see attached file
August 2023
Selling Office Technology "First Contact"
I posted this blog ten year ago, thus I thought it would be a good re-post going into the long weekend! For those of us in the USA, have a great Labor Day Weekend!
Selling Office Technology "First Contact"
A Star Trek flick from 1996 had the crew of the Enterprise travel back in time to undermine the Borg attempt to stop Earthlings from making "First Contact" with the Vulcans.
The last few days I've been busy on the phone prospecting for net new accounts, new opportunities, new upgrades and what else but initiating "first contact".
It seems every year it gets somewhat tougher to get a hold of our decision makers. For those of us that consider ourselves Professional Prospectors we get used to these types of responses when we know who the decision maker is.
"Sorry so and so just left for lunch", "He or She just stepped out", "So and so is on the phone right now", "He or she is busy", "We're not interested", "So and so just stepped into a meeting", "she just went to lunch (it's 4PM!!!)" and the list goes on and on.
So what are we to do, well as one Print4Pay Hotel member stated many years ago, that we need to be "smarter than the average bear". We've all heard these before but here's a few bullets for a refresher:
- Vary the time that you call on that account
- Call from your cell phone
- Call early in the AM before 8AM
- Call late in the afternoon 4-6PM
- Call on a Saturday
- Call on another employee in the company and ask to be transferred to the person that takes care of the office equipment
- Send an in-mail via Linkedin
- Tag the decision maker in an article that you posted on a social media (Linkedin is best)
- Spend a few bucks and ship them a small gift (coffee, tea, gift certificate, Masters Gold Pin Flags (special thanks to @Larry Kirsch for this one)
- With this one, make sure you research the DM and find that special something that will grab their attention
It used to be that on-site cold calling to work well, however at least here in the NY metro area it's hard to gain access to buildings since 9/11. Doors are locked, security cameras are in place and sales people are left other means to find out who the DM is. By the way, why is it that when you make the call and ask who the DM is, it's seems like you're sentencing that person to ten or twenty lashes??
One such person got so nasty with me when I asked for the name of the DM. I really was on my best behavior, however I ended up telling her that I wished a camel would walk through her bed at night. It just came out....I should have been more professional, yup... however sometimes you get so fed up. We're just trying to do our job and feed our families. I also understand that the gatekeepers are also doing their job. But, can't we be nice about it?
The web is a wonderful place and I've found creative ways to seek out those first contacts when the gatekeeper does not want to give any information.
Below is a few of resources I use on the web, if you'd like to know how I use each one to my advantage then send me an email, become a member of the p4photel.
Manta
Contact Us
Box Approach
Avention
-=Good Selling=-
Transitioning Your Managed Print From Products To Services
For decades, office printer services have had one primary focus, selling products. Toner, ink, and paper were the main commodities. But the introduction of the world-wide-web has forever changed that business model.
The World Goes Digital
Today, printer services deal with a decreasing demand for print as more companies work toward a lofty (and arguably unattainable) “paperless workplace” goal. Organizations are eschewing faxes and scanning for software like DocuSign, Evernote, and Google Drive. These businesses encourage saving essential emails to PDF rather than printing them out and storing them in physical files.
But, it’s more than just a move toward paperless offices. It is human behavior. We are being trained more and more to “buy online.” The impetus being that we can get it more conveniently. And, perhaps more importantly, we can compare multiple prices. The goal, of course, is to source things cheaper. These businesses want to save money. That drive to reduce costs means printing services providers must contend with big-name online stores like Amazon, Newegg, and eBay for everything from paper to ink and even cartridge recycling.
Changing The Narrative
It might be time to rethink your business model. Printer services are so much more than an ink and toner dealer. They offer a wide range of additional benefits, including high-volume, networkable printers, maintenance, service, and, yes, the consumables required to keep things running.
So, what is stopping Managed Print Services (MPS) from emphasizing the “service” over the consumable? Over half (61%) of printer services companies say they are having difficulty making this move, possibly because it feels almost like a bate and switch.
In a product sales model, your view and the client’s view of the sale are the same. They are purchasing a product (ink, toner, paper, printers, and maintenance contract) for which you will charge them.
When you sell MPS as a service, the conversation with the client and internally is from two completely different angles. What you are selling and charging for is the convenience of printer placement, operation, maintenance, and provision of consumables.
Essentially, the move to “service” versus “product” is all about mindset. It’s no longer about what you can physically sell the customer. Instead, it’s how the things you traditionally sold can be put together to resolve problems your customers are facing.
Taking The First Steps
The first move to make when you begin to transition from product sales to a service organization is to outline your approach. Some key questions that can help you get started include:
- What are your clients’ goals when it comes to printing? Are they seeking to limit their print volumes, expand to multiple offices, cut costs, or lower their office footprint?
