A Much-Needed LinkedIn Exchange

In response to a post on LinkedIn, a print buyer wrote about how she routinely accepts appointments from new vendors despite the fact she is not looking to replace her existing choice. She believes it's always a good idea to hear good ideas.

At last! A kindred spirit!

With all the nonsense on social media, I really needed to hear something reasonable.

If I ran the world, I would make several key changes:

• No working on perfect weather days;
• The elimination of the Designated Hitter;
• Boarding a plane would be by height, not row (tallest first, btw);
• Make reading, “The Four Agreements” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People” a requirement of graduating high school, and…
• All buyers would need to set aside one hour a month to give the non-incumbent vendor a chance to sell her/his way into an account.

Tom Hicks, owner of the long-gone Baltimore company, Victor Graphics, posted the following in his lobby:

Sales People Welcomed

You will receive courteous attention, here, for we are mindful that our own sales people are making calls every day, seeking interviews and business just as you are. We are glad to have you call, because it is an important part of our business to keep in touch with new developments and changes in products and services. Can you tell us something new… Something we should know… Or show us how your goods or services can help us do a better job?

We shall keep you waiting no longer than necessary. While here, feel free to avail yourself of our facilities and telephones.

Thank you for coming to see us.

Victor Graphics, Inc.

And finally, in the words of my new LinkedIn BFF: “I can't tell you how many times I have seen a vendor and then needed to use their services. It's almost scary! I wish more print buyers would do that.”

Want more? The Sales Vault is stocked with solutions to the sales challenges you are facing. Sales reps and selling owners find ideas, motivation, and community together at SalesVault.pro. Bill Farquharson can be reached at 781-934-7036 or bill@salesvault.pro