In which we are reminded that “consultative selling” involves the application of judgment. 7:00 am. Breakfast. Lloyd’s Diner, Natick, Massachusetts. [Don’t ask why. I’m sure I had a good reason.] Read more »
In which we learn to compete in the “future” rather than battling it out in the present. I received a call this week from yet another company cooing that they want Clarity’s business. This one was phone services. “We’re from blah blah company, and we can help you reduce your phone charges up to 20%, … 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 »
In which we learn to ask a fairly personal question answers to which will help us develop our account strategies. “So, what is your Plan B,” I asked? Read more »
In which we’re reminded to call even our smallest clients at least once per year to check in. “I’m really disappointed in how your firm has taken care of us,” I said to the managing partner. Read more »
We Are Seriously Social.