In which we search for the trail head of the path to becoming clients’ Trusted Advisors. We recently conducted some research with one of our client’s small business owner customers, owners of companies with sales in the $2 million to $5 million range. We asked them a series of questions about their companies, their banking … Read more »
In which we offer five strategies that respond when a prospect says “I don’t need what you’re selling now.” A lotta cats get stumped when prospects say, “no, not interested now.” Read more »
In this we consider that some of our moves at the beginning of sales calls may not be so smooth. “She wouldn’t even look at me,” Maureen (our practice manager) exclaimed. “I watched her walk across the parking lot, she came to the door, she saw you and shook your hand, you introduced her to … Read more »
In which we discuss the importance of choosing and developing a personal brand and symbols that align with our clients’ concerns or opportunities. We had a big upset in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts last week. (No, I’m not referring to the fact that our Boston Celtics continued to lose games with lousy defense and … Read more »
In which we learn how survival instincts affect our selling practices. Why do so many sales representatives “pounce” on the first opportunity they see in a sales process, leaving potentially larger business opportunities untouched? Why are account penetration and cross sell ratios so low, almost universally? Read more »
In which we discuss the routines of managing our time and territories. Shoveling snow is my favorite exercise. OK, you think I’m a raving lunatic. You wouldn’t be the first to have this thought (at least about my approach to winter storms, and the line forms to the left, behind my children and wife). Read more »
A seasonal message which we’re encouraged to share what we know with people in need. She was driving her young children home at the end of a “day out with Mom.” She was late, she had a lot to do, and she wanted to get home. Read more »
In which we explore “expertise marketing” – speak, write, or be written about – as a pipeline development strategy. Read more »
Comes one who seeks to be my trusted advisor with a seat at the Trusted Advisor table. My Urban Spoon app wouldn’t open on my iPHone. Neither would the other apps I’d downloaded. Read more »
In which we are reminded…. and reminded… and reminded… to remind out clients about the value we’re creating with them. “What time is your flight,” inquired my driver? I climbed into his cab at 5:30 pm, leaving my hotel in Chicago bound for O’Hare airport. “7:10 pm,” I replied. Read more »
We Are Seriously Social.