I had a recent conversation with a CEO about sales. He was commenting on some of the materials he was reading about selling. Imagine my surprise when he said that one of the articles instructed salespeople to make more sales calls to close business so that they were lengthening their sales cycle. Don’t try to close business in the first sales call. Instead, focus on building … [Read more...]
Sales Skill: Think about your selling
I often say that the lesser known sales skill is thinking. What you think about your selling is often a predictor of whether or not you will be successful at selling. Here are some thoughts that will help you sell or derail your success. What type of buyer am I working with? Your job in sales can be more or less difficult depending on your prospect’s perspective of how risky … [Read more...]
Sales Goals and Removing the Obstacles In Your Way
Salespeople without goals are often the least successful salespeople in their group. Here’s the type of thinking you need to be sure that you can take advantage of the opportunities that come your way and for you to sell more. What do you want long term? You can’t make a plan without a goal. Your goals tell you which direction to head and often determine the choices you … [Read more...]
Can Your Customers Help You Sell?
You can make your selling easier. One of the ways you can do it is by getting your customers to help you sell. Here are some strategies that you can implement while you sell so you get some more help from your customers. Explain your sales process. How would you respond to a customer who had a problem and didn’t come to you so that you could address it? I’ll bet you would be … [Read more...]
Changing A Prospect’s Mind Is What Selling Is All About
You may find that your selling often involves the delicate task of modifying your prospect’s thinking and behavior. He may think that there’s little reason to buy from you now. You might be thinking the exact opposite because you know your work would improve his situation, reduce a cost, avoid a cost or increase revenue. So how do you change his mind? You sell. Understand what … [Read more...]
LinkedIn For Sales
You may be looking for the silver bullet for prospecting success. I don’t have it. Yet, LinkedIn is a promising tool that you should consider. It might not be the silver bullet you are hoping for, but it just might make your prospecting easier. Seek and you shall find. Here’s how I recommend you start using LinkedIn to find your qualified leads. Do a search by either company … [Read more...]
Look at Your Selling With a Fresh Pair of Eyes
Do you remember that feeling of starting fresh when you headed back to school? This is the perfect time to revisit that attitude for sales even if you are not off to school. Why not take a fresh look at your selling? Take another look at your ideal prospect. Your ideal prospects should change as you gain more expertise and the market changes. What might have seemed like the … [Read more...]
Selling an Intangible
You might have noticed that it’s easier to sell a tangible (one you can touch) item than it is to sell an intangible (one you can't.) I’ve never heard someone wake up in the morning and say, “I’m in the mood to go and buy insurance today” unless they just experienced major damage to their home. You do hear people say, “I’m in the mood for ice cream” or “I want a new iPhone” or … [Read more...]
Sales Checklist for Summer
Have you noticed how many customers and prospects are on vacation? The summer tends to be a quiet time for some salespeople. You can use the quiet to your advantage if your business slows down during summer. It’s time to think about your selling. Thinking is so undervalued in sales strategy. When things are quiet it’s the perfect time to do a little thinking about your selling. … [Read more...]
Can You Sell Value Instead of Price?
There are two mindsets when you sell. Either you sell on price or you sell on value. You should have the lowest price if you’re going to sell on price. Just be prepared to lower your price if a competitor matches your low price. Selling value is more difficult, but the benefit is that you are less vulnerable to losing your business. Does your customer understand … [Read more...]