Category: Mindset

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How To Advance the Sale #414

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How To Advance the Sale #414

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Have you ever been on a sales call and after you hang up  it seems like the deal is going excruciatingly slow? Like a glacier melt? Well…. you’re not the only one which is why on today’s episode I address why deals don’t move faster by better understanding the sales process, the buying process and the strategy of what it means to advance the sale with the aim to close someday, but not today. 

Today’s Chapter: Advance the Sale

Questions leads to sharing
Sharing leads to appointment
Appointment leads to possibility
Possibility leads to belief
Belief leads to a quote
Quote leads to purchase.

The largest of sales begin with a response to the smallest of acts.
This is called advancing the sale.

Today’s Story

Pat and Chris left the sales call and walked out to the parking lot. They chatted about the weather and what a nice day it turned out to be. When they got to the car, they were out of earshot from the office. It was then when Pat spoke, “So how do you think it went?”  “I don’t know” responded Chris, “they seemed interested, but guarded. I was hoping they would agree to buy but it was clear, they weren’t ready.”

“I agree” said Pat “ but we did advance the sale. I like that they asked about some of our existing clients and they were particularly focused on our new features. We’ve got our homework to do but we’re still in the game.”

“You don’t think they’re just too nice to say they don’t want to buy?” asked Chris”  “Not all” said Pat “ What I’ve found is the more we meet the higher the likelihood they will buy. Today we’ve advanced the sale and that’s a good day of work.

Take Action Quote

This reminds me of the quote from Frederick Douglas, the former slave and abolitionist who said “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”.   We’re sales professionals. We’re, not order takers. If buying your product was easy you would only need to put a order form on your website and watch the sales roll in.   But that doesn’t work for expensive and complex products and services. That’s not what we do. There is a process to buying and if you quit the process you will quit the result. Count it a win if you can advance the sale. When you do, you’ve done your job.

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 Control a Sale, By Not Controlling It #413

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 How to Control a Sale, By Not Controlling It #413

Are you obsessed with having things your way, are you frustrated when deals seem out of control, and nothing goes the way you planned. If so, today’s chapter of the Tao Te Ching of Sales may provide a bit of relief for your suffering when managing a pipeline feels more like herding cats. Let’s babble about how to control a sale, by not controlling it. 

 

Today’s Chapter: Controlling the Sale

Crooked with words
the sale goes sideways.
Rushing the close
the deal comes to a halt.
Showing off and preening
Shows little.
Clinging to a few leads
Chases business away.

Hard rules on handling, manipulating, and fooling the buyer
never acknowledges what truly rules.

By not controlling the sale, the sale is controlled.
Each deal has its own course
Just do your job , then let go.

Today’s Story

Chris was a self admitted control freak, trying to control every aspect of every buyer as well as the entire sales funnel. Commendable yes! But exhausting and surprisingly not as successful as expected. Despite worry and guessing what could go wrong, the deals never progressed as planned. Buyers would change direction in a moment’s notice. They would make requests from out of the blue, and nothing Chris could do would prepare for the unforeseen.

During a one-on-one, Pat walked through the pipeline with Chris. In frustration Chris opened up and shared how chaotic the deals felt and how difficult it was to control the sale.

Pat laughed from personal experience knowing that the tighter you squeeze a slippery fish, the faster it slips out and back in the water. Pat said…

“Expect change, it’s the one constant in the world. Customers are never going to go the path we expect. What we should expect is the unexpected. They don’t all act alike. They don’t all have the same pains and aspirations. The best way to control a sale, is to not control it. Let each deal take its own course. Let the buyers reveal their wants and needs at their own pace and address them one by one, as they come.”

Take Action Quote

In 2013 I visited the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. It’s now a ruins and tourist destination excavated by archeologists Once upon a time it was a a thriving Persian sea town Between the 4th and 5th centuries BCE, there lived the Greek Philosopher named Heraclitus who loved paradox and wordplay, not unlike Lao Tze and his Tao Te Ching. Heraclitus, believed in the unity of opposites and harmony in the world. He is quoted as saying “No man ever steps in the same river twice” Why? because a river is always flowing, always moving, always changing and it’s never exactly the same at any one time. The same is true for each prospect you meet and each deal you work. Expect change, that’s true control.

