December 3rd, 2008 admin
In response to the demand for low cost quality information to gain more business in rocky times, I’m excited to announce my FREE Teleseminar on Thriving in a Volatile Economy.
I have been living and teaching accelerating business growth for over 30 years; the principles in this program have allowed me to operate five successful businesses during three recessions. Now, I will show you how to thrive in economic uncertainty and where to find hidden treasures of gold.
Remember, to be on the field of play you need to take action. I have reserved a spot for you to be one of the first to learn about this program. Take action and join us on Thursday December 18, 2008, learn the “Secrets” and start your New Year in blazing speed.
If you would like to make a reservation, please visit:
Click here to Register or follow this link: http://TinyWebLink-001.com/?pid=4542695
You need to register today, my lines are limited and the last one was completely sold out.
Wishing you success,
Drew Stevens
P. S. For the first 50 registrants I am offering my FREE Special Report - “Thriving in the Current Economy”. This 15-page report provides techniques and strategies to find business now!
Posted in Drew Stevens, Sales Management Training, Sales Training, Sales marketing, Selling in a Bad Economy, Strategic Selling, sales and marketing, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, self development, self help, self mastery, selling, selling effectiveness, selling skills, selling skills sales seminars, selling strategies, selling strategy, selling techniques, selling tips, small business, small business success, small business techniques | No Comments »
November 26th, 2008 admin
If you need sales skills and methods to grow your business then you must join Fast Track Sales Clubs. The unique blended learning provides immediate access to innovative and time tested techniques from Top Sales Expert and Business Growth Specialist, Drew Stevens.
No business grows without acquiring new customers. In fact, nothing happens to your business without a sale. Utilities do not function, employees do not get paid and you do not receive compensation without a sale!
To grow business, acquire and retain clients and gain financial prosperity requires a single focus and most important accountability. Coaches assist elite individuals uncover underutilized strengths and hide weaknesses. Coaching helps provide a single focus and work towards the tip of the arrow rather than just the target.
In addition, in a time pressured world and multi generational environment modalities of learning change. Professionals desire assistance wherever, however and whenever they need it. Using the power of technology coaching is available throughout the day!
Finally, Athletes practice, attorneys practice, students practice and musicians practice. Business professionals must practice! . Too many individuals attempt things once and quit. Whether a diet, gym membership or other life altering experience, individuals try one time and leave without moving forward. The key to self-mastery is continuing. You must practice everyday. Just like you body is an investment, so is your mind!
Join our Fast Track Selling Club and watch your business dramatically accelerate!
For additional information click here…
Posted in Business Communication, Communication Training, Customer Relationship, Customer Relationship Management, Customer Service Training, Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Management, Positive Selling, Public Speaker, Public Speaking Skills, Sales Management Training, Sales Training, Sales marketing, Selling in a Bad Economy, Strategic Selling, Tips and Techniques, Training, account management, brand recognition, branding, business building, business development, business selling, cold calling, customer service, customer service consulting, customer service ideas, customer service seminars, customer service skills, effectiveness, efficiency, great customer service, lead generation, lead inquiry, lead management, life balance, make money, marketing, marketing help, marketing techniques, marketing tips, marketing tools, productivity, productivity techniques, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales manager training, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, self development, self doubt, self help, self mastery, selling, selling effectiveness, selling skills, selling skills sales seminars, selling strategies, selling strategy, selling techniques, selling tips, small business, small business success, small business techniques, tips on marketings | No Comments »
October 23rd, 2008 admin
The American economy is volatile, customers are more demanding, customers are not reachable and the end of the year is only weeks away. Will you make quota? Are you reaching your annual objectives? Will you survive the precariousness? You will, as long as you change your selling habits and adjust to present norms.
