Episode 95: Prospecting, Follow-Up and the Art of Disqualification, with Andy Paul [PODCAST]

If you’re in sales, there’s a good chance you’ve dealt with the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the industry. That’s where Andy Paul comes in. Andy is an author, blogger, podcaster, speaker, and consultant with a knack for helping salespeople accelerate their sales. His focus is on helping salespeople understand the stigmas and how to blow them out of the water by being authentic and passionate about the process. During this chat with David, Andy shares valuable insight into sales techniques that can truly transform your sales and give you the edge over others in the industry. According to Andy, the best way to excel is to differentiate yourself from others.

Building trust by making a deliberate exchange with the buyer.

In order to eliminate the stigma surrounding the sales industry, it’s essential to bring honesty to the exchange. Andy discusses how to do this be deliberately giving the buyer something of value. They give you their time, but what can you as the seller give them to add value to the experience and gain their trust? According to Andy, being present in the conversation is key. It’s all about being there mentally in order to show the buyer you care and eventually break the trust barrier. If you’re not wholly focused on them, it’s difficult to gain the trust of the buyer.

Your confidence will increase exponentially as you continue to learn.

Andy discusses the importance of asking questions during an exchange. He even suggests making it a challenge – how long can you go in a conversation without doing anything but asking questions? Andy shares some tactical steps to help salespeople better understand the questions they should be asking in order to get to the meat of the matter – what it is the buyer needs and how you can fill that need. He also offers insight into the role of passion in the sales process. According to Andy, you must have passion either for helping people or for the product/service you’re offering. Sincerity is key – and passion is the root of sincerity.

Embracing follow-up as the one thing you can control.

Follow up is perhaps the area of greatest struggle for salespeople everywhere. Why? Simply put, most people have a feeling that they might be “pestering” the buyer by following up with them. So, how does Andy deal with this issue? Well, he’s honest about the fact that you are, in fact pestering them. The key is to realize that follow up is the one and only thing you can control in the process. Andy’s strategy for follow up is to offer something of value with each contact. He shares some tips to help you add value to your prospects and make each exchange something they will eagerly await.

You are the first line of differentiation between you and everyone else.

As David and Andy close out their chat, they discuss in greater detail Andy’s two books: “Amp Up Your Sales: Powerful Strategies That Move Customers To Make Fast, Favorable Decisions” and “Zero-Time Selling: 10 Essential Steps to Accelerate Every Company’s Sales”. Andy also shares his final thoughts for fellow salespeople and why you must differentiate yourself from others in order to succeed. This conversation is a must for salespeople who are ready to accelerate their sales and stand out from the rest.

Outline of this great episode

[1:23] David’s introduction and welcome to you and his guest, Andy Paul.