In which we are reminded that people frequently make decisions based on feelings, first, then on facts. During a heated discussion recently, one of our colleagues growled, “Facts don’t count.” At the time, I thought, “What an IDIOT! Of COURSE facts count. This is a BUSINESS we’re talking about.” But… what if facts DON’T count … Read more »
In which we learn to set context with past – present – future questions when a client or prospect asks for product information. Read more »
In which we are reminded that being a good advisor to clients often means leading them. Read more »
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 are reminded to listen beyond the point at which we think we know the solution to a client’s problem or challenge. Read more »
In which we are reminded that working with gatekeepers can increase our chances of success entering a new buying center when we can’t get a referral from a trusted third party. “Getting though gatekeepers” continues to be a hot topic. When we can’t get referrals to our target prospects from people they trust, we’re left … Read more »
In which we are reminded that starting conversations with people is the heart of prospecting. “We are trying to break through the noise and we are using all these scripted lines,” he said, referring to calling prospects for appointments. “At some level, what we need to do is ‘connect with people,’ and start conversations and … Read more »
In which we learn the importance of asking for the story behind the story before we present our recommendations. Someone made the mistake this week of asking me, “If you could only teach one skill to improve sales performance, what would it be?” That’s a question akin to, “If you could boil the meaning of … Read more »
In which we learn that “leading with specifics” may accelerate our connections with prospects to whom we’ve not been referred (that being the BEST way to connect with prospects). I’m listening to my 18-year old daughter call a friend. She wants to “do something.” It sounds something like this (I can hear half the conversation): Read more »
In which we are reminded about the power of referrals and associations to accelerate contact with prospects. “They’re great knives,” my newly trained son intoned. “Here, let me show you.” And with that, he was off and cutting, working us through his demonstration. “…And if you need them sharpened, you send them back to the … Read more »
We Are Seriously Social.