How To Avoid Fatal Sales Management Pitfalls {Webinar 3/7/07}
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Sales Training Minute Solution: Asking Questions
Remember:
- People buy for their reasons...not yours! You need to learn why they'll buy.
- You need to ask questions to determine why they'll buy.
- In a more complex sale - multiple motivations/reasons/choices to buy abound.
- Ask yourself, "What needs do I fill?" Then develop questions to get them telling you what they need.
- Ask yourself, "What benefits do they seek - then ask questions relative to the benefits your product/service delivers."
- Conduct a best question audit and use those questions.
- Master the art of follow-up questions (ex. "Why do you say that?" or "Could you tell me more."
- Answers will tell you exactly what and how to preset your product or service.
Is it that simple? Yes, it is. Just figure it out!
What Happens When Responsibility and Authority are in Conflict?
This week Bruce S. Gordon resigned as president of the NAACP. I know Bruce although I haven't really seen him for several decades. I do know that he is intelligent, articulate and tough minded. In fact, we were on the same football team at Gettysburg College. His corporate career was stellar...his reputation impeccable.
In reading about his decision to resign it was clear to me that this circumstance appears to be a case of someone having lots of responsibility with very little authority. A board of 64 people? Give me a break! No one - no matter how capable that person might be, will be able to satisfy the agendas of 64 different people. Not even Bruce.
That forces me to ask this question: Are you (or an entire sales team) in a situation where the levels of responsibility and authority "don't match?" First, what is responsibility?
- The obligation to perform
What is authority?
- The right to act
A few examples:
- Responsibility - to sell
- Authority - the right (or lack of it) to adjust terms on delivery
- Responsibility - to manage a sales team
- Authority - the right (or lack of it) to hire or fire salespeople
Think about it. Bruce Gordon's situation was high profile and made national news. A sales manager or salesperson's plight may not be as news worthy. However, it's just as critical to their company, customers, family and career. In any case, it is just as frustrating!
It’s All About Who Coaches You to Your Success
On February 23, 2007 I experienced a great honor. For lots of people, the honor I received is no big deal at all. But it is to me. I was inducted into my high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. It’s 44 years after my graduation – but it’s probably more appreciated now than ever before.
At Woodbury High School (N.J.) football was a big, big deal. Attendance at each game was 6,000+, it consumed the town and our team won 32 of 36 games (with 2 ties) during the time I played. I was, perhaps, no better than an average player, but I had a coach who brought out the best in me, no matter how limited my talent was.
Jim Combs was a World War II Veteran who played briefly for the Redskins and was a great player in college. He demanded the best and gave his best every day and in every way.
I learned discipline, hard work, commitment, accountability, preparation, execution, humility, physical and mental toughness, goal setting and lots, lots more from Jim Combs.
I was truly, truly humbled on February 23rd. However, more than that, I was thankful that I had Jim Combs in my life. Who have you had in your life, who’s made that much difference in you? Thank them before it’s too late. Here’s another question. Is there someone for whom you have been a guiding light? Keep in touch. Don’t let the beacon burn out. I still hear from Jim Combs. And it still brightens my life. He’s a hero to me and lots of others.
Tuesday’s Sales Truth {3.6.07}
The Tuesday's Sales Truths are taken from Bill Brooks' Book Entitled: Universal Sales Truths
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