Why Action Speaks Louder than Words #465

Why Action Speaks Louder than Words #465

There’s a lot of sales babble out there that it takes a big personality and fast talking to be good at sales. There’s also a lot of people who think sales is a yucky business and avoid dealing with sales people as best they can. I get why people feel that way. Consider all the  myths in movies like the Wolf Of Wall Street.. But in real life, it’s just not true. Buyers like to buy but they hate to be sold. These days, great sellers show what they have and their actions speak louder than words. That’s the topic for today

Today’s Chapter: Those Who Talk Don’t Know

Those who know the market, don’t talk.
Those who talk, don’t know the market.
Action speaks louder than words.

Close your mouth.
Be still and relax.
Let go of trying to close the prospect.
Don’t talk about you,
Ask about them.

When you get right with the Tao of Sales Babble,
you don’t worry about winning or losing,
nor looking good or being embarrassed.

You’re OK that what happens, happens.

Today’s Story

Chris’s company had the good fortune to be considered for a large contract. Chris was responsible for the deal. Pat called Chris into the office to hear the plan. 

Giddy with excitement Chris said .“First I’m going to show them all the happy customers we have, then the positive online reviews, then I have the new video marketing just produced then for the demo …… “

Raising a hand Pat retorted. 

“Whoa whoa whoa slow down. We think we have a good solution for them, but we don’t really know, do we?”

“What do you mean?” said Chris.

Pat went on “Well we’ve read about their challenges in the press but wouldn’t it make more sense to directly ask them what they want versus hearing it second hand?” 

Chris blinked “I just assumed they’re going to want our solution because that’s what all our customers want.”

Pat smiled, “You may be right Chris, but you may be wrong. Let’s stop the  babble and work this opportunity properly. Let’s show them we’re good listeners by being a good listener. Let’s let our actions speak louder than words. If we’re a good match they’ll buy. If not the deal was never meant to be”

Take Action Quote

Back in the day you had to be a fast talker to be successful in sales. A sales call was a performance and it was the only way a buyer could learn about a company’s products. Times have changed. Today the Internet gives buyers instant access to brochures, spec sheets and multiple choice. The tables have turned and sellers are wise to let the buyers do the talking. Qualified buyers will ask to see the solution. For the seller it’s a case of do, not speak. 

To quote Benjamin Franklin.

“Well done is better than well said.”

Habanero Media Network

You too can start a B2B podcast today. Listen to our other podcasts at Habanero Media and discover podcasting how can ignite your selling success.

This is the Cannabis Advocate Podcast 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers.  Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours. See https://salesbabble.com

I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it.

This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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Supple Selling for Sales Success #464

Supple Selling for Sales Success  #464

Today we investigate flexible selling. For example, we don’t let little kids drink out of glass. Why? Because if they drop it, it will shatter in a million pieces. But what happens when a child drops a plastic sippy cup?  It bounces!  They’re soft and supple and last forever. In fact your child will outgrow it before it wears out.   But what’s this got to do with sales? What can a flexible supple accident forgiving  sippy cup teach us? That’s the topic for today.

Today’s Chapter: Bend Don’t Break

The Master Seller takes a balanced approach
They are never stubborn with fixed opinions.

Because they are tolerant of difficult prospects
They are supple like a field of wheat
Bending to the buyers whims
Giving answers to even the silliest of questions.

No deal is impossible for them
Because they let go of fear.
They care for the needs of the customer
Like a parent.

This is called deep roots.
They have longevity with this foundation.
They have lasting success.

Today’s Story

Honestly, Lee was a difficult prospect with fixed opinions stuck in the past. Chris struggled to connect and show the possibilities of the new services package. But after three sales meetings, Chris reached out to Pat in frustration.

Chris started, “This deal is a hot mess! Lee asks dumb questions irrelevant to the product. Lee’s thinking makes zero sense. I don’t know what to do to advance the sale.”

Pat smiled. “I can understand your concern. But maybe it’s you who has the issue.”

“Oh?” said Chris.

Pat went on “What do you think really matters to Lee? Revenue? Profit? Cost? Time? What’s crippling the company? “

“I’m not sure.” said Chris.

Pat then said, “Instead of using the slide deck trying to persuade Lee, take a more parental point of view. Spend more time looking for their Owies, soothing their pains, discovering their desires, telling them everything’s going to be alright and we‘ve got their back. Like they say, the soft and supple grass bends. Stiff and brittle it snaps. You’re snapping!”

