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Why is it so hard for product and sales to get along?
In this episode, Todd Blaquiere and Ryan Cantwell dig into one of the most persistent pain points in product management: why the product-sales relationship so often breaks down, and what we can do to fix it. Using role-play, real stories, and a few uncomfortable truths, they unpack how deal fit and product-market fit pull in different directions. Then they explore how to navigate those tensions without becoming the "chief no officer."
You’ll walk away with practical ways to respond to sales requests, build trust without bending to every feature ask, and become the kind of product partner sales actually wants in the room.
If you're tired of awkward relationships with sales, urgent "add it to the roadmap" requests, and never-ending feature tug-of-wars, pull up a chair on the porch. We’ve got ideas to calm the chaos, win more deals, and stop the swirl.
Time Stamped Notes:
Introduction and Setting the Stage
[00:00] Fighting Like Siblings - Todd compares product and sales to his kids: always fighting, but capable of harmony.
[02:45] Shared Goals, Different Worlds - The hosts introduce the recurring tensions between product and sales.
The Product and Sales Relationship
[06:10] Deal Fit vs. Market Fit - Sales chases deals; product chases strategy. It’s no wonder they clash.
[08:30] Competing Priorities - Why product sees the long game and sales lives quarter-to-quarter.
Common Frustrations and Misunderstandings
[12:00] The Feature Firehose - Sales promises features that don’t exist. Product becomes the “no” team.
[14:50] Roadmap Roulette - When shifting priorities make it feel like there is no real plan.
Empathy and Understanding
[19:30] Listen First, Then Build - How PMs can use empathy to cut through confusion.
[21:15] What Sales Really Needs - Beyond features, it’s about confidence and clarity.
Benefits of Collaboration
[24:40] Sit in on Sales Calls - The quickest way to understand customers—and build better products.
[27:10] Stronger Together - Real examples of when sales and product clicked.
Effective Communication and Documentation
[30:15] Tell Them What’s Coming - The value of visibility into roadmaps and release notes.
[33:00] Docs That Actually Help - Tips on making product info sales-friendly.
Building Trust and Reducing Assumptions
[36:20] Stop the Swirl - Why clarity, transparency, and shared wins build trust.
[39:00] The Relationship That Matters - Final thoughts on how to make product-sales work long term.
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