation that "people get sick when they are not being themselves," highlighting the physical toll of inauthenticity in business. Ready to reconnect with the human element in your business development? This episode offers both the inspiration and practical wisdom to make it happen.
To connect with Sherry:
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrywheatavl/
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Bill
Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
Bill