Dave Tear

How many salespeople do you know that go on cruise control between Thanksgiving & New Year’s Day? How many companies do you know that actually admit to winding things down right about now? It happens every year. It’s really common. It’s an epidemic at some companies & an easy way out for many salespeople. Here’s […]

Here’s the set up: You met with your prospect. Doesn’t matter how many times. You did your needs analysis. You developed the solution & it’s great. You deliver your quote or proposal. The next day you call to follow up. Voice mail. A few days later you send an email. No reply. In a couple

Might seem like an odd question to ask yourself: Would you buy from you? Yep, pretty odd. Most salespeople will answer (without thinking), “Of course I would.” “Why wouldn’t I?” “Sure would… I’m good… really good.” It’s natural. What salesperson, who makes her living selling, is going to admit that she wouldn’t even buy from

Most of you will remember the Alan Iverson rant (May 7, 2002) after the Celtics bounced the 76ers from the 1st round of the playoffs. He said the word “practice” 24 ½ times in a 2 minute span. It made Press Conference History. To a hockey guy that was one of the funniest moments ever

It’s here! Football season. Last week the NCAA opened & this weekend, the NFL. A great time of year indeed. My favorite is NCAA. ESPN’s College Game Day, Saturday afternoon games, Top 25 showdowns, tailgate parties, the UM/MSU rivalry & consequential “trash-talking” – it’s all fantastic! Is there anything better than highlight films from the

One of the most common characteristics of successful salespeople = impatience. Show me a patient salesperson & I’ll show you a salesperson with skinny kids! Most want to rush, get as much done as possible & move on to the next deal. Their mantra is more, more, more. Pretty normal. The great ones are decisive,

At golf league the other night one of the guys in my foursome (& no… don’t worry, he won’t be reading this blog) would not stop talking. He went on & on & on about guess what? You got it… every single golf shot he took. For the entire round. He helped to make 2

If someone told you your job was to call or email people who you don’t know… that didn’t want to talk to you … about something they didn’t want to buy … how quickly would you sign up? Nobody would be dumb enough to sign up for that. It’s ridiculous. I’d rather poke my eyes

When you think of the word “pander” what do you think of? Merriam-Webster’s dictionary says it’s to do or provide what someone wants or demands even though it is not proper, good, or reasonable. I think of the overly-nice salesperson. That constantly up-beat guy, ridiculously positive & over-the-top with his willingness to accommodate. The gal

One of my favorite things to do on our annual 4th of July holiday vacation is to walk the beach in the morning (Greenbush, MI on Lake Huron – about 45 minutes south of Alpena). I put the earbuds in, select my favorite playlist & start to solve all the world’s problems. This weekend it