Mathematics and science are based on certain fundamentals. Gravity exists and exerts forces on all of us. Light travels at a certain speed and in theory nothing can go faster than it. What about sales? There are some sales principles that you might not think about, but you should consider. They will help you sell more. Sales principle 1. Your customer is always more important … [Read more...]
Questions Make Sales For You
You don’t need a fortune teller to see the future and help you sell. All you need to do is to ask your prospects and customers the questions that make sales for you. Which would those be? The ones that get you the information that you need to sell. Here are a few questions that work and why. Pain often motivates and uncovers real needs. Do you think your customers love … [Read more...]
Sales Obstacles to Avoid
Sales success depends on getting customers to buy and often getting those you work with to support you in your sales process. You need operations, accounting and so many other departments to serve your customers effectively. You might not realize that some people are really obstacles to your success. Here are a few types to be wary of. “I’m right because I am.” 1. Beware of … [Read more...]
Lose Like Mikaela Shiffrin
You might think that a sales professional is very different than an Olympic athlete. I think we have a lot to learn from these exceptional athletes, especially when we lose a deal. Do you think Mikaela Shiffrin was prepared for the Olympics? I think so. Yet she came in fourth for the slalom which was considered her best event. I know being fourth in the world isn’t exactly the … [Read more...]
Don’t Get Sold If You Are a Sales Manager
It might surprise you what I’ve learned after working with salespeople for over 20 years on selling skills and strategies. Some salespeople should have never been hired for sales. I sometimes wondered how they ever got hired in the first place. Obviously, the only sale that ever took place was the sale to the sales manager. That was an unfortunate sale. Here’s how you can avoid … [Read more...]
Where Luck Meets Opportunity: Understand the Buying Process
The Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I say that you make your own luck. That is a very true statement for sales. When you know where your buyer is in the buying process you will become a lot luckier. You just might make more sales, too. Do more qualifying. I often qualify my prospect when I first meet with him as an … [Read more...]
Why Not Have Your Best Sales Year Yet?
At the end of every year you get to look back at your year and how well you did. Here are the rules that I practice to have a successful sales year. Why don’t you try them so you can have your best sales year yet? Rule #1. I will set valid sales call objectives for each sales call. You will certainly not have your best year yet if you make a sales call and tell your customer … [Read more...]
No More Useless New Year’s Resolutions
New Year's resolutions are worthless without the actions to take to achieve the goals. Become the top salesperson? Double your sales? Lose 10 pounds? The first two I can help you with since I write about sales. Even weight loss is about the actions you need to take. Why not this year focus on actually doing these actions so you can have a successful selling year? Here’s where … [Read more...]
Why Not Take a Sales Holiday?
You’ve worked hard all year. Are you thinking about sales this holiday season? It’s really too late to think about making this year’s sales goals unless you are in the midst of negotiating a deal that is likely to close. Instead of working on selling, why don’t you take a little time for a sales holiday? During your sales holiday you will think about your selling. Here’s what … [Read more...]
‘Tis the Season to Be Charming (Or at least the holiday party)
I’ve seen it so many times. Careers are made and lost year after year at holiday parties. Do you want to be the one selected for the next promotion? You can be. It’s up to you to be charming at your business holiday party. Have the right focus. You may have experienced this at a previous business function. You are talking with someone you just met. There are many groups of … [Read more...]