It seems in recent months, the sales and marketing world is suddenly waking up to the fact the buying process/journey is not a linear process. That customers don’t go through an orderly process of: 1. Define problem, 2. Identify priorities, requirements, 3. Assess solutions, 4. Select solution, 5. Implement. It seems we are suddenly recognizing […]
Sales Process
The “Chaotic” Buying Process
We know the importance of the marketing and sales process. It provides us a structured, disciplined approach to engaging our buyers. In theory, it should help us help the customer in navigating their buying process. Sounds good, what could be simpler: start at the beginning, go step by step through each stage, reach the end […]
Why Are They Buying?
I was sitting in yet another deal review. The sales person was describing the deal, focusing on what the customer wanted to buy. The sales person described the products, the volumes, the competition, potential pricing… At some point, I raised my hand, asking, “Why are they buying?” The sales person looked at me, perhaps noticing […]
Why Buy IT? Why Buy MINE? Why Buy NOW?
What a powerful set of three questions. These are so succinct, so well defined, so precise that everyone in sales and everyone involved in marketing must be able to answer these three questions without pause, and convincingly. Turning these into statements instead of questions provides a framework for the sales presentation from the highest levels […]
Math Works, Always: How Do We Tilt the Numbers in Our Favor?
In sales and marketing, we at least claim to be very numbers oriented. We have metrics around everything: Click-throughs Bounces Open rates Time spent on a page MQL, SQL, SAL Daily/weekly dials Daily/weekly conversations/meetings Demos Pipeline Coverage Win Rates Average Deal/Transaction Value Sales Cycle Time Lifetime Customer Value Renewal Rates ….. I could go on. […]
Why the Old Marketing Funnel is Broken
The good old fashioned marketing funnel doesn’t have the relevance it used to. I can’t remember the last time that I saw an advertisement on TV or in a newspaper and then went into a store solely based off that ad and made a purchase. Today there are dozens of channels. The traditional linear funnel is now […]
6 Smart Ways to Nurture High-Quality Leads
When you look at your website analytics, do you often find visitors who are just looking around, just like window shoppers in a physical store? Although your sales strategy should focus on those who are most likely to buy from you, do not disregard these “lurkers” easily. Basing on customer journey mapping, put them on […]
Sales Agility and Adaptability
A few of us have been having a conversation about whether adaptability and agility are important in sales. I think we are in uniform agreement it is important, however, my initial reaction was, “Why are we even asking this question, isn’t it a foundation to selling?” As I reflected on the issue, I get why […]
15 Things Every Salesperson Needs to Know About Marketing
Marketing is a crucial part of the sales process. How will your potential customers know how amazing your products and services are if you don’t tell (market) them about it? To market your products and services effectively, a lot of listening and careful thought is required. Here are 15 things every salesperson needs to know […]
Do Customers Really Want a Frictionless Buying Experience?
It seems to be fashionable to talk about creating “frictionless buying experiences?” I suppose the concept draws readers, perhaps it’s an extreme expression of removing barriers to the customer buying process. But does the concept make sense? Is it what customers want? And if we looked at the concept of “friction in the buying process, […]
