Sales Truths: Don’t Get Caught Up in Bad News

Published

15 years ago

March 7, 2009

Dave Richardson

Don’t get caught up in the bad news.

WHY IT’S TRUE
You can’t pick up a magazine or news-paper today without reading negative forecasts for consumer spending. This seems to be the topic of conversation everywhere we go, and it is very easy to get caught up in all this bad news. It is a lot easier to talk about all the bad stuff, when in fact you should be thinking and speaking more positively.

PLAN OF ACTION
Your staff is in the middle of this conflict, worrying about their jobs, their future and their security. Now is the time to focus strictly on selling by scheduling weekly sales meetings — 30 minutes in length, focusing on specific topics, to include add-on sales, customer buying signals, closing techniques, TOs, overcoming objections, etc. Every customer represents a sales opportunity. Just because the last three customers were "just looking" doesn’t mean that the next one will be doing the same. This is about their future, as well as yours.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”