- Would your customer spend to handle print services on their own?
- Are there any “hidden costs” associated with print management, such as cybersecurity, etc.?
- What are issues your MPS regularly encounters that customers might not know how to handle?
- What other problems can your specific products and services help address? Energy use? Recycling? Division of labor? Use of physical space? Paper usage?
The goal is to figure out exactly what problems your current clients and target audience have that your business can solve. Things like cutting back-office costs, better cybersecurity, and preparing for hybrid and remote-work organizations are areas in which MPS providers can provide unique solutions and help businesses thrive. Managed print services also have better knowledge and access to printing solutions that help reduce office footprint, focus on internal networking, and more longevity.
Bundling Service Packages
Once you have a strategy in mind, it’s time to build out “service packages” and “service add-ons.” These bundles should cover the costs they would incur to your business. However, website wording and promotional materials should focus on highlighting the benefits and estimated savings of partnering with an MPS.
Businesses using systems like PowerMPS, for instance, could talk about printer performance reporting, predictive or subscription consumables reordering, and online service and maintenance requests. All of these options services help partners target specific pains within their business, such as:
- Reducing wasteful printing.
- Decreasing spend on ink, toner, and paper.
- Reducing inventory space needed for printing consumables.
- Improving service and maintenance response times.
Other standard perks could include friendly online or phone-call trouble-shooting, ink and toner recycling, or additional data-driven cost savings recommendations. But, don’t forget how the world is becoming ever more enamored of self-service portals, mobile applications, and 24/7 access. In addition, the majority (81% ) of print service companies expect to see demand for cloud-based print management grow in the next few years. Therefore, investing in a customized website and customer portal for faster and always available access to ordering, service, and bonus features is highly recommended.
As the world becomes more and more digital, MPS businesses cannot begin their journey from product to service too soon. So, whether your organization is struggling with the transition or just getting started, remember to start where your sales team has always begun – talking to current and potential customers. Their needs, problems, and stories are the perfect foundation for building your future in printing services.
Lead for Managed IT Services for 26 workstations
see attached document
Lead for Ten Color MFPs
see attached file
Lead for IT Services
see attached file
This Week in the Copier Industry 15 Years Ago
This Week in Copiers Fifteen Years Ago
First Week of September 2008
Real Copier Sales
Just the other day I had a demonstration with one of our devices and I was asked about color balance, and could it be controlled from the print driver. I'll admit it's been awhile since I went through all the features of the Ricoh print drivers. My response was "I'm pretty sure there is", and more here
Enjoy These awesome copiers threads from 15 Years Ago
Konica Minolta Launches bizhub 361 Newest bizhub B&W MFP Boosts Productivity in Mid-
Weekend Copier Notes from 09/07/08
TOSHIBA AMERICA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC. EXTENDS MID-VOLUME COLOR LINE WITH NEW SMALL
AP3800C unable to print on network
Re: AP3800C unable to print on network
KIP 80 Press release
Has Becoming Too Comfortable Become A Sales Crisis?
As we get started, reflect upon this quote from A.J. McLean,
"You have to become comfortable in the uncomfortableness."
Are you willing to change your relationship with change?
Are you willing to strive to find ease or familiarity in situations that might initially feel uncomfortable (like learning how to consistently prospect again)?
In today’s world, you can’t run away from change. Everything is in a constant state of flux.
Allow me to set the stage... Settling, complacency, contentment, relaxation, peacefulness; it's out there right now hiding in the closet of many sales departments.
Lurking in the dark shadows of success and camouflaged where one least expects to find it, there's a great balancing act of excuses.
It's the silent business killer, ambushing and striking salespeople without warning.
It can bring even the biggest and brightest to their knees. What's this hidden terror? Becoming comfortable.
It can happen to you. It strikes with extreme precision. It happens, so please don't kid yourself.
Becoming comfortable is a ruthless disease. It doesn't care how long you've been in sales or what day of the week it is. It cares only of the cold, timid and weak-minded.
Truth be told, while many of you seem content on getting by and blending in with all the other empty salespeople, a true sales professional is not. They have meticulously rewritten the sales playbook.
Calvin Coolidge once said,
“All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.”
Just for a moment, I ask you to think back to your childhood... You embraced learning, correct? You embraced change, correct? You figured out the things that allowed you to grow.
So... Why as adults do many find it difficult to embrace change?
Why do so many in sales take the road most traveled?
Why are so many in sales seeking out the "sales success magic pill", instead of just doing the work?
