Category: Sales Tips

Quick Tip to Become a Better Communicator

by mike

How long does it take you to respond to an email?

How about a text message?

Or a phone message?

The answer, I suspect, is “It depends on who it’s from.”

Let’s get more specific then: How long does it take you to respond to a client or to a prospect’s email or voice message?

If your answer again is, “That depends on what they want,” then I urge you to consider implementing the following habit that will make you a far better communicator than your competition.

If a client or prospect contacts you for something, say, more information or to look up the status of an order, etc., rather than waiting until you have the answer—which could take a day or longer—get into the habit of responding back within the hour with even: “Just wanted to let you know I received your email, and I’m working on it. I’ll reach back once I have an answer.”

How long did that take? 10 seconds?

Consider the impact this will have on your client or prospect compared to them not hearing from you for a few days, or even a week or longer.

I think we all used to be better at communicating and responding than we are now.

Because of the advent of email and then text, and certainly social media, we’ve all become conditioned to respond whenever we think about it, feel like it, or remember it.

And this means we don’t communicate very well anymore.

And this is especially important when it comes to business (although, it matters a lot to your friends and family members as well!).

Like you, I receive a lot of emails and phone calls. If I’m not interested in speaking with the countless sales reps who contact me, then I simply don’t respond. I mean, there’s only so much time.

But whenever I get an inquiry from a new prospect, I always email back very quickly, even if it’s to say, “Thank you for your email. Just wanted you to know that I’m training the rest of this week and that my next opening to have a brief conversation would be next Monday or Tuesday at X time. Let me know if you’d like to connect then.”

I respond quickly to my clients as well. It’s always good to get these “tasks” off my mind and my clients and prospects appreciate the quick response.

While this is the way I communicate, I find it’s not how others do it. I routinely wait days, sometimes a week or longer, for others to get back to me. It’s frustrating.

And it doesn’t have to be that way. Ten seconds is all it takes.

As you go forward in your week, ask yourself how good of a communicator you are.

And then take the advice above and become a better one starting 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

A Better Way to Follow Up on Emails

by mike
Prospecting, Email, Appointment Setting, Cold Calling, Phone Sales, Sales Scripts, Sales Tips, Assume for Sale

Many sales reps struggle when following up on emails they’ve sent out to prospects (or even clients!).

When they get the prospect on the phone, they open with:

“Did you get the email I sent?”

OR

“Did you have a chance to review my email?”

These kinds of openings just create stalls, such as:

“No, I didn’t have time,”

OR

 “What email?”

Frustrating, huh?

Want a better approach? Try this:

When you get your prospect back on the phone, say:

“Nice to speak with you again. I did email you the information we spoke about, and I was wondering:

‘What did you like best about it?’”

OR

“What part of the information is the best fit for what you do?”

OR

“From what you read, what would you like to know more about?”

By changing your opening to something more assumptive (assume they’ve read it—if they didn’t, they’ll tell you!), and by asking a positive question “What did you like most about it?” (or any of the other questions above, or come up with your own), you’ll be leading your prospect to reveal their interest level and unique buying motives.

And that’s better than leading them to a stall, isn’t it?

Try it this week and adjust it until you find the best opening for your product or service!

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 Reasons to Follow a Script

by mike

Before you get on your high horse and tell me you wouldn’t be caught dead using a script, consider:

If I were to record your prospecting and demo calls for a week, and then transcribe what you say, what would I get?

Your script.

You see, even if you think you would never use a script, the truth is, you already are!

The problem is that what you are so used to saying, your “script,” in many cases isn’t the best practice. It’s not thought out, carefully crafted, and usually isn’t the most effective response.

Most of the time, it’s the accumulation of bad habits, ad-libbing that worked two years ago (but isn’t effective now), and, frankly, could use a major refresh.

Once you take the time to write an effective script (or hire a professional like me to write it for you or your team), then you can deliver the absolute best messaging and the most effective sales techniques THAT WORK.

Here are 5 reasons following a well written script will make your sales team better (and make your company a lot more money!):

#1: You’ll sound more professional. The best way to eliminate the “uhs” and “ums” is to follow—and then memorize—an effective script.

