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



2026 Print Week Celebrations

Our first event is next Thursday, March 5, and registrations are pouring in. Our Print Week traditions also recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and companies in the industry. Read about the exceptional winners of the Maxwell Award and Printer of the Year Award. Register now to celebrate with them! See a helpful link to the SOUTHERN event's location. Also, receive savings on your MICHIGAN stay by booking your room via GMA's portal.

Read More

Turning Energy Costs Into Opportunity: How GMA Members Are Capturing Real Savings Through Demand Response

GMA members are already seeing measurable energy savings through TogetherSolve’s Demand Response and procurement programs. With enrollment deadlines approaching, now is the time to act and position your business for immediate and long-term cost advantages.

Read More

Ohio's Mini-WARN Law Expands Advance Notice Rules for Mass Layoffs and Closures

As more layoffs are announced across the country, employers operating in Ohio must make sure they understand their obligations under the state’s “mini-WARN” law that just rolled out last fall.

Read More

July Price Change Becoming Clearer

After eleven months, the Postal Service’s potential annual rate authority under the CPI (Consumer Price Index) cap is getting clearer. Like the rest of us, the Postal Service is watching where the CPI cap may land.

Read More

Digital Printing Poised to 'Mature' in 2026

Factors such as brands’ input, artificial intelligence and system interoperability are expected to influence adoption of digital printing for packaging this year, according to a newly released report.

Read More

The Key to a Great Sales Pitch

They say you have 8 seconds to grab someone's attention. THAT'S IT! For salespeople, that means you'd better get to the point quickly. But what point? In this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip, Bill Farquharson tells you how to create a great sales pitch.

Read More