You can’t handle the truth, but a fortune awaits if you can

Truth – the unspoken reality where in Sales, the famous line “You can’t handle the truth” takes on a whole new meaning.

I sometimes, not often thankfully, get push back from salespeople when I challenge them for “over promising” or blatantly misleading the customer with “white lies” or even damn right mistruths.

The Sales Industry is often filled with glossy pitches, exaggerated claims, and a constant dance between what’s said and what’s unsaid. But what if, instead of shying away from the uncomfortable truths in sales, we embraced them?

"You can't handle the truth" meme

The Uncomfortable Truths in Sales

In Sales, perception often trumps reality. The pressure to meet targets, impress clients, and outshine competitors can lead salespeople and businesses to bend the truth.

However, this short-term gain can result in long-term consequences, eroding trust and damaging relationships.

The uncomfortable truth is that authenticity and transparency are rare commodities in the sales world, but they are precisely what set the stage for lasting success.

Internal Wealth – Building Credibility

The first step to embracing the truth in sales is acknowledging the uncomfortable realities. This requires:

  • Firstly, a real respect for the customer
  • Gratitude for them giving you the opportunity.
  • A deep understanding of the product or service being sold.
  • Recognising its strengths and weaknesses

Sales professionals who can honestly communicate these aspects build credibility and trust with their clients. This internal wealth, built on authenticity, becomes a foundation for success and customer loyalty.

Truthfulness is a powerful tool for salespeople. Consistently embracing the truth not only proves your credibility but also positions you as a trusted advisor, assisting with building positive and productive relationships with your clients.

Trust and credibility go hand in hand.

External Wealth – Growing Genuine Relationships

In a sea of sales pitches and polished presentations, a genuine connection with clients stands out. The fortune that awaits in sales is not just financial; it’s the wealth of authentic relationships.

Clients appreciate honesty, even when it involves admitting limitations. By being transparent about what your product or service can genuinely offer, you pave the way for trust, repeat business, and word-of-mouth referrals.

The Journey to Truthful Selling

Product Mastery: Invest time in understanding your product or service inside-out. Acknowledge its strengths and limitations to present a realistic picture to your clients.

Active Listening: Understand your clients’ needs and concerns. Actively listen to their feedback, and address any issues with transparency.

Long-Term Vision: Shift the focus from short-term gains to long-term relationships. Building trust may take time, but it forms the base of sustained success.

Constant Learning: Stay informed about industry trends and changes. Being knowledgeable allows you to provide accurate and timely information to your clients.

Telling the truth in sales.

In the competitive sales industry, the truth is a rare commodity. Yet, those who dare to confront the uncomfortable realities and embrace authenticity are on the path to a fortune that transcends mere financial gains.

Internal credibility and external relationships built on truth are the keys to sustained success in sales. So, the next time you’re tempted to embellish, remember: the fortune you seek lies in the honest truth.

Contact KONA today to discuss how we can help your Sales Team achieve success.

Call 1300 611 288 or email
info@kona.com.au


Some Do, Others Teach

I do both, but when I’m running a workshop for Salespeople, sometimes I get pushback. I remember once, Sales Trainer Glenn Dobson was challenged with this statement when running a workshop and his response was spot on: “How do you think I got to be here!” I remember once I received a similar challenge as a Sales Trainer when delivering a Call Centre Sales Workshop. My response was to counter challenge. I suggested that we both sit side by side and hit the phone, the person who delivered the weakest result in one hour had to buy lunch for the entire workshop of 10 people, this challenge was declined by the delegate!

In life there is a timeless saying that encapsulates a deep message: “Some do, others teach.”

This simple, thought-provoking phrase captures the intricate relationship between those who actively engage in doing and those who choose to convey their wisdom through teaching.

We will unravel the layers of this idea, examining the connection between action and instruction, and how each informs and enriches the other.

A quote about teaching and learning from Hilda Charlton.

The Doers:

“Some do” – a mantra embraced by those who plunge headfirst into action, tackling challenges, pushing boundaries, and carving their paths through experience. These individuals are the pioneers, the risk-takers, the embodiment of resilience and tenacity. The doers are the architects of progress, the catalysts of change, whose actions shape the world we know.

The Teachers:

On the flip side, there are those who find fulfilment in guiding, shaping, and enlightening others. These are the educators, mentors, and influencers who embody the spirit of “others teach.” They draw from their own experiences, both triumphs, and tribulations, to mould the minds of the next generation. Through the art of instruction, they pass on the torch of knowledge, sparking curiosity and creativity. The teachers play a pivotal role in building a foundation upon which the doers can stand, enabling them to reach even greater heights.

Quote rebutting the notion that those who can't do, teach.

The Relationship Between Doing and Teaching

The dynamic relationship between doing and teaching is not a contrast, but a partnership. The lessons learned in the field, the trenches of real-world experience, provide the substance for the narratives shared in classrooms and lecture halls. Conversely, the insights gained through teaching illuminate the blind spots of action, refining strategies, and filling them with a deeper understanding of the consequences of their choices.