If you hate the sound of your own voice (when you listen to your recordings), then script out what you’re going to say, and concentrate on the delivery. Your prospects will trust you more, and you’ll appear more professional.

And prospects like that!

#2: Handling objections will become easier.

If you’re frustrated when a prospect tells you “they aren’t interested,” or when a demo ends with “I’ll think about it,” and you don’t know what to say, that frustration will end when you script out effective rebuttals to these common selling situations.

And that leads to:

#3: Following a script makes you more confident!

Top producers aren’t afraid of making calls, and they aren’t thrown off course when they get an objection. Why?

Because they expect them and know how to handle them. Scripting out your response in advance will not only help you deal with—and overcome—objections, it will lead to you becoming more confident.

And how nice will that be?

#4: Using a script will stop you from talking…and talking…and pitching…and pitching…

Sales reps LOVE to talk. And talk. And talk some more. Problem is: when your mouth is open, your ears are closed. You learn nothing when you keep talking, and because your prospects have all the answers, this is deadly for your success.

By inserting tie-downs, and trial closes in your script, you’ll actually have to stop and engage your buyer! And that’s when you learn what it’s going to take to close them. If you insist on ad-libbing, however, you’ll miss all this—and many times, miss making the sale.

#5: Using a script will stop you from talking past the close.

This is the number one problem with sales reps: Instead of confirming or asking for the order, they just keep talking…and talking themselves out of a sale.

If you don’t believe me, just listen to a couple of your last closing attempts.

See what I mean?

Bottom line: Scripts will make you a better, more confident, more successful sales professional.

If you’d like a book of over 500 fresh, proven, and effective scripts, then click here.

The sooner you stop ad-libbing, and start following a better practice approach, the sooner you’ll reap the benefits above…

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

Can You Make Your Goal This Year?

by mike

Can you make your revenue goal this year is the same thing as asking:

Can you run a marathon?

You know, a 26-mile marathon race?

Listen carefully to what your mental answer is: Yes or No.

When I ask that question at a sales conference, the majority say no, they can’t.

They think about the effort and endurance it takes; they think about the last time they tried to run; they consider their current physical shape and their lack of an exercise routine.

Considering these things, they generally tell me they can’t…

But the real answer is: they CAN run a marathon if they choose to.

You can too.

You see, the word “can” simply refers to the having the ability to do something.

And you have the ability to run a marathon—if you choose to.

If these people can do it, you can too:

There is Fauja Singh who, at 100 years old, completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. It took him more than eight hours, but he did it.

Then there is Patrick Finney’s accomplishment. In 1998, this Texas software engineer woke up with numbness in his legs. Doctors diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis. In 2004, he couldn’t walk any longer.

But Patrick didn’t give up. He committed to getting better, and with the help of medications and physical therapy, he learned to balance again, and after two years he entered and completed a marathon. He went on to finish 50 marathons in 50 different states – the first person with multiple sclerosis to do so.

These are just two of thousands of other inspiring stories (Just Google them!).

Now let me ask you a different way:

If I told you that I would give you one million dollars to complete my favorite marathon—the December Honolulu, HI Marathon—and I’m talking one million dollars cash, after taxes, do you think you could do it then?

I’ll bet you’d start practicing tonight, wouldn’t you?

Remember, can is an ability.

You have the ability to run a marathon, even though you may choose not to right now.

But you CAN.

And you can do a lot of other things as well—like make your revenue goal this year.

But you first have to believe that you can first.

Once you recognize and acknowledge your ability—and we all have a lot more ability and potential than we are using in every area of our lives—that’s when your life becomes an awesome opportunity.

You can achieve superstar performance in sales—others have, and you have the same ability to as well.

You just have to decide if you’re willing to put in the time and effort it takes.

But you can do it.

So, if you look at your revenue targets this year and think you can’t do it, reframe your thinking! Remember that you can—if you choose to!

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

Question: Why Aren’t You Asking More Questions?

by mike

We all know the importance of asking questions of our prospects and clients, yet how many do you ask?

How many does your sales teams ask?

If you’re like most sales reps, then you’re probably doing a lot more talking (read pitching) than you are listening. And that’s because you’re not asking enough questions.

Remember: Whenever your mouth is open, your ears are closed.

