In a recent report released by J.D. Power and Associates there was a small surprise. Land Rover (the ultimate yuppie driving machine) was #17 in quality – of 17 listed vehicles!

Now, it would appear that there are complex, somewhat confusing activities going on to determine who, if anyone, wants to buy the name. Whether it will be Ford (the last thing they need), Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, or someone else, it’s too early to tell.

What does this tell us? Well, first of all that there is value in a brand – even if the product itself is flawed. Secondly, items (even a name) can always be sold. If you can find the right buyer – who inevitably will buy things for their reason and not yours.

Whether it is a name brand, tangible product or intangible service there is a buyer somewhere. The secret to selling anything is to always have sufficient prospects in the que…and if one doesn’t buy, perhaps the next one will. Even if your product is at the bottom of the quality ladder.

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Click the pic to debunk the myth.

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Click the pic to debunk the myth.

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Newly discovered threats of terror wreak havoc on travelers and the airlines… how is it affecting you?

For some, I imagine it won’t have a tremendous impact – maybe something to talk about with your close customers. For others – it could be a serious problem, for you, for your organization.

After 9/11 – as a sales training organization – a cloud formed over our future. But our CEO managed to actually grow our staff and maintain business. Others, I’m sure weren’t as fortunate.

Once again, we’ll see long delays and even some cancellations at airports. Objects and materials will be banned. What is your reaction? Resigned irritation? Or outrage at another terrorist plot?

What do you think will happen with this latest scare? How will it affect you and your organization? How will it affect your career and your personal life? Is this a blip on the radar? Not even? Or is this a serious threat?

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This subject is super relevant for salespeople.

The key benefit of being a sales professional is, of course, the potential to earn an income that far surpasses a good, regular paycheck.

A key downfall to selling as a profession is, of course, the potential to earn an income that falls far short of a good, regular paycheck.

I’m not going to start ranting about the necessity of constant and consistent prospecting (although it’s really, really important!) but salespeople do need to ask themselves some of these questions.

Which is more important to financial success: saving money (spending less than you earn through cost cutting) or making your income as high as possible (earning more money)?

Give your opinion, join the conversation, or just check out the different perspectives.

For the record – I think it’s more important to save money. You never know when your income stream is going to dry up. If it does, and you haven’t been saving…

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