Consider the artist who, through years of dedicated practice and experimentation, perfects their craft. They become both the doer and the teacher, using their mastery to inspire aspiring artists. The entrepreneur who navigates the turbulent seas of business becomes not only a doer but also a mentor, sharing the pearls of wisdom with budding business minds. In this interaction, both realms thrive, each feeding off the vitality of the other. It amuses me when sometimes we get “You charge XXX for one day!” And my response is always the same; “No, I charge XXX for 30 years’ experience and one day delivery.”

“Some do, others teach” represents the ebb and flow of knowledge, wisdom, and growth. The doers and the teachers, though seemingly distinct, are two sides of the same coin, each enriching the other in a perpetual cycle of learning and application.

It is in embracing this paradox that we unlock the true potential of human endeavour, fostering a harmonious relationship between action and instruction that propels us forward on the journey of self-discovery and collective progress.

Quote about the importance of teachers in creating all other professions.

Contact KONA today to discuss how we can help you grow your business.

Call 1300 611 288 or email
info@kona.com.au


Prospecting in 2024.

How can I effectively prospect and find potential customers in 2024?

Sales Prospecting for Lead Generation

Sales prospecting is the process of searching for potential customers and making contact with those who “qualify” to purchase your product or service. Prospecting lays the foundation for the whole sales process as it is the first step of the customer journey.

Lead Contact Ratio

The chances of getting hold of a lead increases 100 times if they are contacted on the date and time with highest response rates since most recipients are active at night.

Multiple contacts and Social Media Dependency

•             Only 2% of sales are made on the first contact

•             3% of sales are made on the second contact

•             5% of sales are made on the third contact; and

•             10% of sales are made on the fourth contact.

Also, 48% of online users rely on social media presence whenever they decide to purchase a product. So, it’s best to reach out to prospects in various ways to get higher contact ratio and eventually close a sale.

Australian Content Marketing Tactic Usage graph.

Delayed buying response

Patience is a key to becoming successful in sales. Why? Around 63% of prospect who requested for information are going to buy for your products or services for the next 3 months. Others might take up to a year or two to actually purchase something.

“55% of B2B buyers search for products or vendors on social media because of word of mouth or referrals “ – Meltwater

Prospecting Techniques

‍There are many prospecting techniques that can be used. These techniques range from researching prospective leads online to cold calling and everything in between.

The choice of technique can depend on the salesperson’s strengths and circumstances. Although, typically the most effective tactics are adapted over time with practice and the right training.

Graph showing how salespeople typically spend their day.

Prospecting in 2024 – 10 effective techniques

Let’s take a look at some prospecting techniques that we think will be most effective in 2024. Keep in mind however, that prospecting in sales is different for everyone, so don’t hesitate to try different things and see what works best for you.

1. Create Buyer-Personas

In sales, it’s important to understand your ideal target customer. By creating Customer Profiles or Buyer Personas, you can increase your chances of prospecting to the right audience and ultimately closing more deals.

This process typically involves:

  • Researching demographics
  • Considering behavioural characteristics of your target audience
  • Narrowing down the details
  • Using your buyer personas in your marketing

2. Do your Research

This step of the prospecting process involves getting a detailed understanding of your potential leads.

This specific information can make your pitch more effective and personal, which will help to make you stand out from the crowd amongst a number of generic pitches.

Research will help you to understand:

  • Who is and is not buying your product or service
  • What motivates your customers
  • Whether or not they are loyal to your brand

3. Utilise Social Media

‍Social media is becoming an increasingly powerful tool when it comes to sales.

Social media allows you to engage with customers, as well as seeing what people are saying about your business.

Social media is great for advertising and running promotions.

Using social media effectively can help your business in many ways. To name a few:  

  • Attracting new customers
  • Getting your brand image out there
  • Gives customers an avenue for providing feedback and reviewing your product or service

Social platforms such as Facebook, and LinkedIn help you gain access to numerous potential leads, and allow your advertising to reach further than other marketing avenues. This makes it easier to connect with prospects in a personal and engaging way.

4. Warm Calling

‍Unlike a Cold Call, Warm Calls are when you reach out to prospects who already know of your business in some way.

Whilst ‍Cold Calling is still a valuable prospecting technique, Cold Calls usually work best when used in conjunction with other strategies.

When prospects already have an idea of what you have to offer, Warm Calls are more likely to lead to successful sales deals.

5. Personalise your approach

No matter your preferred prospecting technique, having a personalised message immediately assists in building strong relationships and beginning the emotional contract with your customer.

Email remains a powerful sales prospecting strategy. And luckily enough for salespeople, in today’s digital world, it is easier than ever to personalise emails going out to your database.

The power of LinkedIn Social Selling.

6. The Power of LinkedIn

Social media is quickly becoming the key to social-selling.

LinkedIn allows you to build your brand profile and establish a reputation with your customers as a trusted expert in your field. And as an effective lead generation platform, LinkedIn is the ideal place to connect with potential customers and build relationships.

7. Using Data and Analytics

Leveraging sales data and analytics is an important prospecting technique as it helps in making decisions, prioritising and measuring the results of sales tactics.

Sales and marketing data can give you insight into:

  • Customer trends
  • Patterns
  • The needs of your customers

Use data to your advantage to enhance your prospecting efforts.

