March 8th, 2010 admin
How to Prospect Successfully
The act of selling is comparable to gold mining. The original gold miners searched everywhere and labored to discover gold. They got their hands dirty, sloshing through mud and mountains in search of destiny. They simply exhausted themselves.
Prospecting need not be labor intensive, but it does need to be done- lead generation is contingent upon it. Prospecting helps to maintain the pipeline so there is a continuous flow of leads in the queue, this is especially useful when selling based on monthly net. However, research supports the notion that many selling professionals not only do not take the time to prospect but they do not prospect well.
One of the best items used for prospecting is The Wall Street Journal. If you are in sales and you want to meet economic buyers then you must read the daily business bible. The Wall Street Journal provides you with content of competition, the industry and economic environment. Articles provide data on industry trends while also providing a platform for better conversations. Reading the journal assists in finding those buyers that need your services, while using current events that help you articulate value.
Another abandoned prospecting staple is a company annual report. These widely regarded research tools contain an abundance of information about an organization. The three vital elements are the letter from the Chief Executive Officer or President indicating the firm’s strategy, the second is the financial strength of the company and the third includes risk and growth areas of the business. Business prospecting is refined by not only understanding who to speak with but what to say after hello.
Finally, the proliferation of the Internet allows plentiful data to arrive in your daily email inbox. There are services such as Factiva© from Dow Jones, Google Alerts© and others that allow selling professionals to discover new information about both accounts and industry trends. These resources are not only information savvy but easy to use. Simply subscribe to the services, develop personal alerts and await the information to be sent. More importantly with the need for knowledge today, information quickly informs you of imperative market changes, economic issues, political influences, acquisitions etc. Imagine having content that places selling professionals at a competitive advantage. In addition, calling the right prospect with competitive information only increases chances of creating prospecting opportunities.
Prospecting today does not require the same labor as earlier decades however there is a need work smart. Selling professionals that know where to mine the data remain at a competitive advantage because they have content economic buyers want to discuss. Prospecting involves connecting with the right people while creating the right levels of provocative conversation. Begin to mind your territories, and increase your intensity with the proper resources to get you the golden opportunities you seek.
©2010. Drew Stevens PhD. All Rights Reserved.
There are seven secrets for selling effectiveness. Click here For a Free Report for the 7 Secrets to Selling Success
© 2009. Drew Stevens PhD. All Rights Reserved.
Drew Stevens is one of the world’s leading authorities on sales and customer service. Drew is the author or the successful sales techniques book Split Second Selling. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness. To book Dr. Drew for a workshop or keynote or to obtain his Secrets of Ultimate Business Success visit his website www.stevensconsultinggroup.com
Posted in Sales Training, sales help, sales skills, sales techniques | No Comments »
March 1st, 2010 admin
If you or one of your selling staff where pulled over by a police officer and arrested for being a selling professional, would there be enough evidence to convict you or the others?
The purpose of selling is meant to create relationships. Selling requires building trust and asking provocative questions that instill dialogue to gain customer understanding. So why then are there so many floundering, failing and simply annoying many. Too many selling professionals today fail to do the required homework to have any intellectual discussion. It is criminally negligent to not conduct the necessary detective work and discover information to assist conversation.
In two recent and hellacious examples one seller was an SEO firm seeking to assist me my web efforts. However he knew nothing of my Google ranking. In the other, one sales professional did not get past hello because of the rote script she was reading from. This folly conveys ignorance and most of all laziness. Selling requires research and knowledge before engaging conversation. Anything less results in rejection.
Before you pick up the phone to say hello, make certain that the actions you take can convict you of being a professional, ethical and knowledgeable selling professional.
Quote of the day
To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge. – Benjamin Disraeli
Posted in Sales Training, Uncategorized, sales help, sales skills, sales strategy, sales techniques, selling skills, selling techniques, selling tips | No Comments »
February 26th, 2010 admin
The current recession has selling professionals and their management seeking alternatives to increase sales. One issue that continually arises is selling to the C Suite. There is a belief that if selling professionals increase their abilities to corporate executives both closure and sales revenues will increase. That may or may not be true.
