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Showing posts from May, 2024

Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! Steve Jobs The Man in the Machine

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.

Word of Mouth: The Growth Engine in Diverse Industries

In the intricate tapestry of modern commerce, word of mouth (WOM) stands out as a timeless and organic catalyst for business growth. It is the natural process by which customers share their experiences with a brand, influencing the purchasing decisions of others. This phenomenon transcends industries, yet its impact varies based on the nature of the products or services and their market positioning. High Ticket Industries: Trust as a Cornerstone In high ticket industries, such as luxury goods, real estate, and business-to-business (B2B) markets, WOM is a cornerstone of growth. Here, the stakes are high, and the sales cycles are long. Trust is not just a commodity; it's the currency. For instance, in the B2B sector, WOM significantly influences buying decisions, often more than advertising and personal selling. A recommendation from a trusted peer can sway a decision-maker towards a six-figure investment. The trust built through positive WOM in such industries can lead to long-term ...

Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! Moneyball

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.

Digital Transformation Decisions: The IT Disaster Hall of Shame

The Digital Transformation Decision: Your Options and Their Costs - A Critical Guide to Building Your Digital Strategy    The feedback has been great.  Get ready for two follow-up posts:  Avoid the pitfalls of enterprise project failure with our strategy breakdown and best practices for each transformation path.  In the annals of information technology, the chapter on failures is as instructive as it is cautionary. This chapter delves into some of the most notorious IT disasters that have led to disruption, reputational damage, and a significant loss of confidence from customers and investors alike.  The UK Border Agency's Immigration System stands as a stark reminder of how bureaucratic inefficiencies and outdated IT systems can converge to create a perfect storm of dysfunction. The Commons Public Accounts Committee uncovered a staggering backlog of 11,000 asylum seekers who had been left in limbo for seven years, with an additional 29,000 cases still unre...

Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! The Big Short

 Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.

Digital Transformation Decisions: Consultants – Guides or Crutches?

 The Digital Transformation Decision: Your Options and Their Costs - A Critical Guide to Building Your Digital Strategy The six chapters I've outlined dissect the strategic crossroads companies face when embarking on digital transformation. Each path offers distinct promises and pitfalls.  The "best of breed" approach risks complex integration woes, while outsourcing exposes you to cultural friction and potential quality compromises.  Hiring digital experts can run into issues with internal resistance, while consultants should be catalysts, not permanent fixtures.  The allure of replicating competitors holds hidden customization costs, and building an in-house software department demands a careful assessment of your willingness to accept the risks inherent in developing a non-core competency.  It's a crucial decision, and there's no single "right" answer for everyone. Chapter: Consultants – Guides or Crutches? Confronted with the complexities of digital ...

The Five Whys Method to Identify the Root and Solve Any Problem

Have you ever faced a problem that seemed to have no clear solution?  Maybe you tried different approaches, but none of them worked. Or maybe you solved the problem temporarily, but it came back later. If this sounds familiar, you might benefit from using the five whys method. The five whys method is a simple and effective technique for finding the root cause of any problem. It involves asking "why" five times, or as many times as needed, until you reach the underlying reason behind the issue. By doing this, you can avoid wasting time and resources on superficial fixes, and instead address the core problem.

Digital Transformation Decisions: The Newcomer's Burden

The Digital Transformation Decision: Your Options and Their Costs - A Critical Guide to Building Your Digital Strategy The six chapters I've outlined dissect the strategic crossroads companies face when embarking on digital transformation. Each path offers distinct promises and pitfalls.  The "best of breed" approach risks complex integration woes, while outsourcing exposes you to cultural friction and potential quality compromises.  Hiring digital experts can run into issues with internal resistance, while consultants should be catalysts, not permanent fixtures.  The allure of replicating competitors holds hidden customization costs, and building an in-house software department demands a careful assessment of your willingness to accept the risks inherent in developing a non-core competency.  It's a crucial decision, and there's no single "right" answer for everyone. Chapter: The Newcomer's Burden The desire to simplify digital transformation by brin...

Watch and Learn: Sales Movies! The Goods Live Hard Sell Hard

Not all of these movies cast the sales profession in the best light. Few of them tie directly to the work we do today of engaging prospects and building relationships in the digital space. But as you watch these heralded classics, you’re bound to come away with some insight and food for thought. At the very least, you’ll have a stomach full of popcorn and candy. Now there’s an easy sell.