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	<title>Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, has been a top 20% producer for over 20 years. He works with business owners and inside sales reps nationwide teaching them the skills, strategies and techniques of top 20% performance. To read more about Mike Brooks click here. 
http://www.mrinsidesales.com/meet.htm 

Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, offers FREE Teleseminars, FREE Closing Scripts, and a FREE audio program designed to help you double your income selling over the phone. If you want to Close Business like a Top Closer, then learn how at: http://www.MrInsideSales.com
</title>
	<link>http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/author/index/1116/Mike-Brooks.php</link>
	<description>Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, has been a top 20% producer for over 20 years. He works with business owners and inside sales reps nationwide teaching them the skills, strategies and techniques of top 20% performance. To read more about Mike Brooks click here. 
http://www.mrinsidesales.com/meet.htm 

Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, offers FREE Teleseminars, FREE Closing Scripts, and a FREE audio program designed to help you double your income selling over the phone. If you want to Close Business like a Top Closer, then learn how at: http://www.MrInsideSales.com
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	<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:30:41 +0000</pubDate>
	<managingEditor>admin@buildyourownbusiness.biz</managingEditor>
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	<item>
      <title><strong>Don’t Qualify Leads, Disqualify Them!</strong></title>
      <description><![CDATA[Don’t Qualify Leads, Disqualify Them!
by Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales

People ask me all the time what separates the Top 20% producers from the other 80%, and I tell them it starts in the qualification stage.  

The bottom line is that 80% of your competition is trying to create a qualified lead from prospects who will never buy, while the Top 20% producers are more interested in finding the real buyers -- not in generating useless leads.

And the way they do that this is by disqualifying prospects rather than qualifying them.

The attitude shift here is what's so important.  80% of sales reps are desperate to “fill their pipelines,&amp;quot; and will send out anybody with the pulse just so they have someone to pitch later on.  Companies and sales managers train them in this way (a big waste of time and money), and then the sales reps spend their time chasing unqualified leads, getting rejected, practicing poor sales skills, and barely getting by.  

It's sad, but that's how 80% of your competition spend their sales careers.  This leads to poor morale, upset managers, and a lot of turn over.

The Top 20%, however, would never think of sending out unqualified leads and instead eliminate prospects who don't fit their strict criteria of a buyer.  The Top 20% are of the mindset to disqualify rather than qualify and usually send out the fewest leads in the office, but they have the highest closing rates and they make the most amount of money.

For the Top 20%, part of disqualification means stopping and questioning the “red flags&amp;quot; they get, and asking the tough questions about budget, real interest, timelines, and decision processes.  When they are done with the qualification call they can tell you why the prospect will buy, what it will take, and in many cases they've asked trial closes and can tell you when the prospect will buy.

If you're sitting at your desk right now, I know you know the difference between these two ways.  And now you have  ..]]></description>
      <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/55/2150/Dont-Qualify-Leads-Disqualify-Them.php">http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/55/2150/Dont-Qualify-Leads-Disqualify-Them.php</link>
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      <title><strong>The 5-Step Method of Handling Objections</strong></title>
      <description><![CDATA[The 5-Step Method of Handling Objections
by Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales

I get so many requests asking me how to handle objections, that I thought I’d go ahead and give you the secret method that I reveal in my in-person trainings – the definite way you should handle and deal with all objections.  

This is a Top 20% favorite and it works because you are not answering or dealing with objections, rather, you’re qualifying and isolating first, then, once you’ve found out if it’s a real objection or a smokescreen, you’re dealing with it in the most efficient way possible.  

And you’re asking for the deal when done.  It’s called the 5-Step Method of Handling Objections, and once you begin using it, you’ll be amazed by how successful it is.  Here’s how it works:  

The Five-Step Method

Step One:  (Two Parts):

1.  First, hear them out – completely.  Don’t interrupt!

2.  Put in a softening statement before you answer:

“I complete understand how you feel.”
		