The first item to consider with attempting selling products and services to corporate executives is whether the individual occupying the office is truly the buyer. Many selling professionals get fooled into believing that title encourages the sale. While CEO’s are responsible for a myriad of activities their main priority is a focus on customer acquisition and retention as well as a return to stakeholders. It is simply impossible to be involved in every vendor decision, and it is considered micromanagement. Take some time to understand your true buyer before wasting time.
Selling professionals by nature are tactical and invariably spend time with those that might influence but do not make decisions. However the approach for selling to decision makers in the C Suite must be more strategic. Before embarking on cold calling and using rote sales principles, take the time to prepare. Selling professionals must adequately prepare before calling an executive. I suggest reading current versions of The Wall Street Journal to comprehend environmental (i.e. economic, political, technological, etc) issues as well as competitive pressures. In addition, reading the organizations annual report is essential for understanding the firm’s strategy and industry acceptance. Finally a quick review of corporate, industry and other competitive issues enables a representative to have articulate conversations with senior executives.
Upon completion of preliminary reading, selling professionals must establish a strategic corporate profile in order to better comprehend the corporate structure and align products and services you offer with the prospective organization. The strategic profile removes the tactical issues of product sales and creates a better ability to create long-term relationships. Executives will trust the ability to be more consultative. Formulating a corporate strategy creates provocative questions related to objectives and measurements for success, which are the conversations that senior executives desire. Dialogue focuses on organizational results and benefits to the customer, not product/service facts. Executives desire to hear about output and results.
Finally strategic selling professionals do not visit the C Suite with rote tactics of cold calling etc. While a myriad of books, audios and other materials exist suggesting such, executives are met through referral and networking. Individuals invest in those they know and trust. This requires selling professionals to shift direction and gain better momentum with strategic ideology. It simply requires change.
We are currently in a sea of rapid change and momentum. Recessions also enable organizations to develop innovative techniques. Now is the time to be a market leader and create techniques that allow innovation and renewal. Shifting to a new sales direction will take some time but as comfort returns, the organization will gain speed and velocity. The results will be worth it!
There are 7 techniques you can use daily to assist you preparation efforts. Get the 7 Secrets to Sales Preparation by emailing me today. Ask about our Free 30 Minutes “Sales Acceleration Coaching Clinic”!
©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in sales and sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and selling professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness offering tips and techniques that immediately improve selling performance.
Posted in Sales Training, Uncategorized, sales help, sales strategy, sales techniques, selling skills, selling tips | No Comments »
February 12th, 2010 admin
One of the most common trivialities amongst business professionals is the inane desire to conduct thousands of things but do nothing well. Traction is not gained by conducting a plethora of things without focus. Developing business requires focus on two things- customer acquisition and retention. Doing so requires focus on sales, marketing and customer service. Beyond that not much else is required. Look around you and review items that withhold you from business development. Your labor can be severely decreased by conducting a few things well.
Quote of the week – Every organization is on business for one reason- the customer. – Peter Drucker
©2010 Drew Stevens PhD. All rights reserved.
If you want to know how to obtain 7 ways to become more productive in less time, click here for a free report.
Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in business development. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and sales professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness offering tips and techniques that immediately improve selling performance.
Posted in Sales Training, sales help, sales skills, sales techniques, selling techniques | No Comments »
December 24th, 2009 admin
With over 27 years in the field of selling, Stevens Consulting Group has encountered numerous selling myths. Many are so focused on closing sales but fail to avoid many of the trappings of ridiculous behavior. As I have stated in many of my posts 92% of professionals lack a process in which to conduct relationships that affect business. So many fail to follow two things 1) good advice (and there is a LOT of poor advice nowadays) and 2) proper education. If there were good advice to help you close sales gaps would you be interested? Then here are seven of the top 25 selling errors.
