Salespersons should go into each sales call with a strategy. In some cases this plan may work exactly as it was drawn up. However, in many instances this is not the case. Think of it like a game of basketball. In some games your team may go into the game trying to play a man-to-man defense and then realize this is not working and go to a zone defense. However, your team was prepared to play either defense. If you are always prepared for contingencies and curveballs on sales calls, you will be ahead of your competition.
There are many “sales things” we do that REALLY are not sales things at all. Are you the best person to be doing that press check? Do you really need to go have lunch with that same client again? The only way to focus on bottom line and proactive activities that need to be done now is to rid yourself of time wasters and ask if “this is the best use of my time?”
Get to a Buyer’s Why?
Many in sales have learned to ask questions on sales calls. Let’s go deeper. I challenge you not to think as if you are “selling anything” and instead that you are “interviewing” the buyer to get to their root level pain source, so you can help them feel better. For example, if they could change one thing with their current printing vendor what would it be and why? Why would they consider making a change? If they had a magic wand and could draw up the perfect supplier, what would that company look like and why? Thus, always dig deep and actively listen to what they’re saying so you can ask the next question.
Solution Behind Every Problem
There is a solution behind every sales problem. Someone will solve the needs that a buyer has. The question is, will that person be you? There will always be problems. Thus, the opportunity is how you are going to develop a creative solution to a problem and “out-think” your competition. Do not get stuck on what is wrong in a situation and, instead, flip the issue on its head. Remember, most people focus on the problem and not the solution. And you are going to attack the problem in a new way. Finally, if you want it bad enough, you will find a way. If you don’t, you will find an excuse.
I hope these prove helpful to you. Have a great week.
- Categories:
- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Ryan T. Sauers has spent nearly 30 years running, leading or consulting with printing, graphics, promotional and visual communications-related organizations. Sauers is CEO of two companies, Sauers Consulting Strategies LLC and End Resultz Inc. that among other things, owns magazines and is a media firm. Key areas of focus of the firms include sales training, marketing strategy, personal branding, leadership development and organizational change.
Sauers is a frequent national speaker and columnist. He has been recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs globally and achieved the top designation of Certified Marketing Executive through Sales and Marketing Executives International.
Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and communication courses to current and aspiring leaders. He is a Certified Myers Briggs, DiSC and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (one of few in the U.S. to achieve all three rigorous certifications related to human communications, personality and behavior).
Sauers has completed his doctoral-level coursework in Organizational Leadership and is now (ABD - All But Dissertation) working on his dissertation on why some entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve initial and long-term success, whereas countless others do not.
Sauers is the host of the Marketing Matters radio show in Atlanta that later becomes a global podcast. He also is the host of the Community Connections TV show that comes out in video and podcast form. Sauers is the author of the best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales, and Would You Buy from You? More info at RyanSauers.com or call (678) 825-2049 or email Ryan@RyanSauers.com