How Web 2.0 Changes The Sales Process

The first time I met a local turnaround exec, I was introducing myself
when she said, “Oh, I know you, Dick. I read your blogs. I’m a lurker.”

Here was someone I didn’t know, who knew a lot about me and what I do.
Our conversation quickly went to what I could do for her. She already
had ideas.

Contrast that with a typical sale. The first meeting is to create
interest. And when I meet other people in the prospect organization,
each subsequent first meeting is to create interest and verify “yup, I’m
THAT guy.”

When people ask for a presentation to their team, they have already made
an emotional investment in taking action. Sitting for a presentation is
a substantial investment of resources.

Having an effective Web 2.0 program means that I spend more time with
people who aren’t looking to be convinced about my value, they are
trying very hard to see how my value might work in their organization,
fit their needs.

Are you known before you get there? What differences does that make for you?

On Wednesday,August 18th, Sales Lab is presenting How To Scale Your Organization…Build, Borrow, or Buy? 7:15 am, in Rockville, and Front End Selling
at noon for the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria. Both
events are free. Details and registration are available at http://www.saleslabdc.com/leadership