“Some of my best clients felt that way also.”
 	
“I completely understand how you feel, this is a big decision, and right now I’m sure it makes sense for you to think about this.”


Step Two: Question and Isolate the Objection B-4 Answering it.

As I’ve written about before, you can’t begin chasing and answering every objection they give you!  First you must question and isolate the objection to make sure it’s the REAL objection.  

Example: “The Price is Too High”

“I understand __________, and let me ask you a question: Assuming that the price on these hearing aids weren’t an issue (or fit within your budget, or if someone were suddenly going to buy them for you), but if price weren’t an issue here, is this the solution you feel is right for you today?”  Or, “is this something you would go ahead and order today?” 

 
Step Three:  Answer the Objection (using a scripted response!)

No secret here that I’m recommendin ..]]></description>
      <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/55/2149/The-5Step-Method-of-Handling-Objections.php">http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/55/2149/The-5Step-Method-of-Handling-Objections.php</link>
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	<item>
      <title><strong>How To Grab Interest In 5 Seconds</strong></title>
      <description><![CDATA[How To Grab Interest In 5 Seconds
by Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales

I hear over and over again how important the first few seconds of a phone call are to make a connection and grab interest, and my question to you is -- are you still opening your calls with the standard, “How are you today?&amp;quot;  If so, then you've just turned off about half of your prospects.

Think about it, what's your reaction to someone you don't know who calls you and asks, “How are you today?&amp;quot;  If you're like most people, you're thinking, “I’ll be much better as soon as I can you off the phone!&amp;quot;

Want to know a better way?  The Top 20% understand how important it is to differentiate themselves from the hundreds of other people calling their prospects, and they are focused on engaging and creating interest with their prospects.  Here's a technique they use that works really well:

When your prospect answers the phone, announce yourself and then ask, “Can you hear me OK?&amp;quot;  This immediately catches your prospect off guard, forces them to focus, think, and respond in a positive manner, which is usually “Yes, I can.&amp;quot;

An additional benefit is that your prospect is now also now paying closer attention to what you're about to say next.  Quite an improvement over the other method/response, isn't it?

If your prospect happens to say, “Yes, why can you hear me?&amp;quot;  (or some variation), just tell them that you're trying a new headset, or that there was a clicking on the line, or that it's very busy in the background there (or whatever else might actually be going on in your work environment), and you wanted to make sure you both had a clear connection.  Then continue on with your presentation (which should begin with, “Briefly, the reason for the call…”).

This technique, which may sound simple, really works well and though it may take some time getting used to, you will end up loving the new reactions and results you get.  I urge you to try it  ..]]></description>
      <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/55/2148/How-To-Grab-Interest-In-5-Seconds.php">http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/55/2148/How-To-Grab-Interest-In-5-Seconds.php</link>
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      <title><strong>The Key To Building Value</strong></title>
      <description><![CDATA[The Key To Building Value
by Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside 

You hear it all the time -- if your price is higher than your competition you're told to  “build value.&amp;quot;  You’re instructed to stress the quality, the warranty, the features, etc.  But your prospects have heard all that before, haven’t they?  Want a better way?

Let’s face it -- prospects will often buy from people they like, know or trust.  Your enthusiasm for your product or service also is a big factor in getting your prospects to place an order with you as well.  Knowing this, I've often used the following script to not only build value in my product or service, but also to build value in myself.  Here's what to say:

If your prospects says, “I can get cheaper,&amp;quot; or “Well the XYZ company has something similar or for less money,&amp;quot; or anything like that, say:

“You know _________ I'm aware of all the other options for this (product or service) and quite frankly if I thought any of them were better for my clients, I’d be working for there and selling them.

“When I got into this industry I did my own research, and I looked for the best company that not only offered the best (product or service) but also delivered the best customer service and follow-up.  I chose (your company) because they give my clients the best overall value and the best experience and that means they continue to do business with me and refer new business to me as well.

