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Selling Breakthroughs Removing the Showstopper Problems. Selling Breakthroughs. “You can work harder and harder to push water uphill … o r, you can remove the hill”. The “Hill” – the Showstoppers. Lots of problems, but these are the three most common ‘must fix” showstopper problems:
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Selling Breakthroughs “You can work harder and harder to push water uphill … or, you can remove the hill”
The “Hill” – the Showstoppers Lots of problems, but these are the three most common ‘must fix” showstopper problems: • Visibility/ Recognition • Getting in/ getting engaged at the right levels • Creating urgency And even the “perfect fix” to the above will not matter unless: • You drive effective execution by aligning the energy and resources and overcome all the wrong instincts of your own people
Visibility/ RecognitionIt’s not enough to be great, you need to be known to be great
You Get Known For Something Jeffery Dahmer John Roberts
The Key “Visibility” Rules A boatload of money, or • You get known for something • You lead with a theme, not a list • Crisp, clear, compelling messaging essential • Compelling = different, not just better • What aisle/ what shelf – simplicity on the solution • Sizzle on the breakthrough • Things that are important have names (problems/ sizzle support) • Problem-based differentiation can be easier/ more compelling than solution-based differentiation
It Starts With a Compelling Vision Vision drives focus for market leaders Leaders consistently project a clear, crisp, compelling vision within their companies and throughout their marketplace
Market Position Roadmap If All Else Fails, Stake Out the Corners SAP – The Most Customers, features, languages, processes, partners, … Oracle – Technology Technology leader, best technology, … PeopleSoft – People Nice people to do business with, Leverage human capital, … JD Edwards – ? Technology leader? Nice people to do business with? Mid-market? Baan
The Three Primary “Aha!” Types Narrative • Prose text, analytical/logical presentation Metaphorical • Word pictures, stories, analogies Visual • Graphics, charts, diagrams, pictures Because “speed to aha” is critical
Getting In/Getting EngagedBecause you’ll never sell anything if you’re not engaged with the real buyers
Different Perspectives on Leads The Sales View TheMarketing View
Messages TransformThe Telling of the Tale Evolves Across the Buying Process ≠ Comfort Zone H2H Fails Customer- centric Speed to “aha” Strategic Values Hot, Exciting Aura Buzz Crisp Messages Different Themes H2H OK Product centric Safe Quantity/ Depth Tactical Needs Rich Messages Better Relationships Lists = Comfort Zone Top of Funnel Traction Bottom of Funnel
Engaging with Buyers Words: Risk, Cost, …Focus: problems, strategies Challenges: journeys Urgent needs: wins on my watch, in charge not in control, strategic problem yet no strategic solution, … Words: Risk, Cost, … Focus: products, processes Challenges: destinations Urgent needs: I’m valuable/important/strategic, … Budget Makers Budget Takers
Creating Demand • You can’t create need • But you can transform latent needs into active demand • In today’s markets, “demand creation” becomes paramount • “Leadgen” is not demand generation, therefore leadgen has become less and less effective
Pipeline Building Programs • Relationship mapping • The Roadshow • The box programs • Other programs
Creating Urgency The three key rules for creating urgency: • Position to urgent needs • Create/leverage decision-level relationships • Obliterate showstopper objections
Primary Action Driver Categories • Urgent Drives action:Buy • Important Drives activities:Active evaluation • Useful Drives interest:“Drive by” activities
Aligning Your Energy and ResourcesOvercoming all the wrong instincts
Driving Alignment/ Right Actions • Simple messaging, memorable stories • Your #1 target audience is your own company • Campaign, not an event • Understanding the strategies/ process • FAQs/ TAQs • Practice, practice, practice • Be ever alert for right intentions/ wrong instincts