What’s with the title? You’ll see.

Interesting ImageIn a previous post I shared how you can supply questions to your prospects that they can ask of your competitors which will actually provide answers that position you as the better choice. This week, I have another variation of “preconditioning,” where you tell people what to expect.

Let me explain.

At a recent in-house training program I conducted for a client’s sales staff, we discussed how many sales reps believe that if after a call they send out sales literature, samples, demos, or direct a prospect to a website, that they have an interested and compliant prospect who will always do what they say. Yeah, right.

All of those CAN be effective, if they are utilized correctly. I’ll relate a story that explains a concept that can help you.

A few years ago I was in the Santa Barbara area to do a training program. I had arrived about mid day, the day before and took the scenic drive up into the neighboring wine country, where the move Sideways was filmed. [click to continue…]

A Coward’s Guide to Asking for More Referrals

Referrals
Thumbnail image for A Coward’s Guide to Asking for More Referrals

A Guest Column by Jim Domanski Do you know why the majority of sales reps do not ask for referrals on a consistent basis? They’re cowards. They fear rejection or they worry that they’ll be seen as too pushy or aggressive or they think the customer won’t like them …and maybe even stop doing business. [...]

Read the full article →

My Real-World Graduation Success Advice You Won’t Hear at a Commencement Address–But Should

Self Motivation
Thumbnail image for My Real-World Graduation Success Advice You Won’t Hear at a Commencement Address–But Should

It’s that time of year when kids all over are graduating from college, and for most, entering the world of reality. Not like reality TV shows, but the real world of life. I haven’t been invited to be anyone’s commencement speaker, but over the past 30 years of being in business for myself I have [...]

Read the full article →

Sell at Your Full Price, Avoid Giving Away Profits

Price and Value
Thumbnail image for Sell at Your Full Price, Avoid Giving Away Profits

I ran into a local Chinese restaurant at lunchtime to get a takeout order from the lunch menu.I asked if soup came with the order.The woman at the counter told me that they did not have soup to go with the lunch specials, just for dining in.I really wanted some hot and sour soup. “So how [...]

Read the full article →

Voice Mail: Enough of the Crap Already. Here’s the REAL Story

Voice Mail

I’ve about had it with a lot of the garbage floating around about sales voice messages. I’ve always had the same stance, but It’s time that I get more vocal and ask for your help in spreading the word. Seems like every day someone is putting out a blog, article, tweet, “free” webinar, video, LinkedIn [...]

Read the full article →

Funniest or Most Embarrassing Phone Experiences

Humor and Silly Stuff

A few years ago we ran a contest looking for those embarrassing or funny phone experiences we love to share–or perhaps keep to ourselves. I had some requests to share it again for those that didn’t see it. We had 59 entries (see them all in the Comments below) and the winner received an OfficeRunner [...]

Read the full article →

Avoid the Stupid Sales Questions

Questioning
Thumbnail image for Avoid the Stupid Sales Questions

I get to travel all over doing my inside sales training programs for clients. And when I do, I love to get out, and take in what the city has to offer. And I’m always looking for sales ideas. Today I have a sales observation for you from the street. The street is Broadway. Times [...]

Read the full article →

The First “Art of Selling” Award Winner

"Art of Selling" Award
Thumbnail image for The First “Art of Selling” Award Winner

I’ve observed, bought from, trained, and worked with many extraordinary salespeople in my 30 years of business. And I’ve written and spoken about them at my training programs and presentations. It finally occurred to me last Saturday–as I was in front of such a salesperson–that I should formally recognize them when I see an outstanding, [...]

Read the full article →

Act Like a Child to Handle a No

Closing
Thumbnail image for Act Like a Child to Handle a No

In the grocery checkout line the little boy walked over to his mom with package of snack cakes and displayed it to her with an outstretched arm. “You don’t need that,” mom said, barely glancing up from the Cosmo she was leafing through. “I want it though.” “No,” mom said. The kid threw it in [...]

Read the full article →