Category: Sales Tips

Master the Fundamentals to Succeed

by mike

I was training a group of new reps last week, listening to one of their calls, and we found that the rep was ad-libbing right from the beginning of the call. The best practice script, which we had provided him, was far, far away…

This ad-libbing approach led to all the common problems we’ve chronicled before:

  • He didn’t qualify the prospect for timeline, budget, decision making steps or even buying motives.
  • He pitched “at” the prospect and didn’t use tie-downs, and so didn’t get buy in.
  • He dived right into pricing packages without finding out which one best suited the prospect.
  • He immediately dropped the price—without even receiving a price objection!
  • And many more errors…

I tried to teach him (and the other new reps) that pitching without mastering the fundamentals is kind of like painting before you understand the fundamentals of art, composition, and perspective.

You might have a lot of natural talent, have a lot of good ideas, have a good sense of color, but if you don’t know, for example, the proper use of perspective, then your paintings will always be somewhat “off.”

They may make sense to you—but to others?

All the great masters first learn the fundamentals of their craft before they start building upon them with their own style.

And it’s the same in sales. First, you need to know the basics—the fundamentals that will give your pitch focus and structure, then you can adapt your creativity, your talent, and intuition to a selling situation.

And, by the way, this applies for more experienced reps as well. If you’re a “pro” and you’re not making your numbers, then it’s time for you to go back to basics as well.

What to do? Dig out the most current version of your script and scripted rebuttals, and use them again.

Don’t have any scripts? Then buy 500 proven scripts here.

Either way, sales reps—both newer and more experienced—will always benefit from a proven, best practice approach.

Get yours, and start painting your masterpiece today!

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

“I Need to Think About It.”

by mike

If this objection frustrates you, then all that will end after you read this blog post.

First, remember: Most objections are smokescreens hiding the real reason a prospect isn’t moving forward.

Real objections can include things like:

  • They can get it cheaper somewhere else.
  • Their boss/spouse/purchasing won’t let them buy.
  • They like a different solution.
  • And many, many more reasons…

And “I want to think about it” is the perfect smokescreen.

Here’s one way I have successfully dealt with this and gotten the prospect to reveal what was really holding them back.

Pick one part of your offer (it could be the price, or the timeline for delivery, or the quality, or the guarantee, or the rate, whatever…) and say:

“That’s OK, and I’ve given you a lot to think about. Is it the price that you want to think about most?”

And then hit MUTE and listen to what your prospect reveals.

Often, they will tell you what it is, or they’ll tell you it’s something else.

And then you can deal with it!

If they say, “No,” then say, “OH?” and remain quiet—and listen to what they reveal.

Once you know what is really keeping your prospect from working with you, then you can deal with the real objection behind the smokescreen: “I want to think about it.”

Script this out for your product or service. Role play it in meetings. And then use it for a month and see what you find.

If you find the real objection even half the time, you’ll be that much closer to closing more sales!

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

How to Be a Leader

by mike

A boss says, “Go!”

A leader says, “Let’s Go!”

This quote sums up my management philosophy: A leader isn’t afraid of jumping into the trenches and showing their team exactly how to succeed in their job.

In sales, this means leading by example.

When I became a sales manager, I was already the top producer in the office (and this is how many managers are promoted), and it was easy and natural for me to jump on the phone and take over a call.

I enjoyed it!

And over the years, I found that this was the best way to train my reps—by modeling the closing skills and behaviors I wanted them to learn and practice.

What’s interesting in my training these days is that there are a good number of sales managers who resist this idea. They tell me that now they’re in management, they don’t “get on the phones” anymore.

Or, they tell me that it’s the job of the sales rep to make the calls—not them.

That’s a serious error.

Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m not suggesting you do their work for them (they’d become dependent on you if you did), but rather, it’s important to show them how it’s done.

If you take over a call they are struggling with or start a call they think will be difficult (and you record it), then you will be able to provide them with an example of the right way to handle that situation.

And they’ll learn how to do it right going forward.

In addition, by not shying away from picking up the phone, you will be viewed as a leader—rather than a boss.

And that means people will respect you and want to follow you.

And this is what a leader does.

