Half Rubbish Half Brilliant!
Doyle Slayton | Nov 08, 2009 | Comments 11
A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article titled, “Stop Selling Like You’re Walking On Egg Shells!” As usual, I received a number of great comments from readers. Among those comments came one in particular that really stood out. It said…
“Half of what you say is complete rubbish and half is brilliant. I’ll leave it at that.” -Steve
You may think I’m crazy but, I’ve been smiling about this comment for weeks. In one short sentence, Steve captured everything that I want my blog to be! Of course I want readers to love everything I say, but I also want to write things that make people think differently than they did before.
It isn’t the first time I’ve shared articles with a “different” point of view…
- Pump Up the Volume!
- It’s Nothing Personal, It’s Just Business
- Networking for Results
- Empathy – Know Where to Draw the Line
Ultimately, I want to build a loyal readership around two fronts. I love hearing from those who automatically understand and relate to the concepts being shared. These readers build upon the article by adding their own ideas and experiences.
I also appreciate those who follow my blog because they are wondering what ridiculous point I’m going to make next. When someone disagrees or makes a harsh comment about my ideas it motivates me! Like most sales people I’m a little hard headed. I start thinking of ways to better explain my point next time.
There are a couple of things I’ve been wanting to share with all of you.
I Rarely Add My Own Comments – There are people who say that authors should also get involved in the comments section of their blog. I don’t do it often. Why? Because I’ve already shared my opinion in the article. I want to reserve the comments section for my readers. Whether they agree with me or not, I want readers to feel comfortable sharing their opinion. I’m not going to jump in to further argue my point or call anyone out.
I Value Every Comment – I am grateful to have such a loyal group of readers. I receive many compliments from colleagues who notice the high volume of comments under each post. Thank you for the time you take to share your knowledge and your opinion. Just in case you were wondering, none of your comments go unnoticed. I read everything you say!
Check Out These Related Articles!
Filed Under: Blog • Fun-n-Stuff • Leadership • Reader Questions • Sales • SalesTaxi
That’s very big of you, Doyle. And little.
I understand your “take” on the comments, but I don’t like–like a tackling dummy– that you just slide a little downfield when you’re hit and chalk it off to a learning experience.
I think real salesguys fight back, not to the point of bloody pulpness (?) or to the point of upsetting someone else, but definitely to the point of reiterating a position you believe in with the thought that maybe someone didn’t get it the first time.
What’s the worst can happen? Someone’s insulted at being overkill explained to?
Sales get lost by not speaking up when there’s some doubt that the other person may have missed the point. And your blog is being watched by others as an example of professional sales thinking.
Repeating information with an example or from a different perspective may bring someone in the boat, but more importantly it will ensure that what you have to say is clear and that it leaves no doubt.
It doesn’t need to be contentious, simply repeated in a pleasant way and in a different way.
Tackle dummys don’t make sales… they just get pushed around. Provocative bloggers, which is what I hear you saying you aspire to, provoke.
I like it when you’re assertive, and I like to hear your responses to others’ comments. You are a very bright guy and a true professional that we can all learn from.
Stand your ground on the points you make and don’t be afraid to re-make them when you believe you’re right.
I appreciate your openness and receptivity. Thanks for the chance to comment.
Best regards as always – Hal
OK Hal… I’ll take your advice and clarify my point. I’m not “afraid” to take a stand. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. I’m so confident in my position that I don’t feel the need to argue it any further. My article is my stance.
I want to hear other perspectives… “good” or “bad.” It provides me with insight into on how other people think.
I guess I see it as practice. I’m looking at it from the angle of answering questions in front of a live audience. If, through the blog for example, I’ve “heard it all before,” it makes me better in front of a crowd. I’m never caught by surprise. I’ve clearly thought through my responses and have already rehearsed the conversation… before the conversation.
Kind of like Marketing?…
1/2 garbage, 1/2 actually adds value?..the trick is knowing the 1/2 adding value.
Mark Allen Roberts
http://www.nosmokeandmirrors.com
Doyle,
I appreciate the thought provoking articles – everyone makes me consider (or re-consider) my own ideas and habits.
I also use the Chinese Buffet theory of sales training – try new things, then go back for more of what you like & works for you, plus there is always something I’m not putting on my plate.
Regards,
Lynn
Awe Lynn… why did you have to go and make me crave Chinese food this early in the morning LOL… I like the analogy
I like the idea of putting information out there and realizing that I don’t know it all. Sure I can teach people about cold calling after doing straight cold calling for two years and writing two books on it. However, I can also learn a great deal from other people. So when someone says your posts are half brilliant and half rubbish, that is a great way to validate your knowledge and to learn from the community who may have even more experience in a certain area.
Keep up the good work.
I like your view on this Emanuel. It comes down to putting ideas out there that people will talk about. It’s about creating buzz!
Hi Doyle
Nice article. I favour the Pareto principle…80/20. 80% good 20% not so good.My blog is 80% provocative and 20% not so provocative. I teach people not to be glass half empty OR glass half full. I teach them to say “Are you gonna drink that or what!!” Great blog Doyle and some fascinating insights into the world of sales. i only found you recently but I am glad I did.
Best regards
Dave
Glad you found it… hope to see you as often as Hal, Mark, Lynn, and Emanuel!
It’s our role in sales to take the brilliance and rubbish and weave it into to a concert that does the deal.
and it is our role, on the technical side (I am on the IT side of the house) then you need to let the experts tell you what is garbage and sales need to listen…
One more point: In organisations where the sales folk aren’t even coming close, why do we invariably see Marketing people trying to determine propositions and create campaigns, etc from the same base of knowledge upon which the salesmen have been building their lack of sales?
Daniel Steeves