8. Word-of-mouth Referrals

‍Referrals open you up to new opportunities when it comes to prospecting.

Did you know that studies have shown an average of 13% of all sales are due to word-of-mouth referrals.

Establishing trust and strong relationships with your customers can give you the opportunity to ask them for referrals, and reach potential leads outside of your network.

9. The importance of Planning

‍Proper planning and preparation before prospecting allows you to establish your goals and strategies.

This means you will have clarity on how you can achieve your goals and what steps you need to take.

Planning helps your sales team to:

  • Recognise their target audience
  • Establish a business strategy
  • Make prospecting efforts more effective
  • Ensure communication is professional and organised

10. Offer Incentives

‍Offering incentives can be a great way to increase your chances of making a sale.

Some examples of incentives include:

  • No-obligation consultations
  • Limited time discounts and offers
  • Exclusive access to new products or services

The main goal for most businesses is to boost revenue. By offering customers incentives, you can encourage them to buy, leading to increased sales and revenue.  

By trying out these techniques in the new year, your sales team can boost their efforts and optimise their sales strategy. Remember, sales prospecting is different for everyone, so don’t forget to try new things and find out which techniques work best for you.

Contact KONA to kick start the new year for your sales team and have a strong start to 2024!

Call 1300 611 288 or Email info@kona.com.au


How to close the sales year and have a strong start to the new year

The end of the year can be a hectic time for Salespeople. December is a time when most people are focused on doing their Christmas shopping and making plans for the new year.

However, salespeople are concerned about hitting their yearly sales targets. If your end of year sales campaigns haven’t made much of an impact this year, it can make the holiday season a particularly stressful time.

But what if we told you that the year doesn’t have to end on a negative?

That’s right, with enough focus, a strategic plan, and an effective and experienced Sales Trainer, you can end the year on a positive note, and most of all, enjoy the holiday season.

End of year for Sales Leaders

For sales leaders, closing the sales year successfully and setting the stage for a strong start to the new year requires strategic planning, effective execution, and a focus on key areas. Firstly “plan your activity year. As a sales manager you should be planning to spend 60% of your time with your team, driving and pushing results.

  • Conduct a thorough review of the current year’s performance. Analyse sales metrics, revenue figures, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Understand what worked well and areas that need improvement.
  • Establish realistic and measurable sales goals for the upcoming year. Ensure that these goals align with overall company objectives.
  • Break down annual goals into quarterly, monthly, and weekly targets for better tracking and accountability.
  • Assess the effectiveness of current sales strategies and tactics. Identify what contributed to success and what needs adjustment.
  • Consider emerging trends, customer preferences, and changes in the market that might impact sales strategies.
  • Recognise and celebrate the achievements of the sales team during the current year. This boosts morale and motivation.
  • Conduct team-building activities to foster a positive and collaborative environment.
  • Identify areas where the sales team could benefit from additional sales training or skill development. This may include product knowledge, objection handling, or negotiation skills.
  • Invest in professional development programs to enhance the team’s capabilities.
  • Streamline and optimise sales processes to improve efficiency. This may involve updating CRM systems, revising sales scripts, or re-evaluating lead qualification criteria.
  • Seek feedback from the sales team to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
  • Develop strategies to upsell or cross-sell to existing customers, increasing the lifetime value of each client.
  • Introduce incentives and rewards for achieving specific sales targets. This could include bonuses, recognition, or other perks to motivate the sales team.
  • Consider running sales contests to add excitement and foster healthy competition.
  • Develop a detailed sales plan for the upcoming year that outlines strategies, tactics, and resource requirements.
  • Communicate the plan clearly to the sales team and ensure alignment with the overall business strategy.
  • Regularly monitor sales performance against set targets. Implement a system for tracking progress and adjusting strategies as needed.
  • Stay agile and be ready to adapt to changes in the market or internal dynamics.
Don't underestimate Sales Activity in December. Wrap up loose ends to close more sales before the end of year.

Don’t underestimate Sales Activity during December

Many salespeople make the mistake of thinking that sales slow down in December.

On the contrary, the best sales trainers will know that the last few weeks of December can have some of the highest conversion rates of the year.

While many salespeople choose to take time off during the holidays, they could be missing opportunities, as many people are still around for holiday sales!

There are always sales to be made, especially when businesses typically offer markdowns during this time. A good salesperson acknowledges that they will have to work a little harder during the holiday season to see results. While your prospects are slowing down, you can take this opportunity to make extra calls when possible and strengthen that emotional contract.

This will lead you to closing more deals before the end of the year. And if not, it will at least give you a starting point to pick up from in the new year!

The importance of Pipeline Management

Deals that you know for sure aren’t going to be closed in December can be a distraction.

Do you want to:

  • Improve Sales Performance?
  • Have more consistency with Sales numbers?

Pipeline Management is the answer you are looking for.

As we move towards the end of the year, having too many deals in your pipeline can be counter productive. It can lead your focus away from the right deals, and leave you wasting time on deals that are going to be a slow burn.

Here are some tips to consider when tidying up your December Pipeline:

  • Does the prospect want or need your product or service?
  • How urgently do they need your product or service – can it wait until the new year?