There are many other reasons for getting on the phone as well:

  • You’ll keep your skills sharp.
  • You’ll get the wonderful feeling that comes from closing a sale.
  • You’ll earn the respect from your reps.
  • You’ll help the company, and your team, make their numbers.

And many more.

So, ask yourself: How often do you pick up the phone and show your team how to do it?

If the answer is, “I can’t remember,” or “That’s not my job,” I urge you to think again.

Get on the phones, make a sale, and start leading your team to greatness.

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

Would You Spend $10.99 to Double Your Income This Year?

by mike

Tricky title, I know, but there is a tool out there (many, in fact) that will enable you to do this.

And this particular one is called TapeACall Pro.

As the name suggests, this is a phone recording app for your iPhone. This one has the best features, including recording incoming calls—and calls you’re already on—and more. (And if you’re an Android user, there are comparable apps for you too.)

So how can a recording app help you double your income?

If you use it regularly, you’ll begin hearing where you need to improve, and you’ll be able to implement new skills and techniques that can dramatically affect your results.

I know, because this is how I tripled my income one year!

As a sales trainer, I use this almost exclusively to help sales team improve their skills and double their sales as well.

Now there is one down side to this: that you won’t do it. It’s a simple technique, yes, but it only works if you’re willing to work it.

It’s a sad truth, but the majority of sales reps simply won’t take the time to do it regularly. They think it’s a hassle, or they don’t want to disclose they are recording, or it takes too much time out of their busy days or lives, etc.

And that’s too bad. Because it is the easy, proven, and most inexpensive way for you to truly improve.

If you’re committed to getting better and making a lot more sales this year, then try it for a week or two. Invest $10.99 in yourself and see what you find.

The results might be career changing…

(Disclaimer: Many states require that you disclose you’re on a recorded line (check your state’s regulations and follow them!). It’s a simple thing to do. Just say, “This is _____ _______ with XYZ on a recorded line—can you hear me OK?” (or follow your company’s required wording).

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

Pitch Your Product in Two Sentences

by mike

Less is more.

Instead of opening your calls like:

“Oh hi, this is _______ _______ with ________ and my company, XYZ, is a leader in national and international shipping and freight services with offices in the top metropolitan cities across the world. We offer one of the lowest overall freight charges on transportation, and also on packaging and supplies. We’re going to have a representative in your city next week and we’d love to stop by to share some information with you and learn more about your business to see how we can help save you money and time as well. Would you be available next Wednesday at 2pm or would Thursday at 4pm be better?”

I was worn out after the first sentence!

Rather than break down what’s wrong with this opening (how about everything?), I’m going to give you two rules for developing an effective elevator pitch and then some examples that you can plug your product or service into. 

Here are the two rules:

  1. Make it brief – one sentence is best, two short ones if absolutely necessary.
  2. Focus on the direct benefits to your specific type of customer.

Remember, this is an “elevator pitch” designed to inform and grab interest in a prospect during the time you’re in an elevator together (or during that crucial 20 seconds you’ve got on the phone). Try working with the examples below:

Elevator pitch example #1:

“ ________, we help small business owners save on average 20% on their shipping costs while also increasing their efficiency and tracking. To see how we can help you, I’d like to schedule a brief, 10-minute meeting next week…”

Elevator pitch example #2:

“ __________, we make inside sales teams as much as 33% more productive by providing them with a best practice approach that helps them cold call more effectively and close more qualified prospects. This means an immediate bump in revenue and profits often within the first 30 days…”

Elevator pitch example #3:

“ _______, the ABC company gives homeowners complete peace of mind by eliminating routine maintenance costs and insuring against unexpected expenses. I’ve got just two questions to see which of our plans might work for you….”

Elevator pitch example #4:

“ ________, our motto is: “A guaranteed comfortable night’s sleep or your money back.” Now, have you ever tried this luxury brand of mattress before?”

Elevator pitch example #5:

“ _________, at Tracks Advertising, our small business clients get the most comprehensive online exposure, the certified highest traffic and the most qualified leads in the industry—all at the guaranteed lowest rates. Where are you currently advertising online now?”

