Barbara Giamanco

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Have You Watched Sell It Like Serhant?

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

It might just be one of my new favorite reality shows for a couple of reasons.

One, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an instructional reality TV show about selling. I don’t think you can count infomercial types on late, late, late night with someone hawking their sales training program. In Sell it Like Serhant, Ryan gets into the sales trenches with sales reps who need help improving their sales game and saving their jobs.

Two, Ryan Serhant gets it when it comes to sales. Clearly, that’s why he is one of the top real estate brokers/sellers in the world. He knows that so much goes into being successful in selling not the least of which is hard work, creativity, the ability to connect with people. Attitude and how you present yourself also matters. And, no matter how well you might “technically” know your product or service, that isn’t what closes deals.

Don’t take my word for it.

Watch the episode where Ryan is working with a young woman – Amanda – whose job is to sell hot tubs. She’s new on the job and she can barely sell one hot tub a month. Her job is on the line because she is not producing like her sales peer.

As you see in the episode, Amanda isn’t lacking for technical knowledge about the various hot tubs available but she cannot connect with people on a personal level. She doesn’t smile, her voice is monotone and boring, and she looks like she gives 5-minutes thought to her appearance, if that.  Now, you don’t have to spend hours getting ready to go to work or wear Armani to be taken seriously, but your appearance does matter. Your appearance cannot be an after thought if your sales job means personal face-to-face interaction with buyers.

In the trailer for an upcoming episode, Ryan is working with a young man who is a real estate agent. The guy gives off the energy of a stereotypical salesperson who is so focused on his agenda that he can’t see or hear anything else.

In the preview, we see the rep take a young woman into an apartment that she clearly doesn’t like. Her initial comment just walking into the building tells you all you need to know. She says the place looks sketchy. Clue #1. Sales rep completely ignores the comment and says the building has character. Um, no. The place looks like a dump.

I already know this isn’t going to be the residence for her. So does Ryan. Not that rep though. He pushes on.

As they walk into the apartment, it becomes abundantly clear that this woman will NEVER rent that apartment. EVER.  But this salesperson isn’t listening to a word she is saying. It reminds me of the salesman who tried to sell me a specific car even though I said multiple times I couldn’t stand the car. What did he do? Pulled out all the stops to pressure me. What’s not to like, he says. It’s a great color. My wife loves this car, he says. I say, who cares. I don’t like the car, and I’m the one spending the money. He got a little pissy with me and still kept  pushing. Hint – not a good sales technique unless your objective is NOT to close the deal. To this day, I’m convinced his manager was offering a spiff to get that car off the lot, and I couldn’t run fast enough to get away from that guy.

So, back to the real estate rep that Ryan is there to help. The rep must think his ears are only for hearing sounds, because he isn’t listening to his buyer. Not even a little bit. Just like the car salesman I mentioned, this agent goes into high pressure overdrive. I think I have to say it. Some objections cannot be overcome.

–The buyer asks about a window that really isn’t because it brings in no light and faces the interior shaft of the building. She says it’s dark. She’s right. Clue #2.

–She says someone was probably killed in this building. Clue #3. Hello?

Right after that comment, we see the tone deaf sales rep saying, the landlord is negotiable so you can probably do $2,400 a month (it lists at $2,450). He says she’s getting value because of the price? Only in New York? Safety, security and actually liking where you live doesn’t matter? Only price does? Hum.

–The buyer opens a cabinet door under the sink and says, “Oh, is that blood?” Clue #4.

The salesperson keeps pushing wasting everyone’s time when they should move on to the next property. But, no. The rep keeps trying to sell her on other features and then says, “So how do you feel about this one. Are you ready to sign?” Dude. Come on. How did you not know that she would NEVER rent that apartment, as if saying that someone was probably killed in the building isn’t a big enough clue.

The full story will be revealed this week during the show but the back story is that this rep was once the high flyer in his office but he is now being bested by a competing rep at his company. That combined with other issues has totally led this salesperson to lose sight of how to do his job well.

But even the show trailer, as do the other episodes, emphasizes something important about being good in sales.

