Selling

Two people. On the phone, having a conversation. That's what people use phones for - to have conversations.

What happens in a conversation? One person says something. The other person listens, understands (or asks a question to make sure he understands), then responds appropriately.

The conversation moves from point A to point B because BOTH people are talking - and listening.

Now let's apply this to sales calls.

Yes, it is possible for a salesperson to have a conversation with a potential customer. But only if the salesperson:

We are smack dab in the middle of a terrible dilemma. The entire marketing and selling world is "betwixt and between." Traditional marketing and selling methods are not working the way they used to, and social media is not the end-all answer, either. In spite of the hype level and some people who are actually making it work, it's just a hint at the answer. But it isn't THE answer.

There is an answer, fortunately, but first let's look at the crisis itself.

This is a serious crisis because it's a perfect storm; five forces coming together at once, each powerful on its own.

In a recent article, ("Do You Secretly Believe You Are Smarter Than Your Customer?"), I chastised Jeff Thull, the author of Mastering the Complex Sale, for saying in his book that most customers of the complex sale "are not equipped to make a good buying decision - that the salesperson selling to them must guide them through the process."

Yes, 'tis the season - a season I dearly love. And this article is definitely related. It's actually about what really matters, in business. Your business. My business. Everybody's business.

See, I love business. The more I'm in business, the more I'm in love with business. I love what businesses do for people.

Just because you can - doesn't mean you should.

Keep this advice in mind as you consider using social media to grow your revenue. There is a lot of hype in this space now, and it will continue for a while. You will lose revenue, not gain it, if you focus too much of your time and resources on vehicles and methods that won't move the revenue needle in the right direction.

If you want to make sure your efforts DO move the revenue needle, here are some guidelines: