Commit to the Moment

Observation:
There was a young man talking about “the moment”. Thinking about the actual “present moment”. How does that relate to us? He said “If you commit to one moment, the next moment instantly reveals itself to you, you really don’t have to work hard at it, if one moment is true the next moment reveals it’s self to you and the next moment again reveals itself.” and so on. Lets say you are standing in a work out position leaning over and touching your toes(try it), then as you begin to stand up straight your back(vertebra’s) are aligning one vertebra at a time until you are standing straight. Simple observation right? Lets analyze…
Analysis:
You start in the workout position standing tall and leaning over touching your toes. As you begin your journey back to the top(standing up straight) you decide to deviate from your commitment and begin to turn(not deal with the objections in sales) or get distracted(in a relationship maybe look at another man or women) then as you continue to your journey to the top you begin to feel pain(in sales it’s not paying attention to your techniques/transaction flow)(in a relationship it’s the “why did you look at her/him”) well it looks like you did not commit to each moment. As you continue your journey to the top you feel nothing but pain and discomfort. It can be felt personally or professionally, why is that?
Insight:
Pay attention, commit to the moment so as you continue your journey to the top, you’re not going to feel any pain or discomfort using the right technique. Working with a personal trainer(Sales its VIP’s) allows you to learn the right technique so you don’t get hurt. We understand pain and discomfort we know that you don’t want to feel the rejection (throughout the sales process). Don’t let your ego stand in your way of achieving great things, then you begin to take short cuts. you begin to say I can workout on my own(yes we know you hit the gym for a day and then never go back) but guess what? Every month you continue to pay for that membership to a place that you never visit. Next time talk to that personal trainer(professionally we are here too) to get the right techniques(Sales training) down and then when you are ready to go out on your own you will be ready.
Asking:
The hardest thing to do is to ask for help, we know. That is why we cold call, because it’s easier to ask if someone needs help. Next time you are out in town and you see someone who needs help(you know this because you are observant) ask them. You will feel great for helping, and they will be grateful for you asking.Step out of your comfort zone and be bold, and do it with style not arrogance. Try this, on your birthday if you go get your car washed or maybe at some random place like a yogurt shop ask them if they give away anything for a birthday, there could be a surprise with what they say.
Thought:
It takes the same amount of energy to be happy than it does to be sad. What do you want? We want you to be happy.




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Your Best Ally

Secretaries, Assistants, Gatekeepers and other key support personnel: (We will refer to them as S.A.G.)
They are intelligent, valuable and the most important variable in this equations. People misunderstand that these S.A.G.’s aren’t powerful enough to take seriously. Do not under-estimate the S.A.G. They are your most valuable resources, as to find out as much about your prospective client. You just have to be nice and respectful. There might be bitterness and misunderstanding but since you called them and interrupted their day you have to place nice.
As previously noted in our Blug(Business Blog), Our trainer had placed a call to the founder of Carl’s Jr. Corporation. If it wasn’t for the Executive Assistant to the founder our trainer would have not been placed in front of him. The point is, how the interaction took place between the gatekeeper and our trainer.
Lets analyze this scenario:
Cold call placed at 8:27 am Wednesday morning to the Carl’s Jr. Corporate office. The Executive Assistant picks up the phone. (If you want to know how to keep the gatekeeper engaged you will have to take our course) Once the initial rapport building was made we ask one of our first questions “is if this is a good time to talk?”. After getting the OK to talk(ask for permission to speak to that person, even if it’s the S.A.G.). we interrupted their day. There were some probing questions as to who is the overall person that handles all the decisions for the company(Ask who the decision maker is, if you are talking to the wrong person during your entire sales process this can lead to a lost sale). We needed to find out who was the person that specifically handles transaction with equipment.
Our Friendly S.A.G. stated that the best person to speak to talk to was Mr. Karcher himself, at that moment she did not know who would be the best person and that he would have the right contact or knowledge as to whom would help me.( That is another note, call in with the notion that you need help, you are bound to have less resistance)
When the call was patched through we were very surprised to be speaking to the man himself (Mr. Karcher) we share this because we want you to be empowered with the thoughts that a cold call does not have to be frightening and that you can contact anyone. Like our classes on Forensic cold calling, the idea is to approach with an investigative mind not a salesmen mentality. The conversation with Mr Karcher was one of the most memorable experiences to pass along to you. We realized early on in our sales career that having the right attitude (positive) and professionalism anyone can help you get to the top. After about a 7-10 minute conversation with Mr. Karcher he had stated that he would reference me to his legal staff and patch me through with him right away to ensure that the call with him would get me the outcome that I was looking for.
Point:
Be clear with your objective. Don’t sound scripted, that will put up more walls. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if it means asking the big boss for help. Besides he knows his organization better than you. This is where you don’t want to assume. Be polite people, to many times do we hear snotty, cocky, ego-centric people on the phone throwing their title around just to get what they want. Is that really the picture what you want to paint of yourself to your prospective client.
Imagine:
What if you met your client? The reality is that people will judge you on or off the phone. Don’t be that person that person that the S.A.G. talk about when you walk in the room and they say “ohh I remember him/her now that was that awful person I spoke with on the phone”. When you leave the room or that place of business that person is going to highly influence the owner of that company. Why does this happen? Because they work there. You don’t. We are bringing awareness to you, someone has to.

