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Unlocking Profit Growth

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Unlocking Profit Growth

In the dynamic landscape of business, profit growth stands as the cornerstone of success. Every organization, regardless of its size or sector, aims to achieve sustainable growth in its bottom line. However, achieving this goal isn't merely about increasing sales or cutting costs; it requires a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of the business ecosystem.

Striking A Balance

At the heart of profit growth lies the delicate balance between costs and sales prices. While reducing costs can directly impact profitability, it's crucial not to compromise on the quality or value offered to customers. Instead, businesses should focus on optimizing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and embracing technology to reduce overheads without sacrificing product or service excellence.

Equally important is setting strategic pricing that reflects the value proposition while remaining competitive in the market. Pricing strategies should consider factors such as production costs, market demand, competitor pricing, and perceived value. By finding the sweet spot between cost-effectiveness and pricing strategy, businesses can maximize profitability without alienating their customer base.

The Foundation of Sustainable Growth

Trust serves as the cornerstone of every successful organization. Internally, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and mutual respect cultivates trust among employees, driving productivity, innovation, and employee retention. When employees trust their organization, they're more likely to go the extra mile, leading to improved operational efficiency and ultimately, higher profitability.

Externally, building trust with customers is paramount. In an era where consumers have myriad options at their fingertips, trust can be a key differentiator. Businesses can earn customer trust by consistently delivering on promises, providing exceptional customer service, and prioritizing ethical practices. Transparent communication, honest dealings, and a commitment to customer satisfaction build lasting relationships that translate into customer loyalty and repeat business.

Making the Customer a Hero of Their Story

In the narrative of business, customers aren't merely passive participants; they are the lifeblood of success. Recognizing and embracing this perspective can revolutionize the way businesses approach customer engagement and satisfaction. Instead of focusing solely on selling products or services, businesses should strive to empower customers, making them the heroes of their own stories.

This entails understanding customer needs, pain points, and aspirations on a deeper level. By offering tailored solutions, personalized experiences, and ongoing support, businesses can position themselves as trusted allies in their customers' journeys. Celebrating customer successes, soliciting feedback, and continuously refining offerings based on customer insights further solidify the bond between businesses and their clientele.

Profit growth isn't a singular pursuit; it's a multifaceted journey that encompasses various dimensions of business operations and customer interactions. By striking the right balance between costs and pricing, fostering trust internally and externally, and placing customers at the center of the narrative, businesses can unlock sustainable growth and establish themselves as industry leaders.

Have a great week!

Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

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How To Increase Our Sales Revenues!

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How To Increase Our Sales Revenues!

In the exhilarating world of sales, the mantra is simple: more sales, more influence, more profits. It's not just a tagline; it's a mindset, a strategy, and a relentless pursuit of success. In this blog post, we're diving into the dynamic trio of selling more, amplifying influence, and using a process as the secret sauce for unprecedented revenue growth. Buckle up, because it's time to turn your sales game into a profit powerhouse.

In sales, the bottom line is all about selling more. It’s about increasing revenues exceeding targets, and turning no’s into resounding yeses. Embrace the unapologetic art of selling.  Understand your customer's needs, support them the best you can, and go after those sales with an unwavering tenacity.

In the realm of sales, influence is the golden ticket. The more influence you have, the more doors open, and the more deals seem to come your way. Cultivate your personal brand, build relationships, and position yourself as an authority in your field. Influence isn't just about closing deals; it's about leaving an indelible mark on every interaction.

Here's the game-changer – the process. Selling without a structured process is like navigating a maze blindfolded. A well-defined process not only streamlines your efforts but also ensures consistency and repeatability. It's the secret weapon that transforms sporadic wins into a steady stream of successes.

A process isn't set in stone; it's a living, breathing entity. Success leaves clues, and a dynamic salesperson knows how to adapt and conquer. Analyze what works, refine your approach, and stay ahead of the curve. A nimble adaptation to the ever-changing sales landscape is the hallmark of a true sales professional.

No let's cut to the chase – in the world of business, profit is the endgame. Selling more and wielding influence are pivotal steps, but they're all in service of the grand finale – maximizing profits. Understand your profit margins, identify areas for improvement, and let the pursuit of profit be the driving force propelling your sales endeavors.

In the pursuit of more sales, influence, and profits, never lose sight of the customer. A customer-centric approach isn't just good business; it's the ultimate revenue catalyst. Understand their pain points, exceed their expectations, and watch as satisfied customers become your most potent sales force.

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

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What Is Sales Account Management

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What Is Sales Account Management

Sales account management entails building strong, trust-based relationships with a specific group of accounts. This role goes beyond merely selling products or services. Instead, account managers act as the primary point of contact, serving as a trusted advisor to their clients. They understand their customers' needs, challenges, and goals and work collaboratively to address them. Account managers serve as advocates for their clients within the company, ensuring excellent customer service, facilitating problem-solving, and identifying opportunities for growth. By providing personalized attention and tailored solutions, they build customer loyalty and enhance the overall customer experience.

 

Successful sales account management requires a deep understanding of financial metrics and profitability analysis. Account managers must be able to evaluate the profitability of each account and make data-driven decisions to allocate resources effectively. By analyzing sales data, pricing structures, and costs, account managers can identify opportunities for margin improvement, cost reduction, and upselling or cross-selling. This financial acumen allows them to prioritize accounts, allocate resources, and optimize sales strategies to maximize profitability and drive sustainable growth.

 

Growing account revenues is a core objective of sales account management. To achieve this, account managers employ various strategies tailored to their customers' unique needs. Some effective strategies include:

Building Strong Relationships: Account managers focus on building trust, understanding their clients' businesses, and aligning their products or services with their customers' goals. By nurturing relationships and delivering exceptional value, they encourage account expansion and repeat business.

Upselling and Cross-Selling: Account managers identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell relevant products or services to their existing accounts. By understanding their customers' evolving needs and providing tailored recommendations, they can increase the average deal size and revenue per account.

