9 Things Not to Do For a Perfect Sales Day
Want to grow your business? Start by Not Doing these 9 Things!
If you’re in sales or own your own business and you're trying to grow it, there’s no shortage of to-dos.
At times it can seem endless...I get it, and I know that you’re trying to rapidly grow your business, make more money, and still have time to enjoy the good life with your family and friends.
That’s a lot of responsibility!
Now, there are things you absolutely have to do as the leader or salesperson of your organization. One of the most important being selling your product or service! If that doesn’t happen, you don’t have much of a business.
However, it’s likely that you’re not spending enough time on selling and it’s something you absolutely can’t afford to do! Other parts of your business get in the way that seems important at the time but won't get you to your big goals.
#1 Lie
This is an easy one, and it’s absolutely critical that your word is your bond. Even the little promises that you make like when you’re going to follow-up or callback. Nothing erodes confidence or a career quicker than lying.
#2 Get Distracted
It’s easier now than ever to be distracted. It’s not l your fault, with social media, email, and texting, it can be a daunting task to stay focused. There are companies filled with some of the smartest minds of our generation trying to distract you.
The odds are not in your favor, but it’s critical you stay focused, and it is possible. Carve out time for when you’re going to do your most important tasks, and then attack them with rigor.
#3 Don’t Check Email During The First Part of Your Day
This is nothing new, and chances are you’ve heard this one before. When you check email, you hand over control of your day. There is a time for email, but it should not be the first thing you do in the morning when you could spend that time selling!
Save one of the most productive parts of your day for moving your business forward, not wading through the abyss of your inbox.
#4 Stop Prospecting
I see this happen all the time once a salesperson or business starts to have some success. They make a few sales and then all of their good habits fall to the wayside. They get busy closing and maintaining accounts. Don’t let this happen to you, always be prospecting for your next sale. Always be on the hunt for your next customer.
#5 One And Done
People are busier than ever. The number of emails, texts, direct messages and calls in a day are staggering. So never assume that just because your prospect hasn’t gotten back to you doesn’t mean that they’re not interested.
Use a cadence and follow-up through different channels (phone, email, text, social). Most sales happen after the 7th attempt to connect, so keep on trying.
#6 Fail to Ask for the Next Step or Commitment
Never leave the sales scene without knowing what and when the next step is. When talking to a prospect always ask for a commitment. Always ask for a next time to meet, talk, or demo and then book that time right on the phone. People get busy, so capitalize on their attention when you have it.
#7 Ask Crappy Questions
Don’t waste your prospects time asking poor questions. Questions are the key to differentiating yourself from your competition and unlocking the sale. So, if you want to be better at sales, start by asking better questions that dive deep into their issue and situation.
#8 Celebrate too Early
This one hurts, and one I had to learn the hard way! Celebrating before you actually cross the finish line, believing that it’s a done deal, is a no-no. I’ve seen too many deals fall through at the very last minute and absolutely crush the morale of the team.
Take the approach that every deal could fall through, and don’t start counting the money while it’s still sitting on the table.
#9 Stop Preparing to Do Business and Start Selling
Salespeople can convince themselves of just about anything. At the end of the day, a salesperson’s job is to make a connection with prospects and sell them your product. If the activity you’re doing isn’t selling, then you’re not doing your job.
Don’t just stop here.
What else should be on your Not To Do list?
What’s holding you back from creating the business you always imagined, the business that you dreamed about when you first started?
What’s stopping you from achieving that ideal state?
Whatever it is, put it on the list and ruthlessly cut it out of your life and business.