Posts in Skills
Build Partner/Channel Programs that Work – The First Time!

Partner/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 More
"I'm Looking for a Sales Leader with a Rolodex Who Can Hit the Ground Running"

I 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 More
Overcoming Client Objections: Breaking Through the 'No Budget' Argument

The '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 More
The Power of Empathy, Humor, and Listening

How 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 More
The Sales Game Plan: Prioritization for Maximum Productivity

When the words "Prioritize" and "Sales" come together, what comes to mind? Is it the art of opportunity selection? The judicious management of time? The meticulous sequence of tactics? The strategic choice of metrics? Or perhaps, the fine art of customer prioritization?

Read More
The Numbers Game in Sales: Facts, Not Fiction

Sales professionals often refer to their line of work as a "numbers game." At first glance, this phrase might sound like an excuse for failures or, even more so, a justification for relentless pursuit.

Read More
Sales, SkillsHenning Schwinum
The Perfect Apology: Handling Mistakes with Grace

Effectively 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 More
Haunted by Sales Mistakes? Let's Overcome Them!

Seasoned 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 More
Finding Your Superpower: Unleash Your Full Potential in Sales

Identifying your superpower is even more important as a Fractional Executive. How do you stand out from the crowd? Not by stating that you can do anything for anyone. Even though, after several decades of professional growth, many Fractional Executives have done nearly everything in their profession, to the point that many resumes look alike.

Read More
9 Ways to Deal with Rejection in Sales

A rejection is an outright dismissal or refusal of the proposal. It does not require a reason, it is not negotiable, nor is there a future or next step. Rejection is the worst.

Read More