Comments on: 5 Elements of a Sales Relationship

By: Mark Leavenworth

Mark Leavenworth — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:57:58 +0000

Independence is the driving force behind entrepreneurs. A passion against accepting the role of being a consumer is often the second most important motivator. It’s natural, then, that sales, where both the avoidance of dependance and the acceptance of the need for the buyer to make profitable decisions for the seller come together, while at the same time being the most important driver of the successful business, is the most difficult hurdle for the entrepreneur. Thank you for bringing this fact to light, and enlightening the independent minded entrepreneur to feel less alone in the difficulty of accepting it.

By: Michael Pollock

Michael Pollock — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:20:44 +0000

Well-said Neil.

By: Neil

Neil — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:13:23 +0000

I’ve been involved in Sales & Marketing for more years than I am willing to admit in this public forum. The best tip I could contribute to this piece is that the quality of the “relationship” you establish with your customer (or your customer’s customer) should become as the over-riding business driver in everything you do.

Case in point. A good friend of mine sold his painting business for $5.5 million USD. Less than 2 years later, he bought back the business (coming out of retirement) for $2.5 because the new management team didn’t get it that competing on bid price alone wasn’t a winning formula.

The key is.. say what you mean and mean what you say and understand that your word is your bond and that actions speak louder than words and you MUST walk your talk.

By: Katrina

Katrina — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:20:31 +0000

Great topic and post, i would recommed this for people starting out a new business. Worrying about self image limits productivity and efficient handling of a business.

By: Bodybuilding Workout

Bodybuilding Workout — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:09:05 +0000

Some good tips here…

When I became a personal trainer I never realized my success wasn’t going to be dependent on my knowledge of exercise and fitness but rather on my ability to sell myself!

You can include me in the crowd of folks who’s not completely comfortable “selling” yet…

By: Nancy Sutherland

Nancy Sutherland — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:24:31 +0000

I find that many business owners are uncomfortable with the sales end of it because they take it too personal (particularly women) What I have found is focusing on what you can do to add value and solve a problem for your potential clients is the best mindset. A servant’s attitude will build relationships that will turn into loyal customers for life!

By: Jonathan Clark

Jonathan Clark — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:28:29 +0000

Brilliant article – I totally agree with you and I’d love to share this page with my students. Would that be OK?

By: Jhonny

Jhonny — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:23:00 +0000

Awesome post, shows out a great point.