Stephen Craine’s Post

SMEs, Micro Businesses, Manufacturers & Service Providers How difficult is it to contact buyers in the UK? You have to… Discover the right people for your products Connect with UK buyers Gett past gatekeepers If you don’t already have connections in the UK markets, you’ll spend more time prospecting, researching, and cold calling than actually talking to potential customers and clients. If you're based outside of the UK it's even harder to find the right person and arrange a meeting or call. THAT’S WHY MANY SMEs WORK WITH UK SALES AGENTS Sales agents are independent sales professionals, many with their own contact networks in specific sectors. They work on a commission basis, so the set up and initial outlay to work with an agent is minimal. Getting started is low risk with no impact on your cash flow - You only pay for results! WANT TO KNOW MORE? Get the free eBook that tells you everything you need to know about finding the right telesales or field sales agents for your business and successfully working with them to scale up your sales. Get your copy at: https://lnkd.in/eG86Bd8 See how to find the right sales agents to grow your sales at: https://lnkd.in/eMkVwsUJ Find out how you can find and work with UK sales agents by leaving a comment or message me for a chat, or I can send you some information for you to consider. Stephen https://lnkd.in/erCADB8C

SMEs - How difficult is it to contact buyers in the UK?   Discovering the right people for your products Connecting with buyers for B2B services. Getting past gatekeepers.   If you don’t already have connections in the UK markets, you’ll spend more time prospecting, researching, and cold calling than actually talking to potential customers and clients. All while trying to run your business.   If you're based outside of the UK it's even harder to find the right person, arrange a meeting or call, or get their commitment to a presentation or quote.   THAT’S WHY MANY SMEs WORK WITH SALES AGENTS   Sales agents are independent sales professionals, many with their own contact networks in specific sectors.   They work on a commission basis, so the set up and initial outlay to work with an agent is minimal. Getting started is low risk with no impact on your cash flow - You only pay for results!   WANT TO KNOW MORE?   Get the free eBook that tells you everything you need to know about finding the right telesales or field sales agents for your business and successfully working with them to scale up your sales.   Get your copy at: https://lnkd.in/eG86Bd8  

SMEs, Micro Businesses, Manufacturers & Service Providers How difficult is it to contact buyers in the UK? You have to… Discover the right people for your products Connect with UK buyers Gett past gatekeepers If you don’t already have connections in the UK markets, you’ll spend more time prospecting, researching, and cold calling than actually talking to potential customers and clients. If you're based outside of the UK it's even harder to find the right person and arrange a meeting or call. THAT’S WHY MANY SMEs WORK WITH UK SALES AGENTS Sales agents are independent sales professionals, many with their own contact networks in specific sectors. They work on a commission basis, so the set up and initial outlay to work with an agent is minimal. Getting started is low risk with no impact on your cash flow - You only pay for results! WANT TO KNOW MORE? Get the free eBook that tells you everything you need to know about finding the right telesales or field sales agents for your business and successfully working with them to scale up your sales. Get your copy at: https://lnkd.in/eG86Bd8

Essential Skills Every Salesperson Needs Sales isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about connecting with people, solving problems, and standing out in a competitive world. Whether you’re pitching to a new client or nurturing a long-term relationship, mastering the right skills is what makes the difference. Here are the essentials every salesperson needs to thrive: 1. Communication That Clicks Salespeople who communicate clearly and confidently stand out. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it. Tip: Develop your storytelling. People remember stories, not stats. 2. Real Listening Listening isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. It helps you uncover what your client truly needs and shows you care. Tip: Confirm understanding by summarising what you hear. It builds trust and avoids miscommunication. 3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Sales is about connecting with people. The ability to understand emotions—yours and theirs—can make or break a deal. Tip: Look for non-verbal cues and practise empathy to build stronger connections. 4. Know Your Product Your clients expect you to be an expert. Confidence in your product reassures them they’re making the right choice. Tip: Use the product yourself (if possible) and stay updated on new features. 5. Problem-Solving Customers buy solutions, not products. The better you are at solving problems, the more successful you’ll be. Tip: Ask thoughtful questions to uncover your client’s real challenges. Then offer tailored solutions. 6. Stay Organised Sales is fast-paced. Without good organisation, leads and follow-ups can slip through the cracks. Tip: Use tools like CRMs to stay on top of tasks and block time for high-priority activities like prospecting. 7. Negotiation That Works Great negotiators don’t just close deals—they build relationships. Aim for outcomes that benefit both sides. Tip: Stay flexible but know your limits. It’s about finding common ground, not giving in. 8. Be Adaptable Sales trends change. Markets shift. Every client is different. Adaptability helps you stay relevant no matter what. Tip: Learn from every interaction and stay curious about new approaches and tools. 9. Use Tech Wisely CRMs, data analytics, and automation are no longer optional—they’re your secret weapons. Tip: Automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups and use data insights to improve your approach. 10. Resilience Rejection is part of sales. What separates great salespeople is their ability to bounce back stronger. Tip: Treat setbacks as learning opportunities and keep your eyes on the next opportunity. Final Thoughts Sales isn’t about being pushy—it’s about being helpful. Focus on building trust, solving problems, and honing these essential skills. When you do, you’ll stand out as someone clients want to work with again and again. Which of these skills do you feel is your strongest? Let’s chat in the comments! #MosesMugereka #AlisonPublisher #SalesStrategy #LeadershipAndMarketing