And: Your prospects have all the answers about whether they’ll buy from you or not, and what you need to say to sell them.

But if you’re not listening, you’re not hearing these valuable buying motives or potential objections.

Here’s the solution:

Make a list of three crucial questions to ask during each part of your sales process. Here’s a list to get you started:

For prospects:

#1: “What motivated you to reach out to us today?”

[If that’s not appropriate, then use:]

“What’s most important for you in choosing a company/product like ours?”

#2: Besides yourself, who else is involved in the decision process?

#3: If you like what you see next week in our demo, when would you ideally like to get started with something like this?

Now this is a partial list, and you should be asking a lot more—like budget, potential objections, etc.—but the three above are crucial.

For Demos:

After you have presented the demo, you need to know:

#1 “I know I’ve given you a lot of information, what questions do you have for me at this point?”

#2: “Based on what we just went over, does this sound like it would be a fit for you?”

#3: Is this something you’re going to recommend to (their boss, the committee, etc.)?

Now, again, this is an incomplete list, obviously, but these are three crucial questions you should always be asking.

Are you?

If not, incorporate them into your sales process today, and you’ll become more confident as you learn about the true buying motives and potential objections from your prospects and clients.

If you’d like a more comprehensive list (like over 500 scripts and questions), then click here.

Remember, if you’re pitching and not asking questions, you’re not learning what it’s going to take to help someone buy your product or service.

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

Stop Telling and Start Asking!

by mike

Once very couple of years, I like to re-run this article on the importance of asking questions as opposed to pitching.

While this context is presented as an interview, it is completely translatable to sales—and that means YOU.

If I gave you a pencil and asked you to sell it, how would you go about it?

This is one of the most basic of interview questions I’ve used for years for prospective sales reps, and the answer reveals so much about their previous training, their understanding of the sales process, and ultimately about what kind of sales rep they are going to be.

So, what is the most effective way to sell a pencil? 

Let’s first look at how most sales reps go about doing it. During an interview, I first let a rep tell me how good of a closer they are. After listening patiently, I pull out a pencil, hand it to them, and tell them to sell it to me.

And off they go!

80% of sales reps start the same way—they start pitching. “This pencil is brand new, never used.  It has grade #2 lead and a bright yellow color so it’s easy to find. It comes with a built-in eraser,” etc.

Some reps can (and do!) talk about it for 5 minutes or more before they ask a question or ask for an order (rare).  As the sales rep rambles on, I begin to yawn, roll my eyes, etc. Amazingly, this just makes them talk even more! 

“What’s wrong with these people?” I think.

Now let’s look at how the Top 20% closers go about selling a pencil. As soon as I give a top rep the pencil, they pause and then they begin asking me questions:

“So how often do you use pencils?”

“How many do you go through in a month?”

“What other locations does your company have that use pencils, and how often do they order them?”

“What quantity do you usually order them in?”

“Where are you getting them from now?”

“Besides yourself, who’s involved in the buying decision?”

Quite a difference, isn’t it?  I’ll tell you right now, I’ve listened to hundreds of sales reps in a month, and they can easily be separated into these two groups: 

Those who pitch, pitch, pitch, and those who take the time to understand their prospect’s buying motives and properly qualify to understand their buying process. 

Now let’s see which category you fit in. When you speak with a prospect for the first time, how much of your script is focused on describing and pitching your product or service as opposed to questioning and uncovering buying motives?

If yours is like most scripts I review, then it’s filled with descriptions of what you do and how your product or service helps people. Most scripts attack the prospect with a barrage of “value statements” that turn people off and make them want to get you off the phone as quickly as possible. 

Want a better way?

Then take a tip from some of the best “pencil sales reps,” and change your script and your opening so it focuses more on questioning and qualifying. Seek to discover whether or not you are actually speaking with someone who is a good fit for what you offer.

Without knowing this, you will just end up with a lot of frustration and a lot of unsold pencils at the end of the month.

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

Overcome Call Reluctance Today!

by mike

Two weeks into the New Year, and are you already stressed about picking up the phone and making prospecting calls?

I learned a secret years ago that enabled me to overcome my fear of making calls, and that allowed me to make hundreds of cold calls stress-free. 

In fact, after I adopted this approach, I actually looked forward to making calls! Imagine that….

