“How can I sell when I’m not the lowest price?”

“How can I sell when I’m not the lowest price?”

I wish I had a dollar for every time I was asked that question in a sales training session.  It’s certainly one of the most common questions I hear coming from professional sales people – and their bosses. There are a variety of answers — too many for just one...

Q&A for Sales Professionals: Margins (QA-S-61)

Question: It seems like the price is even more an issue today than ever before. In this environment, how do we get the margins up to increase the bottom line?   Answer: Thanks for the question. Believe me; I understand the constant pressure on your price.  I wish...

Learning about the competition

“I’m concerned about what my competition may be doing.  I know I should be aware of what they’re doing, but I’m not sure how I can find that out.” This is an issue that’s growing in importance.  Our industry is heating up and becoming more competitive.  All around us...

Q & A for sales professionals: Five minute pitch

Question:   A customer (a contractor) has given me and one of my competitors five minutes to present our respective products to him. I know all the features and benefits of the product, but I don’t want to be like everyone else and give him what he’s heard before.  At...
Q&A for Sales Managers:  Goals in an uncertain economy

Q&A for Sales Managers: Goals in an uncertain economy

Question:  How can I set sales goals with any degree of reliability when this year’s economy is so uncertain? Answer: I can appreciate your problem.  The economic atmosphere is so uncertain it’s difficult to predict what is going to happen even a month from now. But...