The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline

Wait... People Still Read Blogs?! (AEO is the New SEO) 30.10.2025 21分

In this episode, Emily and Maryanne unpack how blogging for B2B has evolved in the age of AI. From writing for Google to writing for ChatGPT, they explore why traditional SEO tactics no longer cut it (and what you should be doing instead to make sure large language models [LLMs] like ChatGPT actually understand and recommend your business). Whether you're still writing blogs like it’s 2019 or wondering if blogs are even worth the effort anymore, this episode offers the clarity you need—and tactical next steps to align your content with how modern buyers (and bots) search. Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/ We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/

Dear [First Name]: How to Fix Your Lead Nurturing Sequences 22.10.2025 22分

We’ve all seen it. The dreaded “Dear [First Name]” email that instantly screams automation gone wrong. In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne break down what separates a nurture sequence that feels human from one that feels like a workflow. They explore: - How to build empathy and credibility through every touchpoint - Why timing and tone matter as much as your CTA - And how to blend automation with authenticity in 2025. From real-world examples to a five-email nurture framework, you’ll learn how to create sequences that educate, engage, and convert without sounding robotic. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: [eBook] Podcasting for B2B Growth: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/podcasting-for-b2b-growth Crafting a Compelling B2B Podcast: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/blog/crafting-a-compelling-b2b-podcast-from-concept-to-launch Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/ We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/

Audit Your Funnel: Are Your “Qualified” Leads Actually Qualified? 16.10.2025 17分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne break down the evolving world of lead qualification. Gone are the days when a simple form fill or email open equaled a marketing qualified lead. Today’s B2B buyers follow nonlinear journeys and your qualification strategy needs to catch up. They dive into how lifecycle stages should actually reflect buyer intent, how to separate vanity metrics from revenue-driving KPIs, and why form-specific lead paths are no longer optional. Plus, they explore how AI can supercharge your lead scoring and nurturing processes. Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/ We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/

Prompt Like a Pro: Smarter AI Requests for Better Outputs with Stevie Stroecker 09.10.2025 28分

What’s the secret to getting smarter, more strategic outputs from AI tools like ChatGPT? In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne welcome their very first guest, LeadG2’s own Stevie Stroecker, for a practical and insightful conversation on the art of AI prompting. From crafting better briefs to building style guides and prompt libraries, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your AI game. Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/ We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/

Onboarding HubSpot the Right Way: What Every B2B Team Should Know 02.10.2025 21分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne break down exactly what goes into a successful HubSpot onboarding. From the first discovery call to training your team and launching automated workflows, they walk through each critical phase and share real-world lessons from hundreds of implementations. You'll learn why out-of-the-box setups often fall flat, what most companies overlook during onboarding, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls that stall adoption. Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/ We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/

Oops! Our CRM is a Mess: How to Clean Up and Maintain a High-Functioning CRM 25.09.2025 24分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne dive into the all-too-common issue of messy CRMs. Together, they explore why CRMs often become cluttered with duplicate contacts, incomplete fields, and outdated information, causing stress and inefficiency. They also share actionable steps to clean up your CRM, including setting clear data standards and expectations for your team. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

(Quick Chat) Why HubSpot's Loop Marketing Changes Everything 18.09.2025 13分

In this Quick Chat, Emily and Maryanne break down one of the biggest shifts to come out of INBOUND: Loop Marketing, HubSpot’s new blueprint for modern, AI-aware marketing. They unpack how the traditional funnel model is fading, why Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the next evolution of SEO, and how HubSpot’s latest tools (including AEO grading, agent marketplaces, and the new Marketing Studio) support a more continuous, customer-centered approach. (Blog Post) How HubSpot’s Loop Marketing Playbook Transforms B2B Lead Generation to Supercharge Sales: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/blog/hubspot-loop-marketing-playbook-b2b-growth We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

(Quick Chat) Attending INBOUND 101: Tips to Maximize Your Experience at HubSpot’s Flagship Event 21.08.2025 10分