In almost all selling scenarios, and I’m not talking about buying commodity products on Amazon, Sell It Like Serhant reinforces the message that sales is a people business. Experience and how you connect with people and establish a rapport matters. If you have a crap attitude, lack motivation, cannot clearly communicate a value message that buyers care about, do not listen to what buyers are telling you, and are only concerned about your commission check, you may make a few sales in the short-term but you will never survive over the long haul.

Anything that breaks down the myths about selling and shows how to do it right is a positive for all of us in sales, and that’s why I’m sold on Sell It Like Serhant!

Filed Under: blog, sales Tagged With: attitude, bravo TV, buyers, customer experience, motivation, ryan serhant, sales, selling

Stay In It to Win It!

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

It has begun. The relentless beating of the negativity drum that our media insists on pounding. Predictable I suppose, but none the less disappointing.

Well meaning colleagues perpetuate the negativity. Do we really need to keep sharing bad news? News that we can do nothing about? Just now, I see that BNET has posted an article about “staying afloat if the economy  tanks”…really? Is this helpful?

Is it possible that focus on the unwanted just brings more of the same?

In a LinkedIn group, the question is posed…”How will you deal with objections to the current economic conditions this week?”

My answer?

I won’t acknowledge that they exist. The objections I mean. They haven’t come up, so why should I waste energy expecting that they will?

Henry Ford said it best when he said, “Whether you say that you can or you can’t, you’re right”.

Attitude is everything!

For salespeople, or anyone who has a product or service to sell, right attitude is the most important tool you need in your wheelhouse. Use it. Rise above the noise. Add value. Be of service. Give.

And NEVER EVER let someone else define YOUR sales success for you!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, helen keller, sales, sales success, social selling

Farewell to Mr. Super Fantastic

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the study of success and of successful people. I have read, researched and pondered what it means to be a “success”.

What is it?

Is it the 6-figure income and the beautifully appointed mansion in an exclusive neighborhood? Or, for you, does success look like the “fix it up” lake house with your weathered jeep parked in the driveway? It’s a personal question that each of us must define for ourselves, and that’s not always easy when so many outside influences rush to tell us what’s best for us.

How do you achieve it? Why do some lucky few seem to come by it so easily, while other people just cannot ever seem to get there?

Growing up in a family who neither helped me to plan for my success, nor expected me to succeed, a passionate desire was sparked in me to find a way to succeed on my own.  That powerful desire led to a series of serendipitous events that would lead to a very successful career. Along the journey, I’ve encountered many wise teachers who impacted me with the message that they shared. One such teacher was Keith Harrell, who I will forever remember as “Mr. Super Fantastic”. Keith passed away on October 18th. He was only 54.

Some years ago, while working in Microsoft’s Atlanta office, I was asked by my boss to secure a motivational speaker for our upcoming district meeting. Among the names suggested I check out was Keith Harrell. We ultimately signed Keith for the gig, and I will never forget how he just took over that room. Sure, being 6ft 7’ had something to do with it, but this man had presence. His message of a focused, positive attitude and the importance of speaking positively forever impacted me and my thinking about success. It might well have been one of the few times that all of my sales compadres actually listened attentively to the guest speakers every word.

Keith encouraged us to use big words to express positive feelings that promoted harmony, goodwill and success for everyone. He reminded us that our success in sales (and in life) was totally an inside job. And, that’s where Mr. Super Fantastic comes in. When asked any day of the week how he was doing, Keith would respond with a rousing “superfantastic” in reply. I adopted the word immediately and used two versions in my voicemail message.  Sometimes, it was thanks for calling; it’s a Super Fantastic day here at Microsoft. Or, I’d conclude my message with an upbeat… Have a Super Fantastic day! Oh, the wonderful comments people would share with me about how my message made their day. As I did then, and as I do now, all the credit goes to Keith!!!

Success in any undertaking is always dependant on how successful we decide that we want to be. It truly is an inside job. Keith was right about the power of powerful, positive language. When you are smiling and using upbeat words, it’s pretty darn hard to be griping and complaining. So, in honor of Mr. Keith Harrell, here’s to your superfantastical sales success now and forevermore!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, keith harrell, mr super fantastic, sales, social sales

A Is For Attitude

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister, a 25-year-old British medical student, became the first man to break therogerbannister four-minute mile barrier. His final time was 3mins 59.4 seconds. Up until that time not only had it never been done, but no one believed that it could be done. Until Roger that is.