- 1. Price
During our reach into the Millennium, advantages to selling decrease as consumers use the Internet to gain accessibility to competitors, inventory and other vital tools. The information endows the client to strengthen their negotiable position. Price negotiation now succumbs to value. Customers today desire value. Value is the benefit the client receives from a selling professionals business. Value is a competitive differentiator as clients discern the answer to the vital question, “What’s in it for me?” Clients only do business with those they trust. Forget the price equation and only sell on value.
- 2. Anyone can do it
Sales professionals are much like a general on the battlefield, an athletic coach at a game, or a chess player at a tournament: they are always thinking ahead, strategizing to determine their next move. Selling requires a desire to create relationships and a willingness to absorb useful research and articulate the results to a client. Not many have the patience and persistence that selling requires. The skills needed for selling (especially technical sales) are not found in many. Talent is innate and cannot be taught.
- 3. Sales people make good managers
There is a ridiculous notion that since selling professionals manage territories and relationships the transfer of skills rationalizes promotion to management. Not true. Research illustrates that selling professionals desire individual achievement. They enjoy the entrepreneurial ability to call upon clients, meander in their territory and create their own luck. Managing staff requires oversight, reports, and motivation and oftentimes reprimands, shunning results. Simply put, the best selling professionals don’t make the best managers.
- 4. High Motivation is Required
Many aspects of selling require technical conversations. Engineering sales professionals require a pragmatic approach meshed with analytical presentations. Every organization from non-profit to government requires selling to offset expenses. Each firm maintains a variety of cultural standards, some aggressive and loud while others peaceful and cautious. The talent of the professional emulates the organizational culture. High motivation is applicable dependent on the organization. And not all individuals are required to be gregarious.
- 5. CRM Rules
Technology for technology sake is ridiculous. Numerous software and Internet applications assist speed and workplace efficiency. However, many individuals tend to use technology to augment human interaction. Relationships control selling situations. CRM or Customer Relationship Management assists pipeline management. Sellers control relationships with dialogue, language, and discussion not electronic software. Applications must be used to help the relationship not become a substitute for it.
- 6. Internet increases selling effectiveness
The most important part of any business owner is to prepare for each and appointment. The successful professional will always know the client or even the prospect. The Internet is most accessible and enables spontaneous information. Selling professionals might discover useful competitive and industry information that aids the client. However the Internet, like CRM, is not meant to augment the business relationship. Electronic mail and the Internet will aid immediacy of required customer content but it will never substitute for positive relationship building. And forget those social networks, they do little to build business.
- 7. One must always be closing
Building business is about relationships. The discussion with prospects should always be about value, not about fees, or prescriptive programs. If the discussion is not about value, then you or your people have surrendered control of the discussion, and the result will never be on the terms you would prefer. When the discussion is on value and the prospect is convinced of the wisdom of a relationship with you, fees are academic. When business is closed it is based on the adulation of the relationship. Stop worrying about the number of widgets and start worrying about the number of relationships.
There are 25 Myths of Selling to aid in your sales success email me today and I will send an ebook with the others. Ask about our Free 30 Minutes “Sales Acceleration Coaching Clinic”.
©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in sales and sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and selling professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness offering tips and techniques that immediately improve selling performance.
Posted in Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Training, sales help, sales skills, sales strategy, sales techniques, selling skills, selling techniques, selling tips | No Comments »
December 20th, 2009 admin
Quote of the Day
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, Certainly I can! Then get busy and find out how to do it! – Theodore Roosevelt
Weekly Thought
Many contemplate things they want to do in life, yet seemingly procrastinate and discover methods not to advance. The comfort zone stops us from taking risks, taking advantage and creating action in our lives. Think about this, if King, Christ, John Paul, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Theresa, et al did not take risks where would we all be. The mind and the body can do anything you want it to do if programmed correctly. Stop sitting in the stands being a spectator. If you desire action, you need to get into the field of play!
There are 7 techniques to stop your limiting beliefs and create action. If you want action then emai me today for a FREE Tip Sheet.
Ask about our Free 30 Minutes “Sales Acceleration Coaching Clinic” to help you gain immediate sales result or enroll in our Selling on the Run Telecoaching Series.
