S&MM SoundOff

Apologies for the gratuitous plug…

…but I wanted to help get the word out about Virtual Incentive World, which is taking place as I type. Brought to you by SMM’s sister publication, Incentive magazine, this virtual trade show provides top-level incentive buyers and sales and marketing executives with the knowledge they need to evaluate a wide array of products, services, destinations, properties, and solutions.

Meet virtually with different companies, ask questions, and get the answers you need to make informed decisions. It’s all happening right now, so don’t delay. Click here to register.

Crawl, Walk, Run

When you decide to learn a new sport or language or engage in a new hobby you inevitably go through a learning curve. Depending on the complexity of what you are learning, this curve can be quite steep. The techniques may feel foreign and it takes practise to begin feeling comfortable applying them.

 

The same concept holds true when you learn a new sales technique. It takes time to master that skill and to become comfortable and confident using it. I was reminded of this last week as I embarked on a face-to-face cold calling campaign.

 

I had rehearsed my lines and invested time practising with a colleague. However, my first two calls were brutal. I returned to my car afterwards feeling embarrassed, frustrated and dejected. However, as the day progressed, so did my ability to execute. The more calls I made, the more comfortable I became. The conversations flowed more naturally and I was more effective.

 

Long-term success means learning new techniques and strategies. However, equally important is giving yourself permission to initially stumble as you apply the concept. Keep practising. Persevere. Remember, you have to crawl before you walk and you need to walk before you can run.

 

Kelley Robertson helps sales professionals reach their sales quotas and targets in any economy. Receive a FREE copy of 100 Ways to Increase Your Sales by subscribing to his free newsletter available at www.Fearless-Selling.ca. For information on his programs contact him at 905-633-7750 or by email.