Attending INBOUND 101: Tips to Maximize Your Experience at HubSpot’s Flagship Event Headed to INBOUND this year? Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, this quick episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of HubSpot’s annual conference (now in a brand-new location: San Francisco)! Emily and Maryanne share everything they’ve learned from past INBOUND experiences, including: - How to set clear goals for your trip (and plan accordingly) - What to pack, what to wear, and how to avoid conference burnout - The power of Brain Dates, expo hall networking, and post-session speaker chats - Must-do activities that go beyond just booking sessions in the app If you're attending INBOUND, this episode is your go-to prep guide. And if you're not? Tune in anyway, because, chances are, a big industry event is in your future, and these tips still apply. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

HubSpot Reporting Hacks: Here's What Should Be on Your Dashboard 24.04.2025 23分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Maryanne and Emily dive into the often-overlooked powerhouse of your CRM—reporting and dashboards. From avoiding common mistakes to building dashboards that actually drive action, this episode is packed with practical guidance for sales and marketing leaders. Together, Maryanne and Emily break down: - The difference between HubSpot’s pre-built and custom reports—and when to use each - How to build dashboards that answer real business questions and support team accountability - Pro tips for designing leadership, sales, and marketing dashboards that fuel performance and simplify one-on-ones We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Building Winning Sales Playbooks 17.04.2025 21分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne break down what separates a “meh” sales playbook from a high-impact resource that actually drives results. Whether you're building one from scratch or trying to get more value from the one you have, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you get there. Here’s what you’ll learn: - What to include in a winning sales playbook — from buyer personas and sales process mapping to objection-handling plays, KPIs, battle cards, and tech stack guidance. - How to get your sales team to actually use the playbook — and how to keep it updated so it doesn't collect dust. - Why customization is key — and how tailoring your playbook by role, product line, or sales motion ensures it delivers value across your entire team. Tune in and take the guesswork out of playbook building. Plus, stick around for the listener Q&A segment where Emily and Maryanne tackle lead qualification and CRM adoption. Sample Sales Play: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/sample-play-from-the-sales-playbook We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

From Proof to Purchase: Using Case Studies to Shorten the Sales Cycle 10.04.2025 29分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Maryanne and Emily break down the power of customer success stories and how to use them strategically in both sales and marketing. From building trust to shortening the sales cycle, they share insights on crafting case studies that actually move the needle—and how to avoid common pitfalls. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How to structure a compelling, results-driven case study that resonates with your ideal audience - Why social proof is critical in B2B sales—and how to make it work harder for you - Ways to repurpose, promote, and track the impact of your success stories across your sales and marketing efforts LeadG2 Case Studies: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/case-studies We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Becoming a Thought Leader: How to Build Trust in B2B Relationships 03.04.2025 31分

In this episode of the B2B Sales and Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne explore how becoming a thought leader helps build trust in B2B relationships Together, they break down: - How to define and differentiate thought leadership from personal branding in the B2B context. - Simple strategies to get started with thought leadership using content you already have, such as company materials and industry publications. - And, finally, how consistency, engagement with others, and authentic sharing are crucial to building trust and standing out as a thought leader in B2B sales. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Adopting a New CRM: Do's and Don'ts 27.03.2025 31分

Emily and Maryanne dive into the essentials of adopting a new CRM, sharing their top do’s and don’ts to help you get the most out of your CRM implementation. Whether you're upgrading or starting fresh, they cover best practices for setting up, training, and optimizing your CRM system. Together, they cover: - Key do’s for CRM setup, including evaluating options and setting business goals - Common don’ts to avoid, like overcomplicating workflows and neglecting data quality - The importance of training, user feedback, and ongoing adjustments Tune in for actionable tips to successfully integrate and maximize your CRM, plus expert advice in a Q&A session on B2B content and audience engagement. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Mastering Marketing Hub: Key HubSpot Features You Should Be Using 20.03.2025 26分

