The crisp air, the roar of the crowd, the smell of grilling… college football is back, baby! While tomorrow’s games may not be SEC (SEC’s first game is next Thursday 8/28 Central Arkansas vs Missouri) it’s still college football.
And for those of us in merchant services sales, especially here in SEC country, there’s more to it than just touchdowns and tailgates. The gridiron can teach us a lot about closing deals and dominating our territory. So, grab your favorite team’s merch, and let’s count down the top 10 parallels between the start of college football and crushing it in sales!
From the Home Office in Baton Rouge Louisiana, Here are
Top 10 Ways College Football’s Return Mirrors Sales Success
10. The Pre-Season Hype: Building Your Pipeline
Just like fans eagerly anticipate the first game, a successful sales professional builds excitement and a robust pipeline. Are you nurturing leads, making those initial calls, and getting prospects warmed up for what’s to come? The pre-season isn’t just about practice; it’s about preparation and generating buzz.
9. Opening Weekend Jitters: Overcoming Initial Objections
That first game always has some nerves, right? Similarly, the start of a sales cycle often brings initial objections. Just like a good coach anticipates the opponent’s first moves, you need to be ready for common pushbacks. Have your rebuttals practiced and polished.
8. The First Drive: Qualifying Your Leads
A team’s opening drive quickly reveals their strengths and weaknesses. In sales, your initial conversations are about qualifying. Is this a real opportunity? Do they have a need for your services? Are they the decision-maker? Don’t waste plays on unqualified leads.
7. SEC Rivalries: Understanding Your Competition
In the SEC, rivalries are legendary. You know your opponent’s playbook, their star players, and their weaknesses. In merchant services, knowing your competitors inside and out – their pricing, their technology, their service – is crucial. What’s your competitive advantage, your “secret play”?
6. Adjustments at Halftime: Adapting Your Pitch
If the first half isn’t going well, a good coach makes adjustments. Are you listening to your prospects? Are you adapting your pitch based on their specific needs and pain points? A one-size-fits-all approach rarely wins the game.
5. The Home-Field Advantage: Leveraging Your Local Presence
There’s nothing like playing in front of your home crowd in the SEC. For merchant services, your local presence and reputation can be a massive advantage. Are you active in your community? Do businesses know and trust you as a local expert?
4. The Red Zone Offense: Closing the Deal
Getting into the red zone is exciting, but you still have to score! This is where many deals falter. Do you have a clear closing strategy? Are you asking for the business confidently and directly? Don’t leave points on the field.
3. The Game-Winning Field Goal: Securing the Referral
Sometimes, it comes down to one perfect kick. For us, that’s the referral. After a successful implementation and a happy client, are you asking for referrals? A strong referral is like a game-winning field goal – it builds momentum and sets you up for future success.
2. The Coach’s Game Plan: Having a Sales Strategy
Every great SEC coach has a meticulous game plan. Do you have a clear sales strategy for each week, each month, each quarter? What are your targets? How will you achieve them? Without a plan, you’re just hoping for a lucky break.
And the #1 Top 10 Ways College Football’s Return Mirrors Sales Success is …
1. The Fan Base: Building Client Loyalty
The passion of SEC fans is unmatched. They stick with their team through thick and thin. In merchant services, building that kind of loyalty with your clients is paramount. Provide exceptional service, be proactive, and show them you’re a true partner, not just a vendor. Happy clients are your biggest advocates and your most stable revenue stream.
So, as you enjoy the thrill of college football this season, remember that the principles of success on the field are often the same ones that lead to victory in sales. Go out there, execute your game plan, and dominate your territory!
Have a great weekend and Geaux Tigers!
David
Payment Lynx Daily 