Quota assignment: Take it seriously or there will be consequences!
The absolute best way to demoralize a sales rep is to assign him a quota that is unattainable. In small- to medium-sized companies, this is typically not the case. However, as companies grow, too many times I have witnessed quota assignments that are totally unrealistic, given the finite sales opportunities in a particular territory. While …
How can a martini make a first impression?
Recently, while I was doing business in Hanover, Pennsylvania, I stopped at a very nice bar/restaurant for a martini on my way back to the hotel. My thought was to have a drink at the bar and then possibly have dinner. I am always very specific about how I like my martini prepared. So I …
Why not build trust by adding value?
Last month I wrote about how critical it is to build trust on your first sales call. In fact, I believe it is the most important objective for your initial meeting, because if you don’t build trust, the likelihood of doing business is slim to none. Recently I was talking to a sales exec …
A Resource for Professional Sales Executives
Universal Sales Truths
UST was founded by Scott Dunkel in October of 2012. The objective of the company is to provide resources for sales execs to accelerate their careers.
After being intimately involved in professional sales for more than 30 years, Scott can confidently say that one thing is true. In order to be successful long-term, there are fundamental truths that MUST be adhered to. Technology has certainly changed the way we prospect and make initial connections. Additionally, the fact that your prospects have more information available on your product or service than ever before requires you to be more on top of your game than in the past.
However, when you are engaged in a sales call, things have essentially not changed. He speaks to these truths in the monthly newsletter and goes into greater detail in the book. As in life in general, developing solid listening skills, integrity and a strong work ethic; learning from others; and a heavy dose of common sense are 90 percent of the formula.
Universal Sales Truths
Surround yourself with successful people of integrity.
Use your words carefully—think before responding!
Do more listening than talking.
Work your land.
Be humble, not prideful.
Meet Scott Dunkel
After a successful 30-year career in the highly competitive field of high-tech sales, Scott is now directing his attention to mentoring young business-to-business (B2B) sales execs to help them avoid the pitfalls and roadblocks that negatively affect sales success. Based on his experience as well as numerous interviews with successful sales execs, he has come to the conclusion that long-term success can be achieved by following fundamental sales truths that stand the test of time. He writes about these principles in his monthly sales blog as well as in his book “What They Don’t Teach You in Sales School,” which has received 5-star reviews on Amazon.
In addition, Scott volunteers with the local SCORE chapter. SCORE is a nonprofit association affiliated with the Small Business Association (SBA) that provides mentoring for small-business owners.