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.

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their State of Virtual Selling Report!

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

 

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You can find us on:

 

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Buying Signs – How to Read Buyer Interest #406

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Buying Signs – How to Read Buyer Interest #406

Have you ever studied how to read body language? In this episode we delve into the ability to read the tea leaves of a buyer, and ways to know if they’re genuinely interested in buying, or just faking interest. 

Today’s Chapter –  Buying Signs

If you want to demonstrate a solution
you must first allow the buyer to question it
If you want to generate curiosity
you must first allow them hold it
If you want them to understand
You must first let them describe how it will meet their needs.

Look for subtle behaviors of ownership.
To close a deal you need only ask,
will this work?

Today’s  Story – 

At the sales meeting Chris handed the product to Lee. Lee was fascinated and kept turning the product over and over and then passed the product to a colleague. Next, the two of them pondered how the product would fit into their current manufacturing process. Deep during their discussion Chris interrupted, to bring up some features that hadn’t been explained. Pat nudged Chris with a penetrating stare. Chris was mystified, yet quieted down.  By the end of the meeting Lee was excited to proceed and agreed to buy 20 units. It was a win.

After the meeting Chris asked Pat what the nudge was all about. “I could see, and hear,” said Pat, “that they had already taken ownership of the product. Did you hear how they brainstormed ways of making it work in their business? The more they talked, the more they sold themselves! That’s why when I asked them if this would work, they said yes, immediately. Look for the buying signs. When you see them, back off and let them close themselves

Take Action Quote

As I’ve mentioned before I’m a big fan of the Stoic philosophers and I’m reminded of the famous quote by Epictetus who said “We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as many times as we speak”.

By being present to the moment, you can read what the buyer is thinking. If they’re talking themselves into a purchase, let them.  Look for the buying signs. Don’t get in the way!

How To Find The Tao Te Ching of Sales

Many years ago I authored a thrice a week blog titled the “Tao Te Ching of Sales“.   It based on a book of poems titled the “Tao Te Ching” by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. It dives into non-pushy sales based on the teaching of Wu Wei “non-doing”.  You can learn more here:

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their State of Virtual Selling Report!

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on:

 

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Trying on a Coat – How to Give Buyers Room to Shop #405

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Trying on a Coat – How to Give Buyers Room to Shop #405

How do you know for certain, your product or service is the best solution for your client? In today’s episode, we discuss how buyers shop, and ways they evaluate products when making a purchase. You need only look at yourself trying on a coat, to find the answer. 

Today’s Chapter –  TRYING ON A COAT

To purchase a new coat, the buyer must first try it on.
Reflecting on the style and color
They view it from all angles
Looking to see if it will fit their needs.

The Master Seller knows
Some coats fit, some do not.
They have no desires of their own
They dwell in reality.

If they can help, they will.
If not, they leave it alone.

Today’s  Story – 

Pat and Chris met for a 1-on-1 to walk through this month’s pipeline. There was one deal that seemed to be stuck. It was a moderate size deal, not too small but not that large. Chris had avoided talking about the deal but with Pat’s urging, Chris conceded it wasn’t moving.

“I’m not too sure what to do” said Chris, “We set up a free pilot for them and they are using it. I keep asking them if they have any questions. They say they’re still looking. One of the staff said they are piloting one of our competitors too. I’m just not sure what to do?”

“Have they been using the customer success hotline?” asked Pat “yes they are” answered Chris. Pat went on “And you can see them using it everyday?” “well not everyday” said Chris “but at least once a week, especially on Friday mornings”.

Pat paused “We may have exactly what they need but then again we may not be a perfect fit. Keep talking to them and trying to help. Try to understand what they want and if there are any gaps. It doesn’t do any good pushing them to close. Let’s stay positive and keep helping”

Take Action Quote

Gertrude Stein famously said “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” Although buyers might seem distant during a sale, secretly they hope you have the solution to all their suffering. Again, if you have a helping attitude, you can close a sale.