If you’re still unsure, consider a quick follow up call to decide if it is a ‘dead lead’ or not. Don’t be afraid to be direct. Save everyone time and ask the prospect whether it is likely they will make a decision before the end of year, or if you should follow them up next year – This will help with setting you up for a good start to the new year.

It’s always worth taking the time to tidy up your Pipeline, to help with keeping you on track towards the end of year and beyond.

Tidy up your Sales Pipeline at the end of the year.

Appreciate your Sales Team

It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate your sales team and the hard work they put in, especially at the end of the year.

Some benefits of showing appreciation to your sales team include:

  • Increasing morale – Salespeople love to receive recognition, particularly when they meet or exceed their targets or close a big deal.
  • Motivating your team – By ensuring your team are motivated, your employees will feel inspired to work harder towards reaching their goals.
  • Boosting confidence – When a salesperson is confident, they’re more likely to win leads, and not take it personally when they don’t.
  • Making the team feel valued – Sales Teams who feel valued are typically more motivated to succeed and have increased job satisfaction rates.

It’s a good idea to celebrate each person for what made them stand-out, rather than having just one ‘Salesperson of the year’.

Some ways you can show your appreciation to your team include:

  • Offering incentives
  • Rewarding success
  • Organising a team lunch or dinner
  • Organising unique awards for each person

Prepare for the New Year

The way you end the sales year can strongly impact your start to the new year.

The habits you make will likely carry over into next year, so it’s important that you end the year on a positive, to prepare you for the next.

Investing in professional development including Sales Training, Sales Management Training, or Sales Pipeline Training can be a great way to start the new year on a positive note, and get the team motivated for a great year of sales. Training is also a good way of getting the team to break old habits that may have held them back this year, and learn new strategies and techniques to boost their sales in the new year.

Don’t make the mistake of giving up on meeting sales targets before the end of the year.

Take the time to plan out how you are going to tackle the holiday season in sales to end the year on a high note and have a strong start to 2024. Engage with one of KONA’s Sales Trainers today!

Find out how KONA can help your Sales Team have a strong start to the new year by locking in your tailored Sales Training Program today!  

Call 1300 611 288 or Email info@kona.com.au


How can I effectively prospect and find new customers?

Salespeople prospect to generate new leads and find customers. When done properly, prospecting can create interest in your product or service and form a foundation of trust between a prospect and a business. In sales it’s imperative to know the importance of prospecting to maximise success for your business.  

We will explore what prospecting is and why it is important. We will also discuss the difference between prospecting and selling, and some useful prospecting tips you can use to secure leads.

When you run out of leads, it's time to start prospecting.

What is prospecting and why it is important?

Prospecting is the initial phase of the sales process. Sales reps can use an array of methods to find potential clients or customers who are interested in buying their product or service.

Some widely-used prospecting strategies include:

  • Cold calling
  • Social Media
  • Email marketing
  • Text messages
  • Letter drops

Prospecting not only brings in new clients, but also allows businesses to spark interest amongst leads that may have previously enquired, but haven’t led to a sale.

The importance of prospecting:

  • Helps spread information
  • Generates interest
  • Establishes trust
  • Advertising for your brand

Prospecting vs. Selling

Selling and prospecting are equally important when it comes to the customer relationship. Prospecting is the first contact a company has with a customer. On the other hand, selling involves interaction with clients to pitch products or services and close deals.

Selling involves:

  • Research
  • Personalisation
  • Communication
  • Objection handling
  • In-depth knowledge of the product or service
Sales prospecting.

3 Key Prospecting Tips

Networking: Networking helps people meet others that they typically wouldn’t have met. Sales professionals often use networking, whether in person or online, to generate interest when prospecting.

Power Hour: The KONA Sales Power Hour is a focused and intensive period of time, during which your sales teams dedicate themselves to “hitting the phones” and put their sales skills to the test. The Power Hour teaches your sales team the disciplines and skills to turn calls into sales and hot prospects.

Email Campaigns: Salespeople often use prospecting databases and contact lists to send emails to prospective clients, focusing on advertising a specific product or service.

How to generate more leads

1. Create buyer personas

A buyer persona is a detailed description of someone who represents your target audience. Creating a buyer persona requires collecting data and documenting trends and needs. Developing buyer personas will allow you to better understand who your target audience is, leading to stronger client relationships.

2. Tailor your approach to client needs and pain points

Every customer’s needs are different, and their reason for seeking your product or service will vary. However, after creating buyer personas, you may start to notice some trends. You can use this information to customise your approach.

To tell every prospect about every product or service you offer can be overwhelming. By tailoring your presentation to their needs, you are saving everyone time and making the customer feel understood.

3. Personalise communication

Using people’s names or company name is a simple gesture that helps to form a connection between yourself and your prospect.

You can use information from client profiles or previous conversations to personalise your proposal.

4. Utilise Social Media

Social media can be used to your advantage to expand your professional network and spread information to hundreds of people. Researching social media metrics is likely to improve your reach and spark up conversations. Monitoring social media metrics can help you to gauge how well you are accomplishing your goals and where you may need to modify your campaign.