As you can see by the above elevator pitches, not only are they short and focused on the benefits to a specific customer “small business owner” or “homeowner,” but they often end with a qualifying question, “have you ever tried,” and “where are you currently advertising online now?”

By ending with a qualifying question, you are not only engaging your prospect, but you’re also learning about their buying motives and uncovering their level of interest as well.

Take some time now to develop your own, concise and compelling elevator pitch and then replace your monologue with a more effective opening. Your customers (and your bank account) will thank you for it!

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

Is Sales Really Just a Numbers Game?

by mike

The answer is yes.

And no.

First the no part: Sales is much, much more than just “rolling the numbers,” as they used to say.

Skill level of the sales rep is the most important thing; however, there are other variables like the type of lead—inbound versus outbound; the territory; existing client or new prospect; the marketing and/or branding of the company, etc., are just a few of the other factors that influence sales.

Next the yes part: Regardless of the above factors, if you’re not “rolling enough numbers,” then it will be hard to increase your sales.

All top producers I know of not only have the best skills in their office, but they also work the hardest as well.

They spend more time in the office working.

They make more prospecting calls.

They make more upsell calls.

They make more closing calls.

The key word here is “more.”

Bottom line: Once you’ve perfected your skill set, then the quickest way to make more sales is to be in more selling situations.

And you’ll get there if you’re creating more opportunities, and that means making more calls.

In other words: Rolling more numbers.

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

5 Questions for Influencers

by mike

More and more these days, decision makers hid behind their assistants or other influencers.

Many sales reps get frustrated by this and often try to get past these very important people, thinking that only the decision maker is worth talking to.

Big mistake.

As I’m sure you’ve no doubt noticed, influencers have, well, a big influence on the final decision sometimes, and they almost certainly have a big influence on the decision maker.

So use the five questions below to understand what role your influencer plays, and how you can use this information to have them help you make the sale:

Question One:

“_________, you probably work quite closely with (the decision maker), tell me, how open are they to adding (your product or solution)?”

Question Two:

“_________, in terms of what you know, what is their (the decision maker or committee’s) timeline for putting something like this into effect?”

Question Three:

“What other solutions are they considering right now?”

Question Four:

“How do you get involved in the decision on something like this?”

Question Five:

“How much influence (or input) do you have on the final decision?”

Bonus Questions:

“How closely do you work with (the decision maker or committee)?”

[If they are involved]:

“What are you recommending they do right now?”

And (If you’ve been able to pitch the influencer):

“From what we’ve just gone over, do you think this is something that would work for them?”

AND

“Give me your thoughts on how (the decision maker) is going to decide who to pick for this.”

And

“From what you know, what is (the decision maker) looking for in a solution like this?”

AND

“Given what you know about the urgency for making this decision, how soon do you think they will decide on a solution?”

As you can see, there are many areas and many questions you can ask which will give you tremendous insight into the sales process—if you just ask. 

Is the influencer going to know any or all of this?  Of course not!  But, again, more times than not, they’ll know a lot more than you might think. 

And if you begin asking some of these questions, you will know it, too!

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

Four Ways to How to Handle: We Already Have Someone

by mike

Prospects are good at blowing sales reps off the phone.

Believe it or not, they have scripts just like you do, and one of their favorites is: “We already have someone who handles that.”

This is an easy stall to get around—if you know how.

And after reading today’s post, you’ll have several ways to get past this stall and earn the right to have a conversation:

Approach One:

“I understand and I’ll try not to make too many waves here. Just out of curiosity, when was the last time you did compare services and pricing – you know, just to keep current on what’s available to you?”

Approach Two:

“I’m with you and believe me—I’m not here to cause trouble. But let me ask you this: isn’t it wise to at least know about your options just in case you need to make a change at some time in the future?”

Approach Three:

“I’m with you. So, tell you what: instead of me trying to sell you something, let me just educate you on what’s currently available in the marketplace—you know, so in case you need something further down the line, you’ll know who to call—that can’t hurt, right?”

Approach Four:

“No problem, I fully understand. Let me ask you this though: If something were to happen to your current provider, wouldn’t you at least want a dependable backup plan so you didn’t miss a beat?”

