Staple Yourself
In which we suggest stapling yourself to a dollar flowing through a client’s company. As parents of teenagers, we hear the following dialog frequently: Us: Hey, welcome home. How was your evening? Them: Good. Read more »
Just Like Yours
In which we learn NOT to use the expression “just like yours” unless we KNOW that it’s true.” “Yes, Mr. Miller, and I’ve worked with dozens of companies just like yours.” Just like mine. I know that, in an enthusiastically ingratiating way, he intended me to feel a great, swelling surge of confidence in his … Read more »
What Are We Doing Here?
In which we learn to focus conversation with a single question before launching into broader discussion. Since I’m officially older than 18 years, I find that I’m more easily confused than my teenaged children when we’re in conversation. They’ll ask me questions or say things that leave me wondering, “What did that mean? How do … Read more »
Wedding Shoes
In which we discuss the importance of asking questions to understand the whole problem, not just the part that shows up first and easy. I once went to a wedding in another city. A friend of mine (also engaged to be married and not the world’s sharpest dresser) went into a local men’s clothing store … Read more »
If I Only Had A Brain
In which we discuss the importance of getting to the point fast, particularly with fatigued clients. My daughter is sitting at the next desk in our basement, hours into pounding away on a school assignment. She turned to me and said, “It’s amazing how much your brain deteriorates when you’re tired.” I thought to myself, … Read more »
Short, Flat, and to the Point
In which we learn to keep our voice mails focused when calling prospects. Normally, I would say, forget about leaving voice mail messages when cold-calling. I delete almost every voice mail I receive from a potential vendor within 5-7 seconds. I didn’t delete this one. I’m planning to call the guy back: Read more »
Leopard Spots
In which we discuss the importance of understanding how people buy…. really. Will the leopard change its spots? No. Will a transactional buyer (who want low price, low hassle buying) change his or her preferences? Don’t hold your breath. Read more »
Targeting
In which we discuss the value of understanding”the perfect customer” when prospecting. My daughter is engaged in martial arts training. Last night, as I was (desperately) wanting to crawl into bed, she bubbled, “C’mon, Dad, lemme show you what I learned, no pain, I promise. (Grumble, grumble, “Sure, sweetie,” or words to that effect.) Read more »
Two Footed Driving
In which we learn to consider shorter cycle times when communicating with clients and prospects. How many feet do you use to drive your car? A friend and I enjoy lively discussions of this subject. Read more »
Talking Business
In which we learn to ask questions about four business drivers to understand our clients’ businesses. As your clients are reviewing their plans and budgets for the year…. now’s the time to raise the level of your conversations with them to a level above “we’d really like the opportunity to work with you.” All business … Read more »
We Are Seriously Social.