You may have seen the recent blogpost where I suggested you bring some joy into your life so you can sell more. One of the ways to bring joy in your life is to surround yourself with your sales supporters especially when your selling turns our differently than you plan. (Translation: When a customer makes a huge mistake and doesn’t pick you to buy from and picks your competitor instead!)
I’m glad that my biggest fan is someone who not only understands the challenges of selling, but is a great listener, too. Another very important fan of mine believed in my success unconditionally.
Who is your biggest fan and sales supporters? Just remember that support goes both ways. You have to support your biggest fan if you want the same support when you need it in sales.
Take a look at the latest USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) National rankings. In place 11 is the team E. Fleming and N. S. Fleming. Are you are wondering if they are any relation to me? Well, they are. N.S. (Neil) is my delightful (and tennis talented) husband and E. (Erin) is my wonderful (and multi-talented including computer programming and tennis) daughter. Their recent play in a tournament at the spectacular Longwood Tennis Club near Boston got them this latest ranking.
Why am I so happy? Because these people mean something to me. I’ve recognized how key they are to my sales success. Now it’s time for me to recognize their success.
I see all too often salespeople who don’t have champions. I feel sorry for them. Perhaps they don’t realize they have to say something to those people around them who are important to them. I knew a salesperson who was a great cook. Her spouse would comment on her food. “Not bad,” was what her spouse said. I was shocked. You’ve got work to do if “not bad” is the best you can do to support someone you care about.
Why didn’t she say something to him? I’ll never know. I do believe that people who care about you want to show they care. I also know for a fact that people can’t read minds. That means you must speak up if you’re not getting the support you need.
Selling is a tough career. You may be selling by yourself, but you can develop a team who supports you. Start by getting the support you need. There’s no such thing as mind reading! Next, champion those who support you. That support will be just what you need to be even more successful in sales.
Best wishes for your sales success!