Identifying Growth Opportunities: Account managers actively seek out opportunities for account expansion by identifying new projects, markets, or business initiatives within their customers' organizations. By staying informed about industry trends and customer challenges, they position themselves as strategic partners and help drive their clients' growth.

Sales account management is a specialized role that focuses on building and maintaining strong customer relationships to drive sustainable revenue growth. Account managers act as trusted advisors, utilizing their financial understanding to assess profitability and make data-driven decisions. By employing strategies such as relationship building, upselling, cross-selling, identifying growth opportunities, and providing value-added services, account managers can successfully grow account revenues and foster long-term customer loyalty. With the right combination of expertise, personalized attention, and strategic thinking, sales account management becomes an art form that drives both customer satisfaction and business success.

 

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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The Mentorship Relationship

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The Mentorship Relationship

Mentorship is a transformative relationship that has the potential to guide, inspire, and empower individuals on their journey to success. A mentor, often an experienced and seasoned professional, takes on the role of a trusted guide, investing in the mentee's growth and providing invaluable support. In this blog post, we will delve into the essential aspects of effective mentorship, emphasizing the mentor's willingness to invest, their accumulated wisdom from experience, the importance of multiple mentors, and the creation of a trusting environment.

They Invest - A mentor is driven by a genuine desire to invest in the mentee's personal and professional development. They willingly share their time, knowledge, and expertise to support the mentee's growth. By offering guidance, constructive feedback, and valuable insights, mentors nurture the mentee's potential and help them overcome obstacles. This investment demonstrates a mentor's belief in the mentee's abilities and their commitment to fostering their success.

They have gone the way - A mentor's most valuable asset is the wisdom gained from their own journey. Having "gone the way and received the scars," mentors bring firsthand experience, lessons learned, and a wealth of knowledge to the table. They provide guidance based on their successes, failures, and challenges, enabling mentees to navigate their own paths more effectively. Mentors offer a unique perspective, helping mentees anticipate and overcome obstacles with greater confidence.

Why you may need multiple mentors - While a mentor offers invaluable guidance, it is important to recognize that no one mentor can provide all the answers or cover every aspect of growth. Embracing the idea of multiple mentors allows mentees to benefit from diverse perspectives and expertise. Seeking guidance from individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and experiences broadens the mentee's understanding and enhances their learning. Multiple mentors contribute to a well-rounded development and provide a range of insights for the mentee to draw upon.

An environment of trust - Trust is the cornerstone of a successful mentor-mentee relationship. Mentors foster a trusting environment by actively listening, offering non-judgmental support, and maintaining confidentiality. This safe space allows mentees to express their thoughts, fears, and aspirations freely. When mentees feel heard and understood, they are more likely to take risks, explore new opportunities, and embrace personal growth. Trust creates a foundation for open and honest communication, making mentorship truly impactful.

Mentorship is a powerful relationship that can shape the trajectory of one's personal and professional journey. Mentors invest in mentees, providing guidance and support. Their accumulated wisdom from experience equips mentees with insights and lessons learned. While a single mentor can offer tremendous value, seeking multiple mentors broadens perspectives and encourages a holistic approach to growth. Trust forms the bedrock of mentorship, creating an environment where mentees can thrive and embrace their full potential. Let us cherish and cultivate mentorship, for it has the power to inspire, empower, and transform lives.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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Let's Get Disciplined

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Let's Get Disciplined

Discipline is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth. It empowers individuals to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and unlock their full potential. However, true discipline extends beyond a single area of life; it requires an overall approach.

Discipline is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Being disciplined in one aspect of life, such as fitness or work, does not automatically translate into discipline across all areas. True discipline encompasses various aspects, including personal habits, relationships, time management, self-development, and more. It's essential to recognize that discipline is an ongoing journey, and cultivating it in one area requires deliberate effort and a commitment to continuous growth.

Small Incremental Steps: Achieving discipline can be overwhelming if we focus solely on big, audacious goals. Instead, the secret lies in breaking down our aspirations into small, manageable steps. By starting with tiny, consistent actions, we develop momentum and create positive behavioral patterns. For example, if your goal is to read more, commit to reading just a few pages every day. These small steps gradually transform into substantial progress over time.

Consistency is the bedrock upon which discipline is built. It's easy to become motivated and take action for a short period, but true discipline is sustained through consistent effort. By showing up consistently and adhering to our commitments, we train our minds to embrace discipline as a way of life. Small, regular actions accumulate into remarkable achievements. It is the daily dedication that shapes our character and propels us toward our goals.

Developing a Growth Mindset is an integral aspect of discipline. Embracing a belief that we can learn, adapt, and improve over time is crucial for maintaining discipline in the face of setbacks or challenges. Instead of viewing obstacles as roadblocks, see them as opportunities for growth. By reframing failures as learning experiences and staying resilient in the pursuit of our goals, we reinforce discipline and foster personal development.

Accountability and Support Systems create an environment that encourages accountability and provides support. Share your goals and aspirations with trusted friends, family members, or mentors who can hold you accountable and provide guidance along the way. Joining communities or seeking out like-minded individuals who share similar objectives can also provide valuable support and motivation. By surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we create an ecosystem that nurtures discipline.

Discipline is a lifelong journey that extends beyond any single area of life. By understanding that discipline is multifaceted, embracing small incremental steps, prioritizing consistency, cultivating a growth mindset, and leveraging accountability and support systems, we can unlock the power of discipline in all aspects of our lives. Remember, discipline is a continuous process of growth and self-improvement.

 

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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Leadership And Decision Making

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Leadership And Decision Making

Leadership and decision making is a constant and critical balance. Leaders are faced with choices that have the power to shape the trajectory of their organizations and teams. However, it's important to recognize that leaders rarely have access to 100 percent of the data needed to make a decision. In this post, we will explore the art of decision making in leadership, emphasizing the significance of trusted advisors and the role of values and culture in driving effective decisions.

