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Apple’s Call Screening: A Game-Changer for Smarter Prospecting in Sales & PR

In 30 seconds

Apple’s iOS 26 call screening feature, requiring callers to state their name and purpose before the phone rings, is reshaping cold calling. With over half of Australia using iPhones, this shift challenges outdated spray-and-pray tactics. But it’s not the end, it’s an upgrade. At Barrett, we see this as an opportunity to improve prospecting: lead with relevance, personalise outreach, leverage referrals, and engage online. Smart, respectful contact builds trust and cuts through the noise. This change pushes us toward better sales practices, more human, more thoughtful, and more effective. Cold calling isn’t dead; it’s evolving. The future belongs to those who adapt.

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Why Manners & Courtesy Remain Vital in Today’s Individualistic World

In 30 seconds

In a business world that often rewards a “cut-throat” ethos, the deliberate practice of manners remains a vital strategy for building sustainable success. True courtesy goes beyond pleasantries; it’s the sales team practicing ‘deep listening’ to understand a client’s real needs or the Japanese practice of nemawashi to build consensus respectfully before a meeting. While the speed of digital communication erodes etiquette, from ghosting clients to multitasking on virtual calls, choosing consideration over bluntness builds the trust necessary for innovation and collaboration. This approach creates the customer, the core purpose of business, by solving their problems with genuine care. It proves that manners are not an outdated formality, but an essential tool for creating human connection and achieving better outcomes in a fragmented world.

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Starman Collaboration: Finding Magic in Togetherness the Bowie Way

In 30 seconds

Welcome to the first article in our Rebel Rebel series exploring how to lead, sell, co-create and collaborate the Bowie way. When one of our tech security clients won a multimillion-dollar contract, the real moment of truth came after. Their new client called, unprompted: “You weren’t the cheapest, but you listened. You understood us, found shared values, and built real trust. No one else did that.” That feedback meant more than the deal. It captured the power of collaboration, psychological safety, deep listening, and co-creation, hallmarks of Bowie’s collaborative genius. Because in today’s world, success isn’t just about …

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Looking Beyond “Can I Help You?” – The True Purpose of Retail Sales

In 30 seconds

Retail done right is not about pushing products — it’s about helping people. When we approach customers with genuine curiosity, purposeful care, and acknowledgment, we build trust and meaningful human connection. As Peter Drucker said, the purpose of business is to solve problems; revenue follows naturally. Whether in a pharmacy, hardware store, or camping outlet, retail staff who listen, support, and guide customers are making a real difference. A simple “Can I help you?” becomes a powerful conversation when it comes from a place of empathy. This human-centred mindset turns retail into a rewarding, purpose-driven career.

In 2 …

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I Love Kimmi: A Celebration of Exceptional Service in an Era of Enshittification

In 30 seconds

Two months ago, I entered Hugo Boss at Chadstone Shopping Centre, seeking a perfect suit. Kimmi, a warm sales associate, showed me a great black suit but promised to source another colour. Her friendliness led us to bond over K-dramas, J-dramas, and styling. I left with a green dress, expecting no follow-up. Yet, Kimmi called—she’d found my suit in Europe. In an era of enshittification, where businesses prioritise profit over service, Kimmi’s proactive care was a revelation. Her human-centric approach built trust and loyalty. Let’s celebrate the Kimmis and demand better than soulless automation.

In 2 minutes

Two months ago, …

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Coaching vs Policing: Leading B2C & B2B Sales Teams to Mastery

In 30 seconds

Coached sales teams consistently outperform policed ones by 10–20%. Why? Because coaching fosters confidence, critical thinking, and meaningful client engagement—whereas policing drives compliance, fear, and short-term thinking. At Barrett, we see coaching as the foundation of sustainable, human-centred sales leadership. It’s about empowering people to grow, adapt, and connect authentically with customers. From retail banking to industrial sales, we’ve seen how real coaching creates real impact—like a pharmacy assistant who now confidently engages customers in meaningful ways. Sales leadership isn’t about control—it’s about cultivating capability. That’s how teams thrive. That’s the Selling Better way.

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AI: Your Ally for Better Client Engagement & Sales Success

In 30 seconds

AI is my ally, revolutionising sales and client service with enhanced productivity and engagement. Robotic Process Automation streamlines CRM tasks, while Natural Language Processing (NLP)-powered chatbots deliver tailored responses. AI-driven market research crafts targeted pitches, boosting conversions. Machine Learning outperforms LinkedIn’s searches, pinpointing prospects, and Deep Learning ensures empathetic communication. Choose reliable AI, but beware: an AI-generated prospecting call recently lacked authenticity, so I hung up. Always make real calls and review AI content for your voice, using AI as a co-creator. By 2030, soft skills will dominate, with AI freeing you for authentic relationships. Barrett …

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Is Rapport Really the #1 Predictor of Sales Performance?

In 30 seconds

While rapport plays a valuable role in building trust and connection, it’s far from the sole driver of sales performance. Reducing sales success to “being likeable” oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted discipline. Effective salespeople don’t just charm—they listen, solve problems, communicate value, and follow through. In fact, some of the best performers aren’t especially sociable but consistently build credibility, trust, and results. At Barrett, our decades of experience and research show that true sales success stems from a cluster of traits: mindset, planning, value creation, problem-solving, trust, and yes, relationship building. Rapport is one important thread—but overemphasising it can …

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Top 5 Articles for Q1, 2025

In 30 Seconds

In Q1 2025, what’s been turning heads is a shift back to the human fundamentals—how we engage, communicate, lead, and sell in ways that create real connection and trust. With so much noise, automation, and uncertainty swirling around us, people are craving clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Whether it’s the subtle power of micro moments of humanity or the deeper strategic insights from Sun Tzu, our most-read articles this quarter reflect a growing demand for sales cultures rooted in psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and meaningful relationships. Here’s what resonated most with our readers.

In 2 minutes

In Q1 2025, what’s been …

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Growth Stalled? The Absence of a Sales System in Founder-Led Businesses

In 30 seconds

Founder-led businesses often start with the founder driving sales through vision and hustle. Early success comes quickly but scaling stalls due to the absence of a sales system inside the business. Sales rely on the founder’s instincts and relationships, hard for others to replicate. Telling the team to “be like them” fails—new hires lack guidance, and the founder bears too much. Growth demands more than one person’s effort; it needs a process-driven system. Over many years we have been implementing Barrett’s Sales Operating System, auditing the founder’s approach, defining processes, and training teams to engage, communicate and …

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