Bidding Differently

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:

I will question assumptions
I will look at everything with new eyes and a fresh perspective
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:

Check out the Sales Vault!

Printer-Friendly Version

2024 ENCORE Leadership Conference

There is just a little over a week until the ENCORE Leadership Conference on September 23! Join us to explore industry topics, network with peers and gain the knowledge you need to lead effectively in the evolving world of printing and packaging.

Tee Off at the 19th Annual Golf Tournament!

We’re excited to invite you to the 19th Annual Graphic Media Alliance & Sterling Distribution Golf Tournament on September 24 at the beautiful Royal American Links in Galena, Ohio. This event promises a perfect mix of business networking and relaxation in a scenic setting.

In Memoriam of Robert (Bob) Lindgren

Graphic Media Alliance was saddened to hear of the passing of industry veteran Robert Lindgren.

EPA Extends PFAS Reporting Deadline

The EPA has granted an eight-month extension for companies to submit reports on PFAS use under the Toxic Substances Control Act, pushing the deadline to July 2025. However, manufacturers argue the reporting requirements remain overly burdensome, adding administrative strain without delivering clear public health benefits.

MTM Announces Leadership Transition

John Karlen, the current Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company (MTM) president will step down on June 1, 2025, and be succeeded by Megan Brown, the company's VP of Marketing and Sales for the last 18 years.

Detroit PCC Events

Check out upcoming events presented by the Detroit Postal Customer Council!

Graphic Media Alliance

Complete Story

09/04/2024