What do I do if I have a potential buyer who keeps asking the same questions? It seems like every time we speak, he repeats the same questions, and I give him the best answers I can. I don’t know whether he just can’t remember or what, but I’m at my wit’s end – he has all the literature, and …
6 Wonderful Habits to Unlock Networking Potential
Networking is a key part of growing in your career, and yet so many of us dislike it. Or perhaps a stronger word is more appropriate? It’s not uncommon for people to say they hate networking and will avoid it at all costs. But it doesn’t have to be this way! In our newest podcast, Lynn shares how you can …
Most Successful Marketing Strategies to Generate Sales
What are some of the most successful marketing strategies that you have used to generate liquidation sales? I’m so stuck and my boss has me feeling some type of way as if hiring me was a mistake. I want to excel, I know I am great at recruiting potential customers, and my customer service skills are pretty good, too. I …
Pauses are Powerful: How to Hold Listeners’ Attention
Sales is an art that you want to master; in a large way, it’s the art of speaking. Introducing a product or service to a potential client, addressing their hesitations and concerns, and providing the product or service they need is what it’s all about, right? Not quite. There’s more to sales than just talking. Don’t think of it as …
How Should You Combat Unfair Client Poaching at Work?
I just learned I have a co-worker who is calling on one of my clients. How do I confront this situation of apparent client poaching? – Trish in Honolulu, HI Answer: First thing – don’t assume the worst. How did you learn about this? Was it from a trusted resource in a position to have first-hand knowledge, from an office …
Communications in Sales: Key Strategies You Need to Know
Sales is a dynamic career, and sales professionals require extensive skills to be successful. One of your fundamental skill sets must be communications. Knowing how to connect with your (potential) clients is vital to building your relationship and, yes, making the sale. After all, how can you expect a yes if your audience doesn’t understand what you’re saying? Learning how …
90% Want, 10% Need – Learn the Rule That Will Unlock Your Sales!
What is a successful sale? How do you increase your success rate? It’s all about matching your solution to a customer’s need, providing something they lack, or fulfilling a desire or want. As you work through the discovery process, you are identifying buyer motivation. The prospects with a need are actively seeking suppliers with the product or service that meets …
4 Communication Fundamentals that Unlock Sales Success
Sales isn’t just the art of convincing people to buy the product or service you’re selling. In fact, the foundation of sales lies in quality communication: You must learn to actively listen so you understand what your customer wants and needs. But this is easier said than done. Luckily, we got some key tips to improve your communication fundamentals. In …
Help! How Can I Improve My Email Campaigns?
Our company sends out monthly email campaigns. Although they seem to be well received, our subscribers continue to drop off, and there does not appear to be any real sales benefit. What should we consider to improve the impact? – Jarvina in Las Cruces, NM Answer: Jarvina, there are three core steps you need to take regarding your email campaigns: …
Show Me the Money: How to Collect Past-Due Payments
We’ve all been there: A customer has missed a payment or fallen behind in their account. While prevention is the best medicine, here we are, and we need resolution. How can we help our accounts payable team and receive remittance? When our client is resistant to paying the invoice, how do we respond? The following steps will help you collect …
Should You ‘Friend’ Clients on Your Personal Social Media?
I’ve had several clients ask to become friends on my personal social channels. While I use resources such as LinkedIn for client connections, I am concerned about blending my personal social media channels with work. My sales customers are my livelihood. Where should I draw the line? – Toni in Baltimore, Maryland Answer: Toni, building and maintaining relationships through social …
What is the Retail Sales Apocalypse & Why is it Overrated?
Lately, you can’t escape discussions about how artificial intelligence – AI – will inevitably disrupt and even end retail sales. We’re already seeing the rise of self-checkout stands at grocery stores, and chatbots are an increasingly common part of online purchasing experiences. Are we on the verge of a retail sales apocalypse? We spoke to Patrick Carter, a sales leader …
How to Manage a Major Invoicing Delay
We have a long-term relationship with a well-known firm. Our sales representative does a great job, and the overall product and service quality are excellent. The problem is invoicing. We cannot get our invoices in a timely manner. We have complained about this issue and had meetings about it, and yet our invoices still show up months after the order …
By the Numbers: 3 Powerful Ways Women in Sales Will Catch Up
Who do you think of when you think of a sales professional? If you’re reading this blog, you might think of yourself, but most people will imagine a man. This isn’t just based on old-timey stereotypes and media; women are still vastly outnumbered by men in sales. While women have been making progress in the field, the percentage of women …
How to Pick Up the Fumble When You Drop the Ball with the Client!
I haven’t talked to a prospect in several months and think I may have dropped the ball. What should I do? How can I pick up my fumble? – Maddie in Ponca City, Oklahoma Answer: Pick up the fumble and run with it. Reach out and check in with your client. Don’t apologize; just initiate your conversation where you left …
Client Motivations: How to Gain Understanding and Drive Results
Are you struggling in sales? Are you looking to increase your closing rate? To succeed in sales, it’s vital that you know who you’re selling to. How well do you understand your clients? How well do you understand buyer motivation? Make sure you know what your client wants (what they really, really want) before you make your sales pitch. Thinking …
4 Tips to Improve Internal Communication & Engagement
Acquiring the skill to effectively communicate with your internal team is a juggernaut for sale success. Every sales woman, including the one-woman consultant, works with a diverse group of individuals to accomplish desired client outcomes. How you interact with this village will help or hinder your sales efforts. In sales, we are so focused on our client relationships and communication …
The Secrets for Successful Job Sharing in Sales
Depending on your career and personal needs, job sharing may be an ideal option for you. Even in sales, job sharing is possible! But how can you pursue this option in your sales position? In a new interview, Lynn spoke to two sales women who successfully job shared for over a decade. After all that time, Liz Pearl and Tari …
How to Save Your Clients from Turning to the Competitors
My client has a new boss that has a relationship with a competing company. I don’t want to lose this client. How can I get in front of this and save my client from turning to the competitors? – Laura in Columbia, Missouri Answer: We all know how important client retention is for maintaining our sales and fostering strong business. …
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Get”: How to Ask for the Sale
This past week, during a conversation with Terri Tinker at KNKX, I took the opportunity to share our recent Petite2Queen press release. During the discussion, I jokingly made the comment, “You have to ask or you won’t get a yes.” Her reply struck an instant chord between us. Terri said, “I know exactly what you mean. My grandfather always told …