The myth for selling managers and professionals is that cold calling works. More importantly, some professionals believe the more calls the more successful opportunities. This is far from the truth. A dramatic shift has occurred in client- sales relationships- the Internet. The proliferation of technology and the facilitation of information create the chasm. Customers have too much information to discern what they desire. Clients know more about the products and services you sell then you do. For many years, selling existed to demonstrate the mechanics of products and services. However, a new process is required, movement from product presentations to value. Clients need to understand the impact your offering has with their need and how quickly it assists.
Most importantly, to better understand value, clients desire a relationship. They want to trust their selling professional continually as a respected partner. So how can you gain the inside track for clients to like you?
For many years, I have been preaching that the best selling professionals conduct research. Clients devour a professional that understands their company, their issues, and their industry. In addition, if you want to make an impression understand how the competition integrates in the relationship enigma. There are numerous resources to use such as newspapers, quarterly periodicals, Internet sites, and company databases. Research is a vital part of client relationships; ensure success with good investigation.
Another method to help build relationships is terrific communication techniques. Clients admire those that simply listen. Competition reduces and relationships built by those with empathy for customer issues. Speaking does not enable comprehension for issues, but listening does. Devote time for developing questions that provoke insightful customer responses.
Finally, there is a cliché worth embellishing for our example, “Keep your competition close and your customers closer”. Technology is about connectivity. We all feel overwhelmed by the largess of email and voice mail. However, technology provides the competitive advantage of maintaining customer connections. Preserve clients with proper communication. The best rule of thumb once or twice per month either telephonically or directly.
Similar to an athlete seeking to gain a competitive advantage, you too must seek the inside track. Clients today are more discretionary. Ensure your success with proper relationships that enable competitive advantage, insight, and availability and watch your goals become reality.
© 2008. Drew J. Stevens. All rights reserved.
Posted in Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Management Training, Sales Training, Sales marketing, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales manager training, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, self development | No Comments »
October 16th, 2008 admin
Watching the recent debates and other national political contests reminds me of two sales professionals trying to close business. One of the most daunting issues of note is how politicians denigrate the competition. The skill that has always stuck with me over my entire sales career is to focus on one thing- you! Sales professionals like politicians illustrate 1) weakness and 2) lack of client outcomes when needing to speak ill about competitors.
It is vital that selling professionals focus on client outcomes, results, and most importantly, client need. Derogatory remarks focus on fear, place that party on the defense, and annoy prospects. Prospective clients want answers to “What is in it for me?” When combative selling professionals slam each other, clients look elsewhere for business.
The best politicians like selling professionals focus on one thing- the client. Grandma always told me never engage with bullies, this is dependable advice. When caught in the derogatory net, the best focus on the issues clients desire answers. The next time a competitor tries to engage, act like a politician; remove your focus from the bully and become myopic to the prospective client.
© 2008. Drew J. Stevens. All rights reserved.
Posted in Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Training, Sales marketing, business development, business selling, marketing, marketing help, sales and marketing, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, selling, selling effectiveness, selling skills, selling skills sales seminars, selling strategies, selling strategy, selling techniques, selling tips, small business, small business success | No Comments »
October 9th, 2008 admin
The economy has taken a dramatic turn for the worst and people are scrambling for numerous reasons. One of the most daunting is the number of individuals being terminated. Unemployment is up and this is not time for that faint of heart.
Terminated 3 times in a six-month period is how to begin a consulting organization, I can attest to the stress. After all, I am an OPP – Out placed Professional. Ironically, it was not long before I began a new career, discovered a new attitude, and controlled by destiny. The key to your success is to use existing selling skills.
1. By natural tendency, selling professionals are inquisitive individuals. The best professionals are detectives and consistently seek new methods for success. Out placed individuals must emulate selling professionals. The best people continually read the press, and research organizations that might need new talent.
2. Selling professionals create communities. Job seeking individuals must tap into existing networks to provide the leads for new opportunities.
3. Conducting searches requires competitive intelligence. The newfound time requires a makeover of your resume to decipher the differentiation you bring to a new opportunity. Draft your resume as a proposal, thinking about outcome and value not about you!