When Clients Are Not Ready To Buy It happens to all of us. Here's what you can do #sales #salestips #prospecting #salestrainer #salaestraining https://lnkd.in/eu2g4uJj

5 Rules I Live By in Service Sales/Sub-Contract Deals/B2B Sales - In my time working in service, trade, and contract sales, I've learned that these 5 rules are non-negotiable for me: 1. Talk to Everyone You Can Opportunities don’t come out of nowhere. I make it a point to connect with as many people as possible. You never know where the next big chance will come from, so I always keep my network growing. 2. Be Nice on the Way Up—You’ll See Them on the Way Down How I treat people matters. I know I'll cross paths with the same folks again down the line, so I always try to build strong, genuine relationships. It’s always better to have a solid reputation. 3. Find Deals That Work for YOU I’ve learned not to chase just anything. I focus on deals that fit my needs and goals. If it works for me, chances are it’ll work for the other party too—happy clients all round! 4. Don’t Wait ‘til You’re Desperate The law of need is real. If I’m desperate, opportunities don’t show up. Timing is everything, and I’ve learned that patience is key—good things come when I’m not forcing it. 5. Stay Active in Your Network Deals don’t just happen; they come from staying connected. I make sure to keep the conversation going, stay involved in my industry, and stay visible. Being active in my network means I’m always in the loop. Sales is all about timing, attitude, and knowing the game. These rules help me ride out the ups and downs with confidence. What are your non-negotiable rules you work/live/abide by??? #SalesTips #Networking #ContractSales #ServiceIndustry

Constantly chasing unresponsive clients In New Zealand's competitive market, many sales professionals find themselves repeatedly following up with clients who seem to vanish after initial contact. This endless chasing can lead to frustration, wasted time, and decreased productivity. It's a sign that the approach may not be resonating or that the sales process is misaligned with the buyer's needs. Refine your sales strategy with effective guidance Instead of chasing clients across time and space, sales professionals should focus on refining their strategy by adopting proven sales techniques. By reading a highly effective sales book that addresses this exact challenge, professionals can learn how to engage clients more effectively from the start. These resources often provide insights on how to position value propositions, ask the right questions, and build rapport to create a more natural flow in the sales process. When applied in a New Zealand business context, this leads to more responsive clients, less follow-up, and a higher success rate in closing deals.

I’ve talked to over 1,000 Salesperson about what makes their teams successful and where they can improve. I’ve noticed some clear patterns. Here are the top 10 skills that the highest-paid SaaS salespeople have, which others often lack: 1. Creating Real Value During Conversations I’m not talking about the usual sales chats that buyers find annoying. Instead, it’s about having conversations that genuinely help your buyer. You leave them feeling better and more informed than when they first talked to you. 2. Understanding Business Inside and Out Having a good grasp of how businesses work makes all your other sales skills even better. When you improve your business knowledge, you automatically become better at finding leads, negotiating deals, and more. 3. Being a Confident Negotiator The best salespeople are excellent at making deals. They can negotiate effectively whether their boss is watching or not. This confidence helps them close more deals and earn more. 4. Managing Relationships with Key People This means finding and nurturing supporters within the buyer’s company. It’s about strategically interacting with different people to ensure the deal goes through smoothly. 5. Generating Your Own Leads The top salespeople are great at finding new potential customers on their own. They control their own pipeline, which means they’re not dependent on others to bring in business. 6. Being Insightful and Knowledgeable Great salespeople know their industry inside and out. They use this knowledge to help their buyers see problems and solutions in new ways, which builds their credibility and makes deals more likely to succeed. 7. Telling Powerful Stories They don’t just tell any stories—they share stories that make buyers have “aha” moments. These stories help buyers see themselves in the situation and understand the value of the solution. 8. Knowing Their Market Thoroughly Top sales reps understand their customers’ hopes, dreams, fears, and frustrations. They know what their buyers are thinking and talking about, which helps them connect better and sell more effectively. 9. Being Adaptable and Always Learning Markets change quickly, and the best salespeople keep up by constantly learning new skills and unlearning old ones. They stay ahead by adapting to what’s needed next. 10. Having Strong Emotional Intelligence Even with all the above skills, if you can’t connect with people on a human level, it doesn’t matter. Emotional intelligence allows you to interact well with others, build strong relationships, and handle various situations smoothly. Btw my partner Steph and I have invested over 250 hours in creating a free Human Design test to help people improve their sales careers by better understanding their strengths and how they work best. If you’d like us to analyze your strengths and optimal work style, feel free to DM us!

In the exhilarating world of business, the magnetic power of sales often becomes an overlooked art, at times misunderstood by many. Yet, it presents as the vital cornerstone that builds great empires, the bridge between product and market, vision and reality. As we delve into this captivating topic today, let's unravel the charm that lies within successful sales strategies. 💼 Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: Sales isn't just a transaction; it’s about 'creating value'. The exchange of goods or services for monetary profit is a rudimentary explanation, yes. But, if one dives deeper, it's all about delivering value to your customer, understanding their needs, and solving their problems. 👥 Secondly, 'empathy' in sales cannot be overlooked. When we stand in our client’s shoes, feel their pulse, discern their desires, we can deliver tailored solutions that speak their language. Emotionally connecting with clients by comprehending their businesses or personal requirements evoke trust, credibility and, in turn, loyalty. 💡 Thirdly, 'adaptability' is key. Markets evolve, clients' needs fluctuate, technologies advance, and amidst all these, the key to survival is adaptability. The successful salesperson is he/she who is flexible, open to learning, and ready to adjust strategies as the environment dictates. Capping up, sales, as an art, as a strategy, as a cornerstone, boils down to: • Creating value • Showing empathy • Embracing adaptability These are trajectories for not just a successful sales career but the establishment of long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. At the end of the day, it's about humanity in business. However, there are times, under the weight of targets and numbers, the essence of sales becomes blurred. It's important to underscore that sales isn't just a profession; it's a commitment to service, a passion to solve, and a drive to add value. And for visionaries whose eyes are locked on long-term success, these foundations can't be overlooked. Let's remind ourselves that sales isn't merely a job. It's a journey dotted with building relationships, solving complexities, and learning from every interaction - a journey that adds profound layers to your professional and personal growth. Remember that each sale isn't just a notch on the scoreboard; it's a story, an experience, a journey, and a connection, encased within a transaction. So, here's to seeing beyond the numbers, to embracing the human side of business, to delivering value and to fostering long-lasting relationships. After all, isn't that what sales is all about? Let's reinvent the narrative by highlighting humanity and value in the sales process. Let's aim to make every sales transaction not just successful, but significant. Remember, in sales as in life, the magic happens outside our comfort zone! #SalesStrategy #SalesArt #CreatingValue #EmbraceHumanityInSales

Building Relationships, Not Just Sales: We're all human, and that includes salespeople! Sometimes, the most valuable response you can get is a clear "not interested." It might not feel like a win at first, but it actually benefits both of us. Why? Focused Efforts: A "not interested" response allows us to prioritize qualified leads. This means we can dedicate our time and energy to building relationships with potential clients who are a good fit for our services at the time being. Mutual Respect: Your client's time is valuable, and so is yours. A clear answer avoids unnecessary back-and-forth communication. B2B Sales: Building Trust, Not Pressure In B2B sales, the goal isn't a quick "yes." It's about establishing trust and becoming a reliable resource for your future needs. We want to highlight how our services can benefit our client's company, not pressure the clients into a solution that doesn't align with their goals. The Power of "Not Interested" A clear "not interested" response allows us to: Refine Our Approach: We can learn from our clients' responses and tailor our communication to better resonate with future leads. Focus on Building Relationships: It frees us to connect with potential clients who are a strong match for what we offer. So for new sales people I'd advice to not be discouraged by "not interested" responses in sales. See them as stepping stones on the path to building strong relationships with the right clients who value what you offer. #notinterested #B2BSales #newsalesreps #relationshipbuilding