I recently ran the NYC Marathon, crossing the finish line in seven hours after a 26.2 mile run through that world-class city. I'm still riding the "high" of this exhilarating experience, and thinking a lot about the analogies of a marathon and lessons in other parts of our lives -- like business building.
Read MorePartner/Channel programs fail for a variety of reasons, and the specific causes of failure can vary depending on the strategy or lack thereof. Based on my 30 years of partner/channel program strategy development and execution, here are the top five reasons why partner/channel programs fail:
Read MoreI have conversations on a regular basis with business owners and founders who expect much more magic on the sales side of their businesses than they would otherwise with other functional areas like HR, Finance, or Engineering.
Read MoreIn the fast-paced world of sales, commerce, and trade, the phrase "business is business" is often the expression of the cold and calculated nature of the corporate world. It suggests that emotions, empathy, and personal connections have no place in the realm of profit and loss.
Read MoreThe 'No Budget' objection is a common hurdle in sales, but it's not insurmountable. By understanding the client's perspective, highlighting value, and offering flexible solutions, you can break through this obstacle and ultimately secure the sale.
Read MoreHow many client or vendor relationships have you turned into long-lasting personal friendships? In the world of sales, building strong connections with clients is not just a mere strategy; it's the cornerstone of success.
Read MoreEffectively apologizing to a disheartened customer transcends its basic function—it becomes the linchpin that reduces product returns, amplifies brand reputation, secures the allegiance of steadfast patrons, augments recurring revenue streams, and, in certain instances, even circumvents potential legal entanglements.
Read MoreWhen both sales reps and sales leaders are held accountable for their actions and results, it fosters a sense of ownership, trust, and transparency within the team. How do you build an accountability culture in a sales team?
Read MoreSeasoned salespeople understand that success in this field is not merely about making a pitch but rather about building relationships, understanding customer needs, and using a proven process. However, even the best sales professionals can stumble and make mistakes that hinder their progress.
Read MoreMaking decisions can be tricky – and there can be difficult decisions we sometimes wish we didn’t have to make. A systematized approach for clarity, consensus, and confidence can be powerful and valuable when making decisions.
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