The History of MEDDIC – Interview With Dick Dunkel

Dick Dunkel is the creator of the MEDDIC sales methodology, a structured approach to qualifying and closing deals in complex B2B sales environments.

MEDDIC stands for Metrics, Economic Buyer, Decision Criteria, Decision Process, Identify Pain, and Champion. It provides a systematic framework for sales professionals to assess the viability of potential deals and navigate the complex sales process effectively.

Dunkel’s background in sales and his experience with enterprise-level sales influenced the development of MEDDIC. The methodology emphasises the importance of understanding the customer’s business needs, aligning solutions with those needs, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders throughout the sales process.

MEDDIC is a widely recognized sales qualification methodology that provides a structured framework for assessing the viability of potential deals and guiding sales professionals through complex B2B sales processes. The acronym MEDDIC stands for:

1. Metrics: Understanding the specific metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter to the customer’s business. This involves identifying the quantitative goals and objectives that the customer is trying to achieve.
2. Economic Buyer: Identifying and engaging with the person or group within the customer’s organization who has the authority to make purchasing decisions and allocate budget resources.
3. Decision Criteria: Understanding the criteria and requirements that the customer will use to evaluate potential solutions. This involves identifying the specific features, functionality, and capabilities that are most important to the customer.
4. Decision Process: Understanding the steps and stakeholders involved in the customer’s decision-making process. This includes identifying who needs to be involved in the decision, what their roles are, and how decisions are typically made within the organization.
5. Identify Pain: Identifying and quantifying the challenges, problems, or pain points that the customer is experiencing. This involves understanding the customer’s current situation, the impact of their challenges, and the potential value that a solution could provide in addressing those challenges.
6. Champion: Cultivating a strong internal advocate or champion within the customer’s organization who can help navigate the sales process, build consensus among stakeholders, and advocate for the seller’s solution.

By systematically assessing these six key areas, sales professionals using the MEDDIC methodology can qualify opportunities more effectively, prioritise their sales efforts, and increase their chances of success in complex B2B sales environments.