Connie is a Queen Leader: She learned to sell before she even knew what sales was.
Manage episode 415767473 series 3446654
Tune in to hear the dynamic onery duo of Amy & Connie dive into what sales really is, how we can make something we actually enjoy and what it takes to get there. It starts with knowing who you are & how you communicate in every way.
🎙️ Podcast Episode with Connie
Amy and Connie discussed a range of topics related to sales, communication, and personal development. They emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles, with Connie sharing her personal experiences and a communication style assessment tool she uses. They also discussed the importance of customizing solutions for clients and the development of a new communication framework. Connie and Amy also discussed the role of self-assessments in personal growth and the importance of addressing objections in sales. Towards the end of their conversations, they touched on personal limiting beliefs and the impacts of various communication filters and biases.
🚀 Upcoming Show, Technical Issues, Free Gift, Professional Journey, Communication in Sales
Amy and Connie discussed their upcoming show participation and technical difficulties with Amy's microphone. Connie offered a free gift, a communication style assessment, which Amy agreed was beneficial. The conversation ended with the hosts sharing their locations. Connie shared their professional journey from the finance industry in the 1980s to becoming a successful business owner. They emphasized the importance of communication and education in sales over traditional hard-sell tactics.
📚 Education, Sales, Communication, and Understanding
Connie and Amy discussed the importance of education in sales and communication. Connie shared their 40-year experience and a communication model they use with their clients. They also discussed the challenges of inferring others' communication styles without directly asking them. Connie explained their four-step approach to understanding a person's communication style, emphasizing the importance of observing the person's energy level and pace. Amy agreed with Connie's method, and they also mentioned a tool they would receive for free to help with this.
📊 Communication Styles in Business Settings
Connie and Amy discussed the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles in business settings. Connie emphasized the need to recognize whether someone is people-oriented or task-oriented, and how this influences their pace and approach. They also shared an example of how they adjust their coaching style based on their client's needs. Amy agreed, noting that adapting their style out of respect for others doesn't detract from their authenticity but rather enhances the effectiveness of their interactions.
📢 Communication Style and Client Interactions
Connie emphasized the importance of understanding one's communication style and adapting to others' in order to improve teamwork and client interactions. They shared an anecdote about shifting their communication style to suit the needs of a client and stressed the need to be present and attentive during conversations. Connie also recommended spending 70% of the time listening, asking follow-up questions, and preparing appropriate questions beforehand. Amy agreed with Connie's points, highlighting the importance of active listening in improving communication quality and closing deals.
🔍 Client-Centric Solutions: Tailoring to Needs
Amy and Connie discussed the importance of customizing solutions for clients based on their specific needs and problems, rather than focusing solely on the features of the product. They emphasized the need to understand the client's context and tailor the solution accordingly. Connie suggested viewing the solution as a collaborative process, where the client's input is valued and incorporated into the final plan. They also highlighted the importance of addressing immediate needs before considering long-term goals, and the potential for this approach to build trust and loyalty with clients.
🌟 New Communication Framework Development
Amy and Connie discussed the development of a new communication framework. Connie shared that they and a colleague in Florida, who was Myers Brig certified, had created this framework to help individuals embrace their unique strengths. They identified five styles, instead of the traditional four in other models, and emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing these styles. Connie also mentioned that they had shared this framework at a local event and received positive feedback from the audience.
🔄 Communication Styles and Assessments
Connie and Amy discussed the importance of understanding and respecting different communication styles in their interactions with others. Connie emphasized the value of assessments that provide insights into one's strengths and blind spots, noting that a low score in a particular area could potentially lead to missed opportunities. The conversation also highlighted how understanding these traits can help individuals communicate more effectively and work collaboratively with others.
📝 Self-Assessment and Sales Communication
Amy and Connie had a discussion about the importance of self-assessments in determining one's strengths and areas of improvement. Connie emphasized the value of honesty in these assessments and how they can guide individuals in allocating their resources. The conversation also touched upon the significance of communication skills in sales due to increased buyer resistance. Connie noted that due to social media and other distractions, customers now need more frequent interactions with salespeople, with 15 to 18 touchpoints being necessary. The discussion concluded with Connie pointing out the negative portrayal of salespeople in movies and the need to overcome this perception.
🌐 Sales and Communication Skills
Connie and Amy discussed the various elements of sales and communication skills. Connie emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing objections, building trust, and focusing on the steps of the sales process. They advised practicing and developing skills over time, rather than trying to do everything at once. They also talked about various communication filters and biases, such as personality traits, gender differences, upbringing, heritage, generational differences, and ancestry. Connie highlighted the need to understand these influences to improve communication and sales skills. Amy noted the similarity between these strategies and those used in therapy.
💡 Limiting Beliefs and Collaboration in Business
Connie and Amy had a far-reaching discussion about personal limiting beliefs and their impacts on their professional lives. Connie revealed their belief that owning a big house equates to being a crook, which they recognized as hindering their business. Amy shared their own limiting beliefs and they discussed ways to overcome them. They also discussed a communication style assessment tool and Connie's approach to refining processes for better results. Further, they touched on skincare, entrepreneurship, marketing budgets, and the challenges faced by small businesses. Connie and Amy agreed to collaborate and promote each other's content to maximize outreach.
Next steps:
• Connie will provide a free communication style assessment tool at the end of the podcast.
• Connie will send Amy the link for the communication style assessment and the show notes with all the relevant information.
🌐 Links:
Website: changingthesalesgame.com
Facebook: facebook.com/whitmanandassociates
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/conniewhitman
YouTube: youtube.com/@conniewhitman8132
Twitter: twitter.com/connie_whitman
Communication Style Assessment: Link to Assessment 🌟 Rate & Review: Enjoyed this episode?...
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