5. Follow up

Follow up is an important part of the prospecting process. If you tell a prospective customer that you plan on following up with them, then you must do so. You can do this through means such as:

  • Email
  • Phone call
  • Text

This will help to build trust, which is important for all professional relationships.

Call Calling when prospecting.

Why use KONA for your training requirements? 

We offer diverse experiences and skill sets, allowing us to match the right trainer, coach, mentor or support person to your needs.

We have real-world experience in the trenches. We truly get you, and we’ve got your back.

Would you like to find out more about how KONA can help your Sales Team reach their full potential?

Call 1300 611 288 today, or Email
info@kona.com.au


Why Activity and Accurate Calculations are Vital

What happens to a sales leader who submits bad forecasting? A POSITION I NEVER WANT TO FIND MYSELF IN!!!

The consequences for a sales leader who consistently submits inaccurate or bad forecasting can vary depending on the company, its policies, and the severity of the forecasting inaccuracies.

Performance Reviews: In many companies, sales leaders are evaluated based on their ability to meet or exceed sales targets, and accurate forecasting plays a significant role in this. Consistently submitting bad forecasts that lead to missed targets will result in negative performance reviews, which could impact bonuses, promotions, or job security.

Reprimands and Warnings: The sales leader will receive formal reprimands or warnings from higher management or HR if their forecasting inaccuracies are affecting the company’s performance and financial results.

Loss of Credibility: Repeatedly providing inaccurate forecasts WILL erode the sales leader’s credibility within the business, making it difficult to gain trust.

Coaching and Training: Some companies may offer additional coaching, training, or support to help the sales leader improve forecasting skills (if you are lucky!!!). 

Reassignment: If the forecasting inaccuracies have a significant negative impact on the company’s performance, the sales leader may be reassigned to a different role within the business, potentially with reduced responsibility (if you are lucky!!!!).

Termination: Let’s face it, persistent and severe forecasting inaccuracies that have a substantial detrimental effect on the company’s financial health and reputation most likely will lead to the termination of employment. Aside from the obvious “self-preservation” motives, accurate forecasting is vital for the business. If your sales teams forecasting is not accurate it will have negative consequences for you and your business.

Revenue Shortfalls: Inaccurate sales forecasts will lead to revenue shortfalls if the actual sales results fall significantly short of what was predicted. This will impact the company’s financial stability and profitability.

Overstock or Understock Issues: If you as the leader submit overestimated demand, it can result in overstocking of products, tying up capital in excess inventory. Conversely, underestimating demand can lead to understocking, causing missed sales opportunities and customer dissatisfaction.

Resource Misallocation: Poor sales forecasting will lead to misallocation of resources. For example, if your business invests heavily in production or marketing based on over-optimistic forecasts, it may lead to wasted resources and increased costs.

Inventory Costs: Inaccurate forecasting can result in higher carrying costs for excess inventory or increased costs for expedited orders to fill unanticipated demand.

Customer Dissatisfaction: If salespeople promise products or services that you cannot deliver due to inaccurate forecasting, it will lead to customer dissatisfaction, damaging the company’s reputation and customer relationships.

Cash Flow Issues: Revenue shortfalls due to poor forecasting can affect a company’s cash flow, making it difficult to meet financial obligations.

Strategic Missteps: Poor sales forecasting can lead to misguided strategic decisions, such as expanding into new markets or discontinuing products prematurely based on unreliable data.

Loss of Credibility: If a company consistently misses its sales forecasts, it can erode the confidence of investors, lenders, and other stakeholders, making it more challenging to secure funding or support for future initiatives.

To mitigate these consequences, businesses often invest in improving their sales forecasting processes, utilising data-driven approaches, technology, and regular communication between sales teams and other departments to ensure more accurate and reliable forecasts. Additionally, ongoing training and coaching for salespeople can help improve their forecasting skills and accuracy.

Even the slightest miscalculation or wrong activity can have a catastrophic effect

One degree of latitude equals approximately 364,000 feet (69 miles), one-minute equals 6,068 feet (1.15 miles), and one-second equals 101 feet. One-degree of longitude equals 288,200 feet (54.6 miles), one-minute equals 4,800 feet (0.91 mile), and one second equals 80 feet.

Therefore, if I got on a plane from Sydney, Australia, to London, England and the pilot was out by one degree, where would I end up? It’s 10,559.57 miles or (16,993.98 km). 

If you were one degree to the north of your intended course, you might end up in a location somewhere to the north of London, such as Scotland or another part of the United Kingdom. If you were one degree to the south of your intended course, you might end up in a location to the south of London, possibly in France or another part of Europe. 

Sydney to London Travel route.

Consequences of a slight miscalculation: 

Miscalculations can be disastrous. From bridges collapsing, buildings leaning to one side, machinery malfunctioning, and significant financial loss, the consequences of miscalculations can be catastrophic. 

Importance of accurate calculations: 

  • Essential for the safety and reliability of products
  • Fix small issues before they become major problems
  • Avoid issues arising
  • Avoid financial losses 

Some Notable Examples of Slight Miscalculations having Catastrophic Effects 

Mars Probe Lost due to simple Mathematical Error

NASA lost its $125-million Mars Climate Orbiter because spacecraft engineers did not convert from English to metric measurements when exchanging critical data before the craft was launched. 

