New to Sales: 90 Days In, Go Your Own Way

In this last of a three-part series, we’ll look at the final 30 days of your first three months as a copier salesperson. Of course, the concepts apply in all types of sales and are relevant to joining a new company no matter your experience level or vertical market.  The “First 90 Days” is the current ramp-up period for new selling relationships everywhere.

Reflections of The Industry

John the Baptist, incorporating elements from the Island of Misfit Toys, set in a 1960s science fiction and splatter art style. 

Diving Deep: The Initiation Rite into Copier Sales

There is a belief in marketing that we generate demand by reaching out to as many cold leads as possible. Dialing for dollars is the best way to guarantee increased sales. It’s the age-old mantra, “It’s a numbers game, kid.”

Success depends on sheer numbers. Contemporary approaches to selling are varied and proven, but it is still challenging to speak with strangers — especially when you’re convincing them to do something. In the New World of Selling, great salespeople uncover demand. The best attract demand.

In this edition of Your 90 Days New to Copier Sales series, we’re going to talk about what I call “Total Immersion.” It is a hectic and committed time to not only consume information, but for high activity and communications. This is the stage where you’re out on your own, hustling, getting to know your territory and the types of people you will be working with, hopefully, for a long time.

Here are three ideas to work within your second 30 days that pay homage to past success while illuminating a clear path forward:

Read the rest, here.

Critically Acclaimed Article About Copier Sales - "Your First 30 Days"

"Greg Walters transforms the daunting challenge of entering copier sales into an empowering journey of growth and discovery, making his article an indispensable manual for success in the field." - ChatGPT, 2024

I've been writing for The Imaging Channel since around 2014. Since 2018, I've been writing a series around ideas and reflections to help new copier salespeople.  It's been fun. My latest "New to Copier Sales – 30 of Your First 90 Days"  brings your first month into focus.  

As the world famous critic, GPT, says:

"Greg Walters' "New to Copier Sales – 30 of Your First 90 Days" is a vital read for newcomers in the copier sales field, offering a hands-on guide to mastering the essentials of the trade. 

Through advocating for ridealongs, department explorations, and in-depth research, Walters provides a practical framework for understanding the business, technology, and customer engagement. 

His approach highlights the significance of proactive learning and adaptability, essential for thriving in the dynamic sales landscape. This concise blueprint not only equips novices with the necessary tools for success but also instills a mindset of continuous improvement."

Wow.  Couldn't have said it any better.(LOL!) 

I am truly humbled.  Read it and Sell On!

Quickstart Guide: Conquering Copier Sales in the First 90 Days

Are you about to embark on a journey in copier sales? Or perhaps you're curious about the intricacies of this dynamic field? Dive into the world of copier sales with our latest article, "New to Copier Sales: Mastering Your First 90 Days." 🌟💼🖨️

In this comprehensive guide, we dissect the crucial first three months of your copier sales career, equipping you with essential tools and strategies to thrive. From understanding the complexities of the market to building lasting relationships with clients, this article is your roadmap to success in an often-overlooked yet vital industry.

What You'll Discover:

What Exactly Is Ai Doing for the Copier Dealers?

There is no (Artificial) Intelligence in Office Technology Today.

Is Artificial Intelligence helping copier dealers increase sales, decrease costs and grow profits? Today? Right now?  

No.  

Here's the deal:

• Everyone is looking for that ‘Killer AI App” – they are looking at it wrong.
• Everyone thinks AI is a great tool for marketing – they are thinking wrong.
• Everyone is biased toward AI regulations – their bias is misplaced.

There isn’t going to be an “AI Killer AP” because Artificial Intelligence IS the killer app.  

Sure, Ai can generate reams of well structure, grammatically correct, and coherent copy - much like any newspaper up until 1988 - for a fraction of the human cost.  And yes, branded images, logos, videos and voice overs are a few clicks away from fruition.  But in the end, organic writing will prevail as Ai will level the playing field, making us all the best writers and artists, money can buy.*

We are in the explorer phase of the journey, like da Gamma, Columbus and Luis and Clark. Regulation, guidelines and laws will need to wait until the pioneers and settlers arrive.  For now, we are making up behaviors as we go.  Any attempt to reign in the fury will only frustrate and irritate our efforts, and stifle innovation.  Besides, rules and regs on Ai at this point will not work they will only separate the sheep from the rebels - possibly turning heroes into pariahs.

New to Copier Sales – Your Anti-Sales Plan

As autumn creeps across the United States, and the final quarter begins, how should a new copier representative plan for the end of one year and the beginning of another? It’s time to close out and plan for what’s next.