Bannister had a serious running setback at the 1952 Olympics, and as a result he spent two months contemplating whether he should continue to run at all. Ultimately he decided on a new goal instead – to be the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. Doing what no one believed could be done, Bannister believed in himself and visualized the possibilities, thus turning his belief into a tangible reality. And once Bannister broke the record and proved it was possible…runner after runner started following in his footsteps.

Moral of the Story

Roger Bannister reflected on his wins and his losses. Once he firmly commited himself to breaking the four minute mile, he got honest with himself about his strengths and weaknesses. With that knowledge, he put a solid plan in place to achieve his goal.

Whether you own the business or work for someone who does, Roger’s story applies to YOU. Your sales skills must be top notch because the clutter in the marketplace is deafening. If sales aren’t quite where they need to be, maybe it’s time to take an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. Until you know what is getting in your way, it’s going to be hard to turn it around.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, Business, marketing, roger bannister, sales

If Aren't Getting Job Offers – You're Doing it Wrong!

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

I have the pleasure of being a guest blogger over at the Consultative Sales and Sales Management Professionals of Canadamarshall site. What a classically great example of the power of social networking through communities like LinkedIn. Marshall Northcott (editor) and I connected over LinkedIn. He liked my comments in groups and my blog posts and he invited me to join his team of guest bloggers. It may have taken me all of 5-seconds to say yes:). As a long time sales professional, Marshall has great insights about selling, but today he posted something just a little bit different. This one is all about what you are probably doing wrong if that job is still eluding you! The principles apply to closing deals by the way, so READ THE POST and leave a comment if you are so inclined. If you like…please pass on the love by ReTweeting!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, hr, human resources, job search, job transition, recruiting, sales, sales management

If Aren’t Getting Job Offers – You’re Doing it Wrong!

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

I have the pleasure of being a guest blogger over at the Consultative Sales and Sales Management Professionals of Canadamarshall site. What a classically great example of the power of social networking through communities like LinkedIn. Marshall Northcott (editor) and I connected over LinkedIn. He liked my comments in groups and my blog posts and he invited me to join his team of guest bloggers. It may have taken me all of 5-seconds to say yes:). As a long time sales professional, Marshall has great insights about selling, but today he posted something just a little bit different. This one is all about what you are probably doing wrong if that job is still eluding you! The principles apply to closing deals by the way, so READ THE POST and leave a comment if you are so inclined. If you like…please pass on the love by ReTweeting!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, hr, human resources, job search, job transition, recruiting, sales, sales management

Tired of the Wannabe's?

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

Me too. Haven’t you noticed how many so-called social media experts have come on the scene? People figured outwannabe quickly that social media is the buzz, so they figured they could jump on the gravy train and make a quick fortune. It’s easy to spot the wannabes though. Here are few clues:
1. They don’t blog or if they have a blog there isn’t much on it.
2. They have like 25 connections on LinkedIn and think that’s a big network.
3. They started using social media about 6 months ago, if that.
4. They think that email marketing is the same as social networking.
5. They are not getting business using social networking approaches now matter how much they trash talk about their expertise.
6. They can’t tell you the core differences between Twitter, Plaxo, Facebook, LinkedIn or StumbleUpon.
7. Their website has no social media presence at all.
What does this all have to do with sales?
I’ve noticed during the last two years how many coaches and consultants are now claiming to be sales experts with this or that program to help you achieve success. Talk is cheap so the saying goes. I’m about results. You can’t fake experience and a demonstrable history of success. People often get into sales training or sales coaching, because they smell easy money when they have little or no experience as a professional sales person themselves.
Case in point…
A few years ago, I met a woman at a networking event who said she was a sales coach. I said, wow – that’s interesting. Tell me about your sales background. You know the punch line, right? She had no experience. Zip, none, nada! But she thought that she could coach sales people anyway. There is no hard and fast rule that says you MUST have business experience in the area where you intend to offer your coaching service, but it certainly does help. And if you are going to coach or train sales people then you darn well better know what it’s like to walk in their shoes.
Sales (I believe) is a little different from other organizational functions. If you’ve never sold professionally, you will have a hard time truly understanding the challenges that sales people face. You won’t be able to fully know the motivation that is required to sell day in and day out. There is no way that you can feel the stress of being pressured by leaders on high to get the deal…now.
Oh boy, here it comes. I can hear all those wonderfully trained coaches out there just itching to challenge me on this point…please don’t bother! I’ve sold close to a billion dollars in products and services through the years, so I have a little bit of background in this area. And, no, I’m not an expert. I just have actual experience selling. If your paycheck has never depended on achieving a sales quota every month – you don’t know what it is like, and I don’t care how many powerful questions you ask…you don’t know! Moreover, sales professionals will not take you seriously anyway.
What’s my point? If you plan to call yourself an expert or offer sales coaching as a service, you darn sure better have the goods to back it up!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, sales, social media