The secret is that you have to simply adjust your attitude and expectation about making calls.

Let me explain:

If you’re like most sales reps, then you hate making calls because you’re either afraid of being rejected, or you’re are afraid you’re going to mishandle a call and so lose a good lead.

Well, here is the adjustment you need to make:

First, expect that you will get objections and that most people will reject your offer. That’s just the way it’s going to go. Think about it: Not everyone you speak with is going to be a prospect or a deal, are they?

So, a better attitude is to welcome a no.

That’s right. Expect that the vast majority of people you reach out to are going to tell you no. It’s all right!

In fact, the more people who tell you no, the closer you’ll get to the people who will eventually tell you yes. That’s true, isn’t it?

Once you adopt this attitude, the fear of being told no will fade.

And regarding fumbling a good lead—my experience is that if a prospect is interested, then they’ll speak with you. And believe me, you’re not so bad that an interested buyer will be put off by you, so don’t worry!

Instead, just use a good script, remember to ask questions and truly listen to their replies. If you do this, you’ll connect with loads of wonderful people who will buy your products and services and become happy clients.

Like my first sales manager used to say: “There’s nothing to it but to do it.”

So, put a smile on your face, roll those numbers, and thank all those uninterested prospects who get out of your way with a no.

Just remind yourself that you’re that much closer to a deal.

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 Great Questions for 2021

by mike

Welcome back to your home office; how do you feel?  Overwhelmed?  Under pressure already? 

If so, then you’re not alone. Most company’s sales teams are under immediate pressure to begin accomplishing their new goals and sales targets for 2021. 

As you speak with your clients and prospects this week, it’s helpful to realize that they are all feeling this same pressure also.

While this may seem like a bad thing, it can actually present a great opportunity for you. Here’s how I handle the companies and contacts I speak with in January. I encourage you to adapt this approach to your products and services as well.

After talking briefly about the holidays and new year’s celebration, I always start with question number one:

“So ________, what are the top 3 initiatives for your department this year?” 

Then I hit mute and take notes. 

If they need a little help here, I use layering questions like:

“What was your revenue like last year?”  Or,

“What percentage increase are you asked to produce this year?”  Or,

“What are you doing differently to accomplish this?”

“What do you think is most needed for you to succeed at that?”

After I’ve listened and asked layering questions and taken notes on the three initiatives, I ask question number two:

“And how can I help you accomplish that?”

Once again, I hit the mute button and take notes. 

If I get an, “Ah, I don’t know,” then I once again use layering questions like:

“Have you heard of our new ‘On-Demand Inside Sales Training Program’?” 

Or I ask a good assumptive question like:

“How much of a budget do you have per quarter for sales training?”  Or,

“How big of a role do you think increased sales training is going to play this year?”  Or,

“If you could wave a magic wand and get three resources to help you accomplish your goals, what would they be?”

I’m sure you can come up with a few of your own questions here, but you get the idea. 

The point is to ask questions and to LISTEN to your prospect’s response. If you respect the pressure they are feeling and truly offer a way to help them, then they will engage with you—and many will even put you to work for them….

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

Holiday Sale!

by mike
Holiday Sale!

Still hoping you’ll get what you want this holiday season?

Why risk it? Give yourself the gift that will keep on giving in 2021 and beyond:

A proven way to make more money, with less rejection, selling over the phone!

You want to be more confident and make more sales, and I will help you do that & save money!

Save 70% from right now through December 31st, 2020 on my Bestselling CD Series: “How to Double Your Income Selling Over the Phone.”

If you want to instantly improve at getting better at:

  • Getting past gatekeepers
  • Connecting with decision makers easier
  • Qualifying prospects better and learn their buying motives
  • Giving better demos and presentations
  • Overcoming objections easier

Then these word-for-word, proven techniques and scripted responses will make your job easier and make you more money in 2021 than you have ever made before!

You do want to do that, don’t you? If so then:

Click Here to get my Award Winning 5-CD Series, “How to Double Your Income Selling Over the Phone,” – hard copy CD’s or (MP3 Version!) for just $79.

Need more? How about FREE SHIPPING? Get it now!

