Friday’s Top 10 This Years, I Will… Resolutions

Last week we looked at some Funny-ish resolutions this Friday lets Get a bit more realistic. As we wrap up the second week of the new year, the initial buzz of fresh starts might be fading. Those ambitious goals we set? Maybe they’re starting to feel a little less shiny. But not for us! This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to crushing our sales targets and becoming top performers in the merchant services world.

Forget vague resolutions – we’re talking concrete actions, strategic shifts, and a relentless focus on delivering value to our clients. Here are 10 things I WILL do this year to elevate my game and achieve merchant services mastery:

From the Home office in Aker’s Mississippi, here are this Friday’s Top 10 This Years, I Will… Resolutions

10. Master My Craft:

• Deepen my product knowledge. I’ll go beyond the basics and become a true expert on every product and service I offer. This means understanding the nuances of different payment gateways, POS systems, and security solutions.
• Stay ahead of the curve. The payments industry is constantly evolving. I’ll dedicate time each week to reading industry publications, attending webinars, and researching emerging trends like mobile wallets and contactless payments.
• Sharpen my sales skills. I’ll refine my pitch, practice active listening, and master the art of objection handling. I’ll explore new sales techniques and seek feedback to continuously improve.

9. Become a Trusted Advisor:

• Prioritize building relationships. I’ll focus on genuine connections and long-term partnerships, not just closing deals. I’ll be a reliable resource for my clients, offering valuable insights and support even after the sale.
• Understand my clients’ businesses. I’ll take the time to truly understand their needs, challenges, and goals. This means asking insightful questions and actively listening to their responses.
• Offer tailored solutions. I’ll move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and present customized solutions that address each client’s unique requirements.

8. Prospect Like a Pro:

• Diversify my prospecting strategies. I won’t rely solely on cold calling. I’ll explore networking events, referrals, online lead generation, and social media to expand my reach.
• Refine my target audience. I’ll identify the specific types of businesses that are most likely to benefit from my services and focus my efforts accordingly.
• Develop a consistent prospecting schedule. I’ll block out dedicated time each day for prospecting activities and stick to it religiously.

7. Leverage Technology:

• Embrace CRM tools. I’ll use a CRM system to organize my leads, track interactions, and manage my pipeline effectively.
• Explore sales automation. I’ll investigate tools that can automate repetitive tasks like email follow-up and appointment scheduling, freeing up my time to focus on selling.
• Harness the power of social media. I’ll use LinkedIn and other platforms to connect with potential clients, share valuable content, and build my professional brand.

6. Maximize Every Interaction:

• Be prepared. Before every meeting or call, I’ll research the prospect, prepare relevant questions, and tailor my presentation to their specific needs.
• Listen more than I talk. I’ll focus on understanding the client’s perspective and asking insightful questions to uncover their pain points.
• Follow up consistently. I’ll stay top-of-mind by sending timely follow-up emails, scheduling check-in calls, and providing valuable resources.

5. Embrace Continuous Learning:

• Seek out mentorship. I’ll connect with experienced sales professionals and learn from their insights and best practices.
• Invest in my development. I’ll attend industry conferences, participate in online courses, and read books to expand my knowledge and skills.
• Embrace feedback. I’ll actively seek feedback from my clients, colleagues, and managers to identify areas for improvement.

4. Focus on Value, Not Price:

• Quantify the benefits. I’ll clearly articulate the value proposition of my services and demonstrate how they can help clients save money, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Highlight my unique strengths. I’ll differentiate myself from the competition by emphasizing my expertise, personalized service, and commitment to client success.
• Build trust and credibility. I’ll be transparent and honest in my interactions, building a reputation for integrity and reliability.

3. Stay Motivated and Positive:

• Set realistic goals. I’ll break down my annual targets into smaller, achievable milestones and celebrate my progress along the way.
• Maintain a positive attitude. I’ll focus on my successes, learn from my setbacks, and approach every challenge with a can-do spirit.
• Find a support system. I’ll connect with other sales professionals, share my experiences, and seek encouragement and motivation.

2. Manage My Time Effectively:

• Prioritize my tasks. I’ll focus on high-impact activities that generate the most results and delegate or eliminate less important tasks.
• Avoid distractions. I’ll create a productive work environment and minimize interruptions to maximize my focus and efficiency.
• Maintain a healthy work-life balance. I’ll prioritize my well-being by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and spending time with loved ones.

And the # 1 top 10 This Years, I Will… Resolutions is ….

1. Never Stop Improving:

• Track my progress. I’ll regularly monitor my key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas where I’m excelling and areas where I need to improve.
• Seek out new challenges. I’ll step outside my comfort zone, take on new responsibilities, and continuously strive to learn and grow.
• Embrace change. I’ll be adaptable and open to new ideas, embracing the ever-evolving landscape of the merchant services industry.

This year, I’m committed to taking my sales performance to the next level. By following these 10 resolutions, I’m confident that I can achieve my goals and exceed expectations!

Have a great Weekend!

David