Posted: April 22, 2021 | Categories: Customer service, Sales

When it comes to service, you can deliver expectations, exceed expectations, or if you are up for it, amaze your customers.  One of the most fruitful ways to generate quality referrals right and left is to leave our customers with jaw-dropping service and gestures.

Here is a personal example:  Six weeks ago I became a grandfather for the first time.  My financial planner knew about the new addition, and acknowledged it. But he didn’t stop there:  He gave us a gift.  It was a custom-made book dedicated to my grandson.  Page one started with Levi’s picture, and the proceeding pages colorfully acted out each letter of his name with animals.  (e.g., Leopard, elephant, viper, inch-worm).  Last night my wife read a book to Levi for the first time and it was that book.  6-week old Levi was totally engrossed and fascinated by the book as Grandma dynamically read each page.  It was a hit!  How did our financial advisor (Jim) get a picture of our grandchild to make that book?  It was easy.  He got it from a text I sent on my I-Phone.  Grandparents love to brag to everyone!

After the book-reading experience, I reflected on what an excellent gift that book was.  The gift demonstrated to us that Jim cares for us and is eager to give us extra effort.  I can’t wait to give Jim another referral.  As it turns out, Jim has reached a point where he doesn’t need to prospect.  He doesn’t have time.  He is too busy following up on quality referrals.  When was the last time you amazed a customer?

Posted: April 9, 2021 | Categories: Sales, Self-Improvement

In the past 12 months we have observed many companies and businesses suffer due to Covid restrictions.  The development and distribution of the vaccines has opened some doors.  So what do we do now to benefit from these newly opened doors?

Here is some good news:  Even though some things have changed, one rule remains the same:  To raise our revenue we need to increase the number of direct selling conversations we have with qualified prospects.  This fundamental is a common denominator of all the companies I know that are doing well now.  Would you like to join them in getting your “Piece of the pie”?  If so, here is what I recommend:

Step #1:  Set a revenue goal.  Make sure the goal is well thought out, realistic, and attainable.  Rather than a long shot, you should have at least a 50% chance of hitting the goal.

Step #2:  Define the “Who?”  Looking at your current list of clients, what type tend to yield the most profit?  Do you need a different type of client due to changes in the business environment?  Next:  Develop your list.  You can use the premium database at your library.  Harris and American Reference are a couple good ones.  You can sort through according to zip code, SIC code, gross revenue or whatever metric you choose.  Make sure the contacts on the list are current.

Step #3:  Categorize and prioritize your list.  You can use the ABC method.  Also, decide how you will approach the prospect.  Email first?  What about calling them?  What will you say to generate their attention, interest, and desire to want to meet with you?

Step #4:  Block time.  Pick the best time that would have the least interruptions.  Honor it.  Have your list before you with the calls in sequence.  Stay focused.  Don’t get distracted.

If you can consistently do all of the above with dogged persistence and no distractions, you will be well on your way to bringing about a comfortable stream of revenue.

Posted: March 30, 2021 | Categories: Sales, Self-Improvement

Now that we are getting through the Pandemic and have a vaccine, I see a lot of folks ready to come alive and get back in the game. Before we re-engage, I suggest we take a moment to ask ourselves what it is that we are excited about.  When that alarm goes off in the morning, are we eager and excited to hit the pavement running, or would we rather hit the snooze alarm.  As Dr.Hans Seyle said, “A successful life is a series of successful days.”  How do we ensure we will have this ability?  Vision.  We must know exactly what we want and be willing to pay the price for it every day by taking purposeful action.

In 2008, my son graduated from college.  Right after graduating he got into sales.  Some of you may recall the 2008-09 recession.  Most would say it was not a good time to sell, but not Kevin.  He had a powerful vision.  He dreamed of a lifestyle, family, and neighborhood that he wanted very much.  He had such a desire for this future state that he carried this “movie” around in his mind and played it all the time.  This thinking led to bountiful energy that fueled his enthusiasm for every challenging moment and setback.  He would jump up, dig in to each day, and there was nothing that would discourage him or make him lose his stride.  Today, 13 years later, he is living his dream in abundance.  In his office he has a marble plaque that says, “A goal without a plan is only a wish”.  Kevin figured out what every achiever learns:  Know what you want, keep your enthusiasm growing, and don’t let anything or anyone distract you.  An oak tree starts out as an acorn, and if left to grow, becomes a monument.  Let your acorns grow!

Posted: February 3, 2021 | Categories: Sales

Have you ever been in a situation where you were ready to close, and suddenly your prospect retreated? You probably have. As sales professionals, we need to be good at selling. We also must be good motivators.

I remember one time when I was observing a sales professional take a procrastinating prospect and jolt them into action with just one question. It was early in my career, and I was learning the sales process by shadowing a veteran top-performer named Curtis. Curtis had been talking to a prospect about enrolling in a 12-week leadership course, and Curtis began to bring things to a close. Just at that point, the prospect said “But this isn’t a good time”. At this point, I expected Curtis to go back to selling by reviewing the benefits and all they had talked about. Curtis didn’t do that. Instead, he put a smile on his face and quickly responded by saying, “Is there ever a good time?” They both laughed. The prospect said, “Good point”. Next, he grabbed a pen and signed up for the course.

Curtis was a seasoned salesperson who knew how to be in step with his prospect. There came a time when he needed to shift from “selling” to “motivating”, and Curtis was right on with his “harpoon” question. Curtis taught me that asking a question can be a much better motivator than making a statement.

Posted: January 27, 2021 | Categories: Sales

One of the most heartbreaking moments in sales is when the deal falls through at the last minute. Everything is set, then Bam! The wheels fall off! How do we help prevent a situation like this? One way is to make sure we have talked with all the key decision-makers.

Three years ago I was working with a client who was an account manager for a large equipment manufacturer. Let’s call him Carl. Carl had been talking with a prospect for several weeks, and he was looking forward to the big purchase order. Right when he thought the deal would close, his prospect announced that he needed to sell the idea to the COO first. Thunk! That was a “gut punch”. Carl was in a dilemma. He had never even had a conversation with one of the decision-makers. Roger, his prospect, led him to believe that he was the lone decision maker. Roger said he would talk to the COO and see if he could get it approved. Carl knew that wasn’t good. After all, who is better at selling Carl’s product? Carl or Roger? Here is what Carl did:

He recommended to Roger that they set up a face-to-face meeting with the COO and all others who would be involved in the decision. Roger agreed. The meeting happened, and Carl was prepared. He answered key questions and concerns from the decision-makers for one hour. Directly afterwards Carl received a PO. Since that time this company has become on of Carl’s top 3 clients. Once he was on the brink of losing it all. Let’s all remember to be certain we are talking to all the decision-makers up front. Dare to ask the question, “Who else should be attending this meeting?” Take the lead!