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As a business owner, you know what it’s like to lie awake at 2 a.m. Maybe it has happened when you are excited and full of new ideas for your business. More often, it’s because you are worried about issues you will face the next day. Sometimes, it’s because you just woke up with the solution to a problem. I’ve experienced all those emotions about my businesses over the years. Awake at 2 o’clock? is where I share them with you, and hopefully help with answers that will let you sleep.
John F. Dini, CExP, CEPA
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Small business owners are the Hunters of the 21st century. We are 3% of the US population, and yet we create over half of all American jobs. As Hunters, we may not be inclined to manage by the numbers or stick to systems. Are you a Hunter or a Farmer?
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How prepared are you to exit your company?
The Assessment breaks down the four major categories of exit readiness; Finance, Planning, Operations and Revenue/Profit.
Tag Archives: sales management
Can You Build Your Business in Half the Time?
I had an unusual coincidence happen last week. Speaking to prospective new members of The Alternative Board (TAB), I wound up with three CPAs in the same meeting. They were from three different smaller firms, and all three identified their current … Continue reading
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The Man (or Woman) Who Knew Too Much
Most businesses need salespeople. Most salespeople need to know what they are selling. This leaves many owners on the proverbial horns of a dilemma. Should they hire a great salesperson and teach him the business, or should they take someone who … Continue reading
One Response to The Man (or Woman) Who Knew Too Much
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John,
As a sales and marketing manager for 30+ years, I couldn’t agree more with your insight. It’s far more important to hire a “salesman” and let him sell than to move a technician or even a marketing person into a sales position. I’ve learned the hard way!
While it’s often good to have the experience of walking a mile in another’s shoes, the sales to manufacturing doesn’t work, just as the manufacturer to sales wouldn’t work either.
Thanks, Gerald
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Cancer in the Workplace
It was my first ownership of a business. I had moved to California to take over a failing auto parts distributor, and the deal came with a minority share in the business. I was just 30 years old. The housecleaning … Continue reading
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Why Business Owners Shouldn’t Cold Call
The Owner as Salesperson If your business employs salespeople, then you’ve probably had them bring an account challenge to you. “You need to talk to this customer, Boss. You can (fill in the blank) better than anyone else.” The fill-in-the-blank … Continue reading
3 Responses to Why Business Owners Shouldn’t Cold Call
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John,
The difference between the Industrial Age and The Information Age…is just that.
Information……found through numerous avenues.
I truly believe “cold calling” is a waste of time (not only for business owners ) but sales people altogether.
The cold calling era is dead….here is why.
We don’t call a decision maker and expect them to say great…..come on in for a cup of Joe and show me what you have to sell.
Cold calling involves coercion, several calls back, emails, voice mails, rescheduling and you know what….?
We as salespeople have given away our control!
People love to buy but they HATE to be sold.
What’s the definition of insanity?
Trying the same thing over and over with the same results. Ludicrous!-
Great points Roy.
I met a business owner two weeks ago that said the problem was people had become rude and discourteous. Asked to elaborate, he told me that he “dropped in” on 20 businesses a week, and asked for 15 minutes with the CEO. Over 90% refused to come out and see him immediately!
Obviously, he is stuck in the wrong century.
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This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!
! Finally I have found something which helped me.
Kudos!
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Sales Comp III: Hunters and Farmers
Sales people break down into two subgroups- hunters and farmers. The purists will argue that in fact, only hunters are sales people. I can buy that. The farmers are more likely to be called Customer Service Representatives or Account Managers. … Continue reading
One Response to Sales Comp III: Hunters and Farmers
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One more word of advice…
Less than 1% of all candidates seeking work today have the full suite of HUNTER competencies and conditions, so if you are looking for a hunter, make sure to conduct an objective assessment of what you are getting yourself into before pulling the trigger on a new hire.
John,
Couldn’t agree more on business owners myopic view of their business, where day to day operations is the only thing they are focused on.
I touched on this subject in my own blog post “How much time do you spend ‘working ON your business’?”
http://www.cxcel.com/wpblog/2011/08/how-much-time-do-you-spend-working-on-your-business/
Keep up the good work,
John Hollier,
Chief Collaborator
Collaborative Xceleration