Sales like all work really is essentially problem solving. With most sales there are what I call barriers to business. These barriers are usually perceptions or perspectives in the prospects mind that either keep you from the sale or slow down the momentum and progress. Every business is different, but in my business there are about 10 of them with 2 or 3 being the most common.
In order to serve your client and increase your success you need to learn how to resolve some of these concerns. Notice I did not say, “You need to learn to overcome these objections”. I don’t believe in overcoming objections. Sales people who get focused on overcoming objections often end up getting into an argument with their prospective client. What you do need to do is learn ways to work side by side with your potential customers in ways that will resolve their concerns. It’s a whole different mindset.
To get started on this path, I recommend putting together a journal. A binder is good because you can add sections and pages. Each time a prospective customer gives you a reason they won’t buy your product or service, write it down in your journal.
I’m guessing that over time you’ll come up with 10-15 items with 3 or 4 standing out as the most common.
Take them one at a time. Set up a page or even a section tab in the binder devoted solely to this issue. Then begin to brainstorm ways to resolve the customers concern. You can also brainstorm with peers and your manager. And one of the best ways to brainstorm is with the customer. Just straight up ask them what would resolve the issue or concern in their mind.
The resolution may take many different forms. In may simply mean learning to explain something better or different. The concern may be the result of a communication glitch on your part. It may mean building a communication tool that will add clarity. It may be a series of reference letters that speak specifically to that concern. And it may mean working with the company to alter your product or service.
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Thursday, March 6, 2008
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Comments On Coaching and Classes
The Purpose of this letter is to describe the benefits I enjoyed from my coaching experience with Dale Cobb. I had a very specific issue, which I needed help getting over the hump with. Our conversations were very helpful in keeping me on track and getting me to the finish line. I believe that Dale is a keen observer of the human condition and has the ability to reflect back an individuals thoughts and goals as one strives for success. I found the services offered by Dale to be timely and effective. In the future, I am sure I will be presented with challenges that require outside assistance. When that time comes,
I will not hesitate to call on Dale for his fresh bright and insightful guidance.
Thank You,
Joe Sexton
Managing Partner
CFR Executive Search
Chicago, Illinois
Memphis, Tennessee
"Dale has always impressed me with his integrity, marketing insights, compassion and follow through. He thinks outside the box, asks the questions that others fail to ask and has a real heart for training others to be the best they can be. You can count on Dale."
Tim Turner, Owner Turner Strategic
Atlanta, Georgia
“Dale is always the most prepared person in the room. He has the ability to listen and clarify the issue at hand. He is a creative, caring leader. He has always been a joy to work with.”
Beverly Sherman, Owner Creative Connections
Lansing, Michigan
I would like to take the opportunity to offer my recommendation for Dale Cobb. He has the remarkable ability to clearly listen to a problem, understand the issues and suggest a course of action that satisfies the needs of me and my clients. I cannot tell you how many times his advice was precisely what I needed to close a deal or carefully resolve a difficult situation. He is resourceful and creative in his teaching style. Over all he helped me to be more efficient and successful in my career.
It has been an incredible experience for me having you as my coach. As a small business owner I have at times felt isolated and stuck in my own thinking. With your excellent coaching I have been able to expand not only my thinking about existing design practice but about the design and building industry and how I can enlarge my place in it.
Interior Designer
Carmel, California
Dale helped me with exploring perspectives, chunking them down, setting goals, action planning, and overcoming hurdles (professionally and personally). The coaching format has moved me from a dream to implementing an action plan.
Management Consultant
Greenbrae, California
I have found your coaching very helpful. I have been somewhat stuck in my career decisions, but with your understanding and focus I am now moving forward. I am now positive about my direction and the steps I want to take. The coaching has also helped my personal life. I thank you for being there for me now and in the future.
Retired Dentist
Meadow Vista, California
This is one of the most beneficial and rewarding classes I have attended. Thank You.
Comfortable casual feeling....Lots of laughter...Made classes fun and increased learning.
Everything was explained so clearly. I came away from the course having learned a great deal.
Very interesting, I've learned a lot... The material has given me a lot to work with.
I've enjoyed all the sessions and feel I received something from each session to help me be a better person.
I will not hesitate to call on Dale for his fresh bright and insightful guidance.
Thank You,
Joe Sexton
Managing Partner
CFR Executive Search
Chicago, Illinois
“Working with Dale has always been rewarding. Dale has always been on the leading edge developing new ways of marketing his products and services. Always willing to try new approaches and follow through... Always convincing.”
Fred Friday, Director of Operations Fundcraft PublishingMemphis, Tennessee
"Dale has always impressed me with his integrity, marketing insights, compassion and follow through. He thinks outside the box, asks the questions that others fail to ask and has a real heart for training others to be the best they can be. You can count on Dale."
Tim Turner, Owner Turner Strategic
Atlanta, Georgia
“Dale is always the most prepared person in the room. He has the ability to listen and clarify the issue at hand. He is a creative, caring leader. He has always been a joy to work with.”
Beverly Sherman, Owner Creative Connections
Lansing, Michigan
I would like to take the opportunity to offer my recommendation for Dale Cobb. He has the remarkable ability to clearly listen to a problem, understand the issues and suggest a course of action that satisfies the needs of me and my clients. I cannot tell you how many times his advice was precisely what I needed to close a deal or carefully resolve a difficult situation. He is resourceful and creative in his teaching style. Over all he helped me to be more efficient and successful in my career.
Michael Ward
Sacramento, California
It has been an incredible experience for me having you as my coach. As a small business owner I have at times felt isolated and stuck in my own thinking. With your excellent coaching I have been able to expand not only my thinking about existing design practice but about the design and building industry and how I can enlarge my place in it.
Interior Designer
Carmel, California
Dale helped me with exploring perspectives, chunking them down, setting goals, action planning, and overcoming hurdles (professionally and personally). The coaching format has moved me from a dream to implementing an action plan.
Management Consultant
Greenbrae, California
I have found your coaching very helpful. I have been somewhat stuck in my career decisions, but with your understanding and focus I am now moving forward. I am now positive about my direction and the steps I want to take. The coaching has also helped my personal life. I thank you for being there for me now and in the future.
Retired Dentist
Meadow Vista, California
This is one of the most beneficial and rewarding classes I have attended. Thank You.
Comfortable casual feeling....Lots of laughter...Made classes fun and increased learning.
Everything was explained so clearly. I came away from the course having learned a great deal.
Very interesting, I've learned a lot... The material has given me a lot to work with.
I've enjoyed all the sessions and feel I received something from each session to help me be a better person.
Copyright Restrictions and Fair Use
Copyright 2008 Dale Cobb All Rights Reserved
Please feel free to print and use any of the posts for personal growth or for your sales team as long as you prominently display the source. Any attempt to resell the material is strictly prohibited.
Please feel free to print and use any of the posts for personal growth or for your sales team as long as you prominently display the source. Any attempt to resell the material is strictly prohibited.
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