Selling In A Recession

What does selling in a recession have to do with the Tampa
Bay Rays? Keep reading!

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are going to the World Series this
year.

Last year their record was 66-96 and they finished in
5th Pl.

This year their record was 97-65 and they finished 1st
Place in the AL Eastern Division.

Playing baseball is more fun obviously when you're winning.

Last year the Tampa Bay Rays spent most of the year losing.

As a professional sales person you're going to spend most
of the coming year selling in a recession.

Is there anything to be learned from the Tampa Bay Rays
turn around performance during 2008?

I think so.

Joe Maddon is the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Early in spring training he tried to shake things up.

He introduced players to the 9 = 8 theory. The logic went
like this. Nine players playing hard for nine innings would
result in Tampa Bay being one of the eight playoff
teams. 9 = 8!

When you combine Joe's mantra with his very sunny
disposition it all came together for the team. Pitcher
Andy Sonnanstine said, "Positivity kind of ran through the
clubhouse all year - he's a very infectious person."

Here are some things you might try doing as you face the
the challenge of selling in a recession head on:

1. Always, always, always, expect the best outcome.
You'll get what you expect - even when you're selling in a recession.

2. Your glass is neither half-empty or half filled - it's
overflowing with opportunities.

3. Before every sales call flip the switch on your smile -
show me your teeth and I'll show you the money.

4. Have an attitude of gratitude - be thankful for what
you have and show your appreciation to people who help
you throughout your selling year.

5. Joe Maddon's mantra was 9 = 8. Change the numbers so
that your mantra 5 = 5 = 50. Establish a goal of five sales
calls everyday, five days a week, for 50 weeks. Change the numbers to fit your business if you must. But
as soon as you firm up your numbers you have to think of
nothing else if you want to exceed your sales plan during
the coming year.

6. If you're like most salespeople, your company will
assign you a sales quota. Forget about it! Don't aim for
your quota, always aim higher. If you aim higher and come
up a little short, you'll still exceed your quota.

7. Stop doing stupid things. Avoid wasting valuable selling
time rechecking for voicemails and e-mails. You'll spend
less time fighting fires if you don't start them in
the first place.

8. Don't accept the first "No" as final. After seven "No's"
it's okay to move on to greener pastures.

9. Focus on doing little things for your sales prospects
and customers. In sales little things mean a lot - and mean even more when you're selling in a recession.

10. When you're calling on sales prospects for the first
time don't lust after 100% of their business because that's
what all salespeople do. Praise your sales prospect
for the suppliers he has chosen. Ask him for only "1%" of
the business and the opportunity to earn the rest.

11. Finally, get excited about your business. If your
business doesn't excite you at least fake it during sales
calls. Your excitement and enthusiasm are infectious and
so is the lack of your excitement and enthusiasm.

It's easy to think you're good when the good times are
rolling and the economy is booming.

It's easy to be good when you're selling in a recession
if you're focused, disciplined, dedicated, and unwilling
to accept lackluster selling results.

It's time to take risks, take chances, and go out on the
limb once in a while.

And remember you only need to be a little better to get a
lot better selling results when you're selling in a recession.

There's a big difference between hoping and believing!

5 = 5 = 50!

Go Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series!

Pre-publication Special - last call . . .

My NEW Ebook will be ready next week.

The title is: "Screw The Recession: 17 Ways To Get Sales
Up In A Down Economy."

Because we're in a recession I'm offering you a very
special prepublication price of $9.97.

I've sold hundreds already at this special price. As soon
as I sell the 300th Ebook - the price goes to $19.97

Remember the e-book will be sent to you next week.

Use this link to reserve your copy today.

http://tinyurl.com/3wk67h

Heads Up . . .

There's a pretty good reason why I've sold over 10,000
copies of my book titled, "The 12 Best Questions To Ask
Customers."

The book turns heads . . . As soon as you start asking
these questions, your sales prospects and customers will
start thinking, "This guy/gal is good!"

It creates the WOW factor for you.

Go here for more information:

http://www.meisenheimer.com/products/salesquestions.htm

This Is For Sales Manages

During 2009 I will reserve two days every month for an
in-house Sales Training Boot Camps.

I will conduct these 2-day Boot Camps at your designated
location. There is no limit to the number of salespeople
that can attend.

Next year will be a challenging year for most sales
organizations. If you want to jumpstart your 2009 sales
effort you can hire me to work with the salespeople.

It's not a lot of money and can make a big difference.

I'll help you take your sales team to the next level
in spite of the recession.

Call (800) 266-1268 to discuss the possibilities or
send me an e-mail: jim@meisenheimer.com