podcast ·Aug 11, 2026

How Email & SMS Drive Modern Sales | Jason Donapel

In Episode 193, Drewbie sits down with Jason Donapel to unpack a modern truth most sales professionals are still catching up to:
Sales isn't just about calling leads anymore — it's about creating an ecosystem of trust across multiple channels.

Jason shares his journey from working in an e-commerce warehouse to becoming a leading expert in email and SMS marketing. Along the way, he reveals how he closed a major deal with Tecovas… without pitching — simply by showing up, providing value, and staying top of mind.

From leveraging AI to enhance deliverables, to building influence inside entire organizations (not just decision-makers), Jason breaks down how today's sales professionals can win in a world where attention is fragmented and trust must be earned before the first call.

If you're still relying only on cold calls…
If your emails are getting ignored…
If you're struggling to stand out in a noisy market…

This episode will completely shift how you think about outreach, follow-up, and relationship-building in 2026.

Episode Highlights

Closing a high-level deal from a non-sales speaking event
Why providing value upfront beats pitching every time
Jason's journey from warehouse worker to marketing strategist
The real reason email marketing stood out over other channels
Why opt-in marketing builds stronger relationships
The biggest mistake sales professionals make with outreach
How combining channels (calls, email, ads, SMS) multiplies results
Using micro-targeted ads to build "invisible trust" inside companies
Turning entire organizations into brand advocates
Why most "cold outreach" fails before it even starts
The shift from "closing deals" to helping people get promoted
How AI can increase your perceived value (not replace your work)
Leveraging free tools and deliverables to unlock bigger deals
Creating demand before the first conversation happens
Why personalization and segmentation beat volume every time

Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Sales Is Now a Multi-Channel Game

Cold calls alone aren't enough. The real power comes from combining:

Calls
Emails
SMS
Ads
Content

Together, they build familiarity and trust before the conversation even starts.

2️⃣ Build Trust Before You Ask for Attention

Jason's strategy focuses on creating recognition across an organization so when you finally reach out, you're no longer a stranger.

3️⃣ Help People Win — Not Just Buy

Instead of focusing on closing deals, focus on helping your prospect succeed in their role.
When they win, you win.

4️⃣ AI Should Increase Value, Not Replace Effort

Most people use AI to write messages.
Top performers use it to:

Build better tools
Deliver more value
Remove friction in deals

5️⃣ Your Entry Point Determines Your Success

Your follow-up is only as good as how you captured the lead.
Intentional entry points → better conversations → higher conversions.

6️⃣ Personalization Beats Volume

Generic outreach is dead.
Segmented, intentional messaging wins — every time.

7️⃣ Give Value Before You Sell

Free tools, insights, and audits create trust and position you as the expert before the sale even begins.

Who This Episode Is For

Sales professionals relying only on cold outreach
Entrepreneurs struggling with email engagement
Marketers looking to improve retention and lifecycle campaigns
Business owners wanting to modernize their sales strategy
Anyone who wants to build trust before selling

Connect with Jason

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondonapel
🌐 Website: https://experience.email

Jason specializes in email and SMS marketing strategies that help brands increase retention, improve customer journeys, and drive long-term revenue growth.

Call The Damn Leads
"By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries."

Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey.

Your weekly dose of:
• Wild Sales Stories – Real-life lessons from the field
• Proven Tactics – Strategies you can apply immediately
• Humor – Sales conversations without the fluff
• Expert Insights – From professionals across industries

Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, agency owners, and small business leaders looking to improve sales performance, marketing alignment, and long-term growth.

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