Lots of good info in here. Some thoughts from a current B2B software sales guy:
* The successful B2B sales folks I’ve encountered aren’t what the general public would deem your typical salesperson. They listen more than they talk. They’re looking to help. They aren't pushy.
* You can’t control whether someone says yes or no or even if they respond. Figure out what you can control (whether or not you ask, how many people you reach out to, etc.), and focus on that. The other stuff will follow.
* Predictable Revenue has been mentioned. It’s a good ideal to strive for. I’d argue it’s overkill for a company in its infancy. For a new business, I’d suggest something simpler. Find about 100 potential customers, reach out to them, talk with them, and see if there’s a fit. Go from there.
* Sales is solving problems. What problem(s) do you solve? What problem(s) do your potential customers have? Is there a fit? “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
* The successful B2B sales folks I’ve encountered aren’t what the general public would deem your typical salesperson. They listen more than they talk. They’re looking to help. They aren't pushy.
* You can’t control whether someone says yes or no or even if they respond. Figure out what you can control (whether or not you ask, how many people you reach out to, etc.), and focus on that. The other stuff will follow.
* Predictable Revenue has been mentioned. It’s a good ideal to strive for. I’d argue it’s overkill for a company in its infancy. For a new business, I’d suggest something simpler. Find about 100 potential customers, reach out to them, talk with them, and see if there’s a fit. Go from there.
* Sales is solving problems. What problem(s) do you solve? What problem(s) do your potential customers have? Is there a fit? “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
* Some folks to follow on Linkedin Sarah Brazier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjbrazier/ Sam Nelson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realsamnelson/ Sahil Mansuri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahilmansuri/ Scott Leese: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottleese/ Trish Bertuzzi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishbertuzzi/
* The Entrepid How to Sell pdf is making the rounds, and for good reason. It’s solid. Here’s the link again: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57daf6098419c27febcd4...
Anyways, this is my $0.02.