You think of or dream about a friend, family member or person from your past and then the next day they call or you run into them? Well, it’s been happening to me so much I’m starting to think it’s a sign I’ve been neglecting some of the important people in my life.

That means you.

I’ve missed you here on the blog, and on twitter and Facebook. It isn’t that you’re forgotten, just that I’ve been away doing some other things. I’m back and ready to re-connect and hope you are too. For some of you, the absence has probably gone unnoticed since we only touch base every now and then, but for others – you’ve reached out to let me know you’ve missed me and I appreciate that!

All of this got me thinking about connecting.

I learned about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in high school sociology class. I find it amazing and reassuring that regardless of our sophistication and perceived progress, the need to connect – to belong – ranks just above basic needs for nourishment and physical safety.

Maslow's Hierachy of Needs

What do this have to do with sales?

I’m glad you asked!
Everything really.
Your list, subscribers and readers are people.
They are searching for solutions, help, education and entertainment.

To connect.
To know and be known.
To be heard and to hear.
To be supported and offer support.
The chance to make a friend and be a friend.

It’s so simple really.

Being a real, approachable person who will listen and is the foundation of success.
Joining forces, knowing we’re not alone is how simple steps yield incremental results.

How do you keep connected to those who inspire and motivate you?

Share in the comments and thanks for being part of my connections!

I had a great time talking to Karl Staib the genius behind PartyBizConnect.

Karl of Party Biz Connect Interview by Phyllis Nichols of SoundAdvice Sales And Marketing

He shares some very personal experiences that helped him grow and build his online businesses.
Yes, more than one!
He knows how to help you generate buzz for your business, your book or just help you raise your online profile!
Check out how to participate or have your own party!

You can also check out his SuperPower info at WorkHappyNow!

Twitter: @PartyBizConnect

Check out the next party!

Learn what to do (and what not to do) from someone who’s been there!

Erica was so generous. She was open and honest and tells what worked, what didn’t work.
She also tells us about her sales success on twitter (it’s not what you think either) and how to do it for yourself.

Links mentioned on the call; you’ll want to check these out!

Connect with Erica here: www.cosminsky.com

Her business sites:

The Small Business Transcriptionist

The Invisible Office

Hootsuite

Follow Erica on Twitter  @Cosminsky

Questions for Erica?

Interested in sharing your story?

Let me know in the comments!

Fear stops you just when you need to take that next step.
The one that is going to make a difference in your business and your bank account.

For most of us, the fear comes from two very real places.

The fear of rejection – that someone will confirm that our work, our stuff isn’t good enough.
Secondly, the fear that we’ll offend or be seen as pushy, self-promoting and greedy.

But what if you shifted your lens ever so slightly?

Can you for a moment, embrace the possibility that what you fear isn’t really sales or selling at all?
I’m not saying your fear isn’t real.
I’m not telling you to just get over it (as if that ever works) or ignore it and do it anyway.
What I’m asking is for you to be willing to look at the issue with a new perspective.

I decided to check with a few experts on the subject.

I asked them to define sales and selling.
Here is what they had to say.

Seth Godin

“The salesperson’s job: Help people overcome their fear so they can commit to something they’ll end up glad they invested in.” Taken from his post titled: Selling vs. Inviting
Seth Godin has written thirteen books that have been translated into more than thirty languages. Every one has been a bestseller.

Carol Roth

“Sales has evolved: it used to mean trying to convince someone that they needed your product or service.  Nowadays sales (or at least effective sales) is about listening to customers or potential customers and educating them on how you can meet their needs and pain points.”
New York Times best selling author of The Entrepreneur Equation. Carol Roth has worked with hundreds of companies on all aspects of business and financial strategy.

Tom Hopkins

“Professionally using a person’s desire to own the benefits of your product, then blending your sincere desire to serve them in order to help that person make a decision that’s truly good for them.”
Since 1976, Tom Hopkins International has been dedicated to providing the finest sales training strategies and techniques to individuals and companies alike.

Pamela Slim

“Sales is delivering a solution you are passionate about to a customer who finds it the perfect resolution to her problem.”
Pamela Slim is a seasoned coach and writer who helps frustrated employees in corporate jobs break out and start their own business.

Bob Burg

“I’ve heard a number of definitions of sales, and many are excellent. So, while mine is far from the only definition, it would be: Sales: “Helping someone to own what they want, need or desire.”
Co-author of the national bestseller, The Go-Giver, Bob shares information on topics vital to the success of today’s business person.

Steve Kloyda

“If you had the cure for cancer, how many cancer patients would you approach each day and ask to purchase your cure? As many as you could! Sales is real simple. Identify a problem and provide a solution. A professional sales person helps a prospect or customer make a decision that is good for them and always leaves that person better than they found them.”
Founder of The Prospecting Expert, Steve helps his clients attract more prospects, retain more clients, and drive more sales.

James Clear

“You can’t make anyone take a certain action, but you can make it much easier. That’s what sales and “selling” is all about. In my experience, there are two pieces to the sales puzzle. First, you need to make it known that you’re selling something. Interestingly, the first part is the one that drives most people away because it makes them feel “awkward” or “scammy” to push a product or service. But the reason the feel that way is because they don’t understand the second part of sales, which is the psychological piece. You need to understand the psychology of buying a product in order to sell it. You need to get to know your customer, get inside their head, discover their problems, needs, and desires. If you do that, then you’ll realize all of the ways you can help you customer by selling to them and you’ll help them realize the benefits as well. That means more sales for you and more benefit for the customers — all while sleeping soundly at night.”
James runs the Passive Panda website making it easier for you to earn more money every day.

The common thread?

Selling isn’t something you do TO someone, it’s something you do FOR them!

Each definition mentions the customers best interest.
Selling includes things like listening, serving, solving.
Shifting to that perspective opens the possibility of helping not pushing; conversations instead of convincing, being a welcome resource.

Here’s my definition.

“Making an offer and giving someone the chance to say yes!”

Now, it’s your turn. How can embracing a new definition of sales help you? Leave your comments below.

Interview with Michelle Salater, CEO of Written By Sumer.

The recording will be up for a few days for those who couldn’t listen live.
You’ll want to take a few notes and write down the a-ha’s so you can implement them on your own blog!

Michelle Salater

The day after the call, I implemented just one of her suggestions and I’ve already seen an increase in subscribers!

Here are a few links mentioned on the call!

Technorati – State of the Blogosphere

HARO – Help A Reporter

I Love My Blog Webinar – by Michelle.  I’m excited to attend this – she’s going to cover topics about content creation, how to write about things your audience craves, and how to make blogging a strategic part of your business. And there are prizes! No charge to attend, just sign up!

Teresa Cleveland accepted my offer to be my first interview, but turned the tables and interviewed me instead!  We talk about sales (what else) my new title: Salesologist and the sometimes elusive concept of confidence.

Let me know if you’d like to share your story. I want to highlight amazing people who are making a difference doing what they love!  If that’s you – leave a comment and I’ll be in touch!

10-May_17-44

There Is No Someday:

There Is No Someday

Today’s Sound Bite is inspired by a conversation I had with Sandi Amorim of Deva Coaching. Today is my someday!

Time To Answer Your Questions

I promised to to do a video response – and here it is.  My editor (and best husband ever) was out of town today and I decided to post this as is – just me chatting with you about a sales question.

More questions?  I’m happy to answer yours.

Post them here in the comments or email them!

IncomeProducingActivity

I love my new SoundBite image don’t you?

I was lucky to win the services of Jason and he created this image for me.  I love the retro look!
Check out his work here!

Looking for help with your daily sales activities? Leave a comment (or email for privacy) and I’ll answer each one!

Take a listen to today’s SoundBite. It’s a quick sales mind shift that will change the way you look at making your offer!

SoundBiteMindShift

I’d love your feedback and questions!