Embracing Imperfect Information: Leaders must come to terms with the fact that they will never have all the information they desire to make a decision. In a dynamic and rapidly changing world, data is often incomplete, ambiguous, or conflicting. Waiting indefinitely for perfect information can lead to missed opportunities or stagnation. Instead, effective leaders embrace the reality of imperfect information and are adept at making sound judgments based on the available insights.

 

Trusted Advisors: Leaders must build a network of trusted advisors. These advisors bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and insights that can help fill knowledge gaps and provide a well-rounded understanding of the situation. Engaging in open dialogue and actively seeking input from trusted advisors encourages critical thinking and mitigates the risks associated with incomplete information. A collaborative approach to decision making enhances the quality and effectiveness.

 

Use Values and Culture As a Guide: A strong sense of values and a well-defined organizational culture serve as guiding principles for leaders when making decisions. Values define what is important to an organization, its employees, and stakeholders. They act as a compass, helping leaders navigate complex choices and align decisions with the organization's purpose and long-term vision. By leveraging values and culture, leaders can make decisions that not only serve immediate needs but also foster a sense of integrity, trust, and sustainability.

 

A Good Gut Is Crucial: While data and analysis are vital decision-making tools, leaders must also recognize the value of intuition. Gut feelings and instincts are honed over time and can provide valuable insights when faced with uncertainty. Combining logical analysis with intuitive judgment allows leaders to consider both quantitative and qualitative factors, resulting in more well-rounded decisions.

Leadership is a continuous journey of decision making in the face of imperfect information. By embracing the reality of incomplete data, relying on trusted advisors, using values and culture as guiding principles, and intuition leaders can navigate uncertainty and drive effective decision making. Remember, leadership is not about having all the answers, but rather about making thoughtful choices that align with the organization's mission, vision, and values, ultimately leading to long-term success.

 

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

 

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Being Your Own Boss

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Being Your Own Boss

Being your own boss is a dream for many aspiring entrepreneurs. The allure of independence, creative control, and the potential for financial success can be incredibly enticing. However, it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of being your own boss, focusing on factors such as the ability to earn money solely based on your work, the dedication of time and effort required, and the benefits of side hustles as a low-risk entry into the business world.

Advantages:

Earning Potential Based on Work: One of the advantages of being your own boss is the potential to earn money based on your own efforts. Unlike traditional employment where income is predetermined, entrepreneurship allows you to directly benefit from your hard work and success. Your earning potential is not limited by a fixed salary or wage, providing the opportunity for higher income and financial independence.

Flexibility and Creative Control: Being your own boss allows for greater flexibility in terms of work hours, decision-making, and creative direction. You have the freedom to set your own schedule, pursue projects that align with your passions, and make business decisions without the need for approval from superiors. This flexibility and creative control can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying work experience.

Disadvantages:

Long Hours and Greater Responsibility: As your own boss, you are solely responsible for the success and growth of your business. This often means putting in more hours than employees in traditional roles. Entrepreneurs frequently find themselves working late nights and weekends, especially during the early stages of their business. The increased workload and responsibilities can impact work-life balance and require careful time management.

Financial Risk and Uncertainty: Starting and running your own business comes with financial risks. There may be initial investment costs, and the success of your venture is not guaranteed. Entrepreneurship involves navigating market fluctuations, competition, and potential setbacks, which can lead to financial uncertainty. It is important to have a solid business plan and a contingency strategy to mitigate risks.

Benefits of Side Hustles:

Low-Risk Entry into Business: Side hustles offer a way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship without fully committing to it. By starting a side business alongside your regular job, you can test the waters, gain experience, and assess the viability of your business idea. Side hustles allow you to explore different markets, build your skills, and generate additional income without risking your primary source of livelihood.

Diversified Income Streams: Having a side hustle diversifies your income streams, reducing dependency on a single source of earnings. This can provide financial security and stability, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Side hustles offer an opportunity to generate extra income, save for future ventures, or invest in personal and professional growth.

Being your own boss brings both advantages and disadvantages. While it offers the potential for greater financial rewards, flexibility, and creative control, it also requires dedication, long hours, and comes with financial risks. Side hustles can serve as a low-risk entry into entrepreneurship, allowing you to test business ideas and diversify your income. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, carefully consider the pros and cons, assess your risk tolerance, and create a solid plan to maximize the benefits and navigate the challenges. Remember, being your own boss can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey, but it requires careful planning, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.

 

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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How To Make A Profit In Business

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How To Make A Profit In Business

In business, the pursuit of profitability remains a primary goal for entrepreneurs and organizations alike. To achieve sustainable success, it is crucial to adopt strategies that focus on optimizing profits. In this blog post, we will explore three fundamental factors that contribute to maximizing profits: understanding the sales price minus costs equation, conducting thorough market research, and scaling the workforce strategically. By implementing these strategies, you can pave the way for increased profitability and long-term growth.

1.     Sales Price Minus Costs: One of the fundamental principles of profit maximization is the calculation of the sales price minus costs. To determine profitability, it is essential to analyze the revenue generated from sales and subtract the costs associated with producing or delivering the product or service. By understanding and carefully monitoring this equation, you can identify areas where costs can be minimized without compromising the quality or value of your offering. Regularly review your expenses, negotiate with suppliers, and explore more efficient processes to optimize your profit margins and you will succeed at managing good profits so you can invest back into your organization.

2.     Doing Homework on the Market Place: Market research is the backbone of any successful business. Understanding your target market, customer preferences, and competitive landscape allows you to position your product or service effectively and identify opportunities for growth. Conducting thorough market research enables you to identify the pricing sweet spot—finding the balance between competitive pricing and maintaining healthy profit margins. Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies to gain insights that will inform your pricing decisions and allow you to maximize profitability.