How To Find The Tao Te Ching of Sales

Many years ago I authored a thrice a week blog titled the “Tao Te Ching of Sales“.   It based on a book of poems titled the “Tao Te Ching” by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. It dives into non-pushy sales based on the teaching of Wu Wei “non-doing”.  You can learn more here:

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their State of Virtual Selling Report!

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on:

 

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How To Sell with No Illusions – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble

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How To Sell with No Illusions – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble #403

In this episode of the Tao Te Ching of Sales we babble about the penchant for sellers to get too verbose, and theatrical when all the buyer wants is to see, is the value. We discuss and tell stories about the importance of simplicity and elegance when it comes to persuading a buyer and sell with no illusions

Today’s Chapter –   No Illusions About Controlling the Sale

The master seller doesn’t get caught up in pomp and theatre
They focus on the essence and avoid the fluff
They dwell in reality and can do no other
Letting all illusions go.

They see the situation as it is
Navigating rocks and reefs as necessary.
To some it appears they do nothing
Yet they accomplish much.

While others busy themselves with activity
They have even more left to be done.

Today’s  Story on Letting Go of Illusions

Lee asked Chris for a demo of the product. Chris was excited to have the opportunity and spent hours preparing with a slick slide deck, multimedia videos, free coffee cups and bagels too. As soon as Chris arrived, Lee said that they only had a few minutes to meet and just wanted to see the demonstration. Flustered, Chris kept to the plan designed the day before. Frustrated Lee kept reminding Chris of the time constraints. Before the demo was complete, Lee said they had to leave for a customer meeting. Chris was left alone in the conference room with a sideways deal.

Back at the office Pat, asked how the meeting went. Disappointed Chris shared the story, puzzled how to turn the deal back on course.

“Always give the customer what they want” said Pat “When you arrive on a sales call, you never know what you’re going to find. The best laid plans often get thrown out the window. Be flexible and know that sometimes doing less, is doing more. Set up another sales call with Lee, and give them the presentation they want”.

Take Action Quote

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was an early 20th century German-American architect, known for designing office buildings and homes crafted in elegant simplicity. He is famous for the quote, “less is more” the idea that something can be so beautiful that adding to it will only diminish the beauty. Sellers often adorn their persuasion with too many words and a torrent of content, when it might be best to share simply with elegance.

How To Find The Tao Te Ching of Sales

Many years ago I authored a thrice a week blog titled the “Tao Te Ching of Sales“.   It based on a book of poems titled the “Tao Te Ching” by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. It dives into non-pushy sales based on the teaching of Wu Wei “non-doing”.  You can learn more here:

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their State of Virtual Selling Report!

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on:

 

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Don’t Force Sales Decisions – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble

Forcing a Sale

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Don’t Force Sales Decisions – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble #402

Forcing a SaleIn this podcast we’ve talked often about the importance of persistence and tenacity, but doing so on a timeline often doesn’t work out. In this episode of the Tao Te Ching of Sales we babble about the challenge of closing a qualified prospect on your schedule vs theirs. Forcing the sale by prodding the buyer into making a buying decision too quickly can jeopardize the deal. And we don’t want that do me? Don’t force sales decisions and work deals at their own pace.

Today’s Chapter –   Don’t Force Sales Decisions

Whoever relies on Master Selling
doesn’t try to force decisions
or beat down buyers with logic and facts.

For every force there is a counterforce.
Even if well intentioned,
It always rebounds upon oneself
Placing the sale in peril.

The Master Seller does their job
and then stops.
They understand that the sale
is never completely in their control,
and that trying to dominate events goes against the will of the buyer.

Because they believe in themselves
They don’t try to strong-arm buyers.
Content with themselves they don’t need others’ approval.
Since they accept themselves
for who they are,
the whole world accepts them.

