What is MCP? Model Context Protocol explained for sales teams.
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI tools like Claude connect to live, external data sources. Think of it as a plugin system — you install an MCP server, and Claude can suddenly pull real-time data it couldn't access before.
For sales teams, this means Claude can go from a generic chatbot to a tool that knows what's actually happening at your target accounts — right now.
How does MCP work?
MCP follows a client-server model. Claude is the client. An MCP server provides tools and data that Claude can call during a conversation.
- 1.You add one line to your Claude config pointing to an MCP server
- 2.Claude discovers what tools the server offers (e.g. get_hiring_signals, get_funding_events)
- 3.When you ask a relevant question, Claude calls those tools automatically
- 4.The server returns live data, and Claude uses it in its response
No API keys to manage. No coding. The entire setup is one line in a config file.
Why should sales teams care about MCP?
Most sales intelligence tools live in their own dashboards — another login, another tab, another thing to check. MCP brings the data to where you already work.
If you're already using Claude for drafting emails, prepping for meetings, or thinking through strategy, MCP means Claude can now do that with real-time context about your accounts instead of relying on whatever you paste in.
What are buying signals?
Buying signals are public events that suggest a company may be ready to purchase. They help sales teams prioritize who to focus on and when to reach out.
A company posting multiple roles in one department signals growth, budget, and likely a need for new tools.
Fresh capital means new initiatives and a mandate to move fast. Companies are most receptive right after raising.
New executives re-evaluate existing vendors and bring their own preferences. First 90 days is the window.
New products and market entries create new teams, new budgets, and new needs across the organization.
MCP vs traditional intent data platforms
Tools like Bombora, 6sense, and ZoomInfo have dominated sales intelligence for years. Here's how an MCP-based approach compares:
| Intent platforms | Sellers MCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15,000 - $30,000/yr | $29/mo |
| Output | Opaque intent scores | Concrete events |
| Interface | Separate dashboard | Inside Claude |
| Setup | Weeks of onboarding | 2 minutes |
| Contract | Annual commitment | Cancel anytime |
| Data | Proprietary black box | Public sources, transparent |
How to install an MCP server in Claude
Installing any MCP server follows the same pattern. Here's how it works with Sellers MCP:
claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"sellersmcp": {
"command": "npx sellersmcp"
}
}
}That's the entire setup. Save the file, restart Claude, and you'll see the MCP tools available in your next conversation.
What can you do with a sales MCP?
Once connected, you can ask Claude anything about your target accounts. The MCP handles fetching the data. Some examples:
- •“Any new signals across my accounts this week?”
- •“Is Acme Corp hiring? What roles?”
- •“Which of my accounts raised funding recently?”
- •“Summarize what's changed at Globex in the last 30 days”
- •“Help me prioritize my account list based on recent activity”
- •“What do I need to know about Acme's new VP of Engineering?”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Claude Pro subscription?
MCP works with Claude's free tier. A Pro subscription gives you more usage, but isn't required.
Where does the data come from?
Public sources: job boards, press releases, SEC filings, company websites, and news feeds. No private data. No purchased lists.
Is my account list private?
Yes. Your watched accounts and signal data are visible only to you. Nothing is shared between users.
Can I use this with ChatGPT or other AI tools?
We're starting with Claude because it has the strongest MCP support. Other AI tools are on the roadmap as they adopt the protocol.
How often is the data updated?
Signals are updated daily from public sources. When you ask Claude, it pulls the latest data through the MCP connection.