Real Talk About Selling
Don't Panic, PARE Things Down
When it feels like it’s hitting the proverbial fan, you need to circle the wagons and identify what’s really important. You need to PARE things down.
How much time do you spend deliberately selling?
Selling is not rocket science. If you want to grow your business, predictably, you need to diligently and deliberately engage in activities that will drive that growth. Non-essential meetings, social media, and most email doesn't really do that for you.
The #1 Sales Mistake You’re Likely Making
I see something happening all too often with my clients. Your intentions are good, but it drives me nuts, and you need to stop it.
Are you using the placebo effect to your sales advantage?
The stories that we tell ourselves are the most powerful. People, by and large, believe that they get what they pay for: that's the placebo effect. Are you using it to your advantage?
The Biggest Problem with Your Elevator Pitch
The Elevator Pitch, the 30 Second Personal Commercial, your Sales Story... They're all variations on the same theme. If you had a minute or so with one person and had a chance to tell them what you do or what you sell, could you?
Are you measuring what matters?
Growing a business requires a pragmatic approach. Ask the right questions, even if they're the tough ones.
The Three-Letter Thing That’s Standing in the Way of your Sales Success
In sales, ego is your enemy. The way to combat it is not by backing down, but rather by stepping up.
Sales Slump?: How to Block out the Noise and Control the Controllables
If you're doing everything right, and the dominoes just aren't falling yet, then keep your chin up, put your head down, and keep going.
How to Break Through Sales Excuses and Pick Up the Phone
What’s stopping you from picking up the phone?
Learn from your Own Buying Process
Do you ever consider your own buying decisions and processes? How do they relate to your prospects’ decision-making processes? What do you need to overcome that you may not realize you aren’t even addressing?
What’s the Next Step?
I hear a lot of salespeople talking about the "good conversations" they have with prospects and customers. Here's my problem: most of those “good conversations” don't go anywhere, because the seller doesn't do anything with them.
Don’t Let your Authenticity Slow you Down
What are the good attributes of salespeople like that? In an era where everybody is your friend because of social media, and we're all kinder, gentler sellers, can we take anything positive away from the 'old school' sales guy?
Lessons from an Impromptu Fast
I didn’t eat for almost half the week (on purpose!), and I learned more than I bargained for.
Discount is a Four-Letter Word
When you lower your price, you’ve failed to create enough value to justify the original quote.
The Problem with “Setting Goals”
The problem with goal setting is that most people don't have a good context within which to set them.
Are you Arrogant Enough?
All too often, self-imposed limitations born from a lack of self-belief are allowed to thrive in the name of humility.
Stop Dumping your Message on Prospects
Now more than ever, if you want people to hear your message (let alone have it resonate with them) you need to secure their interest first.
Flipping the Switch from Slog to Intentional Focus
Are you willing to make a commitment? Will you take ownership of the outcomes so that your efforts are worthwhile? Or instead, are you just going to slog through another year and get results that are less than what you're capable of?