4. Selling professionals never stop asking provocative questions. Job seekers must too. Draft a series of questions that provide insight into opportunities and to the three F’s- Fit, Finances, and Find. Develop questions that provide methods to seek new organizations.
5. Selling professionals know how to close. Job seekers must use closing techniques that advance the search. If you desire employment, you must ask for it. It is imperative to follow up. To discover great closing questions review Split Second Selling
6. Job seekers must have a competitive spirit. I recall a young woman I interviewed. She arrived with three manila folders, one for her resume, one with historical information on the company and its products and one on the competition. I hired her on the spot. She was prepared, enthusiastic, and ready for success. When arriving for the interview ensures success, knowing something about the organization you seek employment.
Present employment seekers must be aggressive. The competition is fierce, the opportunities small and the differentiation about equal. Attempt your best efforts using the success stemming from successful selling professionals.
2008. Drew J. Stevens. All rights reserved.
Posted in Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Sales marketing, networking, sales and marketing, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, self development | No Comments »
October 3rd, 2008 admin
The economy has taken a dramatic turn for the worst and people are scrambling for numerous reasons. One of the most daunting is the number of individuals being terminated. Unemployment is up and this is not time for that faint of heart.
Terminated 3 times in a six-month period is how to begin a consulting organization, I can attest to the stress. After all, I am an OPP – Out placed Professional. Ironically, it was not long before I began a new career, discovered a new attitude, and controlled by destiny. The key to your success is to use existing selling skills.
1. By natural tendency, selling professionals are inquisitive individuals. The best professionals are detectives and consistently seek new methods for success. Out placed individuals must emulate selling professionals. The best people continually read the press, and research organizations that might need new talent.
2. Selling professionals create communities. Job seeking individuals must tap into existing networks to provide the leads for new opportunities.
3. Conducting searches requires competitive intelligence. The newfound time requires a makeover of your resume to decipher the differentiation you bring to a new opportunity. Draft your resume as a proposal, thinking about outcome and value not about you!
4. Selling professionals never stop asking provocative questions. Job seekers must too. Draft a series of questions that provide insight into opportunities and to the three F’s- Fit, Finances, and Find. Develop questions that provide methods to seek new organizations.
5. Selling professionals know how to close. Job seekers must use closing techniques that advance the search. If you desire employment, you must ask for it. It is imperative to follow up.
6. Job seekers must have a competitive spirit. I recall a young woman I interviewed. She arrived with three manila folders, one for her resume, one with historical information on the company and its products and one on the competition. I hired her on the spot. She was prepared, enthusiastic, and ready for success. When arriving for the interview ensures success, knowing something about the organization you seek employment.
Present employment seekers must be aggressive. The competition is fierce, the opportunities small and the differentiation about equal. Attempt your best efforts using the success stemming from successful selling professionals.
2008. Drew J. Stevens. All rights reserved.
Posted in Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Employee Performance, Human Resource Management, Sales Management Training, Sales Training, account management, business selling, effectiveness, efficiency, sales and marketing, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales manager training, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, self development, self help, self mastery, selling, selling effectiveness | No Comments »
September 29th, 2008 admin
Cures for Building a Physicians Practice
Today’s market requires differentiation. Year’s prior finding a good physician was easy. Approximately 20 years ago, the number of physicians was less than today. In addition, many physicians were General Practitioners, not requiring the specialization in present markets. With the proliferation of competition, diversified practices, and healthcare changes, profitability for physicians is difficult.
Thankfully, physicians can undertake several items for their practice. Each principle is holistic and requires little time and energy but changes can reap rewards. If there were a way to increase your profits with less labor, would you be interested?
1. Customer Service. So much is written about the topic, but such empathy exists. Recently I visited a physician only to be greeted by the “Glass of Death”. You know what I speak of; there is a glass partition at the reception counter. Behind the smoked glass, you can view silhouettes of nurses complaining of the rude, unhealthy, or foul mouth prior patient. Why is it imperative to play a Springer rerun? To increase client experience and help with referrals it is imperative that physician ensure the following 1) all staff greet patients with a smile, 2) all rumor and office gossip remains in the break room not the reception room and 3) remove the barriers. Clients desire accessibility and empathy not a prison.