Today’s  Story on Forcing Buyer Decisions

Chris had been working a large deal for quite some time and was finally was able to schedule a sales call. The meeting went great!  They liked what they saw and wanted to move forward. When Chris tried to close, the buyers openly shared they had a  buying process and there were things on their end to complete before they could make a buying decision.

Chris heard what they said. But didn’t HEAR what they said. Every few days Chris would send off an email, text or maybe a voicemail to ask “Are you ready to buy? Are you ready to buy?” Quickly the buyers got turned off. That was the last Chris heard from them. They ghosted Chris

“What happened to that prospect?” Pat asked. Sheepishly Chris shared the journey.

“Ohhhhh” Pat responded. “You tried to force them to make a decision. right? Don’t forget we have a great solution. Have faith people will see the value.

This is the thing, it takes time for buyers to decide. Let the sale breath. If it’s a good fit, the deal will close. Buyers will appreciate your patience and confidence. Trust in yourself, and trust in the product.

Take Action Quote

This is a good example of what Alan Watts calls the “Backwards Law”; the more we pursue something, the more we achieve the opposite of what we truly want and the more disappointed we feel.

Or simply put: the harder we try, the less likely we’ll succeed.

How To Find The Tao Te Ching of Sales

Many years ago I authored a thrice a week blog titled the “Tao Te Ching of Sales“.   It based on a book of poems titled the “Tao Te Ching” by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. It dives into non-pushy sales based on the teaching of Wu Wei “non-doing”.  You can learn more here:

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their State of Virtual Selling Report!

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on:

 

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Wisdom Comes From Failure – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble #401

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Wisdom Comes From Failure – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble #401

In our culture winners are heroes.  Our movies prefer underdogs who with persistence and grit find success.  Yet these overnight sensations rarely happen overnight, They instead take years filled with mistake after mistake after mistake. Wisdom comes from failure.

In this episode of the Tao Te Ching of Sales we babble about the challenges in business and how inevitably we will screw up.  I guarantee it. But if you keep at, you will learn what not to do, and more importantly, what to do to find success.

Today’s Chapter –  Wisdom Comes From Failure

Accept lost sales willingly
Accept failure as the human condition
Accept your own fallibility
Nor be overly concerned with wins and losses
Imperfection comes with being a human being.

Perfection is an ideal never obtained, yet always in mind.
Surrender yourself to your own limits
Then you can be trusted with the tools for making sales.

Once you appreciate your strengths and weaknesses
you begin the journey to becoming the Master Seller.

Today’s  Story Behind Wisdom Comes From Failure

Slowly, Chris hung up the phone.
Chris had just been informed that the buyer had picked another vendor.
“I never felt right about this deal”. Chris observed.
I misspoke at the sales call, a fatal mistake I just couldn’t fix.
I don’t know. I guess I’m never going to get good at this job.
Maybe, sales isn’t for me”.

Pat, took in a breath and then let it out slowly.
It was a slow exhalation, like a large ocean wave.

Placing both palms down on the table Pat said

“This is the thing.
We all screw up. What separates winners from losers,
is that winners learn from their mistakes.
Be mindful of your imperfection. Failure is your teacher.
We don’t learn much from our successes,
wisdom comes from mistakes”

Take Action Quote

Former basketball star Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls is noted for saying….
“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

Don’t forget wisdom comes from failure.

How To Find The Tao Te Ching of Sales

Many years ago I authored a thrice a week blog titled the “Tao Te Ching of Sales“.   It based on a book of poems titled the “Tao Te Ching” by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. It dives into non-pushy sales based on the teaching of Wu Wei “non-doing”.  You can learn more here:

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their State of Virtual Selling Report!

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on:

 

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The Three Greatest Sales Skills  – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble

Sales Babble Celebration

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The Three Greatest Sales Skills  – Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble #400

ISales Babble Celebrationt’s easy to get excited about a deal and want to close it quickly. But you can’t control a buyers actions. All  you can control is your actions.  Which is why today the Tao talks about patience, simplicity and collaboration. These are the three greatest sales skills when it comes to a collaborative B2B sale.

In this episode of the Tao Te Ching of Sales Babble we discover  if you push to hard, you can lose a sale, but if you back off and exhibit patience, the deal is yours.

