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How to Value a Friendship - Sales and Marketing Training

Guest post by: Brian Sullivan

Article Overview: Do you look at your customers as friends? I believe a friend is somebody you...keep informed of the latest products and services you offer. If you truly believe in the benefits of what you sell, wouldn't you FIRST want your friends to know about it?

How to Value a Friendship - Sales and Marketing Training

"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth." Robert Southey.

Do you look at your customers as friends? And do they see you as a friend? And what is your definition of friend? Well, the dictionary describes a friend as a person you know well and regard with affection and trust. But as it relates to business, I have another definition. I believe a friend is somebody you care about so much that you feel you OWE it to them to keep them informed of the latest products and services you offer. Because if you truly believe in the benefits of what you sell, wouldn't you FIRST want your friends to know about it.

But unfortunately, the word "friend" has been distorted by countless salespeople who believe that if they try to present too many new solutions to a "friendly" customer, they will suddenly stop being their friend. On the contrary! Because by delivering value to your "buddies" you will create friends for life. And your friendship will be built on a foundation of service, not a foundation of knock-knock jokes, indifference and sales guilt.

So this week, don't forget that while many of your customers make you feel like you are part of the team, your friendship is NOT what they are paying for. They are paying for your professionalism, your knowledge, and your ability to match their needs with the perfect solutions. Keep selling them products and services that make their life easier, more efficient and more profitable and you will create value-based friendships that are nearly impossible to break.

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Article Tags: insurance sales training, medical sales training



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