TLP368: The Most Misunderstood Profession  with Glenn Poulos

Glenn Poulos is the author of “Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career Selling.” Glenn shares his experience and successful strategies in the profession of sales. Glenn emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions with customers and building relationships. He believes that technology may enhance certain aspects of sales but does not replace fundamental principles like active listening and behaving appropriately with customers. Glenn also discusses common mistakes made in sales, such as relying too heavily on virtual sales models post-pandemic, instead of engaging directly with clients. He provides insights into understanding a customer's position in their decision-making process and stresses the significance of personal visits to establish rapport.     Key Takeaways [03:10] Glenn said that certain aspects of sales have remained consistent over time, such as the importance of building relationships with customers. [06:40] He emphasizes the importance of fundamental principles in sales, such as getting in front of customers, acting professionally, staying engaged, and providing a positive customer experience. These principles have remained relevant and effective over time, as evidenced by their application in the author's own company.  [08:19] Glenn also discusses one of the biggest mistakes in sales and negotiation is over-reliance on virtual platforms, neglecting the value of in-person interactions and building relationships with customers. Focusing on the client's needs and improving their lives should be a priority. [18:34] He shares that when storytelling in a sales setting, it is important to start with a "punch" to capture the audience's attention and create a break in their psyche. This can be achieved through various techniques such as playing a video, making a sound, or using other attention-grabbing methods.  [23:37] He told us the importance of working hard and investing time and effort into honing their skills. Sales can be highly rewarding when approached with dedication and commitment as attraction plays a significant role in sales, and behaving in an attractive manner is essential for building connections with customers.  [29:29] He said that organizations often face challenges in effectively selecting prospects and determining the best approach to engage them at the top of the sales funnel and there is a need to differentiate between marketing and selling, with the focus being on salespeople actively engaging with customers rather than getting involved in the marketing aspects of prospect selection and approach. [32:57] In smaller organizations, where there isn't a clear separation between marketing and sales roles, Glenn directly stated that individuals must allocate their time effectively between prospecting, engaging with customers, and following up.  [40:07] He discusses that sales management requires a different skill set, and it is important to have managers who understand the tools and strategies of the trade, even if they may not be the strongest in customer-facing roles.  [48:42] He emphasizes that non-sales leaders need to understand and support the salesperson's role as the vital link in the company's success. Salespeople are like performers on a stage, and their unique personalities and capabilities require support and recognition. [51:34] Closing quote: Remember, ”Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesperson, not the attitude of the prospect.” – W. Clement Stone   Quotable Quotes “The biggest and most important deals I find are done face to face with the customer and toe toe with the competition.”   “One of the other rules of the 57 is always have something in your hand and something in your mind.”   “The tighter time you give these customers, the more likely they are to look at your product in a timely manner.”   “Sales is kind of like when you work hard, it's one of the easiest ways to make a lot of money.”   “You need to be figuring out ways to demonstrate yourself and your product in its best possible light without being braggadocious or sort of arrogant in any way.”   “If you're waiting for the leads to just fall in your lap or people's phones to ring, that's not going to work.”   “You only get forever to make another impression.”   ”Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesperson, not the attitude of the prospect.” – W. Clement Stone   These are the books mentioned by Glenn   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Glenn Poulos LinkedIn | Glenn Poulos Website | Glenn Poulos Instagram | Glenn Poulos Twitter | Glenn Poulos Facebook |