Five strategies for selling through a sales slump

Five strategies for selling through a sales slump

Five strategies for selling through a sales slump

How long will it last and just how severe will it get? Economic downturns trigger layoffs and prompt business owners and salespeople to panic. But now is not the time to panic. Now is the time to be checking your sales activities, sharpening your sales skills and using solid sales principles from effective sales strategies. The economy has changed and since we don’t have a clue when it will thrive again the only choice is to adapt. Learning how to sell in a recession will be vital to keeping businesses in business.

Here are five sales strategies to help you sell better:

1. Change your attitude – Your attitude creates the space in which you will perform in your business. The good news is that you can control it; the bad news is you must do something about it. It is one of the few things we have complete control over. Nobody likes a salesperson with a bad attitude, so take stock of your mental and emotional strength so you can harness your emotions and control your attitude. Maxwell quote: The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The Sailor adjusts the sails.
2. Commit to win – It is the commitment to win that gives you the edge, and gives you the creativity and the innovation to restructure and redesign your sales strategies. Making a commitment to win gives you the ability to think differently, which creates new opportunities that will give you the advantages you need to succeed. With a commitment to win, you will find a way to grow your business because sales are the only way to keep your business in business.
3. Sharpen your tools – Most salespeople don’t spend enough time working on improving their sales skills and sales techniques. They might be able to get away with this in a booming market when selling is easy, but in today’s business environment the sale will go to the salesperson who truly understands why people buy and can help people make the right buying decisions. Begin now by putting your own plan in place to sharpen your sales skills and hone your sales techniques. Salespeople who can sell in any market will always be in demand. Effort today reaps rewards now and in the future.
4. Increase sales activities – In a tough economy companies and salespeople cut their sales activities. They actually have said to me, “If we are not going to sell anything, what is the point?” It is completely backwards thinking and the type of thinking that will keep you exactly where you are. If you believe there is not any business out there, then that is exactly what you will end up with, no business. Increasing your sales activity will increase sales results.
5. Believe in yourself – One of the biggest problems with all of this recession chatter is that salespeople use the chatter to fuel the fire of doubt they have about themselves and their business. People tend to believe everything they hear and see instead of challenging that belief. When they lock onto that belief, they look for all the ways to support by searching newspapers, media, news programs. Having a positive and supportive belief structure is essential if you want to succeed in any market but it is vital if you want to keep on selling in a tough one.

Of course we are all hoping that the market turns around sooner rather than later. Dedicated business owners are in it for the long haul and know that having the stamina and fortitude to make it through the storm successfully will leave them feeling victorious. Tough times require great focus, so look toward the future and get your head out of the past.

Finally, keep in mind that this tough economy is just a moment in time. It may be a painful moment in time, but it will pass. Use this time to establish good work habits and reach out to customers and prospects with a clear and convincing message that sets you apart from the competition. When it comes time for companies to spend money, they will be more likely to spend it with you.

One more thing to consider…..Need a “911” Strategy Session? If you are struggling with sales and/or keep running into the same obstacles and issues, reach out and schedule a 30 minute complimentary call with me. You never know…it could change your sales results and bottom line. This session is an opportunity for me to ask questions and learn where you are in your business, where you want to go, and what might be holding you back.

PS. THIS IS NOT A FREE COACHING CALL. That would be irresponsible of me to offer you, as change doesn’t happen overnight, and certainly can’t happen on one phone call. This is purely a chance for us to get to know each other, see where you are in your business, and see if it makes sense to work together. I want to serve you deeply, and in order to do that, we need to have a frank conversation about your business first.