Chris laughed! “Yes I guess that’s true”

Pat finished “Why not set aside selling them for a moment and  help Lee out of Lee’s troubles whether it makes a sale or not.. That’s what extinguishes fear and makes for lasting success”

Take Action Quote

According to Lisa J Morris

“Achievement is often a balance between following through with a well made decision, accepting the process, while embracing flexibility until its completion”

I agree. This quote goes hand-in-hand with letting go of control. Stop planning and stop trying to control how things will go and what the outcomes will be. Life never goes according to plan. So why stress  out worrying about the future and then worrying about the past when plans go wrong?

Sell in the moment, with no fixed outcome in mind. Let things happen, and be content with what happens. Sell of course, but do it because it gives you joy. That is the path of supple selling.

Habanero Media Network

You too can start a B2B podcast today. Listen to our other podcasts at Habanero Media and discover podcasting how can ignite your selling success.

This is the Cannabis Advocate Podcast 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers.  Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours. See https://salesbabble.com

I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it.

This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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How to Take the Good with the Bad When Selling #461

How to Take the Good with the Bad When Selling #461

Have you ever tried to bend a deal to your will only to have it break? This is something humans do all the time, thinking that we can will nature to do our bidding. This is not the case. Savvy sellers know that winter follows fall, fall follows summer and summer follows spring. Like farmers, they understand their sale cycles like phases of the moon. How do we adopt this point of view as sellers? 9That’s the topic for today.

Today’s Chapter: Making Hay

Some say you need to take
the good with the bad.
But the Master Seller sees no difference.

Some days it rains
Some days the sun shines.
Both necessary for
For a rich harvest.

Knowing that the easy day
is balanced with the hard,
The Master Seller makes hay when the sun shines
For tomorrow it may rain

Today’s Story

Chris was having a good month closing deal after deal. Like they say, this is a good problem to have. But it was a problem since it made for long days and long weeks.

“I’d like to take some time off” Chris mused.

“You can” said Pat “but you might want to rethink that”.

“Why?” said Chris.

Pat went on
“Remember what happened last year? Most of our business happened in these two months. Then it was all we could do to squeeze out more for the rest of the year. It might make sense to suck it up and keep at it for another 4 weeks.”

Chris nodded
“Oh yeah I do remember. This business is so seasonal. Nevermind, I’m going to stick to it”.

Take Action Quote

According to Canadian poet Brian Brett

“Farming is a profession of hope”

Isn’t this true of sales too? Monthly goals and quotas can be silly if they don’t take into account the cyclic nature of purchasing. The awake seller does their work and accepts the seasonal pattern of the world. They make hay while the sun shines.

Habanero Media Network

You too can start a B2B podcast today. Listen to our other podcasts at Habanero Media and discover podcasting how can ignite your selling success.

This is the Cannabis Advocate Podcast 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers.  Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours. See https://salesbabble.com

I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it.

This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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Why Value is Key for All Decisions #456

Key in lock

Why Value is Key for All Decisions #456

Key in lockFrom the buyers point of view, all sellers look alike. That’s why price is one of the first things buyers mention. But here’s a selling secret for you, it’s not what they truly want. What they want is alleviating some pain or making reality a noble aspiration. Have you heard the old tale for the want of a nail the kingdom was lost? The same is true when selling. When a seller fails to know the value desired by the buyer they disrupt the Taoist wu-wei of frictionless selling. Value is what matters and it trumps all decision making. When you can show value that the buyer wants, the sale is easy-peasy and that’s the topic for today.

Today’s Chapter: Value is Key

The market doesn’t take sides
It prefers neither you nor your competition.
The buyer doesn’t takes sides
They regard all vendors as a commodities

The space between the market and sellers
Is an open doorway
Empty, yet Sellers can enter
Opening and closing it produces opportunities.

Assuming hastens failure
Check your ego
Awake to the value you provide

Today’s Story

At their weekly one-on-one Pat asked Chris about a specific  deal in the pipeline.  Chris answered, “I don’t think we’re going to get it”. Pat was surprised “Really I thought it was a done deal”.  

Chris sighed “I know I know. I did everything I could to build a relationship. I’ve  been patient and listened and done everything right and they appreciate all I’ve done. But this is the thing.  We don’t have the Fulltrack service. It’s a deal breaker.”

Chris paused and then moaned “I thought people bought from people they know like and trust!”

Not if you can’t give the value they want” quipped  Pat “Did you show them our SemiTrack functionality? It  provides 80% of the value of FullTrack. That might be enough. What exactly do they want?” 

There was a long pause.

“I’m not sure” said Chris “I never asked that pointed of question”.

“Well” said Pat “You better fo call them right now. Most of our clients are happy with the Semitrack. Talk value and turn this deal around”.

Take Action Quote

It’s the sellers responsibility to discern they buyers wants from needs. If it’s a want, there are multiple ways you can overcome the objection. But if it’s a need, no amount of selling is going to crack open their checkbook. Unfortunately many sellers don’t fully understand the value their own products and services provide. It’s up to us to explain things in plain language. The best explanation speaks to the Value we bring. Roy Disney (cofounder of Disney Studios with his brother Walt) once said.

“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” 

That says it all, right?

Habanero Media Network

Listen to our other podcasts at Habanero Media

This is the Cannabis Advocate Podcast 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers.  Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours. See https://salesbabble.com

I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it.

This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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Why No Two Buyers Are Alike #452

Why No Two Buyers Are Alike #452

Ever get in a situation where you think you have a handle on selling and then you meet a prospect who’s 180 degrees out of sync with that strategy? Confusing right?  In today’s episode we delve into the reality that no two  buyers are alike. Lao Tze wrote often about actionless-action of wu wei or what we commonly call being in the zone. In this state, there is no past and no future, there is only the present. In the present we accept buyers for who they are, making no assumptions and allowing them to buy, the way they want to buy. That’s the topic for today.

Today’s Chapter: No Two Buyers Are Alike

Some want quick answers
Others copious details
Some a relationship
Others the bottom line
Some see purchasing a necessary evil
Others a social event.

The Master Seller discovers the prospect’s buying style
And tunes their presentation accordingly.

Meeting the buyer where they’re at
The sales process is crafted as needed.

Today’s Story

Chris and Pat met for lunch to get caught up on the day. . Chris was unhappy about the morning calls. “I just don’t get it”. Chris bemoaned. “I met with this prospect and tried to explain as simply as possible the benefits of  the new services package and respect their time but they kept diverting the conversation to a number of topics, news, sports and staffing issues and before I knew it, we had to end the call since the time ran out. Frustrating!” 

Pat asked “Did you do anything different on this call than other sales calls?”  “Nope” responded Chris “I followed the same presentation that’s worked a 100 times.”  

Pat nodded “Some buyers are like that. It’s lonely at the top and some love to talk and talk and talk. Which is confusing for sellers because some buyers just want to get down to brass tacks. The truth is no two people are the alike and the same is true for our buyers. Success depends on our ability to conform to the way our prospects want to buy. Relax, these people want to get to know you. Be patient, build trust and it will all work out”

Take Action Quote

The comedian Chris Rock once said

“I have no idea what my best material is. Different people like different things. I’ll say this: The political stuff gets the press, but the relationship jokes sell all the seats.”  

The same is true for master sellers. What works on one buyer probably won’t work on another. The key is to be flexible and focus on building a relationship.

Habanero Media Network

Listen to our other podcasts at Habanero Media

This is the Cannabis Advocate Podcast 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers.  Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours. See https://salesbabble.com

I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it.

This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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How to Use Humor to Win at Sales #445

How to Use Humor to Win at Sales #445

Yesterday I cut my finger chopping cheese, but I think that I may have greater problems. That’s a pun, a play on words.  When it comes to selling, a little bit of humor can go a long way building rapport with your prospects. But humor is touchy. If you say the wrong thing, it’s like stepping on the third rail. It can kill a deal. This is the topic for today. How to use jokes to win a deal.

Today’s Chapter: Selling with Humor

What is black
and white
and red all over?

The Tao of Sales Babble

Bearing gifts of amusement
Brightening the buyers day
Finding common absurdities in life,
Laughing out those absurdities.

The Master Seller
Generates trust with fun.

Today’s Story

Pat and Chris were on a sales call with Lee’s company for nearly an hour. Chris was taking the lead and doing a good job but the prospect was reluctant to go forward.  They agreed that Chris’s solution would solve most of their challenges but they had been burned once before by a vendor and Lee certainly didn’t want to repeat that experience! 

Pat had been quiet but decided to speak up. “A lady walked down the street and saw the perfect dress in the window. She stepped into the boutique and asked the sales lady “May I try on that cute dress in the window?” The sales lady replied; “Sure, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a dressing room?”

Everyone on the call laughed. The joke created a pause in the tension. Pat then went on to say “What makes us different from the competition is our experience serving companies like yours. Like the dress sales lady, we have a good idea what you really mean when you speak. We listen”.

Lee sat back and nodded. In 20 minutes, Chris closed the deal and winked at Pat, a good days work done.

Take Action Quote

Joke telling has mostly gone out of style in business. It’s too easy to offend someone given that many jokes belittle someone and when selling to a large group you might step into some doo doo. There are three types of prospects in the world. Those who get the joke and those who don’t. 

But I think if you’re careful you can use humor to build rapport. I love the  subreddit r/dadjokes. It’s a great resource for sweet, clean, relevant and funny puns that make sellers human. It’s not about memorizing and repeating, but listening and finding funny connections that will make people chuckle. But at the same time why do thieves have a hard time understanding puns?
Because they take things literally! Do you? 

“Puns are the highest form of literature.”
― Alfred Hitchcock

Look, there’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. Only a fraction of people will find this funny. So be careful what you say, but not too careful. Be human.

For jokes about sales go here. But be careful who you repeat these too.

 

Habanero Media Network

Listen to our other podcasts at Habanero Media

This is the Cannabis Advocate Podcast 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers.  Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours. See https://salesbabble.com

You can be yourself when selling. It’s all about helping others with their challenges and aspirations. I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it. Learn the selling secrets for non-sellers and start making a difference today. Here is the entire back catalog of episodes in the sales podcast.  Look here https://www.salesbabble.com/sales-podcast-free-advice/

This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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Sales Assumptions That Are Just Plain Wrong #444

sales babble snow

Sales Assumptions That Are Just  Plain Wrong #444

sales babble snowI’m assuming you’ve decided to listen to this episode to grow your sales skills. I’m also assuming it’s  based on my babbling and some musings I have on an ancient Chinese philosopher. But I shouldn’t make that assumption. We should  never over assume because we’re often wrong! Let’s explore this idea today about sales assumptions that are just plain wrong.

Today’s Chapter: The Perils of Assumption

Not assuming a prospect’s desires
is strength.
Knowing what’s good for them
is weak.

Taking for granted and presuming
instills weakness

Awake, the Master Seller knows the cure
Is finding solutions that match needs
Fully conscious
They know prospects are as unique as snowflakes
Each with their own individual struggles and frustrations.

Today’s Story

Chris and Pat sat at the table with Lee, a new prospect in a new territory, with Chris taking the lead on the conversation. Pat had heard some grumblings about Chris being a bit pushy and assuming. Pat  wanted to get an unfiltered first hand view. Towards the beginning Lee shared one challenge they faced and soon  Chris immediately started  sharing solutions and products that were sure to solve Lee’s problems. Pat was skeptical. Lee too! 

“Let’s slow this down Chris”, said Pat “I have a few questions for Lee.” Chris was caught off guard by the interruption and looked it! Pat continued to ask Lee more questions and after an hour it was clear that what Lee needed, Pat and Chris couldn’t provide. They all shook hands and parted goodbyes. 

After the call Chris was angry “Why did you interrupt me? I think we could have closed Lee!”.  “True” said Pat “but that’s not what Lee really needs. Lee needs a solution we’ve been thinking about adding. But as of now, we don’t have it. It would have been unethical to sell Lee on something that doesn’t help their organization. We should never presume we know what’s best for our clients. IT’s for them to tell us what they need. We are only guides, with a narrow set of answers

Take Action Quote

On February 16th, 1973 the actor Tony Randall shared a line on the “The Odd Couple” a television show based on the play by Neil Simon. Felix Unger, the character played by Randall, was in a courtroom scene cross examining witness who said she “just assumed” and Felix in response quickly wrote on a chalkboard the word ASSUME and said

“Never Assume because if you do you make an Ass out of U and Me”

This is a case where television makes a generational cliche that becomes an eternal proverb. You’re probably familiar with this quote. It’s also true in sales! Let’s stop knowing what’s best for our customers until we have an open conversation. Never assume you know what’s good for them

Habanero Media Network

Listen to our other podcasts at Habanero Media

This is the Cannabis Advocate Podcast 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers.  Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours. See https://salesbabble.com

You can be yourself when selling. It’s all about helping others with their challenges and aspirations. I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it. Learn the selling secrets for non-sellers and start making a difference today. Here is the entire back catalog of episodes in the sales podcast.  Look here https://www.salesbabble.com/sales-podcast-free-advice/

This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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How To Not Oversell #420

How To Not Oversell #420

Today’s episode is an act of faith. By faith I mean trusting in what you know is true and sharing it as honestly as possible. Too often sellers persuade by adorning their pitch when they would be better off, sharing a straight forward value proposition. Great products and services sell themselves. Learn how to not oversell. That’s the topic for today.

Today’s Chapter: Proper Preparation

Fill your presentation to the brim and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your pitch and it will blunt
Chase after money and the deal will spoil
Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner.

Do your work, then step back and it will all work out.

Today’s Story

Chris said good morning to the prospects at the presentation and kicked it off with a slide deck that shared a personal biography, the companies biography, their history in the industry, testimonials of their products and three deep dives into the benefits buyers could expect. Chris was trying to build trust, but all that was built was boredom. The audience started to get restless. 

In the back of the room, Pat could sense the crowd’s impatience and spoke up. “Chris, why don’t we jump ahead a bit to the solution design?”  Immediately Chris pivoted and by the end of the meeting, Chris had a verbal commitment. 

Afterwards Pat said to Chris in private “I’m sorry I made that awkward for you. But I could sense the people didn’t believe the benefits without any context. It was a case of the cart before the horse, or the benefits before the features!” Chris laughed and responded, “I have to admit, it did seem the decision maker paid more attention, and asked all those questions after the pivot. Since we got the order you can’t argue against success”. “Nope,” said Pat.  “we just need to do our work and let the chips fall where they lay.”

Take Action Quote

The Stoic Epictetus said “If you are tempted to look outside yourself for approval, you have compromised your integrity. If you need a witness, be your own.” 

I am wary of the overuse of PowerPoint and the repeated failure to treat people like people and connect one on one with buyers. Instead do this: have faith that if you just share your product unvarnished, it’s all going to turn out right in the end. Deals close easy when we focus on helping our clients versus winning their approval.

Thank Our Sponsor Wingman

I’m excited to share that Sales Babble has a new sponsor, Wingman. Wingman is an actionable conversation intelligence platform that unlocks insights from every sales interaction. You can use Wingman to record your calls, review deals, scale coaching and build a repeatable sales machine. Wingman uses best-in-class Automatic Speech. Recognition (ASR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms specifically for sales.

Go to trywingman.com/salesbabble and get a free trial today. Wingman, your source for actionable sales intelligence. 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers. There is no need to be pushy, aggressive or uncomfortable reaching out to prospective buyers. Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours.

You can be yourself when selling. It’s all about helping others with their challenges and aspirations. I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset.

Stop fearing sales and embrace it. Learn the selling secrets for non-sellers and start making a difference today. Here is the entire back catalog of episodes in the sales podcast. 

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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When Selling Treat Buyers Like Family #419

When Selling Treat Buyers Like Family #419

Today we talk about having a point of view that we are all one family, buyers and sellers alike. In this episode we investigate the right way to build rapport, familiarity and how that’s  the foundation for soliciting trust. When we give strangers the feeling that they already know us, they will be curious in turn and want to learn more about you and who you represent.

Today’s Chapter: Being a Cousin 

When selling
be a stranger to no one,
cousin to all,
just like family you see rarely
at the wedding or funeral.

Respectful yet genuine
catching up on their lives.
Gregarious yet authentic
Accepting them for who they are.

The Master Seller is easy to know
Trusted at the start.

Today’s Story

Pat and Chris registered for a trade association conference. It was to be attended by many prospective clients. At the first panel of the opening day the attendees were seated at round tables. Throughout the morning Pat chatted with everyone asking where they were from, did their flights go smooth, where they ate last night,  what they hoped to learn and if they wanted another cup of coffee. Pat treated them like old friends.

During the break, Chris asked Pat “Why aren’t you telling them more about our company and the new product announcement?  These people seem like a perfect fit for us!”   

“They are a good fit”, Pat agreed, “but now is not the right time. Our goal here is to build relationships, connect with them and follow up at a later time. They are here for a reason, not an infomercial!”   