Today’s Chapter –  The Three Greatest Sales Skills 

Patience, Simplicity, Collaboration.
These three are the Master Sellers greatest skills.

Patient in understanding needs and desires
Frame your solution with context,
Simple when delivering your pitch
Return to the language of the buyer,
Collaborative in finding solutions
The sale closes itself.

Today’s  Story Behind the Three Greatest Skills

One day Chris was struggling to understand the best way to present a new product.

Given it’s myriad of features and benefits, it was confusing on how to approach the demonstration.  He was at a loss of what to do!

Seeing Chris’s suffering, Pat smiled and said

“I have some thoughts”

Then Pat went on and advised …..
“Just find out if they have a need,
repeat back what they want
and together as a team,
both buyer and seller,
decide if our product is a match.        Let the deal close itself.”

Take Action Quote

Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. –  Napoleon Hill

How To Find The Tao Te Ching of Sales

Many years ago I authored a thrice a week blog titled the “Tao Te Ching of Sales“.   It based on a book of poems titled the “Tao Te Ching” by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. It dives into non-pushy sales based on the teaching of Wu Wei “non-doing”.  You can learn more here:

This is a production of Habanero Media 

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their State of Virtual Selling Report!

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on:

 

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Buyer Centered Selling with Tom Williams #384

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Buyer Centered Selling with Tom Williams #384

Who’s the got the money?  Who’s got the pain, the problem or the aching desire to be fulfilled? In short, it’s the buyer. Yet in the industry of sales, the focus is always on what the “sellers” should be doing, how the seller should act, how the seller needs to be resilient and tough and tenacious and have a mindset that never gives up.  But today’s guest, Tom Williams has a different take on this. He believes that we should adopt Buyer Centered Selling and start to focus our energies on how buyers buy versus how sellers sell. He believes we should let the buyers take control of the sale, to follow their lead and mitigate the risk of choosing something new. Our greatest competitor is the status quo. By taking Tom’s approach we can find solutions that are a win for both the seller AND the buyer.

Dump your sales process and adopt a buyer centered process.

Buyer-Centered Selling

Buyer-Centered Selling provides sellers strategies and tactics that help the buyer address eleven dilemmas likely to slow and obstruct the buying process. Tom shares that buying and selling are inextricably connected in their focus on helping the customer buy.

Without the collaborative efforts of both seller and buyer, many buying processes are doomed by lethargy, fear and eroding internal support from the buying community. By focusing too much on the seller, it leads to bad behaviors in hopes of “closing a deal” vs solving a buyer centric problem.

Take Action Advice

There is risk in any buying decision. It’s the sellers responsibility to uncover those factors and craft solutions that address all concerns. If you can do that, you can close deals.

How To Find Tom Williams

Tom’s book, Buyer Centered Selling is available on Amazon https://amzn.to/2kq7xwc and  https://amzn.to/2LJ057j and in bookstores worldwide  

Thank Our Sponsor Vidyard

Vidyard is an easy-to-use yet powerful video solution that makes it simple to create videos, host them ad-free, share them with others, and track their performance. Whether you’re recording a video for one person or sharing it with the world —– on your website —-, it’s easy to manage your video content. Vidyard’s solution is built for business, with robust analytics, integrations with top enterprise tools,  and customization options that answer businesses’ unique needs

Sign up for Vidyard free account today by going to vidyard.com/babble. Start using Vidyard completely free and as a bonus get their High-Conversion Virtual Sales Playbook.

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on:

 

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How to Sell the C-suite with B2B Podcast Agency Habanero Media by Host Sarah Noel Block #376

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How to Sell the C-suite with B2B Podcast Agency Habanero Media by Host Sarah Noel Block #376

Last week I was interviewed by Sarah Noel Block on her livestream On Air Tiny Marketing. Sarah asked a bunch of great questions about my podcast agency Habanero Media B2B Podcast agency and how we help businesses grow revenue by integrating interview-based podcasts into a sales process that targets qualified C-Suite executives. Sarah and I had the best time! Plus she was more than happy to let me share this interview here on Sales Babble. I’m not used to being interviewed so it’s fun to do a turn about! with such a talented host. Thank you Sarah!

