Sales [UN]Training

AI-Generated Information WON'T Replace Effective Discovery: Unlock Sales Info With THESE Questions

July 27, 2026·23 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Technology has transformed the sales profession, but has it actually made salespeople better? In this episode of Sales [UN]Training, Kelly Riggs explains why the biggest competitive advantage in selling still comes from one timeless skill: conducting exceptional discovery conversations. Follow the audio podcast and watch OR listen wherever you are: https://linktr.ee/salesuntraining Kelly challenges the growing belief that AI, CRM platforms, and other sales technologies are the answer to improving sales performance. While these tools provide valuable information, they cannot uncover a buyer's motivations, emotions, priorities, or desired outcomes. Those insights only emerge through meaningful conversations led by a genuinely curious salesperson. Throughout the episode, Kelly shares a memorable story from sales expert Larry Levine that illustrates how a single thoughtful question transformed a routine customer visit into an extraordinary opportunity to build trust and uncover valuable business insight. He also explains the difference between rapport and true relationships, why most discovery calls feel more like interrogations than conversations, and how salespeople can replace scripted questions with authentic dialogue. You'll also learn the concept of tactical curiosity—following the buyer's answers with genuine interest instead of rushing toward a presentation or product pitch. Kelly outlines practical ways to encourage prospects to share what matters most and reveals one discovery question that consistently produces deeper conversations and better sales outcomes. If your team wants stronger discovery calls, more consultative selling, and better customer conversations that create lasting value, this episode provides practical ideas your salespeople can begin using immediately. Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business consultant for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don't and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.  Get more Kelly: www.BizLockerRoom.com.  Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a business owner, and a member of the Forbes' Coaches Council since 2019.  Music and Editing by Pod About It Productions @dougbranson Larry Levine podcast: https://sellingfromtheheartpodcast.com Fill the Funnel: https://blkr.co/ftf

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