Prospecting Tips not as you know them. The Mistakes you Must Avoid – Lesson 1 – Podcast and Scope 🙂
Gee Julie, I have a prospect with me now, If you get him to join, I will join you…Lol! Said Prakash, a wannabe entrepreneur! WHAT, sorry but I am pretty busy at the moment! I answered? BUT I am going to give you a quick lesson. Some prospecting tips, by sharing the prospecting mistakes we’ve made, nothing held back?
Whether you own a real bricks and mortar business or have a service, platform or product you promote online, Remember:
“While the customer is King, You are The Bridge between where they are and what they want…” Julie Syl
Prakash is a “Passive income, I don’t want to recruit people type.” He has been playing this game for a while….The “I will buy/join when I get some of my own customers ready to buy with/from me first….A load of Hogwash if you ask us!
Why share these mistakes? Because we see so many people doing the same today and it makes us pretty sad. Allow us to let you in on the multitude of prospecting mistakes we made that killed many a sale. And how we’ve overcame them! We wont just delve into the mistakes, but also some super Prospecting Tips so you can get to your desired results faster! Closing more of your leads and make more sales!
Did you know that:
“Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.” – Henry Kissinger
Yet most new network marketers, home based business entrepreneurs and small business owners give your power away completely to a potential customer or prospect. By the way you behave and the things you say. Today Paul and I are determined to help you take your power back. By obliterating these prospecting mistakes and how to posture your self better today, get more people taking a look at your business information and giving you decisive answers.
If you are stretched and wish to grab your prospecting tips on the run, then listen to the Audio below but make sure you come back to this post for the meat and potatoes!
#1 Create a Collaboration Group akin to BNI or Leverage Non Competing Businesses:
Well we obviously weren’t taking advantage of this strategy, thus a mistake in our books.
We recently learnt about BNI’s from an online marketing colleague Stephanie Irwine thank you! Join your Local BNI or create a network of collaborating non competing entrepreneurs and exchange not just leads but Real Business contacts and sales!
So off we went and attended one of the many local BNI chapters aptly named Twilight! This turned out to be absolutely amazing for connecting with new people, network, and possibly generate more leads and sales fast! Esp. if you have services outside of Internet marketing like we do.
This is a prospecting tip par excellence! At some point you will collect a plethora of entrepreneurs details, cards or numbers from different sectors. Including prospects who may not be buying immediately! Whoever you’re showing your business has dozens of other services and products being sold to or shared with them. E.g you are a motivational speaker promoting to a corporate CFO. Or an events planner sharing with a Hospitality Manager. Lawyer, propositioning accountants. You get the picture.
Establish alliances with others selling different but complimentary services and products to the same people. You will realise major benefits. This a prospecting super tip! Why?
Because you’ll gain access to each other’s lists and networks. Creating a “circle of trust” – people who know you and love your work. If you do things right you might also create partnerships on the same sales. In the construction industry we always found that we sent work to a plumber,electrician, trades we knew. Do you see just how powerful this can be? You will soon grow your network in amazing ways! And make more repeat sales….sweet!

#2 Prospecting Tips – Mistakes we made: Take Back Your Power:
You deserve to have the good things you envision…and you cant do so when you keep making the same mistakes.
Most sales people, esp. new coaches and network marketers habitually do and say things that immediately and unequivocally hand ALL of their power to prospects and customers. These potential customers then hold all the cards for the success or failure of the entrepreneur, without the benefit of the doubt! Talk about power. The ability to cause someone to succeed or to fail. Think about that for a moment. It’s like playing god with someone’s livelihood!
That’s exactly what it felt like in our early days of marketing, when prospects wouldn’t buy and we seemed to have no power to do anything about it. The worst part about this is the fact that you think you’re doing the right thing and that you are SUPPOSED to take these actions that give all your power away.
So many times we’ve said and have heard others use the following statements. Pure prospecting mistakes:
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get your custom or earn your business.”
“If you join my team or buy from me, I’ll be at your beck and call.”
“I’m all about after sales service. I’ll be available to you anytime after installation if you need help.”
“I’ll even give you my home number. I want to be available to you anytime for any reason at all.”
Why give your potential customer a paradox of choices? Be precise what you offer and you start off on the right foot!
You must present yourself as an equal at the very minimum, preferably someone with more knowledge if its is valid! Then, and only then, will you receive the level of respect from customers necessary to make them fall into a frame of mind that THEY must prove themselves to YOU and EARN a place as your customer.
Please keep in mind that arrogance and brashness won’t get you far. Our aim here is not only to make you recognize that you are more than enough as a professional or digital entrepreneur. But also emphasize to you why this frame is an absolute necessity if you are to become hugely successful in your business. Its but – a game. A game of wits and psychological positioning aka POSTURE!
