Finding time to watch lengthy videos can be challenging, particularly when they exceed an hour. As someone who values efficiency, I find reading to be a quicker and more digestible way to absorb information. With this in mind, I’ve taken the liberty of transforming Simon Squibb’s enlightening video, “30 Years of Sales Knowledge in 28 Minutes” into a written format. Simon’s content on TikTok and YouTube has been instrumental in helping countless individuals pursue their dreams, which is why I’m eager to share his insights with you in this more accessible form. Let’s dive into the wealth of knowledge Simon has accumulated over three decades in the sales industry.
For those who are new to Simon Squibb, he is an entrepreneur and marketing guru with over three decades of experience. He’s known for his innovative marketing strategies and has built several successful businesses. This post is my way of capturing his wisdom in a quick, readable format.
Introduction:
In the fast-paced world of business, one skill stands out as absolutely crucial: sales. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate executive, or just starting your career, understanding the art of sales can make or break your success. Recently, I came across Simon Squibb youtube videos, he is a veteran salesman with 30 years of experience selling to Fortune 500 companies. In just 28 minutes, Simon distilled his decades of knowledge into digestible, actionable insights. I have followed him in his TikTok and YouTube Short, but long form videos, i think this is a great opportunity for me to learn new insight. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from his wisdom.
The Essence of Authenticity in Sales
Simon kicks off with a powerful message: authenticity is the cornerstone of successful sales. In a world where manipulative tactics are all too common, being genuine stands out. He emphasizes that honesty and authenticity lead to long-term relationships and repeat business. It’s not about tricking people into buying; it’s about creating real connections.
Key Takeaway: Be yourself, be honest, and focus on building trust rather than making a quick sale.
The Power of Over-Delivering
One of Simon’s golden rules is to always over-deliver. This means not only meeting but exceeding client expectations. He advises:
- Only sell what you truly believe in and can deliver
- Be clear about what you can guarantee and what you hope to achieve
- Go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction
This approach not only leads to happy clients but also to strong referrals and a stellar reputation.
Finding Your Unique Sales Style
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sales. Simon encourages finding your own style:
- Embrace your personality, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert
- Leverage your natural strengths and preferences
- Authenticity in your approach will resonate more than trying to fit a predetermined mold
The Importance of Team Training
A surprising insight from Simon is the importance of training your entire team in sales, not just the sales department. He shares an anecdote about how his accountant became one of his best salespeople. By ensuring everyone understands and can communicate your product’s value, you create a company-wide sales force.
The Three-Step Sales Process
Simon breaks down the sales process into three crucial steps:
- Identify who needs your product
- Build a relationship with the potential client
- Present your product and its benefits
He emphasizes that most people jump straight to step 3, which is a common mistake. Understanding the client’s needs and building a relationship are crucial precursors to any successful sale.
Implementing a Sales System
Success in sales isn’t just about charm and persuasion; it’s about having a system. Simon recommends:
- Using tools like Pipedrive to track and manage your sales process
- Consistently following up and staying connected with potential clients
- Creating a structured approach to nurture leads and close deals
The Art of Leveraging
One of the most powerful strategies Simon discusses is leveraging existing relationships and successes. This includes:
- Using current clients as references to gain new business
- Being willing to do some work for free to gain valuable partnerships
- Using these relationships to open doors to new opportunities
Selling the Outcome, Not the Product
A crucial shift in mindset that Simon advocates is focusing on selling the outcome rather than the product itself. He uses the analogy “sell the sizzle, not the steak.” This means:
- Emphasizing how your product or service improves the client’s life or business
- Focusing on benefits and results rather than features
- Painting a picture of the positive change your product can bring
The Importance of Belief in Your Product
Simon strongly advises only selling products or services you genuinely believe in. This authenticity shines through in your sales pitch and makes the entire process more natural and effective. When you’re passionate about what you’re selling, it’s not just a transaction – it’s sharing something valuable with others.
Harnessing the Power of Brand Partnerships
An often overlooked aspect of sales is the power of brand partnerships. Simon discusses how aligning with other brands can exponentially increase your reach and credibility. He introduces the concept of “1 + 1 = 11,” highlighting how the right partnerships can create value greater than the sum of their parts.
The Emotional Sale
Perhaps one of the most intriguing points Simon makes is about the emotional aspect of sales. He argues that connecting with customers on an emotional level, sharing your mission, and showing vulnerability can be incredibly powerful. It’s about showing why your work matters beyond just making a profit.
Thinking Outside the Box
Lastly, Simon encourages out-of-the-box thinking in sales. This might involve:
- Coming up with unconventional ideas to stand out
- Using creative PR and marketing strategies to support your sales efforts
- Not being afraid to propose seemingly “mad” concepts that could revolutionize your industry
Conclusion:
Simon Squibb’s insights offer a fresh perspective on sales, emphasizing authenticity, relationship-building, and creative thinking. By focusing on these principles and implementing the strategies he outlines, anyone can improve their sales skills and achieve greater success in business. Remember, at its core, sales is about understanding people, solving problems, and creating value. Understand these elements, and we’ll be well on our way to becoming a sales powerhouse.
