Have you heard the joke, why is it that a man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants and a woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't want? Subtle gender differences in behavior, especially in communication, also appear in the selling arena. We should be aware of these differences to adapt our sales communication and understand their impact on our selling. What are the … [Read more...]
Sales Strategy 101: The Basics to Make the Sale
Which is more important-- your selling skills or your selling strategy? I say your strategy is more important. You won’t be effective if you have great skills and a poor strategy. Think of it as doing the wrong things well. If you have a good strategy and poor skills, it might take you longer, but you just might accomplish your objective. Now it’s time improve your sales … [Read more...]
Don’t be Afraid to Use the Telephone to Sell
How is the pandemic impacting your business? Think of how many people are not leaving their office because of the pandemic. Where are they? They’re by their telephone. You may think that email is your best bet to reach prospects. I think the telephone is better even with caller ID. Barriers should not make you afraid to use the telephone to sell. Be prepared when someone does … [Read more...]
Make Quick, Good Sales Decisions
The Covid pandemic may have taught you how quickly things can change. One week we’re thinking that the pandemic is under control. The next we’re seeing the variant and how dangerous it is. Acting quickly can make the difference between long term success or failure. Here’s how you can learn to make good, fast decisions for sales. Recognize who you are. You may be the type who … [Read more...]
How to Survive a Bad Boss
You have Covid fears. The economy is weird. You’ve got sales goals to meet. On top of that you work for a bad boss. I’ve worked for great managers and some very, very terrible ones. I’ve survived them all. Here’s how you can survive if you have to work for a bad boss. Set expectations early and meet them. The best strategy to survive working for a bad boss is to avoid … [Read more...]
Sales Efficient Strategies: Shortcuts to Sales Success
Are you looking for ways to make your sales strategy more effective and efficient? You can get better sales results when you practice more of these strategies. See which ones you can implement and notice the results you get. Sales Efficient Strategy #1. Good enough is good enough.Be aware the next time you are planning your sales strategy and it seems to go on and on. What are … [Read more...]
Use Sales Checklists to Sell
Do you use sales checklists? These are lists of to-do items depending on where you are in your sales process. Think you don’t need a sales checklist to sell? Think again. All kinds of professionals from airline pilots to surgeons use checklists. While sales might not be a life or death situation, getting the sale is often more likely with a sales checklist. Why do you … [Read more...]
When is it time to stop selling?
Picture this. You’re a senior executive looking for your next job. You’ve been interviewing with several excellent companies. Then one of them offers you a job. The money looks good. The company has the right pedigree. The job is interesting. What’s the problem? You’re wondering if you should say “yes” to this particular offer. Should you continue to interview? Would a better … [Read more...]
Sales Surprises To Avoid If You Want to Make a Sale
I’m not a fan of surprises. I like them even less in sales. What is worse is when the unexpected sales surprises can be prevented. Competition is tough enough. You don’t need to cause your own frustration with sales surprises. Here’s what you can do if you want to sell without getting any unnecessary sales surprises. What happened to cause the sales surprise? A … [Read more...]
No More Cold Calls? Change How You Sell
You may have heard that Bank of America Corp.’s Merrill Lynch Wealth Management unit is banning trainee brokers from making cold calls. It seems that cold calling was a rite of passage that was from a bygone era for financial advisors. Times change. Financial advisors had to change how they sell as well. You may have to change how you sell as well. Why change cold … [Read more...]