The Machine

The Machine is the title of my book. Below you’ll find each chapter of my book. If you visit readthemachinenow.com  you can purchase a hard copy of the book on Amazon and get two special bonuses. Please let me know your comments!

Section name Overview
INTRODUCTION Builds the case for change and identifies the assumptions that underpin each model: the current sales model and the new one proposed.
PART ONE Introduces both the theory and the practical implications of Sales Process Engineering
1. After the revolution Describes the new model from different stakeholders perspectives – providing understanding of end result (what it looks like)
2. Four principles (and how to win a boat race) Explains the theoretical underpinnings of new model (how it works). Introduces four principles of SPE (uses boat as analogy to explain centralized scheduling)
3. Re-envisioning the sales function Shows how the four principles of SPE lead naturally to the standard model described in chapter 1
3A. The death of field sales Explains the inside-out approach to the design of the sales function (will be merged with Ch. 3)
4. The machine within the machine Discusses how the sales function can be (and must be) integrated with the rest of the organization (this integration is a major benefit of the new model)
5. Three variations on the standard model Shows how the four principles naturally produce three alternate models in different environments (indirect sales [via resellers], commodity sales and a micro business or start-up)
6. The end of commissions, targets and other artificial management stimulants Why commissions and other management short-cuts don’t make sense in this environment (and, quite likely, in most modern environments)
PART TWO Explains how to apply SPE in the reader’s particular organization
7. Formulating a plan Preparing to implement SPE: the critical questions and how to answer them  (ensuring the proposed model makes economic sense)
8. Converting opportunities into sales Designing the optimal procedure to convert sales opportunities into sales.
9. How to generate sales opportunities How to originate sales opportunities: a practical guide
10. Technology (why CRM sucks!) The technology you need and the technology you don’t! SPE requires CRM but it causes the technology to be used by different people in a different way.
11. Managing the sales function The new model has significant management implications. How to make the transition from management by feel to management by numbers.