Interview-Based Branded B2B Podcast

Podcasting is the gateway to meeting hard-to-connect and qualified C-suite leads. Integrating podcasting into your sales process makes it easy to  build relationships and trust.  Great relationships is key to closing sales in 2021.

The B2B podcast make it a breeze to get qualified referrals by interviewing people who know people. By people we mean, the right kind of people, qualified leads.. They could be existing clients, media influencers, or a warm outreach to prospective clients requesting them to visit as honored guests.

Podcast Guests = Ideal Clients

Unlike traditional podcasts, the success of a B2B podcast isn’t dependent on the number of listeners. You’re not creating a podcast that will rival Joe Rogan or This American Life. Your podcast is designed to target a narrow focused niche.

Your ideal client will be your ideal listener and Ideal guest..

Hosting a branded podcast gives you an excuse to have conversations with people who may otherwise never talk to you.  What would you do if you had the opportunity to meet the most important influencers or prospects in your business?  Consider the doors that would open and the growth of your network. The possibilities are endless.

Who do you interview:

    • Prospective clients
    • Influencers in the industry and media
    • Existing clients and their buyers journey
    • Partners and their added value

This podcast is networking on steroids. Instead of cold calling to set up a sales call, consider inviting people as guests to visit your podcast. Think how easy that would be. Your guest would be honored to visit  your podcast.

How To Find Sarah Noel Block

Sarah is the founder of Tiny Marketing. An agency for small and medium sized businesses. Shout out to Sarah for sharing this interview with the Sales Babblers of the world!

You can find Tiny Marketing here.

Get the How To Guarantee ROI on a B2B Podcast download  here 

Thank Our Sponsor Outreach.io

Imagine having a smart assistant, like an Alexa or Siri, join your customer calls, transcribe your conversations during the call, take notes for you, summarize action items and prompt you with relevant information (and coaching from your manager) right in the moment when you need it, not after the fact…

Outreach Kaia (pronounced KAYA) is an intelligent virtual assistant that brings together real-time sales enablement and advanced AI to make every sales rep more effective, every customer conversation more productive and every coaching opportunity more precise— so you can close deals faster.

If you would like to see Kaia in action, schedule a demo at click.outreach.io/salesbabble-kaia today!

 

No matter how well-prepared or experienced you are as a seller, customers will catch you off guard. And you have split-seconds to react.

Unlike traditional conversation intelligence tools, Outreach Kaia is changing the game with true conversation intelligence in real time— giving you exactly the information you need, to handle anything that gets thrown at you.

Say a prospect asks you about a specific product that just launched, that you’re personally still learning the ins-and-outs of. Kaia hears this question, and automatically displays a content card with all of the information you would need to sell that new product right there.

Schedule a demo at click.outreach.io/salesbabble-kaia to see for yourself and watch those deals stack up.

 

Thank Our Sponsor Habanero Media

We help busy B2B companies  attract new customers and clients through the magic of podcasting! Start your B2B podcast today and grow your brand, authority, influence and trust.

Download “Why Your Business Needs a B2B Podcast” here.

Sales Consulting To Grow Your Business

Pat helps technology startups and businesses discover the true value they bring to market, find customers who deeply appreciate that value then scale that process to extraordinary profits. We do this with modern 2020 sales and marketing techniques. 

Image result for linkedinImage result for emailImage result for telephone icon

Pushy sales doesn’t work! The key is to build trust over time. What  tools do we use?  LinkedIn, Email and the power of the Voice Mail.

We believe and teach the value of a helping mindset. Your prospective customers have challenges, hopes and aspirations. They need your help. All you need to do is build their trust, and faith, in your organization. Learn  how we help here. Once it’s clear you can help, you will have loyal clients for life. When you bring value you make sales. Or if you’re a startup, learn sales for engineers and skills to promote your new venture.

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.

Listening Options

You can find us on: