Tag Archive for: selling

Reclaim The Power Prospects Have Over You

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This is the second in a series of seven articles outlining the need for NEW RULES in your selling efforts. In today’s article, we’ll look at the “Dynamic of Power.”

Who has the power in the sales process? Think about it. Who has it?

If you’re a traditionalist, you’ll say, “The prospect does, because they have the money.” We used to call it ‘The Power of the Pen’ (as in a ‘pen’ that signs the order.)

But not so today. In article one, I told you about the Dynamic of Pursuit.

Here, I want to talk about the Dynamic of Power.

The bottom line: You have the power. Not your prospect.

Now, it may not readily seem like that because you have goals and budgets you need to achieve. You’re constantly thinking, “What do I need to do, or say, to close this business?”

The New Power Shift

Sorry to be repetitive, but you have the power because you have the solution. Now, it may be that they don’t need your solution urgently. Fair enough. If that’s the case, then you must move on. Do not spend unnecessary time with a prospect who has no pain – or no reason for change.

But, let’s suppose you’re in front of someone who truly does have a problem. Read more

Are You Confused About The Dynamic of Pursuit?

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This is the first in a series of seven articles outlining the need for NEW RULES in your selling efforts. In today’s article, we’ll look at the “Dynamic of Pursuit.”

I trained a sales team two months ago. It was our kickoff meeting in advance of a long term ongoing training program (which is currently in place).

In my kick-off meetings, I begin by focusing on changing the dynamic between YOU and the BUYER. I start with is the simple question,  “Who is selling whom?”

After I had made my points, a 50-something man stood up and challenged me. “There is no way, in this economy,” he said, “that my customer will EVER sell me. I must always be in selling and closing mode or I won’t get deals. You’re nuts to think that it could be any other way.”

OK. So noted. I later found out this gentleman was struggling. His results were poor. In his manager’s words, “time has passed him by.”

I Needed To Address His Concern

When training teams, I’ve learned that I can’t focus on 1-2 people who disagree. Every minute I spend with a disagree-er, is a moment I can’t spend expanding the thinking of the agree-ers. I must pick my battles and this wasn’t a fight worth fighting in front of the group.

After the program, I called the challenger over to have a word with him. He had calmed a little, so I asked him. “Have you ever had a prospect call you because he had been referred to you, hearing how great you are. Then, he asked a few questions and purchased?” Read more

Episode #424: Owning Your Content Platform

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advancedsellinpodcastgraphicbootHave you thought about what’s possible when you own your own platform?

In today’s episode, veteran sales trainers Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale focus on helping you own the platform from which you tell your story.

Are you producing your own content?

Or are you holding yourself back from putting something out in a blog or on LinkedIn because you’re afraid of failure or looking stupid?

In this episode of The Advanced Selling Podcast, Bill and Bryan help you understand what you can do to own the platform you’re using and how to make it worth your efforts. If you’ve ever wanted to be in a position where people call you instead of you calling them, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

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Episode #423: Old School Sales Language

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advancedsellinpodcastgraphicbootBudget. Prospect. Rapport. Value-add. Pain points.

Tired of the same words that may be contributing to old school thinking in the sales process?

In today’s episode, veteran sales trainers Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale dive into how the labels and words we use in sales may be negatively impacting the outcomes we achieve.

Are you still asking your prospects about their pain points?

Do people tell you your product/service doesn’t fit into their budget?

In this episode of The Advanced Selling Podcast, Bill and Bryan give you new alternatives to the same, tired language. They will help you modernize what you say and give you strategies to avoid using words that are overused and misunderstood. Learn how to update your sales language starting right now.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

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Episode #422: Mailbag Monday from Down Under

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advancedsellinpodcastgraphicbootIt’s a two-part question Mailbag Monday at The Advanced Selling Podcast.

In today’s episode, veteran sales trainers Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale answer questions from Luke in Australia.

Are you looking for ways to help your prospect calls be more effective?

What if your prospect doesn’t talk or engage in your conversation?

Bill and Bryan will help you examine your messaging, context setting and your process. Are you bringing a “I hope they say yes in this meeting” energy to your conversations?

Learn how to focus on the right things and make your interactions more effective in this episode.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

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Episode #420: Closing Deals on the Golf Course

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advancedsellinpodcastgraphicbootThey make it look easy in the movies: Closing deals on the golf course. How does it work in real life?

In today’s episode, veteran sales trainers Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale share their 5-step plan for conducting business while you entertain clients.

Are you taking prospects to sporting events, concerts, or a round of golf?

Are you wondering how to maximize those opportunities?

In this episode of The Advanced Selling Podcast, two non-golfers will give you their tips for managing expectations, knowing the appropriate etiquette and where/when to wine and dine your prospects in the sales process.

Don’t take Hollywood’s word for it— closing on the golf course isn’t as easy as it looks.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

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Episode #419: Are You a Lonely Salesperson?

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advancedsellinpodcastgraphicbootAre you on an island all alone? If you’re the lone salesperson or feel unsupported in your sales role, this episode is for you.

Veteran sales trainers Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale share tips and strategies you can use immediately to reduce the feeling that you’re all alone with nowhere to turn.

Are you a consumer of the knowledge around you?

Do you surround yourself with people who are like-minded?

In this episode of The Advanced Selling Podcast, Bill and Bryan will give you their checklist of things you can do to help feel like you’re a part of a community and fighting the sales battle with others around you. Be lonely no more. Listen in to find out how.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

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Episode #416: Bloody Knuckle Cold Calling

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advancedsellinpodcastgraphicbootAre you in a cold-calling business?

In this episode, veteran sales trainers Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale field a question from Blake in Texas that we know many listeners find challenging.

How do you engage with a prospect when you’re knocking on their door?

What can you do to soften the immediate feeling they have to tell you to go away?

In today’s episode of The Advanced Selling Podcast, Bill and Bryan share strategies for effective and efficient cold-calling. Getting right with your belief about what you’re selling, approaching with good intent, and considering the impact of your words and approach will help you focus on what really matters in your interaction— providing a service to help the person who answers the door.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

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Episode #403: Mid-Year Prospecting Checklist

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advancedsellinpodcastgraphicbootAre you feeling a mid-year sales slump?

Are you looking for ways to modify your prospecting techniques for Q3-Q4?

In this episode, veteran sales trainers Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale give you an assessment to grade your prospecting behaviors in the first half of the year.

Are you using a true referral system to generate leads? Do you employ behavioral KPI’s (and stick to them)?

In today’s episode of The Advanced Selling Podcast, you will learn the elements of healthy prospecting strategies and give yourself a mid-year grade.  If you’re in the market to up your game for the second half of the year, don’t miss this episode.

Be sure to download the Mid Year Prospecting Checklist!

Also mentioned in this podcast:

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