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In this insightful episode of "The Selling Podcast," Mike and Scott explore the delicate balance of being both kind and demanding in the sales process. We delve into effective techniques that allow you to be respectful and customer-centric while still driving towards a timely close. We break down five key strategies to achieve this artful balance:

1. Friendly Framing: We discuss how to set the stage for a demanding element by first establishing a positive and friendly rapport. By framing the conversation with warmth and genuine connection, you make the prospect more receptive to urgency and deadlines. This involves building trust and showing you have their best interests at heart before introducing any time sensitivity.
2. Permission to Close: We explore the power of seeking the prospect's explicit or implicit permission to move towards a decision. This collaborative approach makes the closing process feel less pushy and more like a natural progression. By asking questions that gauge their readiness and inviting them to the next step, you maintain control while respecting their autonomy.
3. Gentle Deadline: We delve into the art of implementing deadlines without being aggressive. This involves clearly communicating the reasons behind any time sensitivity (e.g., limited availability, promotional offers) in a helpful and informative way, rather than creating undue pressure. The emphasis is on providing a legitimate reason for the timeline.
4. You Deserve This Close: We discuss how to frame the close as being in the prospect's best interest, emphasizing the value and positive outcomes they will achieve by making a timely decision. This technique focuses on their needs and desires, making the close feel like a natural and beneficial step they deserve to take.
5. The Friendly Walkaway: We explore the subtle power of a "friendly walkaway" – a technique where you politely indicate that you understand if the timing isn't right, but also subtly highlight the potential loss of opportunity by delaying. This approach respects their decision while gently underscoring the urgency without being forceful.

This episode provides practical techniques for sales professionals to be both effective and ethical, ensuring they drive towards a close while maintaining positive customer relationships and respecting the prospect's journey.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

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In this crucial episode of "The Selling Podcast," Mike and Scott tackle three of the most pervasive and damaging mistakes that sales representatives consistently make, hindering their success and costing them deals. Understanding and rectifying these errors is fundamental to elevating your sales performance. We break down these critical pitfalls:

1. Talking Too Much, Listening Too Little: We dissect the common tendency of sales reps to dominate the conversation with product features and company information, rather than focusing on the prospect. We emphasize the paramount importance of active listening and asking insightful questions to truly understand the customer's needs, challenges, and goals. We explore techniques for effective questioning and how to tailor your approach based on what you learn, rather than delivering a generic pitch.
2. Focusing on Features, Not Value: We address the mistake of rattling off product specifications and functionalities without clearly articulating the tangible benefits and outcomes for the customer. We underscore that customers buy solutions to their problems and improvements to their lives or businesses. We delve into how to translate features into compelling value propositions that resonate with the prospect's specific needs and demonstrate a clear return on investment.
3. Failing to Follow Up: We highlight the surprisingly high number of potential deals that collapse due to inconsistent or non-existent follow-up. We discuss the critical importance of timely and persistent follow-up, whether it's responding to inquiries, scheduling next steps, or nurturing leads. We explore strategies for effective follow-up that keeps momentum alive and signals genuine interest and professionalism.

This episode provides actionable insights and practical advice to help sales professionals identify and eliminate these common mistakes, ultimately leading to increased conversions and greater success.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

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In this thought-provoking episode of "The Selling Podcast," Mike and Scott challenge the conventional wisdom that consistency is always key in sales. We argue that while predictability can be beneficial, blind adherence to routine can stifle growth and lead to stagnation, especially if that consistency is "consistently good" but not great, or worse, consistently underperforming. We dissect five critical reasons why sales professionals need to break free from rigid consistency to achieve peak performance:

1. Double Down on What Works (For Individuals): We explore the idea that while a universal process is helpful, top performers often have unique strengths and approaches that yield exceptional results for them. The key isn't uniform consistency, but identifying and amplifying what works best for each individual on the team. This might mean allowing a rep's unique style to flourish, even if it deviates from the standard playbook.
2. Don't Be Over-Scripted: Embrace Experimentation and Evolution: We argue against the dangers of being overly reliant on rigid scripts. While frameworks are important, true sales mastery lies in the ability to adapt, experiment with new approaches, and evolve your techniques based on real-world interactions. Too much consistency breeds predictability and hinders the discovery of more effective strategies.
3. You Need a Coach: We emphasize the crucial role of a sales coach in identifying areas for improvement and pushing reps beyond their comfort zones. A good coach can spot patterns of ineffective consistency and guide individuals towards new, more successful behaviors. Consistency without feedback and guidance can reinforce bad habits.
4. You Can't Ignore the Data: Look Beyond What You Want to See: We stress the importance of data-driven decision-making. Blindly sticking to a consistent approach, even if it feels comfortable, can be detrimental if the numbers don't support it. We discuss the need to objectively analyze sales metrics, identify what's truly working (and what isn't), and adjust strategies accordingly, even if it means abandoning a previously consistent method.
5. Mandatory Adaptation: Continuous Improvement Trumps Stagnant Consistency: The sales landscape is constantly changing. Customer needs evolve, new technologies emerge, and the competition adapts. We argue that a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation is far more critical than simply being consistently "okay." Sales professionals must be agile and willing to change their approach to stay relevant and successful.

This episode challenges sales professionals to critically examine their routines and embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and strategic adaptation over rigid consistency.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

#sales #podcast #customerfirst #relationships #success #pipeline #funnel #sales success #selling #salescoach

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In this forward-thinking episode of "The Selling Podcast," Mike and Scott explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing sales strategies. They tackle the burning questions sales professionals have about integrating AI into their workflows, moving beyond the hype and into practical application. They delve into three crucial aspects of maximizing AI's potential in sales:

1. Where Do I Start Using AI? We break down the initial steps for incorporating AI into your sales process. From identifying pain points to selecting the right AI tools, we provide actionable guidance for those new to AI in sales. We discuss practical applications of AI, such as lead generation, customer segmentation, and personalized outreach. We look at different AI tools that can be used in the sales process.
2. What Do My Prompts Need to Be and How to Expertly Use Them? We demystify the art of crafting effective AI prompts. We emphasize the importance of using natural language and providing clear, concise instructions to get the desired results. We look at the art of creating effective prompts that will drive the AI to provide the best results. We give examples of prompts that will help sales professionals.
3. If You Have a Good Conversation with AI, Just Continue It: We explore the concept of ongoing AI interactions. We highlight the value of building rapport with AI tools and continuing the dialogue to refine outputs and achieve optimal results. We discuss how to use AI as a collaborative partner, rather than just a tool. We look at how to use AI to generate ideas, and to help in the sales process.

This episode provides a practical guide for sales professionals looking to leverage AI to enhance their productivity, personalize their outreach, and ultimately, close more deals. We provide real world examples of how to use AI.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

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In this power-packed episode of "The Selling Podcast," Mike and Scott dissect the critical strategies needed to not just compete, but dominate in today's cutthroat sales environment. We move beyond basic sales tactics and delve into the psychological and strategic advantages that separate top performers from the rest. We break down three core pillars of competitive dominance:

1. Controlling the Conversation: This isn't about being pushy or aggressive; it's about guiding the narrative. We explore techniques for asking strategic questions, framing discussions, and leading prospects to the realization that your solution is the superior choice. We discuss how to effectively steer conversations away from price-centric comparisons and towards value-driven discussions. We look at specific techniques to keep control of the sales process.
2. Turning Competitors' Strengths into Weaknesses: We reveal how to analyze your competition's perceived strengths and reframe them as potential weaknesses. This involves understanding the nuances of your product or service and highlighting how your unique selling proposition addresses the limitations of your competitors. We analyze how to strategically position your product to highlight the benefits of your product and how it is better than the competition.
3. Dominating the Relationship Game: In today's sales landscape, relationships are paramount. We discuss how to build genuine connections, foster trust, and create lasting partnerships. We analyze how to build strong relationships. We discuss how to go beyond transactional interactions and cultivate long-term loyalty. We also look at how to maintain and grow those relationships.

This episode provides actionable insights and real-world examples to help sales professionals elevate their game and consistently outperform their competitors. We also discuss how to stay ahead of the competition.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

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This podcast episode features PJ Howland, a search consultant, who highlights the crucial role of sales in driving business growth in today's digital landscape. PJ's expertise lies at the intersection of SEO, content creation, and AI, and he shares his insights on how these elements can be leveraged to maximize sales potential.