There are plenty of traditional approaches: write a strategy, review it with your manager, track your progress and adjust as needed – old school.

Let me ask you or, better yet, ask your colleagues: how often does that process work?  Not very.

The illusion of control

Everyone has done it. You write it out, and by January 2 it’s forgotten. 

Read the rest, here.

Selling is Not Art. Apparently, Niether is Art. "Unsupervised", AI Δnαrchy and You

Art is not Art. 

Unless you're referring to the copier Wizard in Jersey.

"...the piece uses a machine learning model to reinterpret over 200 years of art from MoMA's archives, generating ever-changing audiovisuals..."

Predictably, my recent posts, "The Ugly Truth: Selling is not an Artform - It's an Algorithm" and 'AI Will Replace Millions of Sales Professionals: "Anyone Telling You Different, Is Selling Something", elicited a few negative responses.

Xerox is The Death of The Copier: Unleashed 🐦🔥

The Third Day

📈 Breaking News: Xerox's Latest Earnings Report 📈

Before we dive into the transformative journeys of Xerox and IBM, it's worth noting the latest earnings report from Xerox. The company recently swung to a third-quarter profit, with a net income of $49 million—a significant turnaround from last year's loss. This positive financial performance adds another layer to the story of Xerox's ongoing transformation. 

Now, let's get into the article.

_____

The 'Death of the Copier'—a phrase that conjures images of obsolescence, but let's set the record straight. 

When I say 'Death of the Copier,' I'm talking about the ultimate rebirth of beliefs, norms, status quo, and in this case, Xerox. 

Xerox has metamorphosed from a company synonymous with photocopying to a digital force offering augmented reality, AI-driven services, and so much more. This isn't just survival; it's enlightenment.

But will it last?  Is Xerox set to survive or thrive?  Are we watching an elephant dance?

📑OTT This Week: AI-Boosted Copier Sales and M&A

October 19, 2023 – Office Tech Tap Newsletter

Ready to rethink what office tech can do for you? This week’s Office Tech Tap Newsletter is your guide to the future, exploring everything from the transformative role of AI in copier sales to the changing dynamics of Mergers and Acquisitions in the industry. We also delve into the fast-paced world of Managed Print Services, where the paper may be folding, but innovation is unfolding. Your feedback is our North Star, so dive in and let us know your thoughts. 🌟🧭

• 🤖💵 Time is money, and AI is your new cashier: In the realm of copier sales, AI is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer. By automating tasks like lead scoring and follow-ups, AI frees up sales reps to focus on relationship-building and closing deals, ultimately boosting efficiency and revenue. Read the full article here.
• 🔄 The Copier Dealer M&A: Dancing Through Office Tech’s Shifting Sands Mergers and Acquisitions in the copier industry are evolving. It’s not just Original Equipment Manufacturers acquiring dealers anymore; dealers are becoming the acquirers, leveraging their economic positions for growth. Read the full article here.
• 🔄 Mind the Gap: AI’s Adoption vs. Training Conundrum – Ricoh. Ricoh’s article highlights the widening gap between AI adoption and essential training in the managed print services sector. This gap is not just a hurdle; it’s a liability and an opportunity for differentiation. Read the full article here.
• MPS – 🖨️ Deep Dive: MPS From Cloud Highs to Market Tides The Managed Print Services landscape is ever-changing, driven by cloud-based solutions and market dynamics. This article serves as a roadmap for providers to not just survive but thrive in this dynamic sector. Read the full article here.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. Navigate through this week’s insights and let us know your thoughts. 🌟🧭

Subscribe Today!

Do You Know Jake, the Managed Print Services Selling Professional on the West Coast?

Jake's Odyssey: From Midwest Dreams to Silicon Valley's Vanguard of Managed Services

Jake's journey began in the heartland of America, amidst the golden fields of the Midwest. There, life was simple, and dreams were often tethered to the horizon one could see. But Jake had always felt the pull of something greater, something beyond those fields. So, with a heart full of dreams and a suitcase packed with ambition, he moved to California, the land of innovation and opportunity.

In Silicon Valley, Jake's first foray into the professional world was as a copier sales representative. The copiers, once symbols of innovation, now felt like relics of a fading era. But as the digital age surged, Jake felt adrift, yearning for a new direction.

One transformative evening, Jake chanced upon an article on thedeathofthecopier.com. It wasn't a lament for the past but a beacon to the future, emphasizing the power of Managed Print Services (MPS) and the art of storytelling in sales.

