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| May 06, 2009 4:34 am |
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re: Welcome!! |
| Tim Warhurst
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1/ Write a little bit about yourself, in addition to what's currently available on your profile
Hello all. I live in south-central Tennessee with my wife and daughter. I love outdoor activities, golf, exercising, and spending plenty of time with my family. I also appreciate the opportunity to learn and am hoping to get plenty of that from this group. I also hope I can share quality tips and advice along the way when possible. I love networking and also helping others when I can.
2/ Write more about what venture you're currently involved in, or what venture you'd like to work on.
I work in outside industrial sales specializing in robotics, automation, and other types of equipment. Most recently I decided,, after years of thinking about it, to start my own sales company so, as of the first of March, I have been slowly starting to realize that dream. Long term goal is to act as a Manufacturer’s Rep in multiple industries.
3/ Share with others one lesson you've learned from being an entrepreneur.
After working in sales for 3 years I have learned many lessons. Here are a few:
There are two main things a good sales person should always be doing. They are building trust with new customers and continually adding value to existing ones. I see far too many sales people in my travels that come in with a slick pitch and tell the prospect whatever they want to hear to get a sale today. Some sales managers teach this practice. I personally believe in ethics, therefore I only sell products I believe in for companies that back up their word. Anyone can BS, but long term takes motivation, partnerships, and mutual respect.
Listen. Listen. Then listen some more. To show your prospect the respect they deserve (after all, they did agree to meet with you), and to get the proper details to deliver the correct solution, you must listen, take notes, ask good questions, and then review your understanding with the client before taking any action. Selling is easy if you know what solution to sell.
Never badmouth the competition. This is a turn off to most prospects. Remember, if your prospect has chosen another company to offer competitive proposals, or they are already using your competition and you are trying to win the business, an insult to the competition is also an insult to the prospect and their ability to make a good business decision.
No matter what your business is there will be a point where sales are involved. Every business is only as good as the customer base will allow so every step should be taken to build a good one. After all, they are providing you with a living and income. On the other hand, we all need to know when it is time to cut one loose.
One last thing: Never assume no means no. Sometimes you just need to find a new contact. Last month I sold a $318000.00 project to a company where I had previously been told to take a hike. The right contact combined with the right solution is all it takes. Thanks for allowing me to join this group.
Private Reply to Tim Warhurst (new win) |
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