Graphic Media Alliance

Complete Story
 

10/14/2026

Find the What, Make the Sale

Source: Bill Farquharson, October 12, 2026

Good morning!

Most salespeople begin prospecting by asking, “Who buys the printing?”

That seems logical. Find the buyer, gain an appointment, obtain something to quote, and begin the race to the bottom. Woo-hoo!

Perhaps we are starting with the wrong question.

Before searching for the “Who,” find the “What.”

What is the company trying to accomplish? What business challenge is it facing? What outcome does it need? What opportunity is it pursuing?

If you begin by finding the print buyer, you limit yourself to “selling print.”

Find the business objective first and you give yourself a chance to sell ideas.

The “Who” still matters.

Just make certain you understand the “What” first.

Watch Bill present this week's sales tip

And What do you want? More sales? Good news! We know Who can help: Bill Farquharson and his Sales Vault. Go to SalesVault.pro or call 781-934-7036.


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



Your Next Generation of Leaders Is Already on Your Team. Are They Ready?

Great employees don't automatically become great leaders. They need the right tools, guidance, and opportunities to grow. On December 15, Graphic Media Alliance is bringing all five sessions of the 2026 Emerging Leaders Academy together for one powerful day of leadership development. Join us in person or via Zoom and equip your future leaders with practical skills and a comprehensive Field Resource Guide they can reference for years to come. Registration is open. Invest in your team's future today!

Read More

Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Printing Industry Outlook

Where is the printing industry headed, and how does your company compare? Graphic Media Alliance encourages members to participate in the latest Printing Industry Performance & Insights survey. Invest just 10 to 15 minutes to help build a clearer picture of the opportunities, challenges, and trends shaping our industry's future.

Read More

GMA Expands Sustainability Resources Through New National Partnership with PrintReleaf

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of doing business in the printing industry. Through a new partnership between PrintReleaf and the Americas Printing Association Network (APAN), Graphic Media Alliance members will gain access to innovative tools that turn environmental responsibility into a measurable business advantage. This exciting partnership will be a key component of our 2027 GMASustainability(+) initiative. Learn more and save the date for a special presentation on November 5!

Read More

Great Connections Are Brewing in Detroit! Join GMA for Oktoberfest!

Networking doesn't always have to happen in a conference room! Graphic Media Alliance is teaming up with AIGA Detroit for a special BrewCrew Oktoberfest celebration on October 27. Join fellow professionals from the printing, graphic communications, and creative communities for an evening of great conversations, new connections, and a little fun along the way. Space is limited, so RSVP today!

Read More

Behind the Scenes with USPS: An Exclusive Look at What Keeps the Mail Moving!

The networking opportunities continue this October! If you attended GMA's ENCORE Leadership Conference or Annual Golf Tournament, you may have met Michelle Shimmel from the Central Ohio Postal Customer Council (COPCC). Now, Michelle and her colleagues are inviting industry professionals to experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the USPS Citygate facility in Columbus on October 21. Space is limited, so don't miss this opportunity!

Read More

Find the What, Make the Sale

Are you asking the wrong question when prospecting for new business? Finding the person responsible for purchasing print might seem like the logical first step, but Bill Farquharson suggests a different approach. In this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip, discover why understanding a prospect's business challenges and objectives could open the door to more meaningful conversations, stronger relationships, and better sales opportunities.

Read More