#3 Prospecting Tips – Not Following up on the NOs:
Here is a prospecting mistake we used to make, its mind boggling! Have you considered all the Nos you have been getting? The last 5-10 sales you lost, have you considered why you didn’t get them? If not, go find out and below is what could happen:
- You could redeem the sale. When you ask for feed back your prospect may have been going through a bad patch so timing was all wrong! So if you approach them asking for their help and feedback, you just might resurrect the deal and make a sale. These are the prospecting tips you keep hearing and not putting into place…Lol Its called Follow up…with a twist!
- Practice makes perfect, so you’ll definitely gain confidence & improve. This is more so if your prospect decided to buy from a competitor…as they do! Use this chance to find out why that happened This kind of feedback helps yo improve your chances of making he sale. feedback will help you get those sales! Application of knowledge is power, You will find that your next deal brings different results.
- You could get a referral. Did you even consider that when you are prospecting, you could ask the person for a contact or connection to someone who may benefit from your product or services? recently Ray Higdon did say exactly that. If you lack posture you could lose the sale. But don’t let them get away without asking if they know someone who does need what you offer! In most cases, your prospect may have been excited about the deal. So always ask this powerful, question: “Who else do you know that could use some help with….?”
In our Short Broadcast above we Did Share with you Why you need to take your power back and give some Prospecting Tips. Go Tune in and learn 🙂
#4 Prospecting Tips – Not Laying The Client Risk Out!
This is specially prone to new business owners, and coaches. Hyping things up and failing to Clearly share with the potential client a strategy for managing the risk. At one of the training events we attended over the summer. One of the speakers stated that people shy away from purchasing from you because of two reasons:
- they don’t think they can do it
- they don’t believe you can lead them!
Your prospects may become overwhelmed by the information you share esp. if you go into explaining comp plans! Yes many entrepreneurs focus on selling on price or Comp plan. This is pointless! People need to know whether they can promote the services as you do. So Keep It Simple Stupid…So mush so an 8th grader can understand how it works and the risks involved…! Money or start up costs shouldn’t be the major focus. That only arises when your are not convinced of your abilities or worse still the benefits of both! Get them to see these 3 and you got a sale without even worrying about the price… That is something people pay or find a way to do so when they see the vision!
#5 Prospecting Tips – Do you Value Your Time?
This is another mistake made by new home business entrepreneurs and network marketers, that needs to be cured! The struggle with attrition is real. And most of us fail to understand that Time is a precious resource. We have to make the best use of the time we get to build our business. Have you ever made an appointment with a potential client and they either show up so late or they are a no show with no apology?
Then you can relate!
Paul & I once went to visit a potential client, who made us wait for 65 minutes! When she finally deemed it fit to show her face, she was dismissive and rude. Paul politely stood up thanked her for showing her face – and said See ya! You should have seen her face! It was priceless! Know your value, Your time is priceless. We wasted 65 minutes of our time that day. BUT we also learnt a lesson and we since then never wait for anybody beyond 15 mins! By the way this woman rang apologized profusely and Promptly made an order! Why? Because we had posture and we have learnt to Handle prospects Objection. You can cure that gremlin in your business too, grab our Objection handling Toolkit Here!
Lesson: Prospects must earn your time too!
By the way you can Download our Definitive guide to Prospecting 101 as a PDF:
This will help you as you horne your Prospecting Skills and GET THOSE SALES IN…
Further more, if you are serious about learning prospecting, you would be well placed to learn from the pros. Inside the WeNation, you are able to learn about social media sales and connect with professionals who are in the trenches doing sales Check them out Sales and Prospecting. We highly recommend you check that out.
Okay, did you know that…
#6 Prospecting Tips – Its okay to walk away! Yes this is one of those prospecting tips and techniques that only works for those with super posture and experience, and thus needs lots of practice to pull off and still get the sale or referral! No business relationship is immune to speed bumps and challenges. If a potential customer, prospect becomes aggressive and derogatory, argumentative and even brings up the P word…It can be an uncomfortable situation, and sometimes, fighting to keep calm. To either get or keep the business is a lost cause. The smart thing to do – walk away with your respect and posture intact. This will believe it or not leave you in a position to redeem the business. esp. if its an old customer who knows your value and worth and sees this after the “Grass is greener” Syndrome wears off! And absolutely make sure you too would Join You we recommend you avoid faking it till you make it….a No no!

#7 Prospecting Tips- Call your Prospects! While cold calling may be dead, CALLING YOUR prospects is a Must how will you learn of they have integrity i.e. if they have provided a VALID number? Well by picking that phone up innit! BUT we just don’t like to reinvent the wheel. When awesome resources like Hubspot have created a super post a whopping 25 Phone prospecting tips to get you that sale so go read said article here! Remember your product or service or you are not perfect for everyone. But may be perfect for the right people. Doesn’t matter how great your solution is since sliced bread, if it doesn’t fit how a potential client/customer does business, you wont make that sale! It’s nothing personal, it’s just not for them. The face doesn’t fit he frame. This one is not just a prospecting tip but a life lesson!
Yes, you will soon be in a position to turn down any prospect who isn’t deserving of your time, energy, service or consideration. That’s the ultimate example of taking back your power. It’s done all the time. You have the power. Keep it and use it. Give it to NO ONE.
