Do You Take a “Posse” to Sales Calls?
As we discuss call planning and execution with sales professionals we often come across organizations that send several company personnel on a sales call. This selling approach is much like dispatching a “posse”–a metaphor from the frontier era–when a band of citizens, led by a sheriff, chased down and cornered a bandit. Sales calls can […]
Lesson Learned from a Sales Autopsy
Recently we had an interesting conversation with Ben, a very frustrated medical device sales representative. Ben has been a top 5% performer for his firm (Origin) in each of the last five years. He has exceeded quotas every year and consistently outsold his competitors. Origin competes against several companies that offer similar services. Further, Origin […]
Check List for Handling Discount Demands
Recently we were asked by a client to develop a brief but interactive negotiation workshop that provided insight into handling the objection “your price is too high…we need a lower price.” In preparation for the session we developed a detailed case study that outlined the exact business scenario that their sales force was experiencing daily. […]
What Sales Reps Can Learn From Peter Drucker
“Peter F. Drucker was a writer, professor, management consultant and self-described “social ecologist,” who explored the way human beings organize themselves and interact much the way an ecologist would observe and analyze the biological world. His 39 books, along with his countless scholarly and popular articles, predicted many of the major developments of the late […]
Concession Strategy in Complex Negotiations–Planning Your Give-And-Take: Part 2
In “Concession Strategy Part 1” we explored what goes into a concession strategy, the importance of detecting your counter-part’s approach to negotiation (collaborative vs. competitive) and four guidelines for conceding. In Concession Strategy Part 2 we’ll focus on the five skills you should develop or refine to become a better practitioner of “win-win” negotiations. It […]
Concession Strategy in Complex Negotiations–Planning Your Give-And-Take: Part 1
Consider this situation. Your manager offers you a newly created sales management position that includes an increase in salary and a $30,000 bonus. As you reflect on the offer you realize that if you earn your bonus, your total compensation will increase but not markedly since you are paid a salary plus commission now and […]
Is Sales Planning a Waste of Time?
The Context In a recent sales workshop we had lunch with three sales representatives. For purposes of anonymity we will call them Abbie (A), Bill (B) and Charlie (C). It was 10 months into their fiscal year and the conversation turned to their sales funnels, sales planning activities and their efforts to close the year […]
Lesson Learned: No Response! Why?
In a recent sales workshop a participant asked us for some help to solve a problem that perplexed her. We asked for some context before she asked her question. Here is the scenario she (we’ll call her Sally to protect her identity) painted for us rather graphically. Have you ever found yourself in this situation? […]
A Sales Skill That is Often Ignored: Listening!
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Stephen R. Covey Are you a great listener? Most, if not all, sales professionals would say that they are great listeners. While most sales professionals would receive high grades many would be wrong if their clients or customers […]
Do’s & Don’ts for a Successful Negotiation
Background No matter the complexity or size of the deal, there are certain Do’s and Don’ts that you should follow prior, during and following the negotiation. Your goal should be to reach a compromise that is fair and equitable to both parties. Remember–if you close the deal both parties will be partners. Negotiate a win-win […]