But it was an article from The Imaging Channel that truly resonated with him. It spoke directly to the newbies in copier sales, like Jake, highlighting the potential future in the industry. The article emphasized that while many stumble into the copier industry almost accidentally, it offers invaluable lessons that are universally applicable. It underscored the importance of commitment, curiosity, setting realistic quotas, and above all, authenticity.

Mandates Aren't Working: Who Needs a Copier?

Remote Work, 2010

Ah, the good ol' days when the hum of the office copier was a constant, and the line for the machine was a daily ritual. But as we've seen in recent times, the office landscape is changing, and with it, the demand for office technology like copiers.

The recent data paints a clear picture: post-Labor Day, we saw a slight uptick in office attendance, but it's still a far cry from the bustling offices of 2019. Despite the efforts of big-name companies like Meta Platforms to enforce stricter return-to-office rules, the national return rate remains stubbornly low. And let's face it, if employees are working from home, who needs a copier?

The Digital Mirage: Navigating the Illusion of B2B Sales in a Post-Paper World

By Gordon P. Thompson

_________

In a world where bytes replace ink, can the human touch still seal the deal?

Amidst Tokyo's neon embrace, I found solace in an izakaya, where the past and present coalesced. As the digital age reshaped the world outside, the warm sake in my hand whispered tales of a time when business was more than just transactions.

The world of B2B sales, especially in office technology, has always been a dance of adaptability. Greg Walters from The Imaging Channel once reflected on the evolution of B2B sales strategies. The tools of the trade have evolved, but the essence? It remains rooted in trust and understanding.

Born to Run the Digital Highway: Springsteen's Musical Shifts Reflect Our Office Tech Evolution

Darkness was my first album.  I bought it thinking it contained the song "Born to Run".    I was wrong and it was so very right. 

Today it Bruce's birthday.  He turns 74.

I've listened to him since 1978.

Darkness on the Edge of Town, to a kid living just outside Detroit, witness to the fall of the big V8 and the rise the Japanese automotive industry.

Jimmy Carter, Oil Embargo, and the "Great Blizzard of '78".  Yeah, there were blizzards back then and we didn't have ABS, or all wheel drive and somehow we made it out alive.

Regardless, time changes everything especially the view.

Bruce is 74.  His political beliefs are typically skewed left, because of the entertainment commands it so.

It doesn't matter. 

Travel with me and Wendy as she bemoans the parallel paths of Office Technology and Bruce Springsteen from 1978 to today.

_________

In the dimly lit corner of a New York bar, Wendy sat, a glass of whiskey in hand, reflecting on the ever-evolving world of music and technology. The raspy voice of Bruce Springsteen echoed in the background, singing tales of blue-collar struggles and the American dream. 

Wendy, always one to appreciate the art of storytelling, couldn't help but draw parallels between Springsteen's musical journey and the technological transformation of the modern office.

New to Copier Sales: Your Future in This Industry

Copier Sales: Where Destiny Prints Your Success Story

In my more than three-decades-long odyssey through the world of office technology — from the copier to Novell servers, from sleek tablets to behemoth mainframes — I’ve rubbed shoulders with presidents, mingled with the C-suite, and tipped a few bourbons with dealer/owners. Yet, in this crazy mix of personalities and titles, I have never encountered a single soul who woke up one day and said, “I want to sell copiers for the rest of my life.” 

Yet here we are, an industry of resilience and problem solvers.

I wonder, how is this possible? For the newly minted copier rep, what can you expect from the niche as you progress along your personal selling journey?

New to Copier Sales: Another Lesson in Basic Selling

In the article "New to Copier Sales: Another Lesson in Basic Selling" by Greg Walters, the author provides insights and advice for new copier sales representatives. With the plethora of tools available today, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to determine the best approach. 

Walters emphasizes that while sales managers may advise traditional methods like phone calls and physical visits, the landscape of selling has evolved.

Executive Summary:

1. Evolving Sales Landscape: New copier sales representatives face a steep learning curve, with a plethora of tools and methods available. While traditional methods like phone calls and physical visits are still recommended, the modern sales landscape requires a more multifaceted approach.
2. Five Essential Sales Tools: Greg Walters highlights five key tools for sales success: the phone, instant messaging, LinkedIn, emails, and face-to-face chats. Among these, the phone remains crucial, especially in the post-pandemic era where a human voice offers a unique connection.
3. Multifaceted Sales Strategy: A successful sales strategy should integrate various methods. Starting with a phone call, building an online presence, and turning cold leads into warm engagements are pivotal. The ultimate goal is to provide a seamless and engaging journey for prospects, ensuring their transition into loyal customers.

