Posts by Henning Schwinum
The Founder's Dilemma: DIY vs. Sales Experience

As a startup founder, you wear many hats, including the sales hat. In the early days of your company, you are the first salesperson. Your startup mentors at the Accelerator and your investors have told you, whether you have the experience or not, to be out there selling.

Read More
Making the Right Talent Decision

Determining the right criteria to decide between a consultant, contractor, or full-time employee can significantly impact your business. Since the criteria might differ depending on the functional area, let me walk you through my thoughts for the sales function, specifically addressing when to hire a Sales Management Consultant, a Fractional or Interim Sales Leader, or a full-time VP of Sales.

Read More
Strategies for Achieving Business Growth: Sales-Led vs. Product-Led Approaches

Growth is the ultimate objective for any company, and the strategies employed to achieve this growth can vary significantly. Two prominent approaches are sales-led growth and product-led growth. While both methods aim to increase revenue and expand market share, they differ in their primary focus and execution.

Read More
The Needle Does Not Move Itself

"Move the needle" means making a noticeable, measurable change, typically a positive one. This idiom became popular in business, where the fundamental question is how to make an impact on the company. Because success in business demands significant, noticeable achievements.

Read More
The Best Fractional Executives Avoid the Pitfalls of Trial and Error

Unlike traditional full-time roles, fractional executives must navigate multiple clients, manage diverse expectations, and balance a more flexible yet demanding schedule. Training classes provide insights into these aspects, helping executives understand how to structure their time, set clear boundaries, and deliver value across different organizations.

Read More
Revenue Solves All Problems

Starting, growing, and succeeding with a startup is complex and has a multitude of aspects. My simple list of just four success factors looks something like this: Product: Have a product or service with market fit. You: Work hard and smart. Team: Be a leader that people want to follow and hire people that are smarter than you. Sales!

Read More
The Fractional Industry Needs a Unified Voice

The FLA is the thought leader and guiding force within the fractional leadership industry, uniting the diverse community of organizations and professionals. The vision is to foster collaboration, promote growth, and shape the future of the fractional leadership industry on a global scale. The FLA seeks to define fractional leadership excellence, setting the industry's gold standard.

Read More
Chasing the Next Shiny Thing Is Like Sailing Without a Compass…

It's not uncommon for salespeople to be drawn toward the newest trends, innovative tools, and promising techniques. The allure of "the next shiny thing" in sales is hard to resist, especially when things do not go according to plan and you are behind quota.

Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Great Sales Leadership

My philosophy on leadership was initially shaped by those latter interactions: setting meetings with VPs of Sales and Marketing, meandering through their office spaces to conference rooms, and engaging with various team members. Observing their interaction with technology and their cultural dynamics provided me with a tangible sense of the environment fostered by the leader at the helm.

Read More
A Tale of Two Markets

In the landscape of fractional sales leadership, where adaptability is the cornerstone of success, the challenge of establishing a precise pricing strategy for a freelance sales leader is nuanced and layered. Several external factors have to be considered.

Read More