What many fail to realize is throughout our lives we will continue to have growing pains, whether they be emotional, mental or spiritual, there will always be forms of discomfort.
However, as we get older, this discomfort now becomes our choice. We can avoid it, endure it, or embrace it.
Let's face it, our brains are hardwired to avoid pain, we often choose to avoid discomforts rather than embrace them. This results in our personal and professional growth becoming stunted.
You can either be comfortable and stagnate or stretch yourself to become uncomfortable and grow.
Discomfort is a stimulant for growth. It forces you to change, stretch, and adapt. In an ever-changing business world, I encourage you to embrace discomfort.
Become purposeful about doing things to push yourself outside of your limits.
Difficulty helps you to grow, and this is what sales professionals do better than sales reps.
If you desire long-term success and sustainability, you must stop avoiding the hard stuff.
To become more means you must create new perspectives, acquire new skills and push the boundaries.
Learning to become comfortable with discomfort is one of the most important skills you can ever have to live a truly fulfilling personal and professional life.
Repetition fuels growth and expands your comfort boundaries.
How many things you once deemed uncomfortable, you now accept without giving it much thought?
Have you become too comfortable to be pushed or you feel you can't be bothered to make the necessary change to improve?
I love this quote courtesy of Craig Groeschel,
"If you change your behavior but do not change your heart, the behavior will come back."
What's in your heart when it comes to change? Are you willing to do the work?
HAS BECOMING TOO COMFORTABLE BECOME A SALES CRISIS?
"If you'll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives."
Vince Lombardi
The question I have for all you... What are you willing to do to become a better salesperson?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Michael Easter's book, "The Comfort Crisis, Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self"
Early in the book, Michael says,
"Most people today rarely step outside their comfort zones. We are living progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, under-challenged, safety-netted lives."
Let's unpack this quote as we tie this right back to sales...
How many salespeople are living progressively sheltered lives as they are being overfed lead after lead, being under-challenged and coddled by their managers inside their safety-netted environments?
Have managers become just as comfortable as salespeople? I will leave this one for your imagination.
When it comes to comfort, Michael Easter went on to say,
"Today's comfort is tomorrow's discomfort. This leads to a new level of what's consider comfortable."
Let's think together for a moment... The things you've accumulated up to this point in your life fit quite nicely into your comfort zone. The car you drive, the home you live in, and the income you make. You've already acquired it, so you don’t need to stretch your zone to make it a reality.
Isn't it safe to say you would like to make more money this year then you did last year?
If the answer is yes, then would you agree you must work harder and smarter?
Would you also agree, you must acquire new skills and knowledge to make this happen?
What got you to where you're at will not keep you where you're at, plain and simple.
Before we move on, allow me to introduce you to the law of comfortability.
It states, when you surround yourself with empty suits, harbor average thoughts, settle for average results, and point fingers everywhere, this all leads to an ordinary, empty sales life full of mediocre existence.
What are you willing to put yourself through to become a better salesperson?
Are you willing to break out of your comfort zone in a world that is rapidly changing day by day by day?
BECOME COMFORTABLE BEING HONEST WITH YOURSELF
Thomas Jefferson once said,
"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."
Becoming honest with yourself allows you to acknowledge your limitations, confront your flaws, and seek knowledge with humility.
Are you willing to commit to truthfulness?
Honesty is a huge part of embracing change. I encourage you to become radically honest with yourself. In chapter 2 of Selling from the Heart, I write about sales chaos.
Have you allowed turmoil to weave its web inside your sales career? Has chaos kept you from seeking the truth?
If you're not honest with yourself then how can you expect to learn and grow?
When you're dishonest with yourself, you choose to see what you want to see and you brush off, ignoring what you don’t want to see. This may provide you short-term happiness but, in the end, it becomes unhealthy, destructive, and screws with your mind.
Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable is what radical self-honesty is built upon.
I encourage you to think about this one...
How can you become radically self-honest if you struggle to deal with any discomfort in your sales life? You can’t and you're only fooling yourself.
In this hyper-competitive world of sales, those who are willing to take risks, step out of their comfort zone and create some discomfort for themselves will be those who reap the biggest rewards.
Are you one of them?
HONESTY REQUIRES PRACTICE
Becoming radically honest with yourself requires you to become vulnerable.
Are you willing to become vulnerable and accountable to yourself?
If you’re consistently nurturing your mindset, you will build up a tolerance against negative thoughts, procrastination, self-doubt, and insecurities.
This helps you to break the stranglehold of comfort.
Becoming radically honest with yourself can be painful but massively rewarding.
When honesty collides with your willingness to change, there's no stopping your growth.