Use the coupon code: Holidays

That’s 70% off my regular sale price, and Free Shipping (for an actual CD, domestic only)! If you prefer mp3 version, please email here after purchasing: qi@mrinsidesales.com.

Trust me, the skills, tips, techniques, and proven scripts you will instantly learn will easily pay for this purchase, and you’ll make your investment back each and every week—multiple times each day!

This sale is good starting the moment you read this and will last until 11:59 P.M. Thursday, December 31st, 2020.

Not sold yet? Look at it this way:

Think about all the junk you’ve already bought this season, and ask yourself this one question:

Will any of it actually make you more money, give you confidence every day in your job, and change your career?

If not, then it’s not too late: Make the one purchase that will.

Get it Here.

And start making more money the instant you start listening….

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

A Christmas Story For You

by mike

Have you read “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens lately?

Seen the movie?

I once had a chilling reminder of the bad “Ghost of Christmas Future,” that I narrowly avoided all those years ago.

This is a cautionary tale, and I highly recommend you take a moment to read it:

One bright Monday morning, I was on my way to meet with a new client when I stopped at Starbucks for a cup of coffee.

As I stood in line, I saw a city bus stop on the corner and a bunch of people got off.  One guy—mid 40’s, tall and lanky—started walking towards the Starbucks, and there was something familiar about him.

When he entered the store, I recognized him from many years before when we were both struggling reps trying to sell investments over the phone. His name was Brad.

After I got my coffee, he came up to me and said, “You’re Mike Brooks, right?”

“Yes” I said.

“Hey, we used to work together!” he said.

“I remember,” I said. 

He asked me what I was up to these days, and I told him I was an inside sales consultant.

I asked him what he was up to, and this is when the chill hit me: he said he was starting a new sales job today, and then he rolled his eyes as if to say, “And this one will suck, too.”

We walked out of the store together and said goodbye and went our separate ways.

He went to wait at the next bus bench, and I got into my Mercedes and drove away. 

As I sipped my coffee and listened to the jazz tunes in my plush car, I thought about how different our lives had turned out, and I wondered what happened to make them so different.

As I thought about it, I knew exactly what it was. 

During our time together as struggling reps, the owners of the company brought in a sales trainer, Stan Billue, to motivate us. Stan spoke to us for an hour about what makes the difference between the top money earners in sales versus all the other sales reps. 

He said that you have a choice to either commit to learning and using proven scripts and sales techniques that would double or triple your income, or you would just keep doing what you were doing (ad-libbing), getting what you had been getting (poor results). 

Stan said: “If you are willing to do what most sales reps aren’t willing to do, then soon you’ll be able to enjoy the things that most sales reps will never be able to enjoy.”

I was sold on scripting out my presentation. Brad wasn’t. 

I invested in Stan’s training materials, and I committed to learning, practicing, and doing what he suggested.

My sales and income soared. 

Brad thought what Stan taught was just a bunch of old sales techniques that wouldn’t work for him.

Brad thought he knew better.

Brad didn’t believe in using scripts.

“I’ll sound like a telemarkerter,” he moaned. “I have to go with the flow because each prospect is different,” he persisted.

Brad didn’t believe in putting in the time, energy, or money to get better.

So, he didn’t.

Fast forward to our Starbucks encounter. Over 20 years had passed between that Stan Billue talk, and I realized, Stan’s training was the moment I made the decision to change my life.

When Brad showed up that day, he was the Ghost of Christmas Past that could have become my Ghost of Christmas Future. 

My life has changed because my commitment to investing in proven sales material, and then learning and using it diligently. I have no doubt that had I not committed to learning and using proven selling techniques, it would have been me who was taking a bus to my next, new job.

It still sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it.

The moral here is that you, too, can avoid the Ghost of Christmas Past from becoming your future. There are a lot of great sales training books, CD’s, and courses you and your team can take advantage of to get better.

One of the best (in my humble opinion) is my bestselling book of phone scripts: Power Phone Scripts.

Amazon has it on sale for just $19.15 with free prime shipping! 

If you already have my book, then consider my CD-Series or enrolling your team in my On-Demand Inside Sales Training.

Bottom line is that any investment you make in your career will pay for itself, month in and month out.

Make this best holiday season you’ve ever had. Invest in yourself!

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