2. Sales. If physicians think they are not in the sales business-, think again. Every time you are with a patient, you have an opportunity to reinforce your relationship and provide additional services. A recent chiropractor spends 10 minutes with each client enhancing his relationship and encourages his patients to take advantage of his new healing center. He offers nutrition advice, biofeedback, and massage therapy. His center has one thing in mind- the patient.
3. Marketing. Physicians constantly rely on luck to fill their waiting rooms. If you desire more patients then you must do things to brand the name and let others know who you are. Write articles, provide seminars, produce personal brochures, write an Internet blog etc. If you want to create attraction, you need conduct activities that provide a return on time and investment.
4. Referrals. For over 26 years, I have conducted research with thousands of medical practitioners and less than one percent ha a referral program. New patients are the fruit from your current patient tree. It is prudent to nourish and fertilize the tree to maintain your waiting room.
Medical practices are no different from other profitable ventures. Business requires sales, marketing, customer service and accountability. Business also requires a focus on the most imperative asset- the patient. A physician gains a profitable practice by integrating this principles into the practice for the purposes of having phones ring, schedules filled, waiting rooms busy and staff busy. Successful practitioners are working their business. Are you working yours or is it making you ill. Seek some cures today and gain new insight, new revenues and more discretionary time!
Copyright 2008. Drew J. Stevens Ph.D. All rights reserved.
Posted in Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Management Training, Sales Training, Sales marketing, Strategic Selling, marketing, marketing help, sales and marketing, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales manager training, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, self development, selling effectiveness, selling skills, selling skills sales seminars, selling strategies, selling strategy, selling tips, small business, small business success, small business techniques | No Comments »
September 25th, 2008 admin
And the Contract Goes to…
For over 27 years, I have been involved in the world of selling. For me nothing emotes more passion and energy and requires more thinking. Interestingly, I am a commercial actor and realize that selling and acting have many similarities. One of my acting books Audition by Michael Shurtleff talks of guide posts for actors. To help you with similarities I provide guidepost for selling.
Guidepost 1 RELATIONSHIPS – The first step toward selling.
Relationships are the heart of every selling transaction. In fact, research indicates that relationships influence 65 percent of every transaction. Consumer’s purchase from those they know and respect.
Guidepost 2 CONFLICT – What do you want?
Conflict is apparent in every acting scene as actors search for the issues that must be resolved. Interesting, so must selling professionals. Consumers have issues and they must spontaneously be resolved. Selling professionals must understand the conflict and what they must do to amend it.
Guidepost 3 – THE MOMENT BEFORE
Actors must understand the issues of a scene to integrate conflict and relationships. Selling professionals must identify with prospect’s issues. It is imperative that selling professionals prepare for every call. Professionals must understand the customer, the competition, and the industry- the proper competitive analysis provides the sample of prospective client issues. When selling professionals understand the foundational issues, they can identify conflict and build better relationships.
Guidepost 4 – HUMOR – Jokes are not the answer
There is too much cynicism and humor in business meetings. Be succinct and get to the heart of issues. Humor is meant for special times not often.
Guidepost 5 – OPPOSITES – What is the motivation?
Whatever you decide is your motivation for the actor is fine. The same holds true in selling. Understand what you motivation is but also that of the client. Be open to opposites and additional conflict. Always keep motivation of your client top of mind.
Guidepost 6 – DISCOVERIES – The Learning Channel
Provocative questions and proper listening lead to discoveries. Similar to the actor that makes discoveries as they build upon relationships in each scene, the selling professional too makes frequent discovery. Always be ready to ask questions, never illustrate surprise and understand when you believe you are complete there might still exist new information.
