Myths of Business2Business Sales #1: “Great Relationships”

Myths of Business2Business Sales #1: “Great Relationships”

The world is full of sales people who claim, quite proudly, to have great relationships with their customers.  If that were true, it really would be great.  But unfortunately, “great relationships” is too often a veil that sales people hide behind to keep from...
Q & A for Sales Managers:Appointments per day

Q & A for Sales Managers:Appointments per day

Q.  How many appointments or conversations per day or per week should a sales person make in order to be successful?  A.  I have no idea. How’s that for an answer that you’re not expecting? OK, you know by now that doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to say to this...

Dealing with Difficult Customers

A difficult customer – someone who is angry or upset – can be one of the most challenging and rewarding encounters for most companies.  If your people handle the situation well, you will often gain a long-term customer.  Mishandle it, and you’ll watch the situation...
Q & A for sales managers — goal setting for personal improvement

Q & A for sales managers — goal setting for personal improvement

Q.  I agree with your position that sales people should set goals for improving themselves every month. As a sales manager, can you give me a more specific idea of what kind of goals I should be insisting that they develop? A.  Sure. This is one of my hot buttons.  I...
Developing Salespeople

Developing Salespeople

Developing salespeople is one of those initiatives that payback double; the salespeople improve their performance, and feel better about your organization investing in them.  In one move you can help keep the good salespeople you have, motivate your salespeople,...