Tag: business development

There’s a common stigma in the sales world that top-performing reps need to be Type-A, extroverted personalities. When we think of the ideal salesman or saleswoman, we’re imagining a smooth talking, outgoing, loud, and confident person. While these sales traits are true on many levels, effective salespeople come in many forms. 

An unusual, yet remarkable thing happened to me, yesterday. I saw someone through their eyes. I saw first-hand their vulnerability, insecurities, hopes and dreams - and their next move will define them more than they realize.

When a business starts a new calendar year with have a business strategy in place, supported by a sales and marketing plan - CEO's expect results.

But what if the results are not forthcoming? What if key people have read the strategy yet are not "making it happen"? As we near the end of January, many companies are realizing that targets are not being met, and while some may scratch their heads, the real leaders are taking action.

That age old battle - the ego vs the heart - is more relevant now than ever to us marketeers and anyone directly involved in business development. It dictates how you speak to the people you need to be speaking to; how you capture their attention and it applies to every communication you put out there – online, direct mail, posters, brochures, social media.

The thing is though, with everyone communicating to everyone else - shouting, pitching and bargaining for a share of the market - it can be hard, defeating and infuriating for those of us running ethical business operations to compete with ‘get rich quick’ and ‘lose 7kg in 7 days’.

Are you looking for a business turnaround? Is this time of year making you re-think what you have done in the past 12 months and what you intend to do in the next 12 months?