Tired of the Wannabe’s?

By Barbara Giamanco Leave a Comment

Me too. Haven’t you noticed how many so-called social media experts have come on the scene? People figured outwannabe quickly that social media is the buzz, so they figured they could jump on the gravy train and make a quick fortune. It’s easy to spot the wannabes though. Here are few clues:

1. They don’t blog or if they have a blog there isn’t much on it.

2. They have like 25 connections on LinkedIn and think that’s a big network.

3. They started using social media about 6 months ago, if that.

4. They think that email marketing is the same as social networking.

5. They are not getting business using social networking approaches now matter how much they trash talk about their expertise.

6. They can’t tell you the core differences between Twitter, Plaxo, Facebook, LinkedIn or StumbleUpon.

7. Their website has no social media presence at all.

What does this all have to do with sales?

I’ve noticed during the last two years how many coaches and consultants are now claiming to be sales experts with this or that program to help you achieve success. Talk is cheap so the saying goes. I’m about results. You can’t fake experience and a demonstrable history of success. People often get into sales training or sales coaching, because they smell easy money when they have little or no experience as a professional sales person themselves.

Case in point…

A few years ago, I met a woman at a networking event who said she was a sales coach. I said, wow – that’s interesting. Tell me about your sales background. You know the punch line, right? She had no experience. Zip, none, nada! But she thought that she could coach sales people anyway. There is no hard and fast rule that says you MUST have business experience in the area where you intend to offer your coaching service, but it certainly does help. And if you are going to coach or train sales people then you darn well better know what it’s like to walk in their shoes.

Sales (I believe) is a little different from other organizational functions. If you’ve never sold professionally, you will have a hard time truly understanding the challenges that sales people face. You won’t be able to fully know the motivation that is required to sell day in and day out. There is no way that you can feel the stress of being pressured by leaders on high to get the deal…now.

Oh boy, here it comes. I can hear all those wonderfully trained coaches out there just itching to challenge me on this point…please don’t bother! I’ve sold close to a billion dollars in products and services through the years, so I have a little bit of background in this area. And, no, I’m not an expert. I just have actual experience selling. If your paycheck has never depended on achieving a sales quota every month – you don’t know what it is like, and I don’t care how many powerful questions you ask…you don’t know! Moreover, sales professionals will not take you seriously anyway.

What’s my point? If you plan to call yourself an expert or offer sales coaching as a service, you darn sure better have the goods to back it up!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, sales, social media

Do You Have a Sales Mindset?

By Barbara Giamanco 2 Comments

Perception is reality so the saying goes. Never is that more true than when it comes to the process of selling. How youlensofopportunity view this critical business function will either help or hinder what you plan to achieve. It seems to me that more than one sales person out there needs this reminder. For the record, I’m calling anyone – that means you too Mr. or Ms. business owner who needs to sell a product or service – a sales person.

Great selling is an art. Those people who do it well understand that it takes a plan, it’s hard work, requires internal motivation, takes time, it requires consistency, and it’s about building relationships with people. Let me say that again…sales is a people business. You won’t get far if…

• You can’t get over your fear of rejection.

• You can’t check your ego at the door.

• You think “selling is bad” versus “sales is simply a way to help others solve their business problems”.

