Graphic Media Alliance

Complete Story
 

05/12/2026

Sales is NOT a Numbers Game

Source: Bill Farquharson, May 11, 2026

bill f

Good morning!

“Sales is a numbers game.”

The only thing more cringe-worthy to me is when I hear, “The Yankees are leading the American League East.”

But I digress…

Listen, the only time sales is a numbers game is when it’s your goal to sell on price. Otherwise, it’s a process game.

That is, you need a process.

Salespeople of all experience level need to hear this but no one more than the new sales reps out there searching for “How to build a simple prospecting system for beginners in sales.”

Most new salespeople operate randomly:

  • Reach out when they feel like it
  • Try something once
  • Move on if there’s no response

That’s not a system. That’s a game of darts.

A simple prospecting system looks like this:

  • A list of people to contact
  • A consistent outreach plan
  • A follow-up schedule
  • A way to track activity

That’s it.

It doesn’t need to be complicated! It just needs to be repeatable!

Because without a system, everything feels uncertain.

With a system, you stop wondering what to do—and start doing it.

And that’s when results begin to show up.

If prospecting feels random or inconsistent, it’s not a lead problem—it’s a system problem.

If you want a simple prospecting system you can actually follow as a beginner, I’m happy to walk you through it.

Watch Bill present this week's sales tip


The Sales Vault, created by Bill Farquharson, is a subscription-based resource and sales community featuring a calendar packed with live workshops, on-demand sales courses, peer-to-peer discussion groups, and 35+ years of sales training content all searchable by sales challenge. Think of it as a sales conference where the seminars and workshops, full of instantly applicable ideas, are ongoing and more programs are added constantly.

The Sales Vault is available on a monthly subscription basis, normally at a no-brainer monthly price of $45/participant, but… GMA members can take advantage of an exclusive offer: FREE membership for 30 days followed by a discounted monthly subscription price of just $40/participant. 

Bill has been a friend of GMA for many years and is, no doubt, known to our members as a top sales trainer and content creator for the graphic arts.

Other Vault resources:

  • NEW: Replays—Insider exclusive recordings of Office Hours sales discussions
  • Downloadable prospecting letters
  • One killer-good intro letter only the bravest of the brave send out
  • A downloadable voicemail script
  • 15 on-demand video sales courses
  • Archived sales content searchable by sales challenge

Check out the Sales Vault!

Printer-Friendly Version



BrewCrew Oktoberfest: Great Connections Are Brewing in Detroit!

Great connections are brewing in Detroit! Join Graphic Media Alliance and AIGA Detroit on Tuesday, October 27, for the BrewCrew Oktoberfest Networking Event at Batch Brewing Company. Enjoy an evening of networking with print, design and graphic communications professionals! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Read More

A Greener Future Starts Here! Join GMA November 5 for a Special All-Region Member Event

Something exciting is taking root at Graphic Media Alliance! Join us November 5 for our FREE All-Region Annual Meeting, featuring special guest Jordan Darragh of PrintReleaf and an exclusive preview of GMASustainability(+), launching in 2027. Discover how your business can make a measurable environmental impact while enjoying exclusive GMA member savings!

Read More

Don't Miss Out on Potential Workers' Compensation Savings for 2027!

The 2027 Ohio BWC Group Rating enrollment period is approaching! GMA members are encouraged to submit their enrollment or re-enrollment paperwork to Sedgwick as soon as possible. Don't miss the opportunity to maximize potential savings on workers' compensation premiums. David Deyo, our dedicated Sedgwick Program Manager, is available to help!

Read More

Are Your Wages Competitive? The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey Results Are Here!

Production wages are up, employee turnover is down, and the competition for skilled workers continues! The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey provides valuable insights to help printing companies make smarter compensation and workforce decisions. Participating GMA members receive the full report FREE, while others can purchase their copy through the GMA Bookstore!

Read More

GMA Member Millcraft Expands Packaging Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition

Congratulations to GMA member Millcraft on its acquisition of Protective Packaging Products (P3)! This strategic investment expands Millcraft's protective packaging capabilities and strengthens its presence in automotive and industrial markets. Learn how this fourth-generation, family-owned company continues to grow while building on more than a century of industry leadership.

Read More

Love It? Buy It!

Want to help strengthen the printing industry? Sometimes the best way is to practice what we preach! From direct mail and signage to branded apparel, Bill Farquharson reminds us that every purchase is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of print. Discover how a simple conversation can reinforce the value of the products and services our industry provides in this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip.

Read More