3.     Scaling Workforce Strategically: While expanding your workforce may be necessary to accommodate business growth, it is essential to approach it strategically to avoid unnecessary costs that may eat into your profits. Rapidly scaling your team without careful consideration can lead to bloated overheads, inefficiencies, and potential cash flow challenges. Instead, evaluate your business needs and growth projections, and scale your workforce accordingly. Consider outsourcing certain functions or leveraging technology to automate tasks and streamline operations. By scaling strategically, you can strike a balance between productivity, cost-effectiveness, and profitability.

Maximizing profits in business requires a strategic approach that encompasses several key factors. Understanding the sales price minus costs equation enables you to optimize your profit margins by minimizing expenses while maintaining the value of your offering. Thorough market research helps you position your product or service effectively, identify competitive pricing, and identify opportunities for growth. Scaling your workforce strategically ensures that your business remains agile, efficient, and cost-effective. By implementing these strategies and continuously evaluating your business model, you can pave the way for sustainable profitability and long-term success. Remember, profitability is not just about revenue generation; it's about creating a solid foundation that supports growth, innovation, and a thriving bottom line.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

 

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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Perseverance, Do You Have It?

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Perseverance, Do You Have It?

Perseverance is the fuel that drives us toward success, propelling us forward when faced with challenges, setbacks, and failures. It is the quality that distinguishes those who achieve their goals from those who give up at the first sign of difficulty. In this blog post, we will explore three essential elements of perseverance: getting back up, embracing the philosophy of "fail forward fast," and cultivating grit. These concepts will inspire and empower you to overcome obstacles and forge ahead on your journey to success.

Getting Back Up: Life is not without its share of falls and stumbles. What sets resilient individuals apart is their ability to bounce back after experiencing failure or disappointment. When faced with adversity, it's crucial to view setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Instead of dwelling on failure, ask yourself what lessons can be learned and how you can use those lessons to improve and move forward. Remember, success is not measured by the number of times you fall, but by how many times you rise again.

Fail Forward Fast: "Failing forward fast" is a mindset that emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a necessary part of the journey toward success. It encourages us to learn from our mistakes, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward. Rather than being discouraged by failure, view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This mindset enabled him to persist through countless failures and ultimately achieve his groundbreaking invention. Embrace failure as a valuable teacher, and let it guide you toward success.

Cultivating Grit: Grit, a term popularized by psychologist Angela Duckworth, refers to the combination of passion, perseverance, and resilience. It is the unwavering commitment to long-term goals, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks. Gritty individuals possess a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the ability to stay focused in the face of adversity. They understand that success is not instantaneous; it is the result of sustained effort and determination. Cultivating grit involves setting clear goals, developing a growth mindset, and building resilience through consistent practice and self-discipline. When you encounter challenges, remind yourself of the bigger picture and stay committed to your vision.

Perseverance is a powerful force that can propel us beyond our limitations and lead us to accomplish extraordinary things. By embodying the qualities of getting back up, failing forward fast, and cultivating grit, you can harness the strength to overcome any obstacle on your path to success. Remember that setbacks are not permanent roadblocks, but rather opportunities for growth and improvement. Stay resilient, keep learning from failures, and maintain unwavering focus on your goals. Embrace the journey of perseverance, and watch as it transforms your life and paves the way for incredible achievements.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

 

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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What Else Could The Customer Buy?

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What Else Could The Customer Buy?

Far too often money is left on the table by sales professionals because they are so giddy about making a sale.   As soon as the paperwork is done, they are running off into the sunset to celebrate their victory.  Only the great sales professionals know that if they are truly going to be successful, they are going to understand the customer so well that they can turn customers into partners buying everything they can from us.

You may be asking, what does that look like if I sell houses, or one main product / service.

It’s a fair question, but likely there are other products or services that are overlooked by sales professionals.  Are there other solutions that our organization offers to help individuals with financial help, insurance, software, inventory management, etc?  We should make sure that when we are at the beginning of the buying stage that we understand all the S.I.R.’s that the customer are experiencing.

S stands for situation.  The customer is in a situation that they need a solution to avoid obstacles they are facing or will face in the future.  During discussions it will be revealed the full scope and our organization has solutions to not only help with the surface level situation, but uncover the deeper level situation that are not truly recognized yet.  Ever been to a therapist to talk about something and they ask questions and by the end you feel even worse because there was a blind spot you didn’t see?  That is why we really need to ask a lot of questions at the beginning to dive deeper into the situation for our customers.  When we do this, it will open up a great deal of possibilities for us to help them.

I is for issues.  The situation that the customer is in has issues tied to it.  Something is not working like it should because of the issues that are creating roadblocks for success.  Just like the situation there are usually underlying issues that are not totally recognized yet and it is up to the sales professional to ask deeper questions to uncover those issues.  When sales professionals do this, they can they help the customer even better than initially thought.

R stands for ramifications.  That’s right, ramifications are the results if the issues for the situation are not resolved.  It could be profit losses, job losses, or worse death.  This is why doctors ask a great deal of questions because the ramifications are life and death.  Most likely in sales the ramifications are not as severe, but the ramifications still have huge impacts on the customer’s performance.  If the customers do not succeed in finding solutions to avoid the ramifications, they may be promoted to customer from their organization.  That’s just a nicer way of saying fired 

It is up to the sales professional to make sure they understand the customer fully and deeply if they are going to help them.  Most of the time if the sales professional does a great job up front they will make more sales and have a customer turn into a partner buying even more from them repeatedly.  We don’t want one-time sales, we want repeat partners buying more and more from us if we are going to be successful in our sales careers.  When do we do that well, we will have a better quality of life.  Typically, that means larger bank accounts that we can do more trips, family memories, philanthropy, etc.     To become the brand of choice we need to serve the customer well through the sales process.  For more on that I have created my online member site for learning the sales and leadership concepts I teach without the price tag of having me in person.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

The Sales Process Uncovered Membership Page

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How To Sell More!

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How To Sell More!

How can I sell more?  How can I make more sales?  How can I hit my goals?

These are questions that sales professionals often ask me.  They are looking for a quick answer, pitch, or some kind of leverage to get their customers to buy more of their products / services.