A navigation team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory used the ‘millimeters and meters’ in its calculations, while Lockheed Martin Astronautics, who designed and built the spacecraft, provided vital acceleration data in the English system of ‘inches, feet and pounds’.

Due to this, JPL engineers confused acceleration readings measured in English units of pound-seconds for a metric measure of force called newton-seconds. 

Mars probe lost due to mathematical error.

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill 

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was a catastrophic failure that had long-lasting effects on the environment and livelihoods of thousands of people. On 20th April 2010, the oil rig exploded, killing 11 workers and causing one of the largest oil spills in history.

The cause of the disaster was traced back to faulty cement used to seal the well that was being drilled. The cement was not strong enough, and oil was able to flow through the well and into the ocean. The disaster was worsened by inadequate safety measures and equipment failure.

This disaster acts as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and high-quality materials. The use of lower quality materials, combined with insufficient safety measures, can result in catastrophic events with long-lasting consequences.

Oil spill acts as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and high-quality materials.

The NASA Challenger Explosion

The Challenger explosion was another devastating disaster in the history of space exploration. On the 28th of January, 1986, the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven crew members.

The cause of the Challenger explosion was traced back to a rubber O-ring that failed to provide a proper seal in one of the solid rocket boosters. The design of the O-ring was flawed, and NASA had been warned about the danger of a devastating failure before the launch. Still, the launch went ahead, leading to the disaster.

The key takeaway from this disaster is the importance of proper design and thorough testing. If the O-ring was designed correctly, or had NASA listened to the warnings, the Challenger explosion could have been prevented. 

NASA

It’s important to recognise that while slight miscalculations or errors can have negative consequences, they are a part of the human experience and can often be corrected or mitigated.

It’s essential to learn from these mistakes, take corrective actions, and implement safeguards to minimise the likelihood of future errors. In some cases, attention to detail, quality control measures, and simply double-checking calculations can help prevent miscalculations and their potential consequences. 

Contact KONA today to discuss how we can help you avoid a miscalculation and keep your sales team on track! Call 1300 611 288 or Email info@kona.com.au


Common Mistakes During a Negotiation and How to Avoid Them

Why did the bad negotiator bring a ladder to the meeting?

Because they wanted to reach a “higher level” of agreement!

Don't let poor negotiation skills leave you in check.

Negotiations are complex and often challenging. The pressure in a negotiation can cause even the best negotiators to make mistakes. All successful managers and salespeople need to negotiate at some point or another, and it won’t make your job any easier if you don’t know how to negotiate effectively. For instance, you may be unable to solve problems that other negotiators can solve easily.

Negotiation Training can benefit your sales team by equipping them with the skills to secure better deals, build stronger relationships, improve profitability and avoid negotiation mistakes.

 We will look into 6 common mistakes made in negotiation and how they can be prevented.

Poor Preparation

As the old adage goes, “If you fail to plan you plan to fail.”

Just knowing what you want going into a negotiation is not enough. You need to plan and prepare. 

Going into a negotiation well prepared will make you feel more confident, and will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the topic.

Not to mention, you will be less likely to forget something if you are prepared.

A good rule of thumb is to include everything in the negotiation from the beginning. It’s a lot more difficult to add new conditions or demands once the negotiation has already taken place.

  • Practice your pitch
  • Clarify your reasons or arguments 
  • Think about what the other party is likely to say
  • Consider what you’re prepared to compromise on
  • Bring your notes with you

Failing to Build Rapport

Building rapport with your opponent in a negotiation is a strategic move that can significantly impact the outcome. It paves the way for more productive and cooperative negotiations.

You’re more likely to reach a mutually beneficial agreement if you establish a good relationship early in the negotiation process.

If you are unable to build rapport in a negotiation, you are less likely to be able to:

  • Establish Trust
  • Have open communication
  • Reduce Tension
  • Solve Problems
  • Overcome Deadlocks
  • Persuade

Poor Listening Skills

Poor listening skills in a negotiation can have detrimental effects on the negotiation process and its outcome.

To be a successful negotiator, you have to listen to the other person.

Avoid things like:

  • Interrupting
  • Ignoring what the other person is saying
  • Rushing or impatience
  • Being defensive

Good listening skills in negotiation can help you to learn what the other person wants and verify how far apart your positions are.

Not Establishing Your BATNA

Your “BATNA” or “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” should be established before you enter into a negotiation.

Your main goal in negotiation is to get what you want, but you also have to determine what your next-best alternative would be. This way, you can ensure you know when it’s best to walk away.

Having a BATNA means you can push harder during a negotiation, and potentially even get a better outcome than expected, because you’ve stayed open-minded.

Sellers BATNA and Buyers BATNA.

Making Assumptions

Another common mistake in negotiations is to make assumptions.

Making false assumptions in a negotiation can lead to:

  • Misunderstandings
  • Biased Decision-Making
  • Inflexibility
  • Missed Opportunities

Instead, go into a negotiation assuming that nothing is off the table – this way, you will have more options.

