Lee Novak

Dear Lee, Last year I was a record setting sales rep at my company selling high tech solutions. Today I received my annual quota for the new year and was shocked to see that my account list shrunk by 10% and my quota is the highest in the company.  I am  very frustrated with this. I attempted to negotiate a reduced quota with my manager but he dismissed my request, saying that he has full confididence that I will figure it out. My quota is gigantic but my spirit is weak. Any suggestions? Down in the South -   Dear Down in the South, I am sure that you are familiar with the biblical story about the tiny frail warrior David slaying the Giant, Goliath. If Goliath had been  a man of average height - who would've noticed? Who would've cared.? Remember the bigger the challenge the greater the rewards when you overcome them. Last year when you received your annual quota... (more)

Top Ten Benefits of CRM

Dear Lee, I have worked in sales for the past fourteen years and have seen fads come and go. The latest is CRM that, my company has forced upon me. Isn’t CRM just another way for my company to act like BIG BROTHER to watch and monitor my every move? Stan, Tx Dear Stan, Would you board a commercial airline if you knew, 1) the plane was lacking a navigational system, 2) you would be flying to the busiest airport in the world without the aid of an air traffic controller or radar, and 3) the pilots would not have any radio contact to direct their take off or landing approach? Most ... (more)

The Ten Attributes of a Magnetic Sales Professional

Google “what it takes to be a successful salesperson” and one will get 121,000 different perspectives on what it takes to be one. However, in today’s competitive landscape what companies are truly looking for is, the rare individuals who can overachieve the sales and revenue goals, retain and increase the share of wallet of the existing client base and have the ability to drive new business in the unsold prospect arena. Sales Organizations want Magnetic Sales Professionals not simply, successful sales associates. They want individuals who will create a positive legacy and at the ... (more)

The Ten Commandments for Achieving Excellence in Business and Life

I. Build Your Self Esteem –Successful people know that, building their mind, exercising their body, growing their skills and intellect provides them with layers of protection against failure in life, relationships and business. They are more confident, more hopeful and people are drawn to them by this healthy dose of self esteem II. Set demanding Goals – A muscle doesn’t grow without resistance. Successful individuals realize that to grow financially, spiritually or personally they need to challenge themselves with demanding goals. III. Always be Positive– You never hear people sa... (more)

Coaching the Star Performer

Dear Lee, I have a tenured sales person who has a history of overachieving his sales quota for the past three years. In fact, he has been one of the top performers in the company and is excellent at closing business in competitive accounts. However, his service after the sale and his follow through is the worst on my team. Clients have complained frequently about feeling as if, he only cares about them when he is selling them something and then he disappears, doesn't return phone calls, etc. I have attempted to coach him on this deficit but quite frankly, he doesn't take critici... (more)