New Sales Training Approach - "To Sell is Not to Sell"

"To Sell is NOT to Sell" has over 60 stories thatSherry was off the phone, and off the hook!
relate to real world sales situations from "HiringWhen Sherry's manager got off the phone,
Sales Superstars" to "The 10 Most Common SalesSherry told her what happened. She mentioned
Mistakes."that the prospect was a residential decorator, but
This book should be a part of all sales training andbefore Sherry could tell her manager the rest of
a fixture in every salespersons library. The wisethe information she discovered from the
salesperson will take her advice and learn how toquestions that she asked, the manager told
stop selling and start making more moneySherry to call back immediately. The prospect
immediately!needed to be informed, per the managers'
Greta offers powerful insight into why therequest, that Glossy Magazine has been in
traditional sales training and strategies are changingbusiness for 17 years, and that they're the #1
and why selling in today's economy is more aboutdecorating and design magazine in town,
partnerships between buyers and sellers. One ofspecializing in residential and upscale homes. Her
the points that is driven home throughout themanager wanted to make sure the prospect
book is that in sales you really must listen to theknew that they're more than qualified to help with
clients needs, interests and wants. Everyone lovesany of her needs. "Here is our media kit we
to buy, but hate to be sold and usually have themarket with. Tell her you will send it right out."
same regard for a salesperson as they do a"Better yet," said the manager, "tell her you and I
rattlesnake. One of the secrets Greta reveals iswill go out there and present it to her."
that selling is treating each person in the wayGee, if I were the prospect, I would just be
they wish to be treated will greatly improve yourjumping up and down waiting for that visit!
sales success.Wouldn't you? Of course not. Sherry was good
Below is the type of instructional story Gretaenough to ask the right questions, even if she
uses to help adults learn from real worlddidn't know what she was doing. But her manager
examples and on eof the reasons she has beenwas about to ruin it by doing the old "show up
so successful with her sales training business.and throw up" routine.
Here's the story: Sherry was just hired as anNo one wants to be sold to. Now don't
account executive for "Glossy Magazine, Inc." Shemisunderstand that for meaning no one wants to
was in the sales area waiting for her manager tobuy. Oh no, we LOVE to buy! We just hate
begin her sales training when the phone rang atsomeone selling to us. We want it to feel like it
the desk where she was sitting.was our decision.
"Glossy Magazine can I help you?"Remember, when in doubt, ask a question. It will
"Yes I would like to speak to you aboutallow them to talk, give you additional information
advertising..."and give you some time to think. Telling isn't
Sherry asked the woman's name and then politelyselling, asking is.
asks if she would hold a moment. She lookedWhat's Next from Greta Schulz?
around the sales "bullpen," but there was no oneThe intention of the book "To Sell is NOT to Sell"
to be found. Her manager was on the phoneis to provide sales training with tips and ideas on
behind closed doors, and Sherry didn't know whathow to sell more professionally and consultatively.
to do. She got back on the phone to let theBut Greta was not satisfied stopping there, she
woman know someone would call her back, toknows that adults learn little bits at a time and
which the woman replied that "she only had a fewneed a sounding board for questions and
questions."clarifications along the way.
Before Sherry could respond, out the questionsGreta has developed a new instructional How-To
came. Sherry, in fear, asked a few questions assales training book called "The Official B2B Sales
well, but really had no idea about anything shePlay Book" to provide her readers with
was talking about. "What is your product?", "WhatPlay-by-Play instruction for sales. The manual
are you looking to achieve?", "Is this a newworks through common situations that happen
product?", "What have you been doing toevery day and what you should and shouldn't do
advertise?", and "How did that work?". She keptin each situation to be successful.
the woman on the phone as long as possible withThe sales training is in story format because as
this series of questions.adults we change our behavior by learning new
Sherry finally said, "I feel like I have a prettyinformation, trying it, reviewing it, and then trying
good idea of what you're looking for, let me putit again.
together some thoughts and I will call you laterIn addition to the actual sales training playbook
this afternoon. Will you be available around 4:00?you get new monthly instructional stories and
We can take 30 minutes or so to discuss theaccess to a members-only web site, pod casts,
budget and some ideas I and my manager mightnewsletters, and conference calls so you can get
have for you once I give her this information.the results you really want.
How does that sound?" The woman agreed and