What Successful Sales People Do!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!



Contact me at tduggan(@)Cogentco.com at Cogent for more Info or to Network. Cogent delivers customers with Highly Reliable, Secure and Scalable IP Networks with over 190 markets throughout 38 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, with over 57,900 route miles of long-haul fiber and over 27,400 miles of metropolitan fiber.

Twas The Night Before Month End...

Twas The Night Before Month End
Twas the day before month end and across every floor,
All the salespeople were scurrying some right out the door.

The goals had been hung on a white board with care,
In hopes that this month would find everyone there.

Sales managers were nestled in a conference with dread.
While visions of bonuses still danced in their head!

The CEO with her figures and I my sales map,
Had just settled down for our afternoon chat.

When out on the sales floor arose such a clatter,
I sprang from our meeting to see what was the matter!

Away to my team I flew like a flash -
Arriving in moments after my 50 yard dash.

Above all the murmurs and shouting I heard, "PO"
Which gave the luster of goal to all gathered below.

When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,
The salesperson with an order that would make them their year!

So over the details, by line we went quick,
Ensuring the warehouse each item could pick.

More rapid than eagles accounting they came,
And wanted more info, the customer credit to gain;

Away they all went to make the D&B call,
Making sure that the deal would be good for us all.

The answer was quick, as we all knew the stakes!
Yes, accounting cried, you've not make a mistake.

Now back to her desk the salesperson flew,
Customer info to update and order entry to do.

The warehouse was bustling, more coffee they drank,
It wouldn't be THEIR fault if our numbers did tank.

Then the pick slip started printing, the paper did fly,
The pages kept printing, right up to the sky!

They all started running to pack all the stuff,
Sales held their breath, would it be enough?

When the boxes were labeled and stacked on the dock,
We let out our breath then glanced up at the clock.

We did it, we'd made it - yes right on the nose,
Then cheers they did shout and the volume it rose.

To cut through the noise the salesperson did whistle,
"If you needed proof forecasting works, I'm sure this'll!"

Surprised at this admission, I looked all around,
They were all still smiling, not a face held a frown.

Knowing I couldn't say it better myself,
I shuffled some paper to stack on the shelf.

Still patting her back, the sales team turned to go,
A good month on the books - we still basked in the glow.

And I heard her exclaim as she left for the night,
It's amazing what happens, when you plan it all right!

Author Lynn Hidy Selling To Big Companies



Contact me at tduggan(@)Cogentco.com at Cogent for more Info or to Network. Cogent delivers customers with Highly Reliable, Secure and Scalable IP Networks with over 190 markets throughout 38 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, with over 57,900 route miles of long-haul fiber and over 27,400 miles of metropolitan fiber.

My Annual Holiday Maxfund Pet Food Drive in Denver!

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be participating in my annual Holiday Maxfund Pet Food Drive again this year -7 years counting helping a local no-kill Pet shelter. I will not bore you with my Pets are needy and every little bit helps speech because hey, it could be worse I could be asking you to donate to the Santa Clause alcohol recovery group.

I would appreciate anything you might be able to contribute. I will be collecting items between now and De 30th to deliver to the Maxfund Animal Shelter. Feel free to email me or click on my profile to find out my contact information and I will be happy to make arrangements for pick up.


Items Needed:
*Dog food and cat food – unopened bags; cans
*Dog crates – all sizes Cat carriers
*Dog beds/pillows (new or gently used)
*Cat litter Stuffed dog toys (washable rubber or plastic ones are best)
*Chew toys for dogs (Kongs are ideal)
*Blankets, towels, comforters (new or gently used)
*Sheets; towels – all sizes Bowls – all sizes (plastic or metal)
*Large jars of peanut butter Large chew bones
*Used leashes; dog collars
*Dog shampoo Tennis balls

This was meant for anyone in the Colorado Region, if interested and live out of state feel free to let me know if you would like to contribute...all donations accepted!


Maxfund
If you are not able to drop off anything but feel like giving, here is a link: https://www.maxfund.org/donation-page

Contact me at tduggan(@)Cogentco.com at Cogent for more Info or to Network. Cogent delivers customers with Highly Reliable, Secure and Scalable IP Networks with over 190 markets throughout 38 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, with over 57,900 route miles of long-haul fiber and over 27,400 miles of metropolitan fiber.

7 Quick Sales Tips for a Strong 2015 Close

 

The year has once again flown by and it’s time to finish out on a strong note. For sales professionals, this means pedal to the metal to close out the year on top. For sales managers, it means coaching and guiding teams to reach the finish line in good shape. Here are some quick sales tips that may prove helpful in bringing 2015 to a strong close.

1. Personalize your dialogues — Too many sales professionals send impersonal e-mails and leave “canned” voice mails- I know, because I’m on the receiving end. There’s a tool called the Internet, with the World Wide Web and social media sites, offering a wealth of information regarding the contacts you’re trying to reach. Prior to any dialogue, phone or e-mail, take the time to check LinkedIn and Twitter to find out who they are, their interests, and what they’re tweeting about. Then, use this personal information in your dialogues. I know how great marketing automation systems can be, but they tend to generate generic responses. When you make dialogues personal, you can expect to see a change in response rates.

2. Read, read, read, and read — In our great age of content-based marketing, organizations are producing an abundance of relevant articles, white papers, research studies, briefs, and blogs on key subjects. Search for topics related to your industry, and sign up for alerts and blog subscriptions from people and organizations that can help build your knowledge base. These sources can give you the information to develop and provide insights to prospects.

3. Provide real insights — The more you read, the better the insights you can provide. Don’t just automatically share content with “read this article, it’s a great piece.” Take the time to aggregate data and provide meaning. Offer real insights and value to your connections. Develop an opinion and communicate your points of view. It’s a great way to become an expert and build both credibility and your personal brand.

4. Don’t get complacent — If you are close to making goal with a few months of the year left, it’s easy to get complacent. I say keep the pedal down and make it to the finish line as quickly as possible. Remember, the calendar resets itself each year. Don’t just think about completing the current year; push for continued, sustainable success to lay the foundation for 2016.

5. Fill out your CRM — Data capturing and sharing is critical in today’s business world. I understand that sales professionals typically don’t get up in the morning eager to fill out their CRM, but make a commitment to do so. Tracking won and lost deals is critical for companies, with analysis helping to improve products, positioning, and messaging.

6. Get social — If you are not leveraging social selling tools, do so before it’s too late. You don’t have to become an expert in Twitter or make hundreds of connections on LinkedIn. At the very least, set up accounts on these two social platforms and follow your clients and prospects so you can learn more about how they think and what is important to them. Follow the posts of investor relations departments to get a better understanding of your target companies’ business performance. Finally, follow your competitors, too, so you can stay current on what they are doing.

7. Nurture leads — Prospecting can be difficult. That’s why if someone downloads content from your website, you should make the commitment to follow up and nurture that lead. They may not have an immediate need, but they are searching for elements of your solution. Basically, they’re kicking the tires. If they fit your lead criteria, make sure to touch base and nurture those leads. Don’t just give up after two e-mails; make sure the prospect knows who you are for when the need arises

Article Link
By James Brado

Contact me at tduggan(@)Cogentco.com at Cogent for more Info or to Network. Cogent delivers customers with Highly Reliable, Secure and Scalable IP Networks with over 190 markets throughout 38 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, with over 57,900 route miles of long-haul fiber and over 27,400 miles of metropolitan fiber.