Guidepost 7 – THE COMMUNICAITON CYCLE
Communication is imperative for every actor and selling professional. Both verbal and non- verbal skills are communication. Ensure success by emulating style, being open and articulate, asking good questions, and seeking information. Both situations include senders and receivers and each requires understanding for success.
Guidepost 8 – IMPORTANCE – Locating The Dramatic Core
Selling professionals must discover the core issues, periods, and decision makers. The core of selling is taking the risks needed and asking the difficult questions to gain the core. Similar to fitness today that uses CORE to reach individual goals, selling professionals too require core for compensatory success.
Guidepost 9 – FIND THE EVENTS – A series of things?
Selling situations progress from a series of events. Selling is a mosaic that requires several events to formulate the picture. Seek first to understand. Do not rush; ensure that each transaction is a part of the completed result.
Guidepost 10 – PLACE – Remember Ghandi
A wonderful quotation from Mahatma Gandhi depicts this guidepost, “Be the change you want to see”. Visualize your success, your conversations, and the occurrences with prospect. Visualization places you in the moment so that you eliminate surprises and ensure preparation. Be in the moment!
Guidepost 11 – GAME PLAYING AND ROLE PLAYING – Play for purpose
Knowing the game and role you, play helps you immeasurably to provoke conflict. Continue to remain in the moment. Know your role and how you create the events that shape closing the sale.
Guidepost 12 – MYSTERY AND SECRET – Surprise, Surprise
Ask questions first to keep the client guessing. You need not offer full disclosure unless you too have useful information. The best selling professionals seek first to understand then to be understood.
Each selling situation is similar to an acting scene. Each as an antagonist and protagonist. Each has its conflicts and its desire for resolution. In addition, each requires some facade to emote decision and action. As William Shakespeare once penned, ““Sweet are the uses of adversity”, conflict is the creation of the sales scene. Remember the conflict, build the relationship, develop trust, formulate emotion, and then close the business.
The End.
Posted in Business Communication, Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Expertise, Marketing Non Profit Organizations, Sales Management Training, Sales Training, Sales marketing, business building, business development, business selling, effectiveness, efficiency, marketing, marketing help, motivation, sales and marketing, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales manager training, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, self development, selling effectiveness, selling skills, selling skills sales seminars, selling strategies, selling strategy, selling techniques, selling tips, small business techniques | No Comments »
September 19th, 2008 admin
For one salesman, two lost jobs opened the door to a new career.
Drew Stevens, 46, can empathize with the thousands of employees who will be laid off from Starbucks as the coffee chain shutters 600 stores in a rolling series of closures through early 2009.
While it’s not uncommon to be laid off several times throughout a career, the sudden end of a job – even when announced in banner headlines – is still a shock.
Read more here:
http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2008/09/18/2008-09-18_for_one_salesman_two_lost_jobs_opened_th.html
Posted in Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Hope, Inspiration, Sales Management Training, branding, business building, effectiveness, internet marketing, interview help, interview skills, job candidate, job hunting, job training, sales and marketing, sales coaching, sales help, sales manager training, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales success, sales techniques, self development, self doubt, self help, self mastery, selling, selling effectiveness | No Comments »
September 17th, 2008 admin
Dr. Drew Stevens puts forth some contrarian opinions in this interview that points the finger at not company, not the sales manager but the sales rep. His research suggests there are at least 11 areas where reps are culpable. He details four of these areas in this podcast. Drew goes on to offer specific suggestions on how sales people can reset their internal GPS. Are you employing your CEO personality? If not, take a listen.
Click here to listen to the Podcast
Posted in Drew Stevens, Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Management Training, Sales Training, Sales marketing, Strategic Selling, Success, lead generation, lead inquiry, lead management, marketing, sales and marketing, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales manager training, sales selling, sales skills, sales strategist, sales strategy, sales success, sales techniques, sales trends, self development, self help, self mastery, selling effectiveness, selling skills, selling skills sales seminars, selling strategies, selling strategy, selling techniques, selling tips, small business success, small business techniques | 1 Comment »
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