One of the most important reasons for finishing strong in 2013 is it becomes a springboard for starting 2014 right.
I always find it ironic that at this time of year, many agents either go into panic mode or they go into coasting mode.
If they go into panic mode, it’s because they are now feeling a sense of urgency to make their annual numbers. The problem with panic mode in the sales world is that agents tend to do stupid things.
Mainly, they offer too many discounts or other concessions (strip coverages) that ultimately destroy profit and diminish the confidence the customer has in the agent and/or the policy protection.
If, on the other hand, they go into coasting mode, they start doing an internal dialogue with themselves that is along the lines of, “If I can’t hit my numbers in 2013, I’ll just make up for it in the first quarter of 2014.”
Don’t get me wrong — I want you to hit the gate running in 2014. I just think if you coast now, you won’t be able to psych yourself up enough to compensate for your poor performance in the 4th quarter of 2013.
My suggestion?
Don’t panic. And don’t coast.
Instead, begin right now to mine your current customer list and your prospecting list. Set weekly goals that are slightly above the goals you would normally have for this time of year.
Stop “preparing” to make calls, and just make them. Challenge yourself to make at least 5 phone calls before 9 a.m. each day.
Even if you feel you are skilled at questioning, review your current list of questions and add at least 2-3 more questions that will better reveal the customers’ needs and pains.
Believe that you can get full price. If you are like many consumers, you may associate the 4th quarter with deep discounts and holiday sales. The only way you are going to break that association is to replace it with something else. I suggest you replace it with the belief that not only can you get full price, but that you are worth full price as your clients’ trusted advisor.
Stop hanging out with negative people. If there are negative colleagues in your office with whom you daily connect, change your routine or simply consume yourself with being on the phone with prospects and customers.
You cannot afford to have negative people moving you into panic mode or coast mode.
The above are just a few suggestions that will help you finish 2013 strong so you can start 2014 right. I’m sure you could come up with additional ideas that more uniquely fit your selling situation.
I have 15 additional tips I'm willing to share with you. Let me know what I can to to remove the roadblocks holding your prospects back.
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