As you can see, these responses are meant to help you go around the stall/objection, instead of having you try to overcome it.

Try these this week and adjust them to your personality and your product or service. The more automatic you make them, the better you’ll get at getting past these stalls.

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

Two Simple Words to Open More Doors—and Close More Sales

by mike

The first word is “please.”

This may sound elemental, but I rarely hear sales reps use it when speaking with gatekeepers.

Instead, they just barge in and ask if so-and-so is available.

Or they just say they’re trying to reach so-and-so.

Rarely, however, do they use the most effective opening of all:

“Hi, is ________ available please.”

Try it this week and watch yourself get further with gatekeepers than you ever have.

The second word is, “thank you.”

Again, I know, this sounds too simple, too common place, too commonsensical. But you know what they say about common sense, right? “It’s not too common.”

I listen to hundreds of calls every month, and I rarely hear thank you (or please).

When a gatekeep puts you through, say thank you.

When someone asks how you are, say, “Thanks for asking…”

And so on.

This week, get in the habit of being super polite, of using these basic words of curtesy, and watch how people react in kind.

And watch how much further you get with gatekeepers!

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today

Why Wanting to Win Isn’t Enough

by mike

“It’s not the will to win

that matters – everyone

has that. It’s the will

to prepare to win

that matters.”

–Paul “Bear” Bryant

football coach

You may want to win, want to make more money, want to be in the elite class of closers at your company, BUT: Are you willing to put in the work?

Years ago, I thought I was, but I was wrong.

Oh, yeah, I wanted to make the big money, but, I wasn’t really prepared to work for it.

I was one of the reps who came in right before my shift began, and I went to the kitchen for the coffee and donuts first.

I hung out there talking bitching about the company with the other bottom producers, and I couldn’t wait for lunch time, and by Friday, I didn’t work too hard (casual Friday, you know).

After not being able to have the stuff I really wanted, I finally got sick and tired of being sick and tired.

So, I made a commitment to give my profession all I could. I decided to do what was necessary for me to move into the top 20% of the producers at the company.

And that’s when I learned what the “will to prepare to win” meant.

I started showing up an hour before work began, and I headed straight to my desk and began making calls.

This paid off, as some days I’d have a deal on the board before other reps headed for their coffee and donuts.

I spent my lunch hours listening to my calls and critiquing them. Yes, I was horrible in the beginning, but I was committed to finding ways to make them better.

And I did.

At night before I went home, I took an extra half hour to lay out all my leads and call backs for the next day so I could hit the ground running when I got in.

And then I’d listen to my calls in the car on the way home and make adjustments to the scripts during the evening (yeah, imagine that—working “off hours”!).

Before I went to sleep, I focused my subconscious on closing the leads I had laid out, and I went over perfect rebuttals to objections or stalls I’d hear.

I visualized how I would feel once I became a top closer, and what I’d do with my first bonus check, and how good that would make me feel.

After ninety days of doing this, I became the top producer in the company.

Suddenly, I understood the difference between the will to win and the will to prepare to win.

I also found that I wasn’t alone. There with me in the mornings, and in the evenings, were the other top producers.

Today, I find that I can accomplish just about anything if I’m willing to put in the time to prepare to win. You can, too–if you’re willing to put in the time to prepare to win.

The question is, are you?

Need More Proven Responses to the Selling Situations You Face Every Day?

ON DEMAND SALES TRAINING THAT GETS RESULTS!

If your team is struggling with call reluctance and is tired of the endless rejection they face, then get instant access to our On Demand training today. We provide the exact talk tracks, templates, and proven tools your team will be motivated to apply, all structured around an award winning comprehensive inside sales approach that gives your team the confidence to succeed in every selling situation they face today.

Unlimited License: One to 100 reps can attend for one low price!

Perfect for reps dealing with the following issues:

  • Reps struggling with call reluctance
  • Getting screened out by the gatekeeper
  • Overcoming blow off objections like, “Just email me something”
  • Identifying decision makers
  • Qualifying prospects
  • Setting call back appointments that stick
  • Giving successful presentations and dealing with objections
  • Staying motivated
Get Access Today