Artifact info
Title:

Sales Kung Fu - Initial Meeting

Engagement:

Sales Kung Fu - Website Design Build

Client:

Meeting Date:
May 19, 2025
Next Meeting Date:
October 22, 2025
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October 15, 2025
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October 8, 2025
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September 24, 2025
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August 13, 2025
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August 6, 2025
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People
James Redenbaugh
Andreas Fauler
Frank Kuhnecke
Artifact Image
Meeting Summary

Overview

In a recent Project Planning Meeting, Frank and Andreas introduced Sales Kung Fu, a training program designed to enhance salespeople's performance during critical interactions with customers, emphasizing reflexive skills over theoretical knowledge. They outlined their training methodology, which includes a structured approach categorized into 16 communication techniques, combining both in-person and online sessions, creating personalized training experiences. A communication framework balancing relationship-building and directive skills was shared, highlighting the importance of adaptability in sales success. The discussion also covered website development plans, with a focus on a simple yet expandable site to attract potential clients, and the need for collaboration with their designer, Will. Action items were assigned to each team member to ensure timely progress, with plans to reconvene for a full team meeting to further solidify their strategy.

Notes

🥋 Project Introduction (00:00 - 07:29)
  • Andreas and Frank introduced Sales Kung Fu, a training program to help salespeople excel in 'moments of truth' with customers.
  • Frank explained that in meetings, only a few minutes are truly decisive - their training focuses on these critical moments.
  • Andreas has a sales background; Frank is a Kung Fu master with a PhD in psychology.
  • They aim to offer regular practice through a 'fight club' approach, as Kung Fu means 'regular practice'.
  • The key concept is training reflexes and intuition rather than just theoretical knowledge.
  • The training will help salespeople develop skills that become part of their identity and reflexes.
  • Their target audience includes B2B software companies, both established and early-stage.
📊 Training Methodology & Structure (07:44 - 16:10)
  • Their approach categorizes communication into 16 specific techniques.
  • The quality of arguments is less important than timing and sequences.
  • Their training is based on a mathematical logic of communication.
  • The Fight Club is both in-person (3-hour sessions at companies) and online via Zoom.
  • Training involves practicing difficult customer scenarios multiple times until mastery.
  • They make training sessions intentionally harder than real-life scenarios.
  • Each person develops their own personalized style (70% same techniques, 30% personal style).
  • They're planning to create a community aspect with regular sessions.
🧠 Communication Framework (16:44 - 30:35)
  • Frank and Andreas presented their framework with green skills (building relationships) and red skills (giving direction).
  • Balance is crucial: only green = people like you but nothing happens; only red = nobody likes you.
  • The assessment identifies which techniques a person is naturally good at and which need development.
  • Most people are good at 10 techniques but weak in 4, with these patterns being very personal.
  • The flexibility to use different communication styles is what separates top performers.
  • Only 5% of salespeople consistently make quota because they can adapt to different situations.
  • They aim to counter traditional sales approaches focused on KPIs and automation.
  • The goal is deeper customer intimacy and meaningful connection.
💻 Website Development Discussion (30:35 - 41:08)
  • James explained why Webflow is ideal: versatile, efficient, no maintenance or plugins needed.
  • Initial website should be simple but expandable for future growth (community, training materials).
  • Budget wasn't specified but should remain 'four digits' (under $10,000).
  • Website needs to balance simplicity and seniority with playfulness and 'fight club' energy.
  • The site's primary purpose is to generate interest and contacts.
  • James suggested potentially bringing in a German developer named Andy from Munich.
  • They discussed the need for meeting with Will (their designer) to coordinate roles.
  • James proposed offering different options (minimum viable vs. more comprehensive).
📅 Next Steps & Timeline (41:08 - 44:16)
  • Frank mentioned they want to start contacting potential clients in summer.
  • They need at least a basic landing page quickly as they're currently 'shy' about their web presence.
  • James will be traveling until the end of the month but can start the process.
  • All agreed to schedule a meeting with the entire team (including Will the designer) for Wednesday.
  • Meeting time set for 7:00 PM German time.
  • Andreas will check Will's availability for the meeting.

Action items

Andreas Fauler
  • Share the 'Designing Sales Kung Fu' deck with James (38:19)
  • Ask Will (designer) if he's available for Wednesday's meeting at 7pm German time (43:39)
  • Prepare a high-level map of website structure and rough ideas (14:32)
Frank Kuhnecke
  • Create a mind map with website content (14:32)
  • Prepare an online assessment for James to show how the Sales Kung Fu methodology works (20:05)
James Redenbaugh
  • Block Wednesday 7pm German time in calendar for meeting with full team (43:49)
  • Prepare to introduce Andy (German developer) to the team (38:19)
  • Create high and low website options after team meeting (38:19)
    • Discuss potential features and functionalities for both high and low website options during the team meeting.
    • Establish a clear timeline for the development of each option, considering budget constraints and desired outcomes.
    • Gather input from all team members, including the designer, to ensure alignment on vision and execution for both website options.

Relevant Initiatives

Website Development

Priority: 
Very High
Size: 
L
Creation Stage

Structure and Content Curation

Priority: 
Low
Size: 
L
Completing

Website Design

Priority: 
High
Size: 
L
Complete

Branding

Priority: 
Low
Size: 
M
Complete
Transcript