I encourage you to build confidence in your abilities. I challenge you to get radically honest and hold yourself accountable.
- Seek to become an expert in your field of work
- Constantly crave feedback on YOU
- Set goals and create a business plan
- Never ever stop learning
- Seek out a coach or mentor
If you want something in life or in sales that you have never had, you will have to do something that you have never done.
DON'T SETTLE FOR COMFORTABLENESS
John C. Maxwell once said:
“People are like rubber bands, they are most effective when they are stretched.”
Are you willing to stretch yourself out of your comfort zone?
If so, imagine...
- The new sales doors you could you open
- The new sales opportunities you could you experience
- The new relationships you could develop
How would all of this make you feel?
Are you willing to take massive action?
SALES PROFESSIONALS ARE NEVER COMFORTABLE
A true sales professional is always sales hungry. They are life-long learners.
Sales professionals are educators. You can't become an educator without being a student first.
You must gain a thirst for new knowledge. You must stay up to date on new developments, always looking for trends and changes before they happen.
Getting uncomfortable, it's okay. Show up every day and be present. Sit with the discomfort.
To quote Craig Groeschel,
"You can make excuses or you can make progress but you can't make both."
Acknowledge discomfort. Shake hands with it, get used to it, and welcome it on the journey to better yourself.
It's often in these moments of challenge that we have the opportunity to learn about ourselves, our limits, and our potential for growth.
Everyone's journey is unique and different. What works for one person may not work the same way for another.
It's important to approach discomfort with self-awareness, a supportive mindset, a willingness to adapt your approach if needed and a tight inner circle to guide you.
It becomes impossible to grow if you're constantly carrying your own dead sales weight of years past.
Way too many of you are living in yesteryear. You will consistently struggle with the mentality of "that's the way I've always done it."
As we bring our time together to a close, I ask you to think about the following questions...
- Am I reaching my sales potential?
- How do I rise up and rise to the top in sales?
- What will I commit to doing today which will enable me to grow and flourish tomorrow?
Comfort will always stunt your sales growth.
In this episode of Selling From the Heart, we are joined by Hannah Austin, author of "Hello, Head, Meet Heart." Hannah shares her experience with burnout and discusses the importance of aligning the head and heart to avoid burnout.
She emphasizes the need for self-reflection and self-awareness and provides practical tips for recognizing and addressing burnout.
Hannah also highlights the power of connection and community in overcoming burnout and finding fulfillment in both personal and professional life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Burnout can be caused by untapped talent or creativity. Recognize the signs of burnout, such as cynicism, checking out, anger, and fatigue. Journaling and self-reflection can help identify energy levels and areas of fulfillment.
Connect your head and heart by engaging in activities that bring you joy and fuel your creativity. Share your experiences and seek support from others to overcome burnout.
HIGHLIGHT QUOTES "You are not alone. Reach out to those people and share with people what you're going through." - Hannah Austin "Be who you are at work and at home, be that same person and connect your head and your heart." -
Hannah Austin Learn more about Hannah Austin:
LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/ee4MaVAC
Hello, Head, Meet Heart Book: https://lnkd.in/eS2NKw5S
Learn more about Darrell and Larry:
Darrell's LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/dysZHTyE
Larry's LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d6hVD3Cy
Website: https://lnkd.in/dZX8cZj
Got a video about how you sell from the heart? Share it by texting VIDEO to 21000.
Please visit BarnesandNobles.com to order your copy of the rerelease of the Selling from the Heart book. ( https://lnkd.in/eUcUz5Mu)
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This Week in the Copier Industry 10 Years Ago
This Week in Copiers Ten Years Ago
First Week of September 2013
My name is John Sherry, I have been selling copiers for almost 6 yrs now. I started when I was 21 yrs old. I have been experimenting with the best approach to cold calling law firms and seem to be getting some rejection. My question is does anyone have any particular presentation or script that has worked well for them currently or in the past? read the rest here
Check These Great Copier Threads from Ten Years Ago This Week
How Well Do You Know Your Print Drivers?
Konica Minolta and Komori Debut World's First 23"x29" Digital Inkjet Press at PRINT 13
Konica Minolta Color Care Earns G7 System Certification
New Xerox Black and White Light Production Printers
Selling Copiers & MFP's "First Contact"
Canon U.S.A. Debuts New Branding and Finishing Options for varioPRINT DP Line of Digital Presses at PRINT 13
Ricoh Earns CompTIA Managed Print Services Trustmark(TM)
Incovo Reaches for the Stars with a New Accreditation from Konica Minolta
Xerox’s Message to PRINT 13 Attendees: Automation is Key to Success
Canon U.S.A. Integrates Enhanced Large Format Color Capabilities in Its New S-Series Printers
Re: Sharp Ends Talks with Samsung to Create Joint Copier Company
EFI Fuels Customer Speed, Quality and Efficiency with
Canon to Preview "Niagara" High-Volume Sheetfed Color Inkjet Press at PRINT 13
My Top Three Sales Quotes "part 2" Prospect by Day and ...