PJ also shares his personal story of being let go from a job and how this event became his "personal liberation day," ultimately leading him to unlock his full potential and achieve greater success. He emphasizes that setbacks can often be catalysts for growth and self-discovery.

PJ discusses key considerations for determining if SEO is the right strategy for your business:

1. Search Volume: Are people actively searching for the products or services you offer?
2. Keyword Research: What are the specific keywords your target audience is using?
3. Revenue Potential: Does your business have the capacity to handle increased sales volume generated by SEO?
   
   

For more information and insights from PJ Howland, visit his website at pjhowland.com.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

#sales #podcast #customerfirst #relationships #success #pipeline #funnel #sales success #selling #salescoach

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Stop losing sales within the first 3 seconds.

This podcast episode focuses on the critical first impression in sales, emphasizing that you can lose a potential sale within the first three seconds of interaction if you don't connect authentically. The core message is that genuine interest in the person you're speaking with is paramount.

The episode highlights that sales interactions should be centered on the prospect, not on your pitch. This requires a shift in focus from "selling" to "understanding." The podcast emphasizes the importance of asking targeted questions that are tailored to the individual and their specific situation. These questions should build upon each other, guiding the conversation towards the decision-maker and uncovering valuable insights about the prospect's needs.

The podcast warns against generic, company-focused questions that can alienate the prospect. Instead, it encourages sales professionals to ask creative, engaging questions that demonstrate genuine interest in the individual. The goal is to create a connection and build rapport, establishing a foundation for a productive conversation.

Here are some starter questions focused on the individual:

• "What's been the most rewarding part of your role lately?"
• "What are some of the biggest challenges you're currently facing in your day-to-day work?"
• "What are you most passionate about in your field?"
• "How do you typically approach [relevant industry challenge]?"
• "What's one thing you'd like to accomplish in the next quarter?"
• "What does a successful day look like for you?"
• "How has your experience been with [relevant industry topic]?"
• "What is one thing you are working on to improve?"

The podcast concludes by emphasizing that by prioritizing genuine connection and asking thoughtful questions, sales professionals can captivate prospects from the very beginning and avoid losing the sale within the first few seconds.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

#sales #podcast #customerfirst #relationships #success #pipeline #funnel #sales success #selling #salescoach

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This podcast episode tackles the common productivity killer: procrastination. It acknowledges that sales professionals often find themselves trapped in a cycle of delaying important tasks, ultimately hindering their success. The episode provides actionable steps to recognize and break free from this loop.

The core message emphasizes the importance of intentional action and accountability. The podcast outlines three key strategies for overcoming procrastination and maximizing productivity:

1. Prioritize Revenue-Generating Activities: The first step involves clearly identifying and prioritizing tasks that directly contribute to revenue generation. This means focusing on activities like prospecting, client meetings, and closing deals. By focusing on these high-impact activities, you can ensure that your time is spent effectively. This step helps to cut through the clutter of less important tasks that often lead to procrastination.
2. Find Your Power Hour: The podcast encourages listeners to identify their "power hour," the time of day when they are most focused and productive. By scheduling their most important tasks during this time, they can maximize their efficiency and minimize distractions. This allows for focused effort, and breaks up the feeling of the "to-do" list being too large to tackle.
3. Find an Accountability Partner: The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of an accountability partner in breaking the procrastination cycle. By having someone to report to, sales professionals are more likely to stay on track and meet their goals. The accountability partner provides external motivation and support, helping to overcome the internal resistance that often leads to procrastination. The podcast states that if you want the reward, you need to be held accountable.

The episode reinforces that procrastination is a habit that can be broken with intentional effort and strategic planning. By prioritizing revenue-generating activities, maximizing productivity during power hours, and leveraging the support of an accountability partner, sales professionals can break free from the procrastination loop and achieve their sales goals.

Scott Schlofman
Mike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773

#sales #podcast #customerfirst #relationships #success #pipeline #funnel #sales success #selling #salescoach