Sales Training anyone can use...

So I've had a thought about compiling some sales training for clients who want to improve/train/teach their team.  It's not part of any step-formula to the "sale", but is critical before you ever "step to the plate".  What is interesting about this foundational or ground-floor lesson, is that it can prove beneficial to anyone.  I'll relay that point with a short (real) story.

I was at a children's birthday party with my family some months ago, and while the children attending played, the parents did the "fellowship thing" and chatted small-talk.  Another gentleman and I got to talking about the personal weather-stations you can purchase on the market.  He related that he read a review of a particular model that was top-notch, did everything it promised in the marketing, and wasn't too expensive (trifecta!).  The critical factor in his relaying this information was he didn't remember the model number or even the manufacturer.

The takeaway from this story is simple: know your product.  Especially in the realm of sales, if you are not somewhere on the trail to knowing the absolute most about your product you are not going to close the sale (in most cases).  Naturally, we are not robots with infinite and fast-response memory, so a client/customer will understand if you ask them if you can get back to them on one thing or another.  But at least know the bullet-points!  Do your best in the information-gathering stage to learn all you might be asked so that you can adequately represent the manufacturer or service provider.  As mentioned above, there are step-intensive processes to selling being taught here and there on the web or otherwise.

I hold the opinion (loosely) that everyone sells, but not everyone closes all the time. Although the bulk of this post is aimed at those in a actual selling profession, it's probably evident how this would apply to those who don't sell for a living in some way.  You don't want to tempt someone to be annoyed with you because you didn't know at least more than a miniscule about something!

First... and not last...

Hello-Hello!  So I've started blogging again, and it comes at somewhat a surprise to me.  I had ended my previous blog due to busyness, and the thinking that "hey, Facebook is pretty cool, I don't need to post on my own anymore". I did that for a while, (and still do), but have had a different opinion slowly simmering over the last few years, courtesy of my good friend Azin.  He founded a great company whose goal in business is to provide "Solutions for Great Causes", and when we spoke a few years ago (has it been that long?), I didn't think it was something I wanted to do.  Then, after getting through only half (so far) of Linchpin, by Seth Godin, I had a major change of heart.

A good portion of my day consists of driving from one place to another, to see my accounts.  More often or not, this provides ample time to reflect on whatever I've listened to or experienced in the recent past.  I have a tremendous desire to help people, encourage, motivate, and feel particularly called to the business-set who could (with help, mine preferably) improve in some way or another.  I've had extensive experience with the DiSC personality profile system, Grip-Birkman Blueprint, and other assessments, and through those different tools have helped others to change for the better in how they do things.

I started a business a few years ago that dealt with the sales aspect of business, and it's been doing OK, bills are getting paid, life goes on. Phero Sales Group provides representation and distribution service to various clients in the automotive industry.  With all the experiences I've had since that initial start-up, or you could say "with this realization of my 'life-passion' or 'purpose'" I've launched another branch of my business: Phero Consulting Group.

This is the slow expanse of that "consulting" into the web-o-sphere, a personal blog from me, Ethan, and occasionally guest-posts from my colleagues that I work with, and cherish as good friends.  I pray you find something encouraging or motivating as you read the posts.  I cannot promise this to be a daily-deal, there are other "skillets" that need attending on the "stove", but I do hope (God willing) to relate one or two thoughts a week (at least) in this blog.

Thank you for your attention, and stay tuned, you might just appreciate what you read!