As AV sales people we hear a lot of sales advice and tactics. But what happens when those tactics meet reality? In this Selling AV, I talk about a time I went against my gut to deploy a tactic I paid good money to learn and what happened as a result.
Dec 17, 2016•5 min
There is an obvious shift that needs to happen in Selling AV from a box-driven sale to a managed service offering. This week I give you two tips on how to make sure the customer sees the value in your service agreements so you can keep making that RMR!
Dec 03, 2016•5 min
This week on Selling AV, a lighter message for a lighter work week. Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 24, 2016•2 min
In an AV world sometimes dominated by HDBaseT, Video over IP, UHD and 4K, it is easy to get caught up in the opportunities of video. However there is a special talent needed to do audio right and that presents new opportunities for integrators with audio chops.
Nov 12, 2016•5 min
Not every customer is for you, (although they may think that they are). Find out when it may be time to fire yourself to avoid a bad fit.
Oct 28, 2016•5 min
In the AV world, referrals are like gold. This week on Selling AV we discuss why asking for referrals to everyone will actually yield referrals to no one.
Oct 20, 2016•4 min
If you have heard some of the gurus of storytelling out there declare the elevator pitch dead, I am here to respectfully disagree. Listen to this Selling AV to find out how to effectively use an elevator pitch in the storytelling economy.
Oct 05, 2016•5 min
Sometimes in AV we think we know what the client wants until we submit a proposal and they tell us otherwise. Don’t get frustrated! Follow these three steps to optimize the chances of partnering with the client to get the proposal right.
Sep 21, 2016•5 min
Sometimes as AV salespeople and AV businesses we get hung up on what we want to sell our clients. Many times however, that may not align with what the client wants to buy. Listen to this week’s selling AV to hear the difference.
Sep 10, 2016•5 min
As sales people it’s typically hard for us to deliver bad news or say “I don’t know”. However when uncomfortable situations arise, it’s better to be present than to wait for the perfect answer. Find out why in this week’s Selling AV.
Aug 14, 2016•5 min
Products only succeed when companies have great people behind them. In this episode of Selling AV I give you a lead on an amazing industry veteran looking for a new home, Malissa Dillman.
Aug 04, 2016•5 min
The goal of Selling AV, getting commitment from our potential clients. Listen to this podcast for tips on selling AV!
Jul 30, 2016•5 min
Are you looking into a new path for revenue for your AV business or looking at potential new verticals? Give yourself the best platform to succeed by following one simple piece of advice.
Jul 23, 2016•5 min
As AV sales professionals, many times we end up approaching the IT department first, as they will have the final technical approval of our systems. This week I give a couple reasons why we should be starting some of these conversations in the marketing department instead.
Jul 16, 2016•4 min
You’ve just returned from the largest commercial AV tradeshow and have been bombarded with all sorts of new products and services. In this Selling AV I challenge you to try something new after the show, and I give 2 simple tips on how to make that transition easier. Think of it as your 5 minute sales manager.
Jul 07, 2016•5 min
As are many other things in life, our AV businesses are all about momentum. This week I talk about ways to maintain and/or regain momentum after InfoComm. Think of it as your 5 minute sales manager.
Jun 30, 2016•4 min
InfoComm is the year’s biggest commercial AV event. As a manufacturer or manufacturer’s rep spending big bucks for space on the floor, the best thing you can do is be quiet. Listen to the Selling AV to find out why.
May 31, 2016•4 min
InfoComm is the year’s biggest commercial AV event. Last time I encouraged you to bring a client to the show. However, if that just isn’t possible, bring a project instead. Listen to the Selling AV to find out why.
May 24, 2016•5 min
InfoComm is the year’s biggest commercial AV event. If you want to get the most of your time, bring a client. Listen to the Selling AV to find out why.
May 17, 2016•3 min
There are many technical differences between Residential and Commercial AV, and also differences of opinion on how far apart the two disciplines are in that regard. However, in my experience on both sides of the industry, there is one difference between the two that is undeniable. Tune in to find out what it is.
Apr 16, 2016•5 min
This week I focus on two things that can make a better AV salesperson. The tips come from a media mogul I met while doing residential AV systems in Arizona. Think of it as your 5 minute Sales Manager for the week.
Apr 08, 2016•5 min
If you have been selling AV for any amount of time you know that Sellin’ Ain’t Easy. In fact, if it were we wouldn’t be on 23 episodes of this show and counting. This week’s show gives those considering a career in Selling AV a little insight as to what they can expect.
Mar 19, 2016•5 min
Life is full of opportunities for us professionally and personally — but sometimes those opportunities aren’t obvious. That is why this week, I talk about never missing a chance to…
Mar 15, 2016•5 min
Gone are the days where sales people wear a suit and tie to every meeting. So given the differences between regions and the businesses we call upon, how do we assure we always look professional? Find out in this week’s Selling AV.
Feb 26, 2016•5 min
In today’s world of traditional and digital communications, it’s important that you pay attention to how your customers like to communicate and make sure you meet them where they are. Take a five-minute spin through this topic and get a little bonus piece of advice in this week’s Selling AV.
Feb 20, 2016•5 min
If you are in the business of selling AV, odds are you’re in the wrong job. What do I mean and how do you fix it? Listen to this week’s Selling AV to find out. Think of it as your five-minute sales manager.
Jan 30, 2016•5 min
It’s easy to let the complexity and unique nature of the systems we are working on determine the level of our excitement. How do you stay enthusiastic while providing small and simple solutions? Listen to this week’s Selling AV to find out!
Jan 16, 2016•5 min
Creating relationships with General Contractors is an obvious strategy for securing AV work. Given that, everyone else is doing it too! If you want to increase your chances of landing jobs with GCs, take a listen to this week’s Selling AV.
Jan 06, 2016•5 min
There is an interesting new blog on rAVe by Omar Prashad that coins a new term called “Scope Seep.” If you haven’t read it, check it out here. Based on that, this week on Selling AV, I thought I’d give some advice on avoiding the “free” trap. Take it for a spin — it’s only five minutes.
Dec 29, 2015•6 min
Real estate agents are highly sought after networking partners, which means that sometimes it is hard to establish yourself as their go-to AV expert against your competition. This week’s Selling AV gives you some advice on how to isolate the right agents and then give yourself the best chance to earn their referral business. Think of it as your five-minute sales manager.
Dec 19, 2015•5 min