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How to Own Your Mistakes #504
Nobody likes being called out for making a mistake or screwing up. It’s even worse when you have to apologize for your mistake or, worse yet, your company’s mistake. Unfortunately, once in a while, this situation pops up and it’s extremely uncomfortable for the sales professional. It’s not the end of the world. You just have to own up to it and move on. If you’ve made a mistake, don’t worry. Apologize, learn from it, and move on. It’s not rocket science. It’s just common sense. That’s the topic for this episode: How to own your mistakes.
Today’s Chapter: Owning Up To Mistakes
A Master Seller knows they are not perfect.
When they make a mistake, they realize it.
Having realized it, they own up to it.
Having owned up to it, they correct it.
They consider clients who point out their faults as their teachers.
They think of their competition,
as being as perfect and flawed as themselves.
Today’s Story
Chris screwed up and Chris knew it. Lee asked Chris for two simple requests, but Chris forgot and now Chris was scrambling. The lack of attention was noticed and Lee considered yanking the contract. What was Chris to do?
Chris turned to Pat and asked, “I know I messed up but it’s not all my fault. Lee never returned the evaluation report and our own support department never got back to me and now we’re in this predicament! I’m afraid Lee is going to leave us for the competition. How can I fix it?”
Pat answered. “We’re only human. People make mistakes and when they happen it’s best to come clean and own them. I get that it’s not all your fault, but we’re the face of the company. It’s for us to take the blame and make it right. Tell them it’s all our fault. Tell them we should have done better. Don’t get into the details, ask them what we can do to make this right. Own it completely. “
“You think that will work?” asked Chris.
Pat responded, “Yes, in fact, you may find Lee to be very generous and forgiving. What Lee mostly wants is to be heard. Listen and this client can be saved.
Take Action Quote
Humans make mistakes. You are flawed and so too your company. Pretending to be perfect only lasts so long. Customers know when they’ve been wronged and the sooner you own the mistake the faster you can make things right.
No one is perfect. Neither are your competitors. All customers want to know is that you are looking out for them. Show them you do.
Joe Hyams the author of “Zen and the Martial Arts” wrote, “When a problem arises, don’t fight with it or try to deny it. Accept and acknowledge it. Be patient in seeking a solution or opening, and then fully commit yourself to the resolution you think advisable.”
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 discussed all things sales: prospecting, qualifying, value propositions, presentations, demos, closing, generating referrals, earning references, upselling, marketing, lead generation, copywriting, and most importantly the right selling mindset. Stop fearing sales and embrace it.
This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net
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