31 Ways to Close More Sales (#4 of 31)
Ricoh Launches Cloud-based Marketing Services Software Suite - New approach to dynamic variable data and cross media marketing powered by PTI
New Ricoh Pro™ C5110S and C5100S Digital Colour Production Systems Bring Flexibility and High Image Quality to Light Production Market
Xerox Production Inkjet Leadership on Display at PRINT 13
Sharp Expands Its Reach into the Production Space with the Introduction of the Pro Series Color Document Systems
Ricoh to Market Mass-produced Imaging Device for Fully Spherical Imagery
Arizona Awards Multi-Functional Devices Contract to Sharp Electronics Corporation
Copier Industry "The Big Race to ZERO"
31 Ways to Close more Business (3 of 31)!
Print Audit® Releases Print Audit 6.7.5
Ricoh’s delivers productivity and performance benefits through an enhanced TotalFlow portfolio
Scodix to Launch Scodix Ultra Press at Print 13
Xerox to Help Department of Homeland Security Digitize Citizenship Documents
Phone Sales
Kofax to Demonstrate Advanced Mobile Mortgage Solution at FinovateFall 2013
Failure to address document security challenges exposes financial services firms to risk
AUXILIO Earns Expanded Managed Print Services Contract with Sutter Health Adding Sutter Health East Bay Region
Re: Performance and Compensation Plans
Savin C9120 Scan to Email Problem
OKI Data Americas Introduces its Multimedia Production Platform
Lead for K12 Fleet of MFPs
see attached file
Lead for 42 MFPs (15 mono, 27 color)
see attached document
This Week in the Copier Industry 5 Years Ago
This Week in the Copier Industry 5 Years Ago
First Week of September 2018
Real Copier Sales
In fact just tonight I was asked to comment on a new sales cheat sheetthat was sent to me, in fact I liked it so much that I comp'd that member a Premium Membership. The file that was created is a fantastic reminder for all of us in sales of what we should ask and do on every call. I believe this is invaluable for new reps more here
Enjoy These Awesome Copier Threads from 5 Years Ago
Konica Minolta Takes Home Buyers Lab PaceSetter Award for Outstanding Serviceability in Western Europe
Kyocera moves into first place in SA's copier and MFP markets in Q2 2018
Sharp Introduces New High-Speed Multifunction Copiers For Busy Workgroups And Departmental Environments
Canon Wins Multiple BLI PaceSetter Awards for Its Acclaimed Enterprise Solutions
Toshiba Inks Partnership with Brother
Toshiba Empowers the Art of Business at LEAD 2018
Xerox AltaLink and VersaLink Back-End Promos?
Océ ColorWave 3000 Printing System Offers Reliable Wide-Format Printing for Creators
Ricoh President & CEO Takes the Stage at the Climate Week NYC Opening Ceremony
Ten Reasons Why A Premium/VIP Membership Works ($99 Lifetime Event)
Ricoh follows the signs with first UV flatbed release
Re: PrintCopy_Tool_Brochure
Attention Sales Leaders... What Type Of Experience Are Your Sales Reps Providing?
Re: Toshiba Inks Partnership with Brother
Error code 719-0041 and 719-0042 when using K3 interface
Ricoh Direct Service Future
Xeikon Announces Entry-level Digital Label Solution
Man Prints Money At Library, Finds Buyer On Social Media: Sheriff
Re: KM 1 Rate aka Flat Rate (unlimited clicks)
Re: Error code 719-0041 and 719-0042 when using K3 interface
Re: MPS and Linux HELP!
Re: The A4 Challenge or Opportunity
Is that what I think it is?
Re: What do Millennial's, Horse Traders, Amazon, Ricoh MP 501SP all Have in Common?
Re: KM 1 Rate aka Flat Rate (unlimited clicks)
Re: Is that what I think it is?
Re: The A4 Challenge or Opportunity
Re: The A4 Challenge or Opportunity
MPS and Linux HELP!
Whitebird is Soaring to the Forefront of Innovation with an EFI Nozomi C18000
Epson Expands Award- Winning Flexion N-Series Robots with the N6 6-Axis Robot
EFI Nozomi and VUTEk h3 Win SGIA Product of the Year Awards
Lead for Managed IT Services
see attached file
Lead for Fleet of Copiers
see attached file