When you read the title of this post, many of you may wonder, what the what? Let me explain. When we’re in meetings and presenting to a group of individuals, many people arrive with preconceived notions, are set in their way of doing things, or have a completely different agenda on their mind. The most important thing you can do …
Skill #4 Bonus: How to Demonstrate Genuine Respect Using Flexibility Power Skill
For the past few months, sales leader Patrick Carter and our CEO Lynn Whitbeck have been working through their new 12-part series all about sales power skills, as explained through their “PERFORMANCE” acronym. We’ve learned all about the first four letters – “Problem Solving,” “Engagement,” “Resilience,” and “Flexibility” – and this week, the duo are offering a bonus episode. Flexibility …
How to Blow Them Away by Doing the Heavy Lifting
The lifeblood of sales and building relationships is setting ourselves apart from our competition. It’s about building strong, long-term relationships and a referral network in the process. Throughout my career, I have found that by doing the heavy lifting for my clients and prospects, my sales success continuously improved. I believe that performing the heavy lifting is a key principal …
Skill #4 – How to Boost Connectivity Through Flexibility
Sales leader Patrick Carter and our CEO Lynn Whitbeck have been working through their new 12-part series all about sales power skills, explained through their “PERFORMANCE” acronym. Following discussions of the first three letters – “Problem Solving,” “Engagement,” and “Resilience” – the duo are now back to discuss the fourth letter: “Flexibility.” Why is flexibility so important as a professional? …
My Project was Handed to a Competitor – Now What?
I just found out one of my best clients gave a major project to a competitor. The worst part is that I never had an opportunity to even bid on it. How do I diplomatically address this with the client? – Cayce in Aurora, CO Answer: Business decisions require a thick skin. They are not personal. When a business decision …
10 Ways Resilience is an Advantage in Harsh Circumstances
Three weeks ago, sales leader Patrick Carter and Strategic Sales Queen’s own Lynn Whitbeck shared a podcast all about “Resilience,” and how it is a skill you need to thrive in your sales career. It’s part of their “PERFORMANCE” in Sales power skills series. Before they continue on to the fourth letter in that acronym, Lynn and Patrick decided to …
What Can I Do to Resolve CRM Concerns?
I am new to my firm and concerned about providing all of my client information in their CRM system. Am I just being overly nervous or suspicious? – Melinda in Tarzana, CA Answer: Understanding how and why we feel about something is a vital part of our internal processes and external actions. This is true in our day-to-day lives, in …
Skill #3 – How Resilience Inspires Breakthrough Opportunities
In February, sales leader Patrick Carter joined our CEO Lynn Whitbeck to introduce their new 12-part series. In that first episode, Patrick and Lynn revealed their acronym, “PERFORMANCE,” highlighting the top 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career. Following discussions of the first two letters – “Problem Solving” and “Engagement” – the duo are now back to …
How Should I Address Donation Requests with My Manager?
We have a tight sales budget, but there are times when a client requests we donate our products for a cause they are supporting. How do I approach management for approval of these donation requests? – Patty in Bethesda, MD Answer: Every business has a responsibility to be a good partner in the community. This responsibility is demonstrated by actions, …
How Do Sales and Marketing Work Together to Win?
Whether you work in sales or marketing, you probably recognize that these two pillars within any organization rely on each other. You can’t have one without the other, and it takes both to create and maintain a successful company. So you how can you ensure that sales and marketing are working together? In our new webinar, Lynn Whitbeck and Tina …
How to Achieve Sales Success When Exhibiting at an Event
While there are many types of exhibits at events, there is a common thread: promoting or selling your product or service. The formats and venues for these events run the gamut of an open house for a customer, a table top for your sales materials or demo items, a forum or conference, and trade shows, expos, or fairs. With all …
Skill #2 – How Engagement Expands Your Prosperity
Last month, sales leader Patrick Carter joined our CEO Lynn Whitbeck to introduce their new 12-part series. In that first episode, Patrick and Lynn revealed their acronym, “PERFORMANCE,” highlighting the top 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career. Following a discussion of “Problem Solving” earlier this month, the duo are back to discuss the second letter, “Engagement.” …
How Should I Handle Event Invites I do Not Want?
I am constantly invited to client events or ballgames after work and on weekends. How do I gracefully decline these event invites? – Tara in Denver, CO Answer: Building rapport with clients requires time, attention, and genuine interest. Receiving an invitation from a customer is a compliment, and it speaks to the relationship you have fostered. It’s important to view …
Top 10 Tips for Sales Traction When Attending a Conference
How do you get the most out of conference attendance? Along with making genuine connections, what actionable commitments will build momentum? What are the key takeaways to gain traction and move the sales process forward? To accomplish all of these things, you need a strategy and planned tactics before you attend the conference. The following tips will lay the foundation …
Skill #1 – Problem Solving Your Way to Success
In our last sales podcast, sales leader Patrick Carter joined our CEO Lynn Whitbeck for the first installment of a new 12-part series. That episode introduced their acronym, “PERFORMANCE,” highlighting the top 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career. Today, Patrick and Lynn dive into that first P in PERFORMANCE: Problem Solving. What do you do when …
How 11 Power Skills Will Swiftly Boost Your Career
In 2019, we were glad to have sales leader Patrick Carter join us for a podcast about the retail apocalypse. That discussion went so well that we now get Patrick back for a whole 12-part series! To kick off this series, he and our CEO Lynn introduce listeners to the 11 power skills you need to boost your sales career. …
What Should I Wear for Diverse Group of Sales People?
I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds, and I’m having a hard time figuring out how to dress for them. My older clients seem to feel more comfortable when I’m wearing a suit because I look professional and competent. Younger representatives, however, find such clothing stuffy and impersonal, and prefer a trendier and more casual look. I often …
Always Right: Sales Tips from a Customer’s Point of View
You can’t have sales without customers. That statement may seem obvious to the point of simplicity, but it highlights an often-forgotten part of the business world: You can’t sell anything if no one wants to buy. What do customers want? How can your interactions with these important people make you into the best salesperson you can be? While every customer …
4 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Sales Business Travel
Many of us have to travel for our jobs, whether to meet with clients or attend conferences and tradeshows. Business travel can be hectic and stressful, but it can also be an enjoyable, positive experience if you know how to do it. Not sure how you’ll do on your next business trip? Here are some tips on how to get …
We Made a Big Mistake on Pricing… Help!
My company made a big mistake on the pricing of an order for a new client. Now I must go back and renegotiate the pricing. What is the best approach so I don’t lose the order and client? – Eleanor in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania Answer: We all know mistakes happen. They are a great opportunity to strengthen your relationships when …















