Many organizations and sales representatives lose valuable time due to the common interruptions and distractions that exist in today’s fast-paced, information-driven world. Have you identified the specific tasks and high priority items for each individual involved in a sales or customer service role? That’s where the priority matrix comes in. What is the Priority Matrix?…
Most business owners have dealt with frustrated or upset customers at some point. If you’ve been in business long enough, it’s virtually unavoidable. But what isn’t unavoidable is taking important steps to manage these situations and resolve the conflict. Upset Customers Don’t Have to Remain Upset How do your team members or customer service reps…
Every business has a list of ideal customers and prospects that they would like to speak directly to, call upon, and ultimately secure a deal with. Sales and customer service reps may also wish to build stronger relationships with current customers but not know the best communication styles for working with them. Understanding Communication Styles…
Collaboration, teamwork, idea sharing, and prioritizing organizational initiatives seem like they would be foundations for business growth and success. All organizations have specific challenges and opportunities that require discussion and attention to move forward in a positive direction. However, very few growing organizations take the time to work “on” their business for planning and communicating…
During a recent customer service training and development workshop, the X5 team facilitated a roundtable discussion on customer communication process and receiving customer feedback. It is concerning how many sales reps disappear after an initial sale is made and the product or service has been delivered. They mistakenly think that their work is done, but…
How well (or not-so-well) your business handles a customer complaint can make or break your success, as well as your company’s reputation. The truth is, even if a customer is legitimately unsatisfied with your product or service, how you handle their complaint could make the difference in whether they continue to be your customer. Unsatisfied…
Building a team is easy. All you do is hire people that you like, put them all into a group and the team will form. Or is it that simple? As a society, we have been inundated with sports highlights of the stars making a great shot, the great play, the ESPN or TSN play…
The first Thursday of each month features a “best of” X5 Management blog. The intent is to showcase and revisit some of our blogs from the past. We hope you enjoy them! When you mention the idea of training or professional development to your team, how do they react to this? Does your team recognize…
X5 Management colleague Mike Mack and I had an opportunity to sit down with a prospective client last week. He was speaking about some of the challenges that his sales people were facing in an ever more competitive world. As the business owner, he had absolutely no trouble asking questions and then listening to the answers,…
With today’s economic uncertainty, training and professional development is more important than ever. Many companies are taking this valuable opportunity to develop their workforce so they can develop soft skills and in turn increase sales and retain their customers with remarkable service. Of course cost can be a barrier for employers – but did you…
