What Sales Winners Do Differently with Mike Schultz – Episode 13

There are almost as many theories about how the sales climate has changed as there are studies done about the sales process. But Mike Schultz decided to take a different approach when he wanted to know what made the biggest difference between sales winners and their closest competitors – he went to the customers. On this episode Mike shares the results of his survey of 900 customers about their experience with a winning salesperson and gives some simple, actionable things that sales professionals can and should do to become winners in sales.

Those who win in sales do things differently, find out what it is on this episode of In The ArenaClick To Tweet

What has changed in solution selling over the years?

Contrary to articles that have been published lately about the end of solution sales, solution sales is very much alive and well. But it doesn’t work like it used to. Those who still use a solution sales model effectively combine their SS approach with relationship sales that is focused around value. The point is that relationships alone are not the core of what will get you the sale, but if you don’t have an established relationship with your prospect you’re much less likely to gain the trust needed for your solution selling approach to work. You can hear the details from today’s guest, Mike Schultz, on this episode.

Does your buyer believe that you get what they are trying to do?

Sellers who consistently win are able to do what it takes to understand the goals of their prospects, communicate that understanding, and come alongside the prospect to help them figure out how to get what they want. That’s an approach that doesn’t contain near as many pitches, it’s a consultative approach where the salesperson is a trusted advisor rather than an adversary who’s trying to “sell” them something. If you’re in need of a fresh boost of inspiration about where to improve your sales approach, this is the episode for you!

Candor is the sales conversation is how you become a trusted advisor, on this episodeClick To Tweet

Sales winners are pros at collaborating with their prospects.

In many ways the type of relationship you are able to establish with your prospect will determine how successful you are at getting the sale. If you’re seen as a collaborator, someone who is helping them achieve their goals, you have a great deal more influence not only over their buying decision (from you) but over the course of their business as well. How do you build a relationship that is one of collaboration? The main tool you can use toward that end is questions. Find out who they are, what they do, what they’re hoping to accomplish, and truly come to understand why it’s so important to them. When you do, you’ll be able to see more clearly how your service or product can help them accomplish their goals.

Becoming a collaborator with your prospects helps them make better decisions.

Naturally, as a salesperson you want to get the sale from your prospect. But you should never want the sale more than you want to help your prospect make the best decision for their situation and need. Building trust is key in doing that. You need to communicate to your prospect that you are committed to helping them succeed in their goals, that you are eager to lend them your expertise to help them make better decisions. It’s about your virtue of purpose, the belief that your prospect develops that you are truly FOR them. That requires candor and straight shooting even if it’s not something the prospect wants to hear. Find out more from Anthony’s guest, Mike Schultz, on this episode.

If you don’t bring candor to the sales conversation you’re of no value to a C level executive at allClick To Tweet