VIP's

Plugged In

On Scene:
In recent conversation there was a thought that was brought up about all the technology that is available at our fingertips. The comment was “Are you plugged in?” As the conversation launched and there was words tossed back and forth like a friendly game of tennis, both parties were fully engaged with one another. We thought WOW!! now that is being “Plugged In”. Or is it?
Awareness:
It set in like a rapid thunderstorm, with all the social media outlets and facets there are so many ways to be “Plugged In”. The question is brought up, “how are you plugging in using today’s technology”? Would you agree that it’s using the right outlet? The proper method to communicate with your audience, either of one or many.
Moment:
Use the proper channels to be in the moment. To engage with your audience. The focus of VIP’s training is to master a certain niche, a specific trait that will help you become a master of your craft. For us it’s the art of cold calling/prospecting.
Example: A professional race car driver might do what we think is simple laps on the course, but(yes there is a but) he/she has practiced day in and day out to know how the car is going to handle(the anticipation of the clients needs) how the car is going to respond to the drivers mannerisms(your clients reactions to your sales process). Feeling the way the car moves and anticipating the direction of the car(you’re intuition of the objections you’re going to get).
“Plugged In”:
It can mean a lot of different things depending on who you are talking to. What’s important to you? Once again we want to focus on you not going against the grain, if you are a powerful networker keep it going. If you are a powerful phone prospector keep that going too. If you are going to implement something new do it in MODERATION, that way you don’t get discouraged. It’s like going to the gym, if you give it all you have the first day especially if you haven’t done it in a while you won’t go back for a long time. Once again take it in moderation. Plus you will enjoy it better as time goes on.
VIP’s

Too Emotional

“You’re to emotional for this job” ever hear those dreadful words? We have, and what most managers probably overlook is that it’s not about being emotional it’s about how vested we are with our clients. There is a gap between the sales representatives and the management team, ever wonder why? One thing we noticed it’s a heck of a different view looking down(management position) than when you are looking up(sales rep).
Emotions:
Salesmen and women have to work extremely hard to look for clients, build a pipeline and process paperwork. That in itself can be emotionally draining. Building rapport, earning your clients trust is tough enough. Don’t remind your rep that they are emotional, it’s really a slap in the face when you do that. We are just here to remind the upper management team that if you see your team working really hard, get your boots, gloves and go get dirty with your crew. One, they will appreciate you more and two, they will work harder to accomplish your mutual goal. And you will earn their respect along the way. It’s like the show where the boss goes undercover. Sometimes you have no idea what its like to be in the trenches until you jump in with your team. Keep in mind when you where in the trenches the war was a lot different that in today’s world. Old school veterans and new school veterans have two distinctive points of view on war, but their purpose is driven by the same emotions with in their hearts.
Gap:
There needs to be synergy between those opposing positions. The magnetism needs to come in sync to allow better cohesion. Allow the relationship to be the driving factor not the money. Money comes and goes. But the relationship is forever. We are the conduit line between the two sources relaying the messages in a clear and concise fashion, leaving no room for error.
Executive Team:
Why are you not supporting your team? So much expectation on your sales staff to produce but the question is, “How are you getting involved to lead your team to the finish line”? Take sales as a relay race that will force you to work together. Your sales team wants to see you(Executive team) in action. When commanding a vessel the first thing the captain must do is earn his crews respect and most important prove himself to his crew that he is capable of leadership. In turn the crew will respect and work with the captain to man the ship.
Great Manager:
We shall never forget AM(initials of previous boss) he was in the trenches selling side by side with each salesmen. Earned our respect because he practiced what he preached. “whoo ya captain!”
VIP’s

