It's the way you tell it that counts!

It's how you sell that counts!

By Peter Foy

Facts tell but stories sell. I first heard this maxim over 30 years ago on a presentation skills course and it is an absolute truth. Whether you are trying to sell an idea or a product or attempting to teach something, wrap it up in a story and you’ll win the day. Whether it’s Aesop with his fables, or Jesus with his parables the world’s greatest teachers know the power of storytelling.

    Most businesses need their workers to communicate freely and effectively.  

Well it turns out that stories aren’t just good sales and teaching tools, they can actually help productivity.

As we begin to return to our traditional workplaces there has been some concern that the new COVID secure environments could lead to a lack of productivity. People used to face each other across the desk; now, they face a screen or a wall. 3 months of Zoom has changed how some people interact with their peers. Most businesses need their workers to communicate freely and effectively. The lockdown and the enforced changes to the working environment have made that harder.

It's how you sell that counts!According to Esther Choy the answer could be to tell stories. She claims that when employees spend 15 minutes, at the end of each day, telling stories about their day they will begin to perform better. Writing in a recent edition of Forbes magazine, Ms Choy asserts that when done daily for just ten days this simple exercise can increase productivity by 23%.

Instinctively, that sounds right. I like the idea of learning through sharing stories; encapsulating the high points, or low points, of a day through the narration of one key telephone conversation. Traditionally stories have been used to propagate important lessons or warnings. In a special way they are able to articulate the truth of a situation in a non-threatening way.

As we become familiar with the new truth, the new normality that is the consequence of COVID, it makes sense that stories help us make sense of it.

Published: 5 August 2020

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Five ways to make your people more creative

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Sales Negotiator (9-month contract)
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Location: Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex
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Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

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Sales Negotiator
Sector: Sales
Location: Earls Colne, Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC28
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

  • Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
  • Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
  • Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
  • Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
  • Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

  • Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
  • Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
  • Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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You will be responsible for maintaining all records required for the accurate operation of the sales and purchase ledgers, including the daily entry and reconciliation of cash.

Duties include:

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Hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm.

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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
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