In this episode of the B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne dive into the latest trends within HubSpot's Marketing Hub, offering insightful strategies to elevate your marketing efforts NOW. Together, they explore: - How HubSpot's marketing automation can save time while delivering highly personalized content based on CRM data. - How effective lead scoring allows for more detailed and actionable insights, helping you prioritize leads more effectively. - And, finally, how HubSpot's AI tools help streamline marketing efforts while ensuring high relevance to target audiences. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on how to harness these powerful tools to boost your marketing performance in the coming year. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Beyond the Hype: Making AI Work for Your B2B Strategy 03.12.2024 32分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Maryanne and Emily explore practical ways to leverage AI for B2B sales and marketing success. Together, they break down: - The importance of testing different AI tools to see what works best for your business - How AI can enhance sales enablement, streamline email communications, and improve lead scoring. - How AI tools like ChatGPT and HubSpot's Breeze can optimize marketing strategies by personalizing content and analyzing KPIs. Tune in to uncover actionable insights and take your B2B efforts to the next level. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

The B2B Buying Process: Dream Vs Reality 19.11.2024 22分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Maryanne and Emily dive into the complexities of the B2B buying process, exploring the gap between the ideal scenario and the reality. While many envision a seamless journey from lead generation to closing a sale, the truth involves multiple touchpoints and extended timelines. Together, they break down: - How businesses often overlook the importance of nurturing leads through various stages, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies. - Why understanding industry-specific sales cycles is essential - How to leverage case studies effectively Tune in to learn how to navigate the intricate B2B buying landscape and set realistic expectations for success. Link to the much discussed "graphic": https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emily-hartzell_b2bsales-buyingjourney-salesstrategy-activity-7237564186057170945-4uc3/ We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Crafting a Compelling B2B Podcast: From Concept to Launch 12.11.2024 21分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Maryanne and Emily dive into the art of crafting a compelling B2B podcast, taking you from concept to launch. Together, they explore: - The benefits of this medium, from boosting brand awareness to generating leads - How podcasting offers a unique blend of personality and thought leadership that other formats may lack. - How to effectively measure podcast success. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the podcasting world, this episode offers valuable insights to elevate your B2B efforts. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Mapping Content to the Buyer's Journey: A Sales-Driven Approach 05.11.2024 20分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, Emily and Maryanne explore how to go about mapping content to the buyer's journey. They break down: - Each stage of the buyer's journey—awareness, consideration, and decision—offering actionable strategies to map your content effectively. - How dual-purpose content can enhance both marketing outreach and sales engagement, ensuring seamless transitions through every stage of the buyer's funnel. - Share real-world examples of high-impact sales enablement materials, from case studies and product demos to blog posts and infographics. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Unifying Your B2B Strategy Through HubSpot Integrations 28.10.2024 20分

In this episode of The B2B Sales & Marketing Hotline, we're exploring the world of HubSpot integrations to help you craft a unified B2B strategy. Here, you'll learn: - How connecting HubSpot with other tools can streamline your operations and make HubSpot your "single source of truth." - How to conduct a tech audit to identify integration opportunities and understand the importance of maintaining these connections. - Plus, Maryanne & Emily address common fears around cost, complexity, and security, offering insights on how to manage them effectively. We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email Us: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Connect with the Hosts! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

Streamlining Your Sales Funnel with HubSpot Automation 21.10.2024 25分

In this episode, Maryanne and Emily dive into the art of streamlining your sales funnel with HubSpot Automation. In this episode, you'll learn: - How to effectively align sales and marketing efforts by focusing on the buyer's journey from awareness to decision-making - The importance of creating a well-defined sales process before implementing automation - How to use automation tools like workflows and sequences to nurture leads and move them through the funnel efficiently We Want to Hear From You! Ask us any of your burning B2B Sales & Marketing questions below! Email the Show: B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline@leadg2.com Leave Us A Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/B2Bsalesandmarketinghotline Or Ask the Hosts Themselves! Maryanne McWhirter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannemcwhirter/ Emily Hartzell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hartzell/ Learn More About LeadG2! LeadG2: https://leadg2.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/