2020 is right around the corner, and we will be making our New Years’ resolutions in a few days. Most of us make resolutions to better ourselves and to even improve our situation. But don’t be so quick to move on to 2020 while kicking 2019 to the curb. So, here is some quick advice on how we all need to approach the New Year: Reflect. Remember. Recognize. (more…)
As January comes to an end, how are you doing with your 2019 New Years’ Resolutions? Did you give up already? If you’re off to a good start in keeping your resolutions, then you’re only 8% of the people who keep their resolutions. We all have good intentions, but let’s Read more…
Sometimes you’re not ready to handle what life throws at you—and it can really rock your world. The most important course of action to take is not to fight with your emotions. We’re not robots. Some people handle things differently and that’s ok. As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, we Read more…
You just finished a meeting with your customer. You asked for their business. And the customer responds with—MAYBE. Sigh. How you interpret that maybe is up to you. Let’s be honest, most sales professionals interpret a MAYBE for a yes.
It’s important to remember that there are only two responses: Yes or No. In fact, NO is my second favorite answer in sales. It’s the “Maybe’s” that cause a lot of heartache and frustration for sales professionals—not to mention the time wasted with unnecessary follow-up. (more…)
Do you want to see real growth in your sales organization? Here’s a simple tip: Start treating your sales professionals as people.
What does that mean? Right now, there’s too much emphasis on the company instead of focusing on people. Company culture begins at the recruiting/interviewing process. Treat a candidate as a human being during the recruiting process. If a sales professional is under performing, eliminate the “Coach ‘em up or coach ‘em out” mentality. If you take care of your sales team, they will in return take care of your customers—improving customer retention.
A culture shift has to happen. (more…)
When it comes to working with people, are you a leader or a manager? First of all not everyone who is a manager is a leader and not all leaders are managers; however, your team will know if you’re a leader or a manager. The most important question is do you know who you are? Take the quiz to find out.
Although there are pros and cons with both, I will save my insight until the end. Hiring a “leader” or a “manager” must fit within your company culture and vision.
Consider the following traits: tells, meets expectations, sets the direction, has objectives, takes risks, instructs employees. Leader or Manager?
Let’s check out this infographic that clearly outlines the traits and separates the two: (more…)
Theo Epstein did it again. In 2004, he ended the “Curse of the Bambino” and now with the Cubs winning the World Series, he just ended the longest drought in professional sports (in fact 108 years). Just how did he do it? Listen to what Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said about Theo: “He made sure I knew right away it wasn’t about one person. It was about the organization. We talked about how you treat people and the right people will create success. It takes time. It won’t come overnight. He’s honest with everybody everywhere he goes.” It’s all about the organization and people. Can you imagine the Red Sox or Cubs parting ways with Theo after 1 year or even 3 years of hiring him? So, here is some sales leader advice that will help any organization become successful: (more…)
When it comes to your competition, how do you handle yourself during a sales call? Have you bashed them? Do you exaggerate your company? Do you argue or debate with a prospect why they should do business with your company rather than your competitor?
Unfortunately, if you’ve gone down this road, your emotions got the best of you, and you probably didn’t earn the customer’s trust or respect.
We all want to aggressively compete, but “mudslinging” your competition is not the right approach. So, how should you properly address the competition? Simple. Tell YOUR company’s story. (more…)
I was compelled to write this after seeing “These Require Zero Talent” picture being shared numerous times on Facebook and LinkedIn. Once you overlook the guy on a computer at the gym, there is a good message here. But if these traits require zero talent, what drives these traits?
When talking about sales performance, you’ve probably heard the saying “Will or Skill.” I’ve heard it time and time again, and at one point in my career, I adopted this principle. Although there is some truth to this, I believe it comes down to something more. Let me explain.