Sales Is an Art
I am often asked, “Ryan, what is the secret to sales?” But there is no secret or shortcut to sales. People ask me if I can help them find me a “heavy hitter” salesperson, preferably one with a book of business. I reply, “Are you kidding me?” We are in 2013 and that model is dead. These people tell me, “Ryan, we need some more salespersons to pound the pavement, knock on doors, or dial for dollars.”
Dude...ditch the clichés and let’s find someone who can figure out the best way to find new business opportunities and grow existing ones.
A person once asked me if they should make “quality contacts” or “quantity contacts.” My reply is both! You see, sales is an art. I can teach how to connect with people, understand personality types, improve upon their written and verbal communications skills and become better listeners. However, at the end of the day, there is no shortcut, gimmick or off-the-shelf plan you can use to dramatically increase your sales. I see more ridiculous sales training programs offered that people pay good money for but it is the same old stuff packaged in a new way.
Folks, I am here to tell you that if you have not invested in building your online (social/digital space) and individual sales brand and are only using traditional tools in your sales efforts, you are falling behind. Traditional tools are imperative, however, in our new world, as any person is accessible. New tools must be used. So there’s no valid reason why you cannot connect with a viable prospect if there is a reasonable “fit.” The world is totally connected and you can reach anyone.
In using online tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and now Google Plus, I have connected with CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, professional athletes, celebrities, other authors, speakers and more. These connections have led to an e-mail, then a phone call, and later a meeting that led to working together. Trust me, it is the real deal.
- 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
