Graphic Sales Stories

With each comic we pair a podcast. Then Ted Stearns cuts it up into bite sized clips for all of our short attention spans to consume. If you're interested in a deeper dive into the topic that coincides with the latest episode, check out the full podcast. We usually have a couple more ridiculous true sales stories to share and tips too, like this one.

Working a trade show booth? Ask these three questions before pitching. I first learned these from Steve Richard (who is properly credited in the full podcast, if not this clip). Thanks, Steve! 1?? What’s your business? This question is intentionally broad—it helps you determine if you're talking to your ideal customer. When prospecting via phone or email, we don’t ask this because we already know the answer. But at an event, we ask to: ? Identify whether the company could be a good fit. ? Learn more about different businesses (which is always valuable). Tip: Don't just nod and smile. Ask follow-ups. Use your business acumen. Show real curiosity. ?? Be interested, not interesting. 2?? What brought you here? People attend events for a reason. This question helps uncover it. At first, they’ll say something general: “I came to learn and network.” Then, if you listen closely, you’ll hear something like: ??? “What we’re really struggling with is…” ??? “I absolutely need to figure out…” ??? “It’s critical that we…” These are explicit needs. When their tone shifts, take note. Later, jot their words down on the back of their business card. 3?? What speaker or topic have you found most useful so far? Why? Their answer gives you insight into their priorities. If they found certain content valuable, there's a good chance your product/service aligns with their needs. People love to share opinions. Give them the space to do it. — Watch the full Graphic Sales Stories podcast with Peter Cleary on Trade Shows here: https://lnkd.in/eKgRVfgu Read the comic here: https://lnkd.in/ePEzsJRQ — ?? What other great trade show questions have you used? Drop them in the comments! #tradeshow

In our latest story we goof on bad trade show behavior. But what is good trade show behavior? Tom and Peter run down the fundamentals in this clip. Watch the full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eTkpZ-nt Read the comic here: https://lnkd.in/eEGgS8nk #tradeshows #salestips #graphicsalesstories

Are trade shows worth it? Peter Cleary and Tom Stearns have vastly different opinions! Tune in to hear them discuss, a few outlandish true stories, and also (because that's what Tom does) learn how to make the most of them. https://lnkd.in/eTkpZ-nt #tradeshows #sales #saleshumor #graphicsalesstories

Had a fun chat with Tom Stearns (seasoned marketer and trade show veteran) about what these events?actually?deliver. As someone who’s attended a handful as a salesperson, it was fun to compare notes with Tom, who’s navigated hundreds. Have a listen hear https://lnkd.in/eTkpZ-nt. But before you go, take a look at the comic and find all the hidden gem's from Eli 5 Stone, the master of the Easter Egg. #graphicsalesstories #SalesHumor #SalesLife # LifeInSales #tradeshow

“The Trade Show” - new story is here:?https://lnkd.in/eEGgS8nk Trade shows are a massive investment in both time and money. And yet we all-too-often drop the ball on even the fundamentals. After you enjoy the comic, head on over to the podcast where Peter Cleary and Tom Stearns debate the pros and cons of trade shows and share a few other eye popping stories:?https://lnkd.in/eTkpZ-nt Don’t forget to look closely at Eli 5 Stone's imagery as we’re sure you’ll find some fun details to make you chuckle even more. #graphicsalesstories #SalesHumor #SalesLife #LifeInSales #tradeshow

Usually, as a Sales or Engineering leader, Peter had to explain to the sales rep why the customer would probably not be signing with us. For this prospect, he had to explain to the Sales Manager about the art of listening. He didn't. For more of these stories and insights, visit us at graphicsalesstories.com and listen to the full podcast as we delve deep into understanding your prospect enough to give an accurate forecast. Full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eW4F-hcW #graphicsalesstories #sales #salesforecasting

Usually, as a Sales or Engineering leader, Peter had to explain to the sales rep why the customer would probably not be signing with us.? For this prospect, he had to explain to the Sales Manager about the art of listening. He didn't. For more of these stories and insights, visit us at graphicsalesstories.com and listen to the full podcast as we delve deep into understanding your prospect enough to give an accurate forecast. Full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eW4F-hcW #graphicsalesstories #sales #salesforecasting

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Each story has a backstory, more stories, and some lessons. Watch the podcast with Tom Stearns and Peter Cleary for all that and more! Here’s a clip from the most recent podcast about the comic Forecasting Nightmare. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eW4F-hcW Read the comic here: https://lnkd.in/eXrRitXF #sales #salesadvice #saleshumor #salestips