©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in sales and sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and selling professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness offering tips and techniques that immediately improve selling performance.
Posted in Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Training, Uncategorized, sales help, sales skills, sales strategy, sales techniques, selling skills, selling techniques, selling tips | No Comments »
December 14th, 2009 admin
Quote of the Day
“You look at any large organization and I mean the biggies, and they all started with a guy with an idea, doing it well.” Irvine Robbins
Thought of the Day
In order for a new idea to manifest three concepts are in play 1) risk, 2) removal from the comfort zone and 3) action. Inertia manifests and dampens creativity. Movement and moxie create innovation.
Best Practice
When you stare into the abyss you create fiction. If there is true desire and commitment now is the time to take action. Stop living in your past. Make those dreams become reality. Your idea, your creativity, your actions might be the next great idea to society.
©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in sales and sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and selling professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness with Dr. Drew. To gain a free 30 Minute Coaching Session contact Dr. Drew today get the proper prescription for your success.
Posted in Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Training, sales help, sales skills, sales strategy, sales techniques, selling skills, selling tips | No Comments »
December 11th, 2009 admin
The New Year is only twenty days away and already the anxiety and excitement is building. As many seek refuge from the negativity of the media, others look ahead to new beginnings. We are moving toward a pre boom economy and selling professionals and managers will need to be more efficient and more productive next year. Here are some of the areas that will be affected:
1. Lead Generation – The issue of lead generation has increased in the last two years. Technology has helped gather leads but the conversion factor has not increased. Selling professionals and marketing departments must collaborate for better target market optimization. Simply, put leads must be converted and there will be increased attention to close more business.
2. Customer Service – As reported many times in my columns 45% of every client interaction involves customer service. My research illustrates that customer service has decreased in many organizations. Since customer-to-customer influences have become vital to success, it is increasingly important that selling professionals focus more on their most vital asset- the client.
3. Better Hiring – The days of placing butts in seats to fill a void are gone. Sales managers must find talent that will become immediately productive. The use of On Boarding programs and the discovery of proper talent will be an imperative focus for sales managers. More pressure will be placed on finding the right people in the right positions to help increase margins.
4. Preparation – The last five years have provided significant tools and technology to sales professionals. From CRM systems to better search methodology in Google, selling professionals are more prepared then ever. Or are they? Customers have access to as much information as their sales professional. It is vital that all sellers be prepared for EVERY client interaction. Reading annual reports, watching the news and having a prepared list of value questions will aid every call. Sales people must have more information then their client.
5. Value – We are in a knowledge economy. Selling professionals must stop providing information to clients and provide value. Selling professionals must convert the information that have into knowledge that the client can immediately use to be more competitive, innovative, etc.
6. Process – 92% of selling professionals (and this includes entrepreneurs) do not have a process to build relationships and close business. 2010 will be the year of increased productivity, it is necessary for sellers to gain the knowledge necessary to build trust and close business more efficiently. Sales professionals must be better prepared and better educated. The days of “anyone can sell” have ended.
7. Training – Gone are the days of sitting in a classroom for 8 hours expecting a return on investment. Managers and business professionals do not have the time and frankly event based training fails. Selling is a process therefore sales training will alter to a more succinct process oriented approach. Secondly, with the movement of selling as a profession, companies will remove themselves from education and desire that individuals take ownership of their profession.
Innovative concepts begin during times of dramatic change. 2010 will provide interesting opportunities to the selling community not experienced since the 1980’s. The year will be challenging yet exciting, those ahead of the curve will thrive. Innovation occurs at the beginning of the curve, competition at the end. First mover advantage is always easier.
If you seek more efficiency in your career and want to discover the 12 Secrets to Sales Effectiveness I will send you a free report. Contact me today!
© 2009. Drew Stevens PhD. All Rights Reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in sales and sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of the best seller Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible – 12 Strategies for Ultimate Success. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and selling professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is created the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness with Dr. Drew.
