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Is Your Customer Always Right?

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Brand & Reputation, Customer experience, Customer Service, Customer-centric, Prospecting

In 30 seconds

The quote “the customer is always right” emerged in the early 20th century, sparking debate on its application. Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of Selfridge’s Department Store, famously said, “The customer is always right in matters of taste,” highlighting the subjective nature of taste. Conversely, César Ritz advocated for immediate resolution of customer complaints, no questions asked. Today, this motto remains contentious, especially in balancing customer satisfaction with employee well-being. Sales teams face challenges like defining “right” in the digital age, leveraging customer data, and guiding customers ethically, even if that means contradicting them. Ultimately, the focus should be …

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The Silent Coach

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Coaching, Sales Coaching, Sales Leadership, Sales Management

We’ve all seen the Business Development Managers (BDMs) who talk the talk of prospecting: they attend conferences, absorb sales advice, and quote best practices. Yet, when it’s time to act – to pick up the phone and engage – they hesitate. As a result, their skills remain untapped, opportunities slip by, and their potential goes unrealised.

This scenario finds a surprising parallel in the world of sales management. Consider a sales manager, equipped with coaching skills and development tools, overseeing a team poised for support. This setup holds tremendous potential to unlock greatness within the team. However, much like the BDM …

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Curiosity: Your Key to Remarkable

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Business Growth, Collaboration

In 30 seconds

Curiosity, often seen in children, is essential for success, driving continuous learning and adaptation. It’s especially crucial for top salespeople and achievers across fields, fostering a desire to understand the world, technologies, and customer needs. Curiosity enhances problem-solving, encourages continuous learning, and aids in understanding others’ needs, adapting to change, and building trust. These traits are key in not just sales but all professional areas, allowing for a deeper connection with clients and staying ahead in an evolving world. Embracing curiosity can lead to growth, mastery, and further success, making it vital in every aspect of life.

In 1.5 …

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Customer centric sales teams and people

The Cultural Shift in Salespeople

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Customer-centric, Human-centred, Sales Management, Sales Methodology, Selling Better, Soft skills

In 20 seconds

Today’s sales need a customer-centric makeover. Traditionally focused on transactional deals, salespeople must now prioritise understanding customer needs and building relationships. This requires emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a focus on long-term value. Sales leaders must guide this shift by identifying skill gaps, providing training, and fostering a customer-centric culture. This empowers salespeople to thrive in the new era of sales.

In 2 minutes

Customer-centricity is now a common focus of many businesses, and while most of those think of themselves as customer-centric, chances are they are not.

Customer-centricity is rarely a whole-business approach -how it should be- and to complicate things …

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Sales Trend 3 – Humans AND Tech in Synergy

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Human-centred, Sales Trends

This is Sales Trend 3 from Barrett’s 12 Business and Sales Trends for 2024. You can download the full report here.

In 30 seconds

This trend is about the pivotal role that the synergy of humans and technology brings to advance business success. Humans bring innovation, creativity, and customer-centricity, while technology facilitates data-driven decisions and operational efficiency. This collaboration ensures adaptability, robust risk management, and heightened productivity. The amalgamation of ethical considerations benefits from technology-enabled monitoring and human ethical reasoning. Businesses embracing this human-technology alliance gain a competitive edge by leveraging the strengths of both realms for unparalleled innovation …

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supplier beware

Big Fish, Small Bait: Suppliers Beware

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Buying, Procurement, Uncategorized

In 20 seconds

Small businesses beware. Big company contracts often favour the buyer. Watch out for red flags like unfair IP ownership, exclusivity clauses, and unclear payment terms. To negotiate a fair agreement, research industry practices, seek expert advice, build relationships with the procurement team, and be prepared to walk away if needed. Protect your IP and business, even against what it can look like tempting offers. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your business’s worth.

In (just over) 2 minutes

At the heart of Barrett’s Selling Better philosophy is creating the conditions for a fair exchange of value and mutual prosperity …

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Why Humanity Sells Better

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Business Growth, Education in Sales, Emotional Intelligence, Ethics & Values, Human-centred, Sales Methodology, Sales Psychology, Selling Better

In 30 Seconds

The idea for the Selling Better movement and sales methodology started back on 9 January 1995, when I launched Barrett Consulting Group with just $3,000. I wanted to put humanity back on the corporate map which is why Selling Better isn’t about manipulation or pressure, but about genuine connection and shared value. This philosophy and its sales methodology replaces pushy sales tactics with authentic listening, building trust, and offering real benefits. Selling Better is a business savvy and emotionally intelligent way of selling.

Key advantages:

  • Personal Touch: Build strong relationships and understand your client’s needs.
  • Professional Powerhouse: Master sales skills …

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Selling (Better) in Uncertain Times

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Business Growth, Sales Strategy, Selling Better, Strategy, Success, Uncategorized

2024 heralds 41 years in professional selling for me and like many who’ve been around as long as I have, we’ve sold through several major crises including the GFC and major recessions, learning many lessons along the way. However, starting in 2020, we all had our mettle tested during and beyond the COVID pandemic. In all my years in business I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed as much change as we’re experiencing now. It reminds me of the quote ‘There are decades where nothing happens, and weeks where decades happen’.

Global supply chain disruption, numerous government elections and political scandals, wars …

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Barrett Sales Trends 2023 Humans at the Centre

A New Era of Safety

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Human-centred, Sales Trends, Wellbeing

Sales Trend 12 of Barrett’s 12 Sales Trends Report for 2023 looks into what psychologically safe environments mean for sales and service teams and why it is vital in human-centred organisations.

By guest author LEESA TONGOULIDIS – HUMAN ART PTY LTD in collaboration with Barrett’s SUE BARRETT and JENS HARTMANN

In 30 seconds

Psychological safety, crucial for healthy workplaces, involves creating an environment where individuals freely express ideas without fear. It’s a critical capability for business success, fostering trust and enhancing outcomes. Fear-based cultures lead to burnout.
Timothy R. Clark, CEO – Leader Factor and Author of the 4 Stages …

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Networking – Contacts and Connections

By / / Attitudes & Behaviours, Blog, Networking, Uncategorized

In 30 seconds

In networking, differentiating between contacts and connections is crucial. Contacts are like fledgling plants with shallow roots, while connections resemble sturdy trees with deep roots. Contacts are those you know but haven’t deeply engaged with, while connections are individuals with whom you’ve built trust and credibility over time. Balancing both in your network is key. It’s essential to avoid unrealistic expectations by not leaning on contacts prematurely. Instead, invest time in developing these relationships, ensuring trust and respect. By understanding these distinctions and applying a patient, farming approach to networking, you can create a robust and enduring professional …

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