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by Leigh Ashton
When a company fails, the usual reasons get trotted out; “unfavourable market conditions” “the longest recession since xxxx” “fashions have changed” “the internet”.
Maybe it’s the same if you don’t reach your sales targets?
In my book these all group together into one ‘not me guv’ excuse. Anyone hiding behind these reasons for a failing business or (closer to my specialist subject) lack of sales, is what’s called ‘in effect’. They are letting those external factors be an excuse for their own lack of achievement.
They need to look somewhere else. And if you know me well you’ll probably know where I’m going with this.
If you are not having the level of sales success you need right now, my question to you — and it’s a challenging question is…
How, by your actions or your non-actions have you contributed to your current situation?
Ask your team that question too, or these coming up…
For example…
Where have you procrastinated? This is one of the most common causes of failure. Most of us are waiting for the “time to be right” to do those things that will make a big difference. Well the time will never be “just right”, so start where you stand, work with whatever tools you have, and find better tools as you go along.
Where have you shown lack of persistence? Most of us are good “starters” but poor “finishers” of everything we begin. Many give up at the first sign of defeat. There is no substitute for persistence in sales.
How defined is your purpose in your job and your life? The most successful people in sales and business that I’ve ever met knew exactly WHY they were on the path they were on. It wasn’t just for their professional success; it’s that they had a crystal clear vision of what they were going to do with that increased success. Many I meet who are struggling do not have that beautifully defined aim.
How are you developing your personality? There is no hope of sales success for the person who repels people. When you reflect honestly, is your persona drawing people to you — or driving them away? If you’re driving them away, what adjustments can you make?
What do you believe about you? What do you believe about your own sales ability? If you’re not achieving the sales you need it’s highly likely that your limiting beliefs are at play. You may be aware of some of them. Others are buried beneath the surface. Beliefs about yourself will massively impact on whether you hit your targets or not.
Where have you been over-cautious? If you take no chances at all you’ll be left with whatever is left when others have finished choosing. Over-caution is as bad as under-caution and both should be guarded against. Remember though, life itself is filled with the element of choice, all day, every day.
Sales Success? It’s all about the psychology.
Until next time.
Leigh
Check out our “Tricks of The Trade” archive here for all things sales
About the author
Hi I’m Leigh Ashton of The Sales Consultancy
Whether you’re a small business or a leading brand, an area manager or a Chief Executive, whether you’re new to sales or an experienced sales professional. Even if you’re not in sales at all but want to understand it, you’ve come to the right place.
The World of Sales is changing.
Today’s conventional sales training doesn’t address the psychological barriers that get in their way.
My approach takes your sales team through a process that:
* Helps them identify their psychological barriers and gives them the tools to overcome them * Teaches them how the mind works so they can keep motivated and stay focused * Gives them the ability to identify the psychological patterns of their clients and prospects so they connect with them at a deeper level and close more sales
And at a higher level…
* It creates more success in other areas of their lives so they are happier generally…and happier sales people generate more sales
Wherever you are on your personal sales journey what’s the best course of action for YOU.
– Sales Training – that actually gets results – Leadership and Management – Personal Coaching and Mentoring – Sales Mentoring Programme – NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and how it can help you accelerate your success – Keynote Speaking