AI and the Digital Transformation: Reshaping the Future of Copier Sales

Out with the old, in with the AI: Copier sales just got a techy upgrade

In the ever-evolving world of copier sales, the digital age and AI are reshaping how we approach our prospects. Dive into how these changes are impacting the industry and what it means for the future of sales.

Executive Bullet Points:

• The digital age has transformed prospects from passive recipients to active participants, conducting their own product assessments.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing copier sales, offering real-time insights, and enhancing sales strategies.
• Modern sales training must evolve, focusing on experiential selling and leveraging AI to meet the needs of informed customers

From Gridiron to Boardroom: America's Love Affair with Football and Sales

"Where Sales Pitches Meet Touchdowns: Your Field Guide to Winning at Business and on the Turf!"

As an avid reader of DOTC, and not my mother (hi Mom), you know I occasionally use Football as a metaphor - for MPS, Selling.

Of course, there is more to life than Selling MPS(when you find it, let me know) and it seems that football, American football(I can't believe I need to make that distinction) is and always has been, a metaphor for this American Life.

So it is with salespeople. Pushy, over-talkative, uncaring, fake. Stereotypical. Yes, some of that is deserved, but not for all of us.

Fake? What's with those industry pundits who last year provided copier sales training suggesting MPS was a fad?

Copier Salespeople: The Undoing of Managed Print Services Opportunities - A Personal Account

Re-Mastered from the 2009 DOTC classic, "Copier Sales People Destroy Managed Print Services Opportunities: Daily"

Why Traditional Copier Sales Tactics Undermine the Potential of Managed Print Services

Executive Summary:

1. The Problem with Legacy Sales Practices: Managed Print Services (MPS) is a rapidly evolving industry; however, its potential is being undermined by outdated sales tactics. This issue is deeply ingrained and can lead to unsatisfactory client experiences, as old-school copier salespeople resist change and cling to outdated dogmas.
2. Case Studies of Poor Sales Tactics: The negative impacts of these traditional sales practices are highlighted through two real-life client experiences. Both cases involve manipulative, rushed, and misleading sales practices from competitors that lead to client distress and loss of trust. These sales tactics prioritize moving products over genuinely addressing client needs, causing significant frustration and disruption.
3. The Future of Sales - AI & Core Sales Principles: Looking ahead to 2023, the timeless lessons from these experiences remain relevant. No matter the technological advances, core sales principles such as empathy, active listening, problem-solving, and relationship-building remain irreplaceable. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into sales, it presents opportunities for efficiency and insight while also challenging traditional face-to-face selling practices. While AI has the potential to redefine sales, the core ethos of understanding client needs and delivering effective solutions remains constant.

_________

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the managed print services (MPS) industry is no exception. Yet, the legacy sales practices of copier salespeople are undermining the potential of MPS. 

Despite the proliferation of MPS training programs and the influx of so-called "MPS Experts", I argue that these won't make a difference. Major manufacturers like Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Samsung, Xerox, and Canon, who are launching such programs, are likely to experience frustration and lost potential. The reason? Resistance to change and clinging to outdated dogmas.

There is a saying in the industry that encapsulates this issue: at the beginning of the month, we all sell solutions, but in the last week of the month, we move a box. This mentality is deeply ingrained, often causing chaos and dissatisfaction for clients.

_________

Resisting the Return: Executives Ditch the Copier for the Comfort of Remote Work

Executives to Corporate: You Can Take Our Office, But You Can't Take Our Pajamas

Executive Bullet Points:

1. Top-tier executives are leading the resistance to the five-day office week, with many willing to trade more than 20% of their compensation for the flexibility of remote work.
2. Despite the push for a return to the office, data shows that office attendance is still below pre-pandemic levels, with employees spending less time in the office than before.
3. Companies are exploring creative solutions to encourage in-person work, including relocating offices to more enticing locations and offering flexible work-from-anywhere policies.

Greg's Words

The battle goes back and forth - but the lines are beginning to solidify.  Employees want to work from anywhere - as the fear of Covid revealed.

But today it seems even the C-Suite sees the value of working from anywhere(#WFA).  No surprises there, but what is remarkable is that the #WFA movement has forces aligned with the most demographic.

Who still resists?  Commercial property management companies, commercial real estate organizations, firms heavily invested in commercial real estate(banks), peripheral businesses,(coffee shops, taxis, tow trucks, food trucks), and mayors(no tax base).

In the end, it just doesn't matter.  The #WFA movement would prevail on lessons learned during the Covid fear alone - but there is more.  Enter artificial intelligence.  Today, AI is allowing two employees to do the work of ten.  AI can be accessed from any connected point on the planet.

The office-work environment has dissolved.

How is the alignment between executive and employee going to impact the resistance to #WFA?

__________