Focusing only on Price

Going into a negotiation focusing only on price is a negotiation mistake, because you risk backing yourself into a corner.

Of course, many negotiations, especially in business, have a monetary aspect. And price is important, but often, it is only part of a deal.

So, what else could you negotiate? Consider other factors such as:

  • Adding additional services
  • Improving contract terms
  • Timing
  • Quantity or Volume
Value vs. Price in a negotiation. Focus on value.

Successful negotiations require preparation and a clear understanding of what both parties aim to achieve.

Although you want to secure the best deal, negotiations are not just about winning. There are many other factors that come into play.

Next time you need to negotiate, consider if you could be making a negotiation mistake that may cost you your desired outcome.

How much is poor negotiation costing you? Contact KONA to discuss tailored negotiation training for your sales team.

Call 1300 611 288 or Email
info@kona.com.au


7 Common Sales Mistakes and How to Avoid them

Most people would agree that making a mistake is okay, as long as we learn from it and don’t make the same mistake again. Sales is no exception.

Too often we see salespeople who are confused as to why they are not converting leads. More often than not, we find that it’s because the sales team are making the same sales mistakes over and over. This is usually because they aren’t aware they are making a mistake.

Here is a list of 7 common sales mistakes we typically see, and how they can be avoided.

Making a mistake is okay, as long as we learn from it.

7 common sales mistakes

1. Poor Listening Skills

It’s common in sales for salespeople to over-explain their product or service.

When you are talking, you’re not listening to the needs and pain points of your customer. It’s important to find the right balance between talking and listening, but generally you should be listening more than you are talking.

Studies have shown that it is best for salespeople to allow their customers or prospects to speak for 57% of the time. In order to achieve this, or somewhere thereabouts, you should be asking quality questions. Then you can let your prospect take it from there.

For more on Listening Skills – Hearing ‘aint listening! – The Sales Expert | Podcast on Spotify

2. Not being Solution-Focused

Being solution-focused is about understanding your customer’s needs and problems and demonstrating how your offering can address those issues effectively.

Nowadays, most customers do their own research before talking to a sales rep, so usually they already know of the features that your product has to offer.

Before pitching, establish the pain points of your customer, and display your product as the solution.

3. Discussing Features and Benefits, but not Value

Many salespeople make the mistake of only pointing out a product’s features and benefits, rather than value.

Remember that value doesn’t always mean price. Think about the value your product will have to your prospect. For example:

  • Will it give them peace of mind?
  • Will it help them save time?
  • Will it improve their health or wellbeing?
  • Will it provide them with safety or security?

4. Poor Closing Skills

We often see Salespeople spending too much time focusing on how they are going to present their pitch, rather than focusing on the actual sale. The most important part of the sales process is to convert leads – turn a prospect into a customer – that’s what you should be focused on.

That’s not to say that your sales presentation doesn’t play a part in the sales process, but the key is: solving the customer’s problem.

You have to ask a prospect to buy. It’s important not to let distractions steer you away from your main goal of closing the deal.  

The importance of objection handling skills in sales.

5. Unable to Handle Objections

As a salesperson, what should you do when you hear the words ‘No’, or ‘Not right now’?

  • Don’t get disheartened
  • See it as an opportunity, not a rejection
  • Show that you are open to hearing their questions or concerns
  •  Be honest when answering their questions

Objections in sales are inevitable. Your customer has to be certain before they purchase, and as the salesperson, it’s your job to ease their concerns.

Be aware of the most common objections that you hear and address them in your pitch before the prosect brings them up. Doing so can prevent objections from derailing the conversation.

Remember that objections are a natural part of the sales process, and skilled objection handling can turn a “no” or “not right now” into a “yes.” Building trust and providing solutions are key to overcoming objections and closing deals.

6. Over Promising

Overpromising and underdelivering in sales can have significant negative consequences for both the salesperson and the business. It can result in:

  • Loss of Trust: Overpromising can erode trust with the customer. If you make grandiose claims that you can’t deliver on, customers will quickly lose confidence in your product or service and may even feel deceived.
  • Damaged Reputation: Word of mouth is a powerful force in business. If customers feel they’ve been misled by overpromising, they may share their negative experiences with others, damaging your company’s reputation.
  • Unhappy Customers: When you fail to meet the expectations you’ve set, customers will likely be disappointed.

7. Can’t get past the “Gate Keeper”

You have to be able to meet with the decision maker early in the sales process to make a successful sale – but this doesn’t mean you can’t talk to other parties involved.

During the sales process you will come across many people, who most of the time, will take you to the decision maker. It is a waste of time not to identify the right people to talk to.

Some tips to getting past the gatekeeper include:

  • Treat gatekeepers with respect. They often have an important role within the business and can be influential. A positive first impression can go a long way.
  • Build rapport with the gatekeeper. This may involve multiple interactions where you provide value or insight that benefits their role or the business.

It can be hard to avoid the occasional mistake, but keeping these tips and strategies in mind can help salespeople to minimise their chances of making a mistake that could cause damage to their reputation or that of the business.

You have to be able to get past the gatekeeper early in the sales process to make a successful sale.

