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The Holidays are a Great Metaphor for Sales Success

  
  
  

Dave Kurlan is a top-rated speaker, best-selling author, sales thought leader and highly regarded sales development expert.

Which do you anticipate more?

The gifts that you will receive?  What will it be?  Could it be what you were hoping for?  Will it be smelly socks? Will you have to return it? Will you love it? Will you hate it?

Or...

The gifts that you present? Will they be surprised?  Will they be delighted?  Will they be speechless?  Will they know how much thought you put into it?  Will they be appreciative?

I can only speak for myself but I couldn't care any less about what I get, but I sure get nervous - more nervous than any other thing I can imagine - when I'm giving a thoughtful gift.  If you focus on the gifts you'll get you'll certainly miss the entire point of this great holiday season.

Sales success works much the same way.  If you focus on your prospect, the value you're providing,  the questions that will cause them to think differently, about their business, their challenges and you, and what you can do to help them, you can delight them and get them to buy from you.  If you focus on yourself and your needs - to present, to talk about capabilities, your company, your need for approval and your desire to do business with them, you'll miss the point of the sales call.

(c) Copyright 2009 Dave Kurlan



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Posted by Dave Kurlan on Tue, Dec 22, 2009 @ 12:38 PM

COMMENTS

Giving is so much fun. Figuring it out. What do they want, what do they need, what will work or not? It about them as you say. What will make them smile. Whether family, friends or business, it's thoughtfulness, helpful or just playful, if it makes them smile and know that you were thinking about them, you too will smile and feel good. 
 
Yes the real point is giving and in doing so you are giving some of yourself, your concerns, your caring, your loving and in business your expertise to help others. 
 
 
 

posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 1:25 PM by ed kleinman


Dave, 
 
You hit it right on the head. A gift given sincerely feels so good when it is on target and appreciated. Focusing on the prospect in sales will always keep your head in the right place. Good column!

posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 4:56 PM by Douglas Wick


Dave, 
 
Great analogy. Something I might remember when I'm talking with a prospect.  
 
Thanks for all the info and ideas.

posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 7:09 PM by Phil


Dave makes a great point.As a strong advocate at looking at issues from the "opposite" angle much more clarity is created on a problem. i.e. "what action could you take to hinder/destroy the sales performance of your company and then flip those into positive action steps. I think you will find Mother Theresa practiced th giving for most of her life.Ray

posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 9:11 PM by Ray Bigger


Dave, Some will accuse me of shamelessly sucking up, but I don't really care. I believe that you exhibit your genuine concern for all those in the sales profession by continually "giving" us valuable information through out the year. Thank you for sharing great insight into how to be more successful in both sales and sales force development - gifts that keep on giving! 
 
Best of the Holidays to you and yours!

posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 9:29 PM by Mike Shannon


@Ed, Doug, Ray, and Mike - thanks, as always, for your comments. 
 
Dave

posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 9:43 AM by Dave Kurlan


" I couldn't care any less about what I get" 
 
Kurlan, your one hard nut! 
 
Feliz Navidad.

posted on Friday, December 25, 2009 at 5:37 PM by Chubby Davis


Comments have been closed for this article.