Unfortunately, that is the incorrect lens to look through.  Simply wondering how I can sell more of my product / service is not the question we should be asking.  That makes the sales professional do and say things that are not true, and will likely come back to bite them in the long run.

Sales professionals have gotten a bad rap because of this lens they view selling through.  Why do people associate Used Car Salesmen as evil?  I’m sure not all of them are evil. Some may be, but the majority are just there trying to make an honest living. 

Ever walked into a clothing store and someone ask you what brings you in today?  Likely your response like most customers is something like, “Umm, just looking.”  That is because we have put sales professionals in a category low trust and to be avoided if possible.

When I talk with organizations and sales professionals, I tell them if they want to grow their numbers, they need to build influence.  That is right influence.  Influence is the ability to have an effect on others and their decisions.  This means that if we want to have influence there has to be trust involved. 

If customers trust that we are there to help them with their situation, issues, and ramifications, then they will be open to our help.  If not, they will just say, “just looking” and move on.  We need to build that trust so that we can have influence with our customers if we want them to buy more of our products / services.

True if we only want a one-time sale we can lie and not worry about building influence, but unfortunately each person that we are selling to has influence over 100-150 other individuals.  That means we are jeopardizing a lot more when we just focus on a one-time sale.

If we focus on building trust and influence with our customers, serving them well, then we will have the opportunity at more sales with others in their influence.  If we focus on serving customers to solve their situations, issues, and ramifications with a great experience, then they will tell others that they need to deal with us. That is like having our own salesforce that we don’t even have to pay.  Who wouldn’t want that?

Here is the interesting thing.  I have served customers well with a great experience and they did not buy my product / service.  Because I served them so well, I have had others that I have never met reach out to me and bought from me because they were referred by the person that I didn’t make the sale to.  I have also had that same person reach out later to buy something else in the future. 

To succeed in sales, we need to really focus on serving the customers to the best of our ability.  If we serve them well even if we do not make the sale this time, they will remember what we did for them and how we served them.  They may come back at a later date, or tell others that they need to deal with us. 

Remember Sales is a marathon, not a sprint!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

The Sales Process Uncovered Membership Page

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The Benefit Of Having Mentors

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The Benefit Of Having Mentors

Why do we need mentors?  Why are they called mentors?  How do you become a mentor?

Why is it that we think we can just do life on our own and that we have all the answers?  Why do we time and time again struggle with the same issues and not reach out for help?

I spent the majority of my life doing things on my own and finding the correct answer to my situation with tons of research and exploration.  Hours and hours were spent to solve the issue I was facing.  By doing this I ended up wasting a great deal of time and effort with little progress.

That is when I finally relented and started asking for help.  That is when mentors stepped in to help me avoid many pitfalls, increase my speed and efficiency, and grow my success faster.  I have had mentors in business, finance, faith, and in relationships. All key to my success today.

Mentors are people that have experience in the area that we are trying to walk through and have the scars from the battles we will face.  They have experienced a majority of the similar trials that we will see on our journey.  They have likely fallen into some of the traps that we will encounter.

Mentors are people with a servant heart that want to help the next generation succeed.  These individuals do not do it for the notoriety either.  They are just wanting to help others succeed. 

Mentors have helped me greatly when I sat with them to share my situation, issues, and ramifications.  They will usually share a story about how they were in that similar situation and what they did as well as the results.  Some happy ending stories, some not so happy ending stories. 

When I was going through my dad’s final year of life, I met with a mentor regularly to talk about what I was going through and the stresses involved.  This mentor was able to help me with coping, the grieving curve, and understand all that I was going to be losing as this chapter closed in my life.  This was a tough time and I am glad I had a mentor in my life to help me see through it while managing every day stressors..

I have also been mentoring a young man who is at the stage of his life where he is trying to figure out his career path.  He is an intern at a very well-known local organization and trying to figure out what doors to walk through.  The discussions we have had and stories I have shared have helped him rethink his possibilities. 

He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing where he goes professionally as well as relationally.  The hope is that he avoids some of the pitfalls that I have experienced in my life with the stories and insight that I have shared. 

Mentors are great resources to help us with questions we have about what we are going through.  They are people that want to help poor in and serve us with their knowledge.  Finding a mentor for a particular area of life that we need help is going to benefit us more than we can ever imagine.  Seek out a mentor today if you are struggling with a decision, or offer to be a mentor.  You will feel a sense of purpose when you lend a hand, or a story to help someone else avoid the pitfalls of life.

One of my favorite quotes: “Do or do not. There is no try…” - Yoda

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

The Sales Process Uncovered Membership Page

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The Time Is Now To Dig Deep

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The Time Is Now To Dig Deep

Welcome to 2023!!

The new year and we are all waking up on the first weekend since the New Years rang in.  We have had one week of back to the grind.  One week of running around getting back into the grove of things.  A week of driving through “winter weather”

This is the time that we get challenged by life against the goals that we recently planned for the new year.  The question is are we going to be able to make it through the remaining 51 weeks of this year.  When the going gets tough and we are hit in the face with adversity.  Where do we look for strength to grind through this?

We need to look at that Purpose Statement like we talked in the last week of December.  That is what has to keep us focused to keep taking one more step.  We need that courage to push farther by looking at that statement of success for our lives.  We need to take a breath and then get back to work for that vision of success with that statement.

How do the goals line up with that purpose statement?  Are they strong enough to handle the punches we take from the daily grind.  Do they have the timing set up so we can gauge success with them?  Do we use the SMART goals?

Are the goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound?  Our goals need to have these five measurables answered.  This way we can see how we are doing as we move throughout the year.  Without them being specific and being too broad we will not be able to understand if we are going the right way.  If they are not measurable and achievable then we will not be able to know where we stand.  For instance, if I say I want to make $20,000 per keynote as a goal I will likely not achieve that.

That goal does not have anything other than a value.  A better goal would be I would like to make $20,000 in the month of February by booking X number of keynotes.  Now that is a smart goal.  That is a goal that I can look at to see where I stand and any time.  That is a goal that is going to keep me on track. 

If I want to construct a new training for my membership page, I can set goals for having the program broken down by a certain time, number of videos recorded and edited by a certain date.  Now I have a direction and a SMART goal set up so I can look at the calendar and then look at my goals to kit that key objective.

What is it that you struggle with goal setting?What keeps you from achieving your goals?What is holding you back from being a success?Reach out or leave a comment below and I would be glad to help you with goal planning.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

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Why Goals Need A Purpose Statement

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Why Goals Need A Purpose Statement

It’s that time of year again.  Time to celebrate those wins that we had for this past year, time to celebrate the new year coming in just a few short hours.  What will the new year hold for us?  What can we do this new year that we have been unsuccessful in the past years?

If we want to achieve a better tomorrow and a better new year, then we need to start with planning for it.  Goals are just dreams if we do not have a plan of action. 

That is what we are going to talk about on this post.  How can we achieve a better tomorrow by starting our plan today.  If you have been on the goal planning trail for years great, what can we do differently to improve our success rates?  If we are new to goal planning, what can we do to start off with better traction?

One thing that I have done in the past few years is making and refining my Purpose Statement.  Now I have spent a great deal of time and effort to learn about myself and how I am wired.  W

hat I have found is that I am gifted in influencing others to move from here to there by motivating and providing a vision of success with my tenacity to keep moving forward when times get tough.  I am best at this when I am speaking to groups of individuals, teams, and organizations helping them create their process for success and staying disciplined. 

When I am speaking to groups, I actually gain energy.  I know that seems weird for an introvert, but watching people see the light bulb of an idea on how to improve makes me light up as well.  I get encouraged when I know that I am helping someone get to a better way. 

By having my purpose statement, I am better able to direct my goals so that I can have that compass that will align my vision with my steps.  This way I can keep moving in the right direction with my goals.  Not just that I have a goal to lose 10 lbs by a certain time, but that I do so in order to engage with more energy to help others understand how to succeed.

That gives my goals more traction when they are aligned on purpose.  A set of goals with a common focus gives them strength and keeps the fire burning even with times get tough and we want to give up.  I am able to get back off my back when knocked down one more time and keep moving forward so that I can keep helping others. 

I encourage you to do some research on yourself to understand how you are wired when making your goals for the next year so that when you are past the first few weeks of the new year and stress sets in you too are able to move forward.

There many ways to learn more about yourself.  There are assessments like The Predictive Index, Gallop Strength Finders, DISC assessment, Spiritual Gifts Assesssments and Growth Track (churches have been putting these on), and many more.  Pick one and see what you can learn about yourself so that way you can start to have better goals that really fuel your WHY.

For now here is to another year of growth and prosperity!  

Happy New Year Everyone!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

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How Much Is Your Time Worth?

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How Much Is Your Time Worth?

When do I hire something out rather than doing it myself? 

Why would I pay someone else to do the work that I know I can do?

Have you ever asked these questions when you had a project that you needed to tackle?

Now that I am into my 40’s I am really having to weigh out how much work I should be doing and how much I should be hiring out.  My father taught me quite a bit to be handy around the house.  I can change out electrical outlets, switches, lights, ceiling fans, tiling, roofs, plumbing, do spreadsheets, sell, etc. 

I can do even more now with all the experiences I have had with homes including flipping one while I did all of the work. Most of the time I would have extra experience as I would have to do it twice do to trying to short cut something.  A good rule of thumb in my experience is that a well performed project should not reveal extra screws, bolts, or other retention components when are you finished. 

What I have sometimes wondered is if I am at a deficit because I am capable of using my own hands and time to do quite a bit.  I struggle with that I can do the project, but is it the most beneficial use of my time.  I want to do it to show myself that I can, but is this approach worth it?  This has been hard because small projects are very therapeutic for me.  I can work on something that is completed in a small amount of time compared to most of my projects that take months upon months to work on.  It’s nice to be able to step back and look at something that I have created with my own hands.  The issue is that I am doing this at a cost that I have never previously rationalized.

My mentor when I first got into sales taught me that wealthy people put a value on TIME.  When working on projects, thinking about investments, they calculate the cost of their time that will be invested in the project.  Time is something that we have a limited supply of.  When we are born time seems to be ticking away until we finally expire.  We cannot add hours in the day, multiply our time, we can only invest our time into those areas that we feel most important.

Lately I have had to start hiring out the work on my house so I can keep moving my business and projects forward.  I have had to put a value per hour that I would have to pay myself to perform the task.  If the quotes from contractors come in lower, or even close to my cost, I typically hire them to perform the work even if I am capable of doing it.   Most of the time they can actually do the work faster as well. 

I had to have two foundation walls on my house dug up, pushed back straight, reinforced, sealed, and then back filled. Now I am fully capable in doing this work, but it would have taken me months to complete.  I did not have the time to do this on top of everything I am working on.  It took the contractor three weeks to complete and I was able to work on other projects.  The cost for them to do all this work and in the time they did it was less than it would have taken me.  Sure, I would have been able to use digging equipment which would have been fun, but they did it for cheaper than I could with all of the time that would have been involved from me to do the project.

When preparing for that next project, career change, purchase of a home, or moving dirt think about the cost of your time as a function of the investment.   Think about the amount of work and hours that you will need to complete.  Then think about how much it would cost for you to do the work compared to hiring it out so you can be freed up to do other things that are more important. 

For those of you looking for a new job, this should definitely be part of your decision if you are going to change companies.  If the new company that you are interviewing is for instance 15 minutes each way longer of a drive, you need to calculate that into your salary expectations?  See 15 minutes each way is 30 minutes a day.  Multiplied by five working days a week is 2 ½ hours a week more driving when you could be doing something else.  Now assuming you have to only work 48 weeks a year that is 120 hours a hear you will be in the car more than in your current position.  Say you make $25/ hour, that is $3000 a year that you are losing to driving.  That is also not calculating the operating costs of your vehicle or fuel.

Next time you are figuring out a budget for a project you are about to take part in make sure you are also figuring in how much your time is worth.  It may reveal that training someone else may be able to do the smaller items so that you can focus on the higher value items.  If you are looking for a new career figure out the time investment and keep the focus on if it will get you closer to where you want to be in the time frame you are working with. 

Time is a precious commodity and we need to protect it’s value! 

 

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

 

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Are You Using A Compass?

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Are You Using A Compass?

Naval Captains, and old explorers used these interesting yet simple tools called compasses to help navigate how to get where they wanted to go.  Yes, they used other tools, but this one tool helped them stay on track for their headings.   Even in storms they used these compasses to stay the course.

Today we use directions and a voice in our navigations tools to tell us turn by turn which way to go.  The early days had us sometimes driving on unpaved roads and some stories of people driving right into water because they believed the navigation units solely. 

In our everyday lives we need to use a tool that helps us stay on track.  There are many names for the tool like mission statement, vision statement, goals, etc.  I like to call it my compass.  I have a compass that I have created to help me use what I know about myself and how I am wired to make planning for the year have the best chance of success with my goals.

Yes, it is something from church, but it’s a took the DISC assessment, a gifts assessment, and our passions to help us make a purpose statement.  We need to live on purpose otherwise will just be drifting along with no direction.  Those that are intentional and lean into their compass do move forward with great speed and intentionality. 

By having a compass (purpose statement) we can eliminate detours that take away the most precious commodity we have available…TIME.  Yes, time is something that we are not able to add, multiple, but only subtract and sometimes divide.  We lose a lot of time and energy if we are doing tasks that don’t align with what fuels us forward.

Ever get to the end of day 30 and you are still worn out, tired, and with an empty tank?  Sure, we did something, but did that something actually get us closer to where we want to go?  Did it give us more tools to help us move faster in the future?

I have been in seasons where I was serving on countless non-profit activities, serving the community as a volunteer fire fighter, playing in adult flag football leagues, etc.  These all seemed fun, but did they help me get to my end goal?  I still support in some ways and have an active community, but I have chosen to put my energy in learning how to communicate better and help others through this blog, my Youtube channel, and my trainings to help businesses and leaders succeed. 

I have been intentional over the past decade to make sure my family will be taken care of, preparing for my later years, and how to help impact others for the better.  I have said no to good things in order to say yes to great things.  It has and is still a charted course I am on, but I know the path I need to take to get there.  Without my compass this would not be possible.

Having a compass to guide our path to the future selves we want to have, we need to be intentional and know what it is that we want to achieve.  It can be monetary, but it can also be relationally.  We should have a compass and a clear vision of where we want to go, before we just start moving because we only have a short period of time to get there before the sands of time run out for each one of us.

What does your compass look like?

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

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Just One More...

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Just One More...

Have you ever wanted to just give up?  This fight is just too much and why am I still doing this?  It’s just too much effort and it shouldn’t be this hard?  Do you still get up and give it one more shot anyways?

We all get knocked down many times in our lives with different set-backs.  Set-backs are not failure.  I don’t like the word failing unless I have totally given up.  Set-backs are just what they sound.  In football set-backs are like getting hit behind the line of scrimmage by another person that loses you a yard or so.  Basically, losing momentum for a short period of time.

As long as we keep getting back up and trying one more time we are not failing.  I have had many set-backs in my life, whether they be relationships, business, financial, health, etc.  One thing that I can pride myself on is that I got back up and gave it just one more shot. 

Yes, we should not just keep running into a brick wall in hopes it will break down finally by some miracle.  There are times when we have to walk away, but those come after we have set our limit of how much we are willing to try.  I have even given one more try even after that limit as well.  I guess I am just stubborn.

I like to make sure that I have exhausted every opportunity before I walk away from something.  Yes, it may have given me more pain, but in most instances, it has been that “one more try” that has elevated me past the issue and I have moved forward. 

Too much of our culture is set up that if there is any kind of resistance then we should try something else, or move away. We have a Failure Culture in this world that says if something is hard, then we should move to something easier so that we can have that sought after “good life.”

I have met many successful individuals and one thing that they all have in common is that they have gotten back up with that “one more try “mentality.  They face challenges, get knocked down, and get back up.  Some may take a little longer than others, but they still get back up. 

We must keep grinding especially if it is that dream that we have had since we were younger.  Our mission that we set out on, the path we were born for.  We need to keep getting back up and driving forward.  Just one more step, one more pushup, one more phone call, will get us closer to the that goal. 

Having that “one more try” mentality will allow up to build up our resilience muscle so we are stronger.  We need this if we are going to grow any kind of life change, business, or movement.  So get back up and give it one more try because you can do it!

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

 

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Profitability vs. Revenue

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Profitability vs. Revenue

I pride myself as being a dumb sales guy.  I do that as joking with customers when we have talks to lower the bar so when I over deliver, I look better in their eyes. 

One thing that I had to learn as I played in larger value discussions is understanding that more revenue did not make the organization more profitable.  That’s right, just selling more stuff does not out sell our costs sometimes.  When we are setting up sales prices to drive our revenue, we really need to study the P and L.  That’s profit and loss.

As I have grown my capacity as a sales professional, I have learned that profitability is more important than sales revenue.  If we sell at negative profit margins then we will soon be bankrupt.  Unfortunately, I did not understand this concept when I first got into sales.

I was constantly frustrated when we would have a sales program that would have iteration 4 by the time I booked half of my customers.  I would have to keep changing my prices weekly so some customers would get a price increase, or decrease and there was no way I could control it.

Let me share a word of advice.  If you think customers don’t talk to each other even though they say they are adversaries, you are wrong.  They talk and usually are more friends than we realize. 

What can we do as sales professionals to understand the profit and loss better?  Why not ask questions and continue to learn how the organization functions?  If it is an organization that fosters a culture of growth and service then they will likely see this request as a way to help groom a future executive. 

We need to understand the basics of our profitability if we are going to sit with a customer because they will always ask for a better deal.  We do it whenever we go out and shop, so why wouldn’t our customers ask.  When we understand our profitability then we can truly know why we can or can not drop the price.  We need to understand this if we are going to be successful.

If we go out and sell a bunch of products / services at losses we will soon be “promoted to customer.”  That’s just a nice way of saying fired.  We need to take pride in understanding our profitability if we are going to succeed. 

This does not mean that we need to go to college to get a financial degree to understand terms.  I haven’t done that.  We should learn about those terms and understand a P and L sheet as well as ask questions.  Yes, we have to be vulnerable enough to ask for clarification and understanding.  This is hard for sales people because we want to think we know everything.  The truly smartest people are those that know their limits and are okay with being vulnerable to learn.

Knowing our profitability will allow us to gain more success and a better future.

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

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Why We Need Rest

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Why We Need Rest

Do you ever get back from a vacation and think that you need a vacation from your vacation?  Are you able to unplug when you are away from the office on vacation?  Do you feel truly rested after the weekend?  How often when you are supposed to rest are you checking emails for work behind your family’s back?  Like you have some secret mistress known as a J.O.B.

I have been spending the time to relax on my Sundays over the past year.  I take time to rest because I keep a pretty rigorous schedule.  I’m up between 5 and 6 am to get started on my day by prepping with reading, my devotions, and my goals.  This is all before I hop in the shower to get ready to work.  

I work hard and workout hard.  This means when it is time to rest, I need to rest.  Now I don’t have an oxygen chamber, freezing chamber, or any of that scientific stuff.  I take power naps, read, hang out with friends and family, take walks, relax on the boat, etc.   I need to unplug so that I can refresh my mind.  

When our mind is constantly going and firing on all cylinders it gets fatigued.  Our brain needs rest to repair and form new synapsis.  Which is why when we are rested we typically come up with the greatest break throughs for problems that we are trying to solve.   Our creativity goes up, our brain does not feel foggy, our decision making is more clear, etc.  Forbes did an article that is helpful with understanding why we need rest with some action steps we can take to accomplish rest.  

I know there are some of you reading that think that sleep is for the weak and the dead.  That is something my mother still says to this day.  The toughest people I have ever met are Navy Seals.  There we twenty years older than me and could outperform me.  These people actually go through something called Hell Week and they are up with no sleep for days.  Not hours, days.  They hallucinate, they have depleted testosterone levels, they have trouble making decisions, etc.  

A gentleman names Kirk Parsley was an active seal and studied health and he actually teaches high performing people on the effects of sleep.  I have put a link here for a quick video of him talking about sleep.  He briefly talks about how these high performers had testosterone levels of young girls because of the deprivation and constant fatigue from lack of rest.

If Seals and athletes need to make sure that they take time to rest, the rest of us humans should take notice.  We need to make sure we are having self care.  I know for some people may think they are stronger than the rest and can go without rest, but it is true.  We need to unplug and rest if we are going to continue to function at high levels.  

If we do not take time to rest then we will not function and it can impact our health with different diseases.  Not just being grouchy, but actual diseases that can kill us.  Do yourself a favor and take time to unplug to rest and recover so that you can get back into the fight rested with more capacity.  

 

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharing – client profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

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How are Your Goals Doing?

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How are Your Goals Doing?

New Years resolutions are made each and every December 31st and fail by the first two weeks of the new year.  Only about 8% of people achieve goals according to the university of Scranton.  Only 8% succeed in their goals.  That is staggering.

We wonder why productivity is low and that we can’t stick to things?  It’s staggering to think about how many people don’t take time to work on their goals.  Now I have to say that it wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I jumped onto the 8% train.  I just pushed forward on whatever I thought I could do which is why I did not have much success throughout the years.  When I got disciplined and wrote down my plan, is when I started seeing change.

Each year I take time in December to look back at what I have managed to accomplish for my goals list, what I need to focus on, and what my core values still are.  I actually use the EOS system for my goal setting and I write them down and work through them each quarter of the year.  This allows me to keep reviewing and seeing how close I am towards the larger goals on a quarterly basis. 

Now I am not saying that I am perfect.  I do miss some goals like trying to get down to a weight target, or achieving my annual sales numbers.  Even if I fail for the target, I am still making movement which is better than aiming at nothing.  If we set a goal and hope to achieve it, then we are at a disadvantage because without a plan hopes / dreams perish.

We need to have action to put forth towards our goals.  Other leadership gurus will tell you that you have to have smart goals.  Which means they have to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound.  That has been the system that people have been using for the past few years to describe good goals.  That is fine if you just want to check in every now and then to see how you are doing, but for intentional people we need to be checking on them at least once a quarter if not more.

I’m more of an application oriented / task person, so my goals revolve around me using my goals as steps in a larger process to achieve them.  That is why I like the EOS system that I can make smaller goals each quarter for the larger goals.  

If I need to make so many blog posts per year, or videos per year, I need to break down how many I need to do per month and make sure that I action accordingly.  Because I also like to compete with myself, I try to beat the timing each and every time.

We need to have goals and break them down into manageable process steps that we can work to make our goals come true.  By simply putting something down on paper we will not be able to make goals come true.  We need to make a plan and have a process in place to work towards those goals each and every day / week.  

Kind of like waiting till the last minute of semester to study for a final exam.  It typically does not work out well to wait until the last minute which then seems like an overwhelming task.  If we take it small bits over time to truly learn the material, we will be able to walk into the final exam with more confidence.   

We need to set goals and back up those goals with a plan if we want any chance of success.  What are some of your goals that you are working towards and how are you doing on them thus far?  We are over halfway through the year so we need to pick up the pace to finish strong.  We don’t walk to the finish line, we run!

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharing – client profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

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