Graphic Media Alliance

Complete Story
 

09/04/2024

Bidding Differently

Source: Bill Farquharson, The Sales Vault, September 2, 2024

bill f

Imagine you are putting a bid in on a house. It’s just a number, right?

But in response to your offer, the homeowner comes back and says something unusual:

“My house is special. I am interested in knowing its future. You are one of two parties I am considering. Your bids are virtually equal. But I have one question for the both of you and depending on the answer, I will make my decision. My question is, “What 3 changes will you make to the house if you are awarded the bid?”

As the new homeowner, you are coming in with a fresh pair of eyes. Some of the changes are upgrades while others are just personal preference. But you will undoubtedly do things differently.

Take the same thinking to sales and, in particular, working to gain a new account.

Imagine approaching a prospect’s bid by adding, “Here is my price. Should you decide to make a switch and bring me in, you can expect:

  1. I will question assumptions
  2. I will look at everything with new eyes and a fresh perspective
  3. The result will be innovation; a new look from top to bottom and a better way of doing things. You don’t know what you don’t know. “Let’s find out together.”

Differentiation can take on many different forms. Don’t just throw a number at someone. Give them a better reason to look your way.

Changing vendors is scary, but there is an upside, too. Complacency is the enemy of innovation. Remind your prospects of that.

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



The Leader Everyone Depends On Starts With the Leader in the Mirror

Great leadership starts with how you lead yourself. At ENCORE 2026, Mike Philie of PhilieGroup will challenge attendees to examine the habits, decisions and priorities that shape their effectiveness as leaders. In The Leader Everyone Depends On, Mike will share practical strategies for managing competing priorities, building resilience and continuing to grow when others are counting on you.

Read More

Trade the Office for the Golf Course

Join GMA members, partners and industry friends on October 6 for the 21st Annual GMA & Sterling Distribution Golf Tournament at Royal American Links. Enjoy a day of golf, friendly competition and valuable connections, whether you bring a foursome or register on your own.

Read More

What Is the 2026 Workforce Data Telling Us?

Are your wages and benefits keeping pace with today’s print industry? Join Teresa Campbell on September 29 for a special live webinar examining findings from the 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey and the trends shaping compensation, benefits, recruitment and retention. Go beyond the numbers and gain valuable context as you begin planning for 2027.

Read More

[Duplicate] What Is the 2026 Workforce Data Telling Us?

Are your wages and benefits keeping pace with today’s print industry? Join Teresa Campbell on September 29 for a special live webinar examining findings from the 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey and the trends shaping compensation, benefits, recruitment and retention. Go beyond the numbers and gain valuable context as you begin planning for 2027.

Read More

Don’t Let Lithium-Ion Batteries Burn Your Business

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the tools and electronics used every day, but improper use, storage or disposal can create serious fire risks. Join Federated Insurance for this webinar to learn how to recognize warning signs, prevent battery-related fires and implement practical safety strategies to better protect your employees and operations.

Read More

Employer Cheat Sheet for Workplace Laws Taking Effect in October 2026

The seasons are changing, and so are workplace laws for many states across the country. Employers operating in certain states will see new legislation take effect in October on issues ranging from pay transparency to “captive audience” meetings to immigration-related notices. Fisher Phillips shares an employer cheat sheet to some of the key laws kicking in next month

Read More