Are You Struggling to get Leads? Are you a blogger and barely getting traffic? Then You Absolutely Must Attend Get This Resource Today, that has allowed us to grow our team including those that say NO. Build Your Blog in less than a weekend! Its all part of the resource. Truly will be ground breaking for you!
So do you reckon I was too harsh on Prakash? By the way he is still chasing butterflies…! Have you got value from our Prospecting tips, techniques and strategies? Then do consider liking, sharing and tell us your insights below! We know you have an opinion and we’d love to hear it!
Live. Lean. Love
Pauli Kalungi
Skype: Julie.Kalungi1
Email: julieatJuleskalpauli[dot]com
Considering Coaching? Check out our Work with Me tab and Survey where we Help People Everyday.
I love that you valued your time and business to walk away from someone who was rude. I am so glad that she came back to order too. Happy ending for all. 🙂
Yes Rosey,
We must value or time above all things and Know when to walk away! We also must not be fearful of telling people that we are not pleased with their behaviour. 🙂
These are great tips to live by in terms of Prospecting. Thank you for sharing Julie!
Hey Jose, How are you doing. Thanks for your comment!
“If you join my team or buy from me, I’ll be at your beck and call.”
OUCH! I did this today – or something similar. Wish I read this post 2 hours earlier haha
I also loved the bit about don’t being afraid to walk away. Will be taking that on board!
Thanks for the awesome share again Julie 🙂
Hey Alex,
Dont you go beating ya self down. At least you are taking action and sharing!
Remember these are mistakes WE HAVE MADE and probably still make on a wee scale no one is perfect!
Glad you found us though 🙂
Pauli
Great post Julie,
This is an area where i really need to improve on and for sure what you’ve put together is going to help me out.
Thank you!
We’re Glad to have been of help and that you found the information useful Vincent.
Thanks for taking the time.
Julie
What you point out here, Julie, is the fact that not everyone is a fit for our business. Some people will never work, others are rude and demanding. Be willing to cut them loose and move on to the next. Following that, looking desperate by making ourself available anytime indeed puts us in a weak position — an undesirable position. Amazingly valuable post. Thanks.
Hey Carol,
Thank you for your insightful comment and contribution.
No one likes to be in a position of weakness, esp. Our prospects so we gotta empower them and leave them with a positive feeling
eitehr way.
Pauli
The art of prospecting or sales in general starts with the right mindset. And then learning some skills and principles. What you shared here Julie are some great tips and strategies that can help anyone to get going or get better with prospecting! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your contribution. And You are welcome!
Pauli
I don’t prospect as such, but this can definitely be adapted for getting more readers as well. Don’t be afraid to tell people “sorry, you don’t like it” and keep doing the same thing.you were doing. Not every person you meet is your client.
Exactly Sandra,
Some people seem to think everyone is their customer and get so upset when they say No.
Attached to the outcome…that is a no-no in business!
Thanks for stopping by!
I have not made these types of calls in ages and quite honestly have no desire to make them ever again in this lifetime. However, looking back on my time in the field where I had to make these calls, these are really great tips. Namaste
Ha hahaaaa You doth protest too much we thinks Claudette 🙂 But dont worry we wont tell Shhsssh
Truly I have not called any one cold for over 2 yrs.
Anyone I call is a person who has freely not only given us their number but asked us to call
them to boot. How about that? Its called attraction Marketing and it works my lady!
Glad you feel they are great tips 🙂
Julie
Julie, I love your articles and always take down notes from your invaluable gold nuggets. Thanks for sharing so much great information on prospecting. Certainly this is an area where all entrepreneurs can use fresh ideas and concepts. I believe my biggest gain from this article is posture-posture-posture! My second gain is if I don’t show that I value my own time, others will not value it.
hello Mary,
How lovely to hear from you girl.
We are glad you find value in our posts and we appreciate your continued support!
Implement Implement Implement 🙂
Julie
Wow! There is so much value packed into the post Julie! You gave away all this for FREE? Incredible. 😉 In relation to #3, we always say..it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Practice makes progress. Thank you for sharing these great prospecting tips!
Hey B & Flea,
We know you two are believers…its in Giving that we receive. So yes We have given it away free coz we freely we have received a lot of coaching and mentoring and so many so so many are in dire need of this kind of training. Thanks for your kind words and contribution.
Pauli
This provides really good food for thought, Julie. Respecting my time and knowing when to walk away have helped me enormously.
Thank You!
Hi Susan,
We are real glad you found value.
Indeed we must respect our time since everyone wants a piece of it…IT MEANS ITS PRECIOUS 🙂
Pauli!
Powerful tips Julie. Taking back your power is one of the keys to designing your life for you. We all have to know when to walk away. A no is a requirement of success and on eof my mentors taught me to ask”Is that no for now or no forever?” Respect others time but also respect your own time. Thank you for sharing these wonderful empowering tips.
He David,
Thank you for your Contribution indeed I love what your mentor says.
I love it in fact…great way to get a decisive answer.
Glad you found our post empowering.
Pauli