• As a business owner, you think that selling doesn’t apply to you.

To me, these concepts are blindingly obvious. Still, I am often amazed at the people I meet who have something to sell, but they insist that they “hate” selling or that they just don’t want to do it. To me this attitude tells me a few things about you:

1. You naively believe you can avoid sales and still succeed at hitting your revenue goals and personal earning goals. Not gonna happen folks! To be clear, marketing is not selling, so don’t delude yourself in thinking that sending out marketing emails or newsletters is all it takes.

2. Ego is in the way. In other words, the focus is on you – the sale you want to make – not on what is necessarily best for your prospective buyer. Go into each sales call determined to understand the needs of your buyer without pitching what you have to sell.

3. You don’t believe in the value of what you have to sell. If you don’t believe, no one else will. It’s that simple!

4. Fear of rejection is stronger than your desire to succeed. A “no” doesn’t mean never, nor is it a personal smack down of you as a person. No will happen no matter how good you are. Use it as a learning opportunity. Was the timing off? Was your value proposition confusing? Did your competitor offer just a little something extra?

5. You believe that one or two contacts means the sale will automatically close. Yeah, yeah, I know that a good many sales training programs out there will tell you that they can help you close the deal in two conversations. It certainly can happen IF you happen to meet someone at the exact moment they are ready to buy, you’ve established quick rapport and perhaps the product is at a low enough price point that there isn’t much worry about making a buying mistake. If what you sell is a complicated sale, it’s an intangible service or you are asking for a lot of money, prepare for the sale to take some time.

Sooo…do you have a sales mindset?

If you found yourself saying…ooppss, that’s me…when you read my list of 5 above then your sales mindset needs work! If you hope to generate revenue now and in the future, you need to develop a sales mindset fast. Love it. Embrace it. Enjoy it. If you believe that what you have to offer can help others get what they need…selling is not hard at all. What you focus on expands, so focus on success!

Now that I’ve given you a kick in the butt…stop making excuses. Get out there and get selling!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, motivation, sales, sales call

It's Not the Economy. It's Your Attitude!

By Barbara Giamanco 1 Comment

Some would say that we are in a “down economy” and while that may certainly be true for some industries, I believe the real truth is that it is NOT the economy. It’s our attitude!
 
A couple of years ago, I wrote an article called “We Are What We Think About”. I believed it then and I believe it now. And, I would add that our success is directly proportional to the positive OR negative thoughts swirling around in our heads. Even when times seem tough, it is our attitude, our point of view that makes all the difference between succeeding and failing. I refuse to buy into the myth that “no one is buying”. That seems an easy excuse for some not willing to dig in and do the hard work, or those succumbing to their inner fears of scarcity.
 
Here’s Barb’s #1 Tip: Shift your thinking when times are tough, believe in yourself and what you have to offer, and close your ears to the noise of the pessimistic attitudes that could threaten what you want to achieve. A shift in thinking also means that you must be willing to be creative, look for new approaches to selling your products or services, perhaps work harder and stay focused like never before.
 
In the June edition of Selling Power Magazine, Scott Lindsey of Besam Entrance Solutions had this to say: “We have a sales force that, for 10 years, has not had to work hard, just go after the low hanging fruit.” Now, with economic changes affecting their business, Lindsey tells his people that “they’ve got to roll up their sleeves; now it’s going to be hard work.” He adds: ” Lots of younger salespeople do not understand that. Anybody can sell when things are really good.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. The true measure of your abilities shines through when you rise above the tough times to accomplish what you decide you want!
 
Look, don’t get me wrong. I know gas prices are ridiculous, I know that we’ve had serious problems in the mortgage industry, which in turn is affecting other businesses AND at the same time I’ve heard from a number of people in those industries that they are still succeeding. Throughout history there have been down times and there have always been people who’ve succeed in spite of “the down economy”. I choose to be one of those people! What about you?
 
The author of the best selling book Harmonic Wealth, James Arthur Ray, says, “Live from the outcome!” So what outcome will you live from? Will you be wildly successful by refusing to believe in the fears propagated by others, or be too scared to even give it a try?
 
Here’s to your sales success!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: attitude, Business, economy, harmony, profits, sales, wealth

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