In which we urge quality over volume in prospecting approaches. In the 1968 movie, "The Odd Couple," Walter Mathau plays Oscar, a slovenly sportswriter, and Jack Lemmon plays Felix, his neurotic, obsessive compulsive friend who moves in with Oscar after Felix’s divorce. The two don’t fit well together, Read more »
In which we make the case for more practicing with objections. When I was 9, 10, and 11 years old, I played Little League baseball. I was on the Bisons. Black hats and black socks with itchy white pants and shirts. I played first base and center field. Hours and hours of practice chasing down … Read more »
In which we discuss planning call capacity to achieve sales goals. Ever feel out of balance during your sales year? Not quite sure how it’s all going to work out? “It’s like a pie,” Tim-the-barber-shop owner said. “Pieces in a pie." Read more »
I received a prospecting phone call from a telephone service company last week. The guy made a solid “results” approach, offering to reduce our telephone costs 20% to 40%. While that sounded attractive, I told him we are locked into a contract with our phone company. He said, “OK, thanks” and terminated the call. I … Read more »
“Hey, Rob! Are you receiving my Weekly Sales Thought every week?” One of six moments in my life I’d like to have back. (I’m not telling what the other five are. Don’t ask.) Sounds pretty benign EXCEPT (1) this was my opening question while meeting a prospective client in the hallway of a conference who … Read more »
8:30 pm Saturday night. With brief clatter, wine glass met table as our server, John, who only moments before had greeted us warmly at our table, expressed his irritation with our small dinner order, about half the ticket he might have expected from three adults. We’d come in from a very full, long day, hungry, … Read more »
Ever felt anxious as you were about to begin a sales conference or expo? I don’t know anybody here? Our booth is too small? It’s not fancy enough? Our products aren’t fully developed? Message not completely clear? Company uniforms not as sharp as the other guys’? I’m not experienced enough? Read more »
School’s out at last in Massachusetts. On Saturday, I drove my newly graduated son for several hours to his job in the White Mountains. On the way there, while he unselfconsciously dozed next to me in positions that only teenaged bodies can assume, I listened to Chris Matthews’ book , Life’s A Campaign: What Politics … Read more »
I’m standing in the low ceilinged, dimly lit, stuffy-aired classroom of a driving school — a company owned by brave souls who make a living teaching 16year olds to drive dangerous objects. My daughter is taking her road test with a State Police officer, her last step before qualifying for her license. I’m waiting, idly … Read more »
The phone rang. I was in the middle of a conversation. I hesitated. I picked it up. “Hello,” I said. “Nick Miller.” Read more »
We Are Seriously Social.