Posted in Drew Stevens PhD, Sales Training, sales help, sales skills, sales strategy, sales techniques, selling skills, selling techniques, selling tips | 4 Comments »
November 23rd, 2009 admin
Quote of the Day
When you’re really trying to make serious change, you don’t want people to get caught up in emotion because change isn’t emotion. Because change isn’t emotion. Its real work and organization and strategy.. that’s just the truth of it. I mean, you pull people in with inspiration, but then you have to roll up your sleeves and you’ve got to make sacrifices and you have got to have structure.
Michelle Obama
Thought of the Day
One of the issues that constantly weights on those that sell is a lack of process. Simply put selling professionals are too tactical. 92% of most professionals do not have a process, do not prepare their calls, do not understand the value of rapport and consequently screw up their closing ratios. There is value in education and learning to be better at your craft. I am floored by the immense amount of free advice available yet individuals do not take advantage. There is not shortcut to selling.
Best Practice of the Day
Take some time this holiday season to renew, to review and to improve. Stop the feeling of victimization of not making sales and learn about something that can assist you. If you use this one thing everyday for a month you will be 50% better.
There are 12 techniques you can use daily to assist you sales efforts. If you seek a quick 12 step tip sheet for selling efficiency email me today. And ask about our Free 30 Minutes “Sales Acceleration Coaching Clinic”.
©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD works with organizations to dramatically accelerate revenue. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness with Dr. Drew. To gain a free 30 Minute Coaching Session or to request Secrets of Ultimate Business Success contact Dr. Drew today get the proper prescription for your success.
Posted in Customer Relationship Management, Referrals, Sales Training, business development, closing techniques, recession, sales and marketing, sales as a career, sales coaching, sales help, sales management, sales manager, sales process, sales prospect, sales resources, sales skills, sales strategy, sales techniques, sales tips, sales trends, selling skills, selling techniques, selling tips, selling to c-level, tip of the week | No Comments »
November 21st, 2009 admin
Quote of the Day
“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Thought of the Day
I was in the middle of a meeting yesterday when my cell phone rang. I do not typically answer any calls during a meeting but I informed my client I was expecting a call. That said, it was not my call but a cold caller! The typical mundane salutation immediately perturbed me, “Hey are you”? I retorted with the issue my number was private she should not have access. She replied, “I got it from a list.
This is the reason why cold calling gets its knocks. It is the reason why selling professionals gain the stereotype. It is also the reason why many individuals are having issues opening doors. Einstein once stated, “Insanity is doing the same things repeatedly and expecting a new result.” Why follow the rules of the foolish when you can no results. Cold calling when done incorrectly only leads to a fools method of rejection.
Best Practice
Cold calling is still a method of obtaining new business if done appropriately, strategically and professionally. Here are some tips:
- Prepare for every call before you pick up the telephone. Research the company, the person and identify the possible objectives the client might desire.
- Prepare a list of questions for each call. Know what you are prepared to say before you say it.
- Do less talking and more questioning. More information is gained when the prospect does the speaking.
- Make notes and paraphrase when issues arise so they are understood.
- Listen for objections to address additional questions.
- Open the call with potential issues for the client not tiresome lines.
- Realize you are not selling product, merely building a relationship.
There are 12 techniques you can use daily to assist you sales efforts. If you seek a quick 12 step tip sheet for cold calling email me today. And ask about our Free 30 Minutes “Sales Acceleration Coaching Clinic”.
©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD works with organizations to dramatically accelerate revenue. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness with Dr. Drew. To gain a free 30 Minute Coaching Session or to request Secrets of Ultimate Business Success contact Dr. Drew today get the proper prescription for your success.
Posted in Customer Relationship Management, Referrals, Sales Training, account management, asking questions, business development, closing techniques, cold calling, communication, customer loyalty, customer relationships, customer service, lead generation, leadership development, marketing, negotiating techniques, negotiation, networking, relationships, sales and marketing, sales as a career, sales coaching, sales effectiveness, sales help, sales management, sales manager, sales process, sales prospect, sales resources, sales skills, sales techniques, sales tips, sales trends, selling skills, selling techniques | No Comments »
RSS Feed
