We’re All in Sales – Or Maybe Not
We’re all in sales, right? Well, maybe. I think the answer depends on what you mean by that (intent) and how you define “sales.” What is Modern, Professional B2B Selling All About? I get the intent of the “we’re all in sales” message, generally, much like Dan Pink’s book, To Sell is Human. I view it […]
Continue readingStop Product Training – Do Scenario-Based Solution Training Instead!
I’ll admit it, right upfront. There’s no doubt that sales professionals need to understand their products and services. This is a given. Product training is necessary. What troubles me, despite how much has been written on this topic, is that so many companies are still not maximizing the potential of their product training efforts to […]
Continue readingTransform Your Sales Results with a Systems Approach – Part 4: Sales Training
In Part 1 of this series, I shared that the solution to our current sales problems and the vehicle for transforming your sales results is a Systems Approach to Sales. The four systems I cited are: Sales Selection System Sales Readiness System (formerly Sales Support) Sales Training System (formerly Sales Learning) Sales Management System In Part 2 of […]
Continue readingCraft a Practical & Powerful Sales Value Proposition
Reality Check Stop and think for a moment about the difference between the average high school theater production and an Oscar-winning movie. Got that in your head? Now, do the same with the average high school orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (the “other” CSO). Clear? Now, do the same comparison for the average telemarketing […]
Continue readingThe Simple Truths About Selling
It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. ~ Winston Churchill. Complex B2B selling is not easy, but it is a lot simpler than some want you to believe. I think it makes sense to step back sometimes, and take a look at things through […]
Continue readingThe Path to Sales Growth through Customer Focus – Part 2
This post continues the previous discussion of enabling sales growth through customer focus. “The journey toward sales growth starts and ends with our customers.” – Mike Kunkle Customer Focus Framework for Sales Growth In part 1 of this series, I shared my Customer Focus Framework for Sales Growth. The five pillars of this framework include: […]
Continue readingSix Steps to Digital Selling Success
There’s a societal behavior pattern at work with social selling, which I find fascinating. Shout It From The Rooftops Have you ever noticed how we tend to shine a spotlight on the behaviors and social mores that we want to morph and replace with a “new normal?” By shining the spotlight on an issue and […]
Continue readingAdaptive Buying and Selling Alignment
I’ve been thinking about this concept for about six months and have finally decided to document it here now, even as work in progress. The name I’ve given my concept is Adaptive Buying and Selling Alignment. It’s a mouthful; I know. Perhaps that name won’t stick, but it’s a “working title” and I like it […]
Continue readingHow to Increase Sales with Top Performer Analysis – Part 2
In part one of this series, I discussed the misnomer inherent in the term “best practices” and recommended “top performer practices” instead. I also pinpointed the reason for the bad reputation, since poorly executed best practices projects often fail to produce tangible results. In the projects I’ve run over the past 25+ years, I’ve learned […]
Continue readingHow to Increase Sales with Top Performer Analysis – Part 1
The term “best practice” is tossed around a lot. These days, it’s sometimes met with a groan or disbelief. There are many reasons for that, some valid, some not… but two of the most prominent reasons seem to be: The reaction to the misnomer inherent in the phrase “best practices.” The fact that it’s been […]
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