Developing a powerful and persuasive presentation begins with thoughtful structure and careful word choices. Speakers can benefit from learning the secrets of good writers. I share this fascinating article from Ragan Communications explaining the psychological strategies copywriters use to craft headlines. Courtney Seiter explains how and why effective copy works on even the most distracted […]
Read More...Sales Presentations – Your Audience, They Really Don’t Care Who You Are
You are competing for a major contract. All of the companies the being considered have great reputations, stellar client lists, and similar pricing structures. How do you craft and deliver your sales presentation to stand out as the clear choice amidst the competition? Here are some do’s and don’ts to be aware of:
Read More...Sales – Prospects Perceive Value Through Your Commitment
When you lose business you should have captured, you lose twice. First, you don’t get the sale or the cash flow. Secondly, your competitor gets both. It is not your prospect’s job to remember you. It is your responsibility to make sure they do not have the chance to forget you. I share this advice […]
Read More...Do You Treat Others, Even Strangers, with Courtesy?
I like to say, “A stranger is a friend, or a customer, you have not met yet.” My friend Jane Jenkins Herlong is a humorist, speaker, and author. You may have enjoyed her comedy and songs on Sirius XM Radio and Pandora. I share this story from her book, Bare Feet to High Heels – […]
Read More...There Are No Shortcuts to Effective Sales Conversations
If a potential client is willing to engage initial conversation, they have an underlying reason to consider your product or service. Sales conversations are most effective when they are focused on your client’s concerns – not the product or service you provide. There are no shortcuts to effective sales conversations. Always take the time to understand […]
Read More...How to Treat Your Sales People Like Real Business Operators
Leadership traditionally comes from the top down, and paradoxically leadership is also necessary from the bottom up. My friend and fellow speaker, Lee B. Salz is a sales management strategist who very wisely recommends giving sales people the responsibility of creating their company’s sales business plan. In taking on this responsibility, sales people become leaders […]
Read More...Harness The Power of Third-Party Endorsements
A third-party endorsement is alchemy of sorts, taking hours of conversation and interaction and condensing it into a couple of sentences. You cannot and must not lie when sharing third-party endorsement client stories, but you can condense a conversation. You can even dramatize an endorsement story as long as it is authentic and emotionally true. […]
Read More...Are You Insulting Your Prospects?
Successful sales conversations are always focused on your potential client’s problem, goal, or challenge – NOT on your product or the service you provide. Never presume you can meet a prospect’s needs before you have invited them to tell you what their needs actually are. My friend, sales expert and sales coach, Scott Plum shares […]
Read More...Advice on Improving Sales
Life is a series of sales situations, and the answer is always “no” if you don’t ask. Even Wayne Gretzky, the legendary hockey player agrees – “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” There are, however, two additional parts of the equation. The first is this: The real sale comes after the sale, […]
Read More...Are Business Cards Dead? Make What You Do Obvious
“Hello” can lead to a conversation. A conversation can lead to a relationship. A relationship can lead to profitable business. My friend and colleague, Susan RoAne is an expert in turning small talk into big business. Her book, How to Work a Room, is a bestseller. In a recent television interview, Susan explained that success […]
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