“Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life.” (Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Acronyms are used across every industry and throughout all walks of life. Texting and instant messaging has given rise to a whole new series of acronyms.
Acronyms and buzzwords are riddled throughout the sales community. As a recovering copier sales rep, I have had countless dreams and or nightmares:
- ABC - Always be Closing
- CTA - Call to Action
- ABP - Always be Prospecting
- AFTO - Ask for the Order
- BANT - Budget, Authority, Need, Timing
One acronym which will stand the test of time... A.B.H. Always be Helping.
Often times, I refer to Michael Jackson, as he provided so much inspiration to people all around the world. His music will stand the generations of time but his devotion to helping others will live on.
Salespeople today need to be following an entire new mantra. I encourage you to "Always be Helping" as it is easy as...
A B C
It’s easy as, 1 2 3
As simple as, do re me
A B C, 1 2 3
Baby, you and me girl
As sales professional's we must always be looking for opportunities to close business and drive revenue, however; without building relationships based on helping to solve problems and challenges then closing becomes very difficult.
Reflecting back on my sales journey, I realize my past and present successes have been built based on the relationships I have fostered. Relationships both personal and business have led to the term, "relationship economy". Relationships are the new social currency.
Sales professionals, I challenge you to peel back your sales funnels. With an honest and open mind ask yourself, "How well do I know at least 4-6 people inside these accounts?" "Am I helping them solve their business problems or challenges?"
It is the relationships you build with your peers, successful sales professionals, your prospects and more importantly your clients that will propel your success inside this new economic sales world.
For me it all starts with an ALWAYS BE HELPING mindset.
A few simple steps:
Focus on Authenticity and your Genuine Self
Relationships are built based on trust. People can spot B.S. and insincerity from miles away. Without authenticity in your relationships, your clients and potential clients aren't going to trust you.
Start Building your Brand on Social Media
As a sales professional start leveraging the power of LinkedIn and Twitter to connect and build relationships with your prospects and clients. Your online presence may be the first impression you make thus make it a good one. Perception is reality. How people perceive you online is their reality.
Stop Selling
I know this will be a hard pill to swallow. Your clients and prospects do not want to be sold. They are starving for someone to help them solve their business problems and challenges. If you can effectively create alignment, solving their issues, not only will they buy from you but they will also spread the word within their network of friends.
Always be Helping within the Community
Get involved in the community you live in or within the sales community you sell in. I can't think of a more rewarding experience than lending a helping hand. Get involved and get active. By giving back I have gained so much in return. My motto, "Offer to help without expecting anything in return." My personal commitment to helping has led me to become active with my local Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Group and Senior Concerns; where I deliver food to home-bound seniors. My commitment to service led me to being awarded "Kiwanian of the Year, 2015" within my local community.
These community service experiences have led to many great personal and business friendships. Attention to all sales professionals, a great way to connect with business executives is through your commitment to Philanthropy.
The great Martin Luther King, Jr:
"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve"
May the relationships you build become the bridges to your success!
Good luck and Good Selling!
V.P. of Sales and Sales Managers, I am here to be of help. My commitment is to help your team win. If you would like my Sales Managers Guide to LinkedIn, please send me an email to llevine@dealermarketing.net" rel="nofollow">llevine@dealermarketing.net
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I enjoy sharing my LinkedIn stories. Integrating the use of LinkedIn was my “game-changer” in the highly competitive copier world. I transform and coach copier sales professionals to grow net new business by helping them tell their story and communicate on LinkedIn. My commitment is to help independent office technology dealers thrive in a changing marketplace. You can follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, at the Social Sales Academy or at Dealer Marketing
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