“So what’s the plan?” asked Chris.  “It’s this” responded Pat.  “When we get back to the office I’ll follow up and say how great it was to meet them, or mention the flight troubles, the weather, or how that one lady who is worried about her dog; those kinds of details.  This will make us memorable, old friends. When I ask to schedule a sales call, they’ll be happy to agree”.

Take Action Quote

There’s an old saying that people buy from people they know, like and trust. People are people, more alike than not when it comes to hopes, fears, wants and needs. Yes, new prospects are complete strangers, but strangers are people too and if you treat strangers like people, with a sense of familiarity, just like a cousin you see every couple years, people will feel like they know you, and like and from that will come trust.

Don’t hesitate to be a human first and treat people as such. Once you do that, then you can start the process of qualifying them as a prospect.

Thank Our Sponsor Wingman

I’m excited to share that Sales Babble has a new sponsor, Wingman. Wingman is an actionable conversation intelligence platform that unlocks insights from every sales interaction. You can use Wingman to record your calls, review deals, scale coaching and build a repeatable sales machine. Wingman uses best-in-class Automatic Speech. Recognition (ASR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms specifically for sales.

Go to trywingman.com/salesbabble and get a free trial today. Wingman, your source for actionable sales intelligence. 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers. There is no need to be pushy, aggressive or uncomfortable reaching out to prospective buyers. Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours.

You can listen to our podcast on any podcast app and if you signup for our newsletter you will be able to download a free copy of the Tao Te Ching of Sales eBook. This book has been the inspiration for these Sales Babble episodes and you can see what topics we’ll be covering in the future. Use this book for daily inspiration with short one page chapters on a balanced non-pushy approach when selling.

You can be yourself when selling. It’s all about helping others with their challenges and aspirations. I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset.

Stop fearing sales and embrace it. Learn the selling secrets for non-sellers and start making a difference today. Here is the entire back catalog of episodes in the sales podcast. 

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

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How To Be Better Unique and Desirable with Thomas Ellis #418

Thomas Ellis Portrait

How To Be Better Unique and Desirable with Thomas Ellis #418

Thomas Ellis PortraitWe live in competitive times and more that likely there is another company out there that is looking for and serving customers, just like yours. So it begs the question, what can you do to be better unique and desirable? This week we take a one week break from the Tao Te Ching of Sales  and babble with my good friend Thomas Ellis. Thomas is the author of the just published book BUD Better Unique and Desirable, The Sales Process That Gets Results, a sales philosophy that can positively impact your sales and set you up for success.

How To Connect with Thomas Ellis

    • Website: https://tellissalescoach.com/
    • The book on Amazon BUD Better Unique and Desirable
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaseellis/
    • Email address:  tellis at ewcconsultants.com
    • Phone: 301-343-0001

Thank Our Sponsor Wingman

I’m excited to share that Sales Babble has a new sponsor, Wingman. Wingman is an actionable conversation intelligence platform that unlocks insights from every sales interaction. You can use Wingman to record your calls, review deals, scale coaching and build a repeatable sales machine. Wingman uses best-in-class Automatic Speech. Recognition (ASR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms specifically for sales.

Go to trywingman.com/salesbabble and get a free trial today. Wingman, your source for actionable sales intelligence. 

How to Connect with Pat Helmers at Sales Babble

Sales Babble shares selling secrets for non-sellers. There is no need to be pushy, aggressive or uncomfortable reaching out to prospective buyers. Masterful selling is understanding what buyers want, discerning if you can help,  showing what you have and helping them to make a decision that is good for their business and yours.

You can listen to our podcast on any podcast app and if you signup for our newsletter you will be able to download a free copy of the Tao Te Ching of Sales eBook. This book has been the inspiration for these Sales Babble episodes and you can see what topics we’ll be covering in the future. Use this book for daily inspiration with short one page chapters on a balanced non-pushy approach when selling.

You can be yourself when selling. It’s all about helping others with their challenges and aspirations. I’ve interviewed 100s of sales experts and discuss all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most important the right selling mindset.

Stop fearing sales and embrace it. Learn the selling secrets for non-sellers and start making a difference today. Here is the entire back catalog of episodes in the sales podcast. 

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Got a Question?

Something about today’s episode got you thinking? Do you have a question or a comment you’d like share?

If so “babble me” an email here, or if you can’t wait chat Pat now.

Maybe you’d like to share your musings on the podcast? Leave a voice message here. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t worry about babbling, we prefer it.

 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Listening Options

You can find us on: