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Persistence Always Wins

Submitted by Mitch Seigel on Thur, 10/27/2011.

Years ago I was given a quote by Calvin Coolidge which identified persistence as the answer to all problems when it came to sales. As a novice salesperson I respected my mentor and accepted this to be true, without really knowing. Well now that I’ve developed years of experiences, I can honestly say that persistence always wins....

When I say that it always wins, I don’t necessarily mean it always delivers an order. What it does get you is satisfaction from each and every prospect so you can move on with a win or not. The average salesperson gives up after just one call to their prospects. You win by being persistent while the competition gives up. Don’t ever give up. DON’T EVER GIVE UP!

Someone a long time ago taught me how to switch the conversation and take control of the situation. The number one reason salespeople don’t follow up is that they don’t want to feel luck they’re bugging the client. An easy way to not bug them is to simply ask them how often it would be OK to call. Another important factor today is how you follow up. Phone, email, text, etc. Then keep track of your actions and stay with the program.

If your client says it is OK to call them every week, call them every week. If they say phone them on their cell phone, then phone them on their cell phone. While you are listening to your clients and doing what they request, the competition gives up and moves on because they didn’t get the order on the first call. Sometimes it is that simple.

How often can I call, how can I call, write it down, follow up as they request…don’t ever give up…the orders will come. And did I say don’t ever give up!

What are your challenges when it comes to being a persistent salesperson? I look forward to hearing your comments. Until next time …

RE: Persistence Always Wins

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/28/2011 - 18:44.

My biggest challenge is what you mentioned....feeling as though I am a nuisance. I realize in the world we live in today with all the wonderful technological tools at our fingertips (literally) that we have become enormous mutitaskers. We take on more & more and therfore time becomes precious. When I get the feeling like I am invading their time - an interuption to the "flow" - I get it. I too, like when I am in the groove...interuptions can make me bonkers. I just have a hard time feeling bothersome to anyone....BUT, I do realize that's the sport I chose to make a living. I do find that if you can take the time in the beginning to build and nuture the relationship vs coming out like a "shark" then the client is more willing to give you their time...it's the ones that don't that I have a hard time staying persistent with.