annoy: (uh-‘noi) verb: to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts
The last thing we want to do is annoy them.
It’s never our intent. But our intent doesn’t matter.
What we do matters.
Here are the sales facts…
They don’t like it when…
- we’re pushy
- we call too much
- we’re "just checking in"
- we’re unprepared
- we’re disrespectful of their time
- we keep calling if they say they’re not interested
- we don’t respond fast enough
- we appear not to understand them, their industry, their situations, and their challenges
- we don’t work in their interest
- we don’t listen
- we don’t know about our own products/ services
- we’re rude, arrogant, or inattentive
- we’re vague or unclear
- they’re made to feel like they’re interrupting us
- we seem like we’re "just trying to sell them something"
And, they can’t stand it when we won’t take no for an answer.
What do they like?
A return on their investment (to get more, to save more, to look good, to feel good, to be loved).
That’s it.
Anything else and we’re wasting their time (and ours).
Don’t be sales dumb. Be SalesBright.
(Managers: One way to be sure you and your team avoid annoying)
Get the Listen > Talk Wristband
Now go sell something.~>
Connect with Sam (guy behind this stuff)…
ahmed yousef says:
Thanks on your advice, really it’s sales bright
19 September 2011
Tim says:
Dave, ever run a lemonaide stand? Maybe you should smile and then actually try some of the 212, Smove, and Complainless concepts expoused herein.
22 July 2011
Kathy says:
David, I am celebrating 20 years with my company this month. I love what I do!! I know it’s my primary job to look out for the best interest of my customers. We should become trusted partners and not be annoyances. Incidentally, I was the number one Account Executive for my region this past year. Nice guys/gals often do finish first. Take the advice offered here to heart. I’ll say it again. I love what I do. That’s worth more than the better than average money I bring home. I can look myself in the mirror each morning and smile, smile smile. You may want to consider another line of work. Maybe dentistry. That way you can inflict all the pain you want to on your clients and still make decent money.
13 May 2011
reader says:
@ David, why are you so pissed???!!!
15 February 2011
Melissa says:
I felt Steve had some good advice for Dave, who is either a disgruntled employee or just one of those salesmen that gives us all a bad name. I’m glad my customers love me and spread the word to their buddies who CALL ME to do business WITH ME. It’s a lot easier to sell when they are calling ASKING ME to stop in than to go out chasing business and making unwanted stops!
6 December 2010
Sam says:
Thanks for the added insight, Steve. I couldn’t have said it better.
5 November 2010
Steve says:
David: Your comments made me flinch several times. I read the list and feel there is always, always room for improvement. AND we need to be improving. I can tell you it’s easy to see, hear and read who is just in this because it’s a job and who is in it because they feel they can add value. And want to give it their best. I would much rather hire a new guy with desire than a veteran with comments like yours representing my company. Food for thought for you.
I have found so much more worth and value in working WITH customers than those I am just selling something to. It is important for purchasing agents to know that their job is to interview as many companies as possible and get the best deal for their company. But, we must be like an employee to our customers – and we add value or we need to move on.
I think you would find much more contentment and pleasure in your life IF you work for a company you respect and believe in their products.
5 November 2010
Michelle says:
right on the $$$$$$
5 November 2010
David says:
Oh Please, let’s be realistic here, we are in business to make money, we sell a product to make money and we know it and they know it and we all know we are not partners with them, we are salesmen selling them something.
So let’s look at this list and think about what I would tell an up and coming sales rep.
we’re pushy – You have to be, always!
we call too much – never
we’re “just checking in” – often but usually via email.
we’re unprepared – never
we’re disrespectful of their time – They are often disrespectful of MY time, I go to them, they know I am coming and should put that time aside or don’t make the appointment!
we keep calling if they say they’re not interested – yeah, so what? that a problem? I’m making a living, that’s part of my job is to stay on thier minds!
we don’t respond fast enough – never
we appear not to understand them, their industry, their situations, and their challenges – that goes with being prepared.
we don’t work in their interest – I work in MY interest which will hopefully coincide with thiers.
we don’t listen – of course.
we don’t know about our own products/ services- again, being prepared.
we’re rude, arrogant, or inattentive – never
we’re vague or unclear – never
they’re made to feel like they’re interrupting us – never
we seem like we’re “just trying to sell them something” – Well, what are we doing? Let’s be frank, we are selling something, hopefully something that will benefit them but Dammit, we are selling and we all know what happens when people stop selling – NOTHING!
And, they can’t stand it when we won’t take no for an answer. – too bad, if they have business that I can service I will not take no for an answer, they’ll continue to hear from me, what’s to lose, a few minutes a week? Why should I take no for an answer?
5 November 2010
ben says:
there is always room for improvement.
8 October 2009
Joe says:
Look at this regularly.
7 October 2009