Expectation

Creating The Right Expectation:
Observation:
Having the pleasure to meet Miss Neuhauser from Blindkids.org today had given us the insight on what kids have to go through today to be able to cope with the real would. These kids either develop some form of degenerative eye disease or they are born blind. Miss Neuhauser specified that about 85% of our information that we take in is visual. Why do we highlight this?
85%:
If you are on the phone having a conversation with someone ready to close a $30 dollar sale to a multi-million dollar deal, you need to heighten all of your senses to make up for that loss percentage. The lack of visual sense does play a vital role with your selling(for those that deal with phone sales). Not to say that you won’t be standing in front of your client if the transaction is of a large capacity. But (and yes there is a but) if you are not able to meet with your client and you want to secure his/her commitment prior to close, you better believe that you need to be AWARE of all your senses when talking to your client.
Senses:
Take our Forensics approach to cold calling class. It covers cold/warm/hot leads as well as inbound and outbound calls. Increase your senses by knowing what to apply. Yes you have experience in sales we understand that but(yes another one) how does your book of business look like for the last 3 years? Plateau anyone??? Education+Information+Application= Transformation.
Yes or No:
Are you creating the right expectation for your client? Either a “Yes” or “No” well if you are not confident in answering that question then you know you have a lot more to work on.
Scripting:
How does this create the right expectation? Well here is the second point that Miss Neuhauser spoke about today, “Scripting” she had stated that the parents had to learn how to script to their child for then to experience the world.
Example 1: Mom and child are at a railroad crossing, the mom tells her child about how the train is passing and to counts the cars passing by for fun(we get this probably because it’s more common). What would you say or do to the child that was not able to see?
Example 2: Mom tells her visually impaired child, do you hear the train coming? It’s getting louder, now do you hear the clicks of the wheels passing those represent the cars passing by, now do you hear how the train is getting farther away? That is the train leaving and going off into the distance.
Why:
The idea behind this is to guide our prospective client in the path, what is going on(train coming=sale transaction) each car that is passing by(deal transaction flow)where the process of the sale is going and how its going. Counting each item off your list to get to the last cart(equals a closed business). You are creating the right expectation with your client by informing him/her your plan of action. Each time there is a locomotive that passes you are telling your client what is going on, and you are doing it together. You need to pick up that phone when he/she calls they have questions that needs to be answered. Even if you don’t have an update, tell them what’s going on. They will appreciate you more than if they have to keep calling you.
You:
You are the expectation, you are the reason why the deal is on your desk to begin with.
VIP’s

Salesmen or Closer

VIP’s
Are you a salesmen or are you a closer?
What does your day look like on average? How do you spend your time in the office? Are you closing accounts? Identify your role, when you walk into the office tomorrow are you dressed for success or is your attire half ironed and semi pressed? If you really want to know ask 3 to 5 of your coworkers(and tell them to be honest)to tell you what their perception of you looks like. -Caution as you asked for their opinion don’t get upset.- This could be the best and most valuable information that you will ever get.
Our Master Trainer gets together every week with a private group to target these very issues that people don’t get the insight to. We need to be critiqued ever so often as to how we show up to our careers. If you choose not to be honest with yourself let someone else do it for you. It’s the only way you will grow.
Reality:
You will be judged by your customer/client…FACT…so what do we do about it?
Well lets take a look at something that we all do. Lets take a dating scenario… as soon as your date arrives both of you are checking out whats on the menu(catch the idea?). You took time(hours) to get ready, you wanted to impress your date. I bet you even got a hair cut… Took out your best pair of jeans, nice fitting dress or skirt(to show off your figure) and you even got your favorite shoes to look and feel like a million bucks. Bought some new cologne, and a nice new hat. And for the ladies you took out your best perfume to make sure that you got your dates attention. We can go on and on about what we do to get ready to impress someone on a first date…… But the big question is “WHY”… “Why don’t you do that for your clients?” Meaning why aren’t you taking the same passion and energy to get ready and prepared for your client in that professional arena. Aren’t they just as important? (And we aren’t saying to date your client)Moving on…
Point:
If you act like a salesmen that’s all you’ll be, act like a closer and that’s what you’ll be. Remember not to be arrogant, self-absorbed, egotistical or about you. It’s about being in the “Closer” role. You established a relationship with you client and he depends on you to do your job. He is waiting on you to do your duties so he can go out and make money with either your product or services. You have a responsibility to your client, don’t be that person sand-bagging the deal just because you don’t know where the next deal is going to come from. Go out and find it, that’s your job. Better yet that is your passion. Do an EXCEPTIONAL job and he is going to refer you right out of the gates, you take your sweet time and he is not going to refer you at all. We have all experienced this at one time or another.
Do:
That’s right, go out and do it. Make things happen right now. (Because when you read this it will be that time) Today will eventually become yesterday and tomorrow will soon be here. Get out there and change someones life, make a difference. Be an inspiration to a coworkers no matter who you are. All of you in that office play a VITAL ROLE and without everyone there the relay race would never be completed.
Tip/Suggestion:
Take acting classes, learn how to step into a role. MT(Master Trainer) has taken years of acting classes to learn and master the art of stepping into a role. He(MT) wants to portray success, confidence, honesty, integrity and professionalism. The only way to do that is to learn how to do it. Acting classes will allow you to learn more about yourself and how to be. Education gives us the tools and resources on how to run a business but there are other avenues that need to be traveled to learn how to act and be a professional. It’s about evolution!!!
Be:
Be that person that you envisioned when you first started that job, or accepted that promotion. Or when you stepped into the role of being an entrepreneur. Life will be difficult and it will be challenging, we are here to walk that path with you.
VIP’s