Ensure your Sales Team aren’t making these Common Mistakes

The KONA Group: If you want to improve your sales team and give them the tools they need for success, learn more about working with us here.

Our Sales Training Programs: Join the salespeople and leaders who dramatically shifted their results with KONA Sales Training, and continue to smash sales records and generate raving fans. They call it an ‘unfair advantage’. To us, it’s simply learning to love sales and your customers again. Learn more here.


You don’t sell B2B, You don’t sell B2C, YOU SELL H2H

I remember as a child growing up in Wicklow, Ireland, going into my Dad’s office and he was looking perplexed.

I said, “What’s wrong Dad?” At which point he reached over and picked up a large pile of official looking pieces of paper and said, “Garret, if you ever go into business, please remember that irrespective of what we sell, we deal with people first. If we lose sight of the need to emotionally connect with the other person, we lose sight of how we should sell and help.”

He went on to explain that the document was a contract that he needed to go through, as the business he was working for didn’t listen to the needs and wants of his customer and they just kept quoting the contract.

We don’t sell B2B or B2C we sell H2H.

Garret Norris – KONA Group CEO

Too often we hear businesses referring to their interactions as B2B (Business to Business) or B2C (Business to Consumer), but what do all of these transactions have in common?

That at the core of them all, there are humans.

So, what does a H2H sales approach mean?

Selling H2H (human to human), means focusing on understanding the needs, challenges, and goals of the people you are selling to. It involves effective communication, active listening, and tailoring your solutions to address their specific needs.

H2H selling creates emphasis on personal connections, empathy, and relationship-building. It’s about recognising that behind every sales interaction, whether B2B or B2C, there is a person who makes decisions, and building meaningful relationships with those individuals is crucial for successful sales.

With this in mind, how can you tailor your approach to begin selling H2H? Here are 10 tips when selling H2H:

You don't sell B2B, you don't sell B2C, you sell H2H - Human to Human.

1. Authenticity

Building trust and rapport with customers requires authenticity.

People want to connect with real people, not faceless corporations.

Sharing your company’s story, values, and culture can help to create a genuine connection with customers.

Authenticity not only builds trust and credibility with customers but also helps salespeople establish meaningful and lasting relationships with their clients.

2. Personalisation

Have you ever had a salesperson or company personalise a product or service to you?

If you have, you will know how it made you feel, and how you were more inclined to use that product or service.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Tailor your marketing and customer interactions to individual preferences and needs.

Use data and technology to provide personalised experiences that show you understand and care about each customer. Some benefits of taking the time to personalise your sales pitch include:

  • Making your pitch stand out from others
  • Adds a ‘Human touch’ making it less ‘robotic’
  • Shows the client that you understand their needs and goals

3. Communication

Effective communication is essential in sales. It’s important to engage in two-way conversations with your audience.

  • Respond promptly to inquiries and feedback
  • Actively seek out customer input and suggestions

If you would like to know more about how the

KONA Group can help you grow your business, click here.

4. Emotional Connection

Connect with your audience on an emotional level. Show empathy, compassion, and understanding. People are more likely to support businesses that align with their values and emotions.

Businesses that create strong “emotional contracts” with their customers develop a high level of trust, which overtime, increases revenue due to repeat purchases.

5. Transparency

Be transparent about your products, services, and business practices. Honest and open communication builds trust and credibility.

Putting ourselves in the customers shoes, when we purchase any product or service from a business, we expect honesty.

Customers don’t want to be misled, no matter how small the detail may be.

Be authentic and transparent during the sales process.

6. Storytelling

Share stories that resonate with your audience. Storytelling is a powerful way to convey your brand’s mission, values, and impact.

To be an exceptional salesperson these days, it requires more than product knowledge and data; you also need the ability to wrap the data in relevant stories.

Storytelling in sales allows you to bring more genuine emotion, trust, and connection into the process.

7. Customer-Centric Approach

Put the customer at the centre of everything you do. Make it easy for customers to reach out, provide feedback, and get support. Continuously improve based on their needs and preferences.

Being customer-centric makes it easier for customers to make purchases and can actually make customers want to purchase. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in sales, and if word gets around that you provide excellent customer service, it can lead to more referrals and ultimately more sales.

Put the customer at the centre of everything you do.

8. Community Building

  • Foster a sense of community around your brand.
  • Encourage customers to connect with each other and with your team.
  • You can do this through social media, forums, events, the list goes on.

9. Long-Term Relationships

Focus on building long-term relationships rather than just making one-time sales. Loyal customers who feel connected to your brand are more likely to stay and advocate for your business.

10. Feedback Loop

Establish a feedback loop to gather and act on customer feedback. This demonstrates that you value their opinions and are committed to improving their experience.

Asking for feedback can help to uncover new opportunities within client relationships and reduce customer complaints because you will be promptly reacting to their needs.

In the end, whether you’re selling to other businesses or directly to consumers, the H2H approach underscores the importance of human connection, empathy, and building lasting relationships.

It’s a mindset that can help businesses thrive in today’s customer-centric and highly competitive marketplaces.

Want to know more about KONA’s H2H Selling approach and

how you can implement this mindset in your business?

Call 1300 611 288 or Email
info@kona.com.au