The Accidental Sales Lady – Fifth Edition: Moving with Intensity, Gracefully
Katica (Kathy) Obad
LinkedIn Top Executive Leadership Voice - I help leaders maximize cybersecurity awareness, ensuring employees are completely engaged, educated, and empowered by using motivational keynote-style instructor-led sessions.
Let’s step away from sales and fashion for a moment. I want to tell you a story that I think will perfectly illustrate intensity—not the high-octane, stress-inducing kind, but the kind necessary to move things forward in life and business.
About a year ago, my youngest daughter got very sick. I’m talking scary sick. She lost 30 pounds, and before we knew it, we were in the Sickkid’s hospital with her hooked up to an IV. No one could figure out what was wrong. Day by day, she kept getting worse. Her body was shutting down, rejecting everything, and we felt completely helpless.
At one point, the hospital asked us to get a stool sample for testing. You better believe that the minute I got that request, I was all over it. I basically sprinted to the lab myself, test in hand. I felt like I was in a race against time because, let’s face it, we kind of were.
Fast forward to today, and we now know she has Crohn’s disease. But the good news is that with proper care, she’s thriving. She’s an absolute beast on the soccer field—muscles and all. She’s strong and healthy, and she eats opponents for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We couldn’t be prouder of her.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Every few months, we still have to go to the hospital for a check-up. They give us another stool sample kit. The urgency is gone. She’s doing great, so we’re not in a hurry. That kit? It’s been collecting dust on the shelf for weeks.
I’ve got no intensity behind it anymore.
The lab calls, asking, “Where’s the test?” And I joke, “Honestly, I’m not really interested in collecting a stool sample today,” and they laugh, totally understanding. They tell me to take my time. And here we are, with that test still sitting on the shelf because, well, we’re not scared anymore. There’s no urgency.
Intensity With Grace and Dignity
Now, how does this all relate to sales? Much like with my daughter’s health journey, intensity isn’t always a sprint to the finish line. But to create movement, we need intensity. Not the kind that’s forced or fake—no one wants to be the pushy salesperson—but the kind that MOVES PEOPLE toward a decision, toward a solution, toward making their lives better.
When there’s no urgency, things tend to sit on the shelf and collect dust. So, how can you create intensity with class, dignity, and grace? Here’s a preview of a few ways you can do that without coming across like a used-car salesperson (no offense to used-car salespeople, but you know what I mean!).
1. Create a Compelling Timeline (Based on Real Needs)
Rather than inventing false deadlines, focus on timelines that truly benefit the client. For example, if your solution helps save time or cut costs, show how acting sooner will bring those benefits faster. A compelling timeline could be as simple as helping them visualize what they could gain by making a move today rather than next quarter. Example: “Imagine how much smoother Q4 could be with this system already in place.” More on structuring compelling timelines coming soon!
2. Tap Into Emotion (It’s About More Than Just Logic)
People buy based on emotion first, then back it up with logic. Instead of pushing a product, highlight the emotional impact. How will their life improve, how will they feel after the purchase? Example: If you’re selling software, don’t just talk about efficiency—talk about peace of mind or freedom from stress. Stay tuned for more insights on making emotional appeals with authenticity!
3. Make It Personal (What’s in It for Them?)
Clients need to feel connected to what you’re offering. The more personalized your pitch, the more urgency they’ll feel. Example: Instead of a generic pitch, tailor it to their specific goals: “I know you’re looking to expand into new markets by next year. Here’s how this solution will make that easier for you.” We'll dive deeper into how personal connection fosters intensity in future PDFs!
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4. Leverage Real Scarcity (Without Gimmicks)
Instead of using artificial scarcity like “only 3 left!”, use real scarcity that adds value. Maybe your availability is limited, or there’s a legitimate reason to act now, such as upcoming changes in the market. Example: “We’re taking on only five more clients this quarter so we can give them the attention they deserve. I’d love for you to be one of them.” More tips on using scarcity with integrity are coming your way!
5. Use Success Stories (With a Deadline)
People love to see how others have succeeded. Combine that with a subtle deadline to inspire action. Example: “Client X increased their revenue by 25% in three months using our solution. Let’s get you started on that same path now, so by next quarter, you’ll be seeing similar results.” We’ll explore this strategy more, with detailed examples, in upcoming content!
6. Help Them See the Future (And What Happens if They Don’t Act)
Sometimes, urgency comes from showing the risk of not acting. Paint a picture of what might happen if they delay or stay stuck in the same place. Example: “I’d hate to see you lose out on an opportunity like this because your competitors are already moving forward. Let’s make sure you’re ahead of the game.” There’s so much more to share on this one—look for future updates on this!
I’ll be creating a PDF with a full breakdown of these strategies, so if you’d like to learn more, just DM me with “Intensity PDF,” and I’ll send it right over.
Fashion Tip of the Day: Dress for the Occasion, Not Just the Trends
Much like intensity in sales, how you dress should be purposeful. Don’t get caught up in what’s trending in fashion magazines. Instead, dress for the occasion and for your body type. Confidence comes from being comfortable in what you’re wearing, not just following the latest fashion fads. If you’re at ease in your outfit, you’ll move with the intensity and grace needed to make an impact—just like in sales.
So, let’s all move with purpose, people. Intensity, done right, isn’t about rushing or pushing—it’s about moving people toward something better, something bigger, with class and dignity. And remember, mastering this will set you apart, in both sales and life.
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BTW, the picture in the article is of my daughter, a fashionista. Just because The Accidental Sales Lady started with fashion, we need to keep that spirit alive! ??
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Warmest regards, ??????????, ????????????, ???????? ??
#TheAccidentalSalesLady #SalesSuccess #IntensityWithGrace #LeadWithClass #MoveWithPurpose #FashionAndSales
Iron worker structure/bolting/ Rigging/ Qualified single person/ Scaffold/ Fall Protection.
2 个月Wow
Great tips, especially Dress for the occasion, that's very useful ??
Co-Founder at ELITE EQUITY BUSINESS BROKERS / Founder at ReStox Inc. / Co-Founder at SoGood Innovations Inc.
2 个月Great message Kathy
Empowering CEOs with Game-Changing Podcast PR Campaigns, Podcast Production & YouTube Optimization | Podcasting Pioneers Since 2015 | Featured in Podcast Magazine's Top 20 Under 40 for 2022
2 个月It’s about moving forward with purpose, grace, and strength. Sales and life both thrive when we focus on authentic momentum.
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