&amp;quot;If there was a better product or company for you to be doing business with I’d be there.  But there isn’t.

“Bottom line -- if you want the best overall value, results and experience with this (your product or service) then do what I do did – choose (your company) – You’ll always be glad you did..  Now, do you want to start with the X size order or would the Y size order be better?&amp;quot;

This technique builds value in the most important part of any sales transaction -- you and your belief in your product or s ..]]></description>
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      <title><strong>The Five Secrets to Effective Time Management</strong></title>
      <description><![CDATA[The Five Secrets to Effective Time Management
by Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales

I don't know about you, but 24 hours in a day isn't enough.  And 8 - 9 hours for work just barely covers the paperwork, order follow-up, client calls, e-mails that need answering, voicemail messages, etc.  &amp;quot;You mean you want me to prospect and find closing time, too?  What, are you kidding?!”

Sound familiar?  It should.  Sales reps and their managers constantly tell me they are on the run the moment they get in the office.  Just opening their email can take them pm a 2 to 3 hour journey away from what they should, want, or need to be doing to drive sales (like the prospecting calls or reload or order calls).  What to do?

I just finished giving a seminar on time management to a company here in Southern California, and boy did I need the reminder.  I'm much better - and so are they – now that I'm following these Five Keys to Time Management.  Use them and you'll feel better too!
 Key #1 - Begin each day with a written list of three to five priorities.  Ask yourself: “What are the five things that are crucial for me to accomplish today?&amp;quot;  (Hint: ask yourself what five things you can do today that will most affect your bottom line, ie, dollars in your pocket?)  Write them down -- in order of importance and then….
Key #2 - Start each day with your top three to five priorities and work each one through until it's done.  Then cross it off and work on the next one.  Resist the temptation to multitask.  Working each one through to completeness is the key.  Make sure and cross each one off when you're done!
This builds momentum, a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, and most importantly you'll actually be getting your important priorities done each day.
Key #3 - Start with your most important (or most difficult) task first.  Accomplishing one or two important tasks always leads to more success -- and always frees up the most energy.  Once those “mountains&amp;quot ..]]></description>
      <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/51/2143/The-Five-Secrets-to-Effective-Time-Management.php">http://www.buildyourownbusiness.biz/post/index/51/2143/The-Five-Secrets-to-Effective-Time-Management.php</link>
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      <title><strong>5 Secrets to Exercising Authority</strong></title>
      <description><![CDATA[5 Secrets to Exercising Authority
by Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales

If you are a sales manager or business owner, then you probably know and understand that fine line between being a leader and exercising authority, and trying to fit in as part of the team and wanting people to like you.  Managers struggle with this all the time, and many would be leaders lose their ability to successfully direct their teams because they are afraid of exercising this authority for fear of alienating other team members.  

The problem is that most managers and other figures of authority -- Directors, V.P.’s, and Business Owners -- have never been taught how to properly exercise authority and command respect as leaders.

If you find yourself in this position, follow this proven, 5-step method for exercising authority.  It will not only get results, but it will establish, or re-establish, your role as leader of your sales team or department.

#1) Make sure your instructions are clear.  Having ambiguous goals, or methods of achieving them, automatically undermines your authority and dooms many projects from the beginning.  Rule #1 -- be clear on the goal and the instructions on how to accomplish it.  After you have delivered them, ask your team if they have any questions about what is required, so problems can be cleared up from the beginning.

#2) Encourage people to approach you if they run into problems.  Establishing open communication and feedback early on is crucial to avoid big disappointments later.  Helping team members resolve problems as they arise ensures quick resolution, continued progress, and good morale.

#3) Take action quickly when you learn of any real problems.  Failing to act quickly once you learn of a problem, or putting it off for days or weeks, not only undermines your authority, but also kills morale and confidence.  Problems tend to get bigger the longer they go unresolved, and your job as a leader is to solve problems not avoid them.

To rea ..]]></description>
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