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	<title>Tom Hopkins' Sales Training Blog</title>
	
	<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog</link>
	<description>Selling Skills | Sales Training | Close More Sales | Increase Sales Revenue</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 22:39:28 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>The Two-Party Indecision Close</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-two-party-indecision-close/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-two-party-indecision-close/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 22:39:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Closes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asking for the business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closing sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales closing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=947</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When there is more than one decision-maker, you are likely to run into a situation where one is ready to go ahead and one is not. This may be a husband and wife or it could be two business partners. When you reach what looks like an impasse, use this strategy: Phraseology: “John and Mary, [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/knowing-when-to-close-the-sale/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Knowing When to Close the Sale'>Knowing When to Close the Sale</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-alternate-of-choice-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Alternate of Choice Close'>The Alternate of Choice Close</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/the-gaining-vs-losing-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Gaining vs Losing Close'>The Gaining vs Losing Close</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Less is More</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/less-is-more/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/less-is-more/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 23:02:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Presentation/Demonstration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talking with clients]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=943</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most people think that in order to persuade others, you have to be a real good talker. You have to have “the gift of gab,” “a silver tongue,” or be a “natural born salesperson.” The truth is just the opposite. The true professionals—the successful people in sales are great listeners. What are they listening to? [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/arouse-emotions-dont-sell-logic/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Arouse Emotions, Don&#8217;t Sell Logic'>Arouse Emotions, Don&#8217;t Sell Logic</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/creating-a-consultative-environment-in-selling/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Creating a Consultative Environment in Selling'>Creating a Consultative Environment in Selling</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/less-is-more//feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Keep Your Boat Afloat</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/overcoming_rejection/keep-your-boat-afloat/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/overcoming_rejection/keep-your-boat-afloat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:31:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talking with clients]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=937</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How do negative thought patterns affect your life? They give you the emotional droops. Your drooping emotions bring on a mental sag. Then your sagging mental powers cause a downturn in your job performance. That downturn leads directly to a sharp decline in your income. The decline in your income gives you more negative thought [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/overcoming_rejection/attitude-makes-a-difference-in-closing-sales/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Attitude Makes a Difference in Closing Sales'>Attitude Makes a Difference in Closing Sales</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/overcoming_rejection/vitamins-for-salespeople/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Vitamins for Salespeople'>Vitamins for Salespeople</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>Creating a Consultative Environment in Selling</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/creating-a-consultative-environment-in-selling/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/creating-a-consultative-environment-in-selling/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:59:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Presentation/Demonstration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building rapport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[client contact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[client fears]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[making people comfortable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qualifying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talking with clients]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=930</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once all of the rapport-building is done and you&#8217;re ready to get down to business, it&#8217;s important to set the tone for your time with these clients. I suggest creating a consultative feeling by using a legal pad to make notes. In some types of selling, this doesn&#8217;t make sense, but it is helpful if [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/be-aware-of-unique-cultural-needs-in-sales/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Be Aware of Unique Cultural Needs in Sales'>Be Aware of Unique Cultural Needs in Sales</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/arouse-emotions-dont-sell-logic/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Arouse Emotions, Don&#8217;t Sell Logic'>Arouse Emotions, Don&#8217;t Sell Logic</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/rapport-setting-step-8-act-relaxed/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Rapport Building &#8211; Step 8: Act Relaxed'>Rapport Building &#8211; Step 8: Act Relaxed</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/presentation/creating-a-consultative-environment-in-selling//feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Financial Services Selling Skills – Guidelines for Asking Questions</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/financial_services/financial-services-selling-skills/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/financial_services/financial-services-selling-skills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asking for the business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[questioning strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales closing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talking with clients]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=923</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Three Guidelines for Asking Questions Because asking good questions is such an integral part of good selling I’ve given the matter a lot of study and thought over the years. I’ve boiled down all that knowledge into three basic guidelines. Guideline #1. Establish a bond before you attempt to control the process with questions. Establishing [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/financial_services/the-advantages-of-a-career-in-financial-services/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Advantages of a Career in Financial Services'>The Advantages of a Career in Financial Services</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/financial_services/the-financial-services-presentation/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Financial Services Presentation'>The Financial Services Presentation</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/hello-world/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Importance of Being a Lifelong Student of Selling Skills'>The Importance of Being a Lifelong Student of Selling Skills</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Secret of Getting Referrals by Dan Kennedy</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/prospecting/referrals/the-secret-of-getting-referrals-by-dan-kennedy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/prospecting/referrals/the-secret-of-getting-referrals-by-dan-kennedy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:38:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guest Blogger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Referrals]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=888</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There has never been any argument in advertising circles that the most effective business advertising is word-of-mouth advertising. That’s why direct selling is so dramatically successful as a method of marketing every imaginable product and service, and why direct selling is such a great business in which to be.  As a direct salesperson conversationally telling [...]
No related posts.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Inflation Close</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-inflation-close/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-inflation-close/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:38:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Closes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asking for the business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closing sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales closing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=890</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As much as we all hate the idea of entering a period of inflation, indicators are showing that there is very likely going to be one in the not-too-distant future. I don&#8217;t want you to be caught by surprise or to wonder how to make sales during an inflationary time. The recent Great Recession has [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-alternate-of-choice-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Alternate of Choice Close'>The Alternate of Choice Close</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/the-oblique-comparison-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Oblique Comparison Close'>The Oblique Comparison Close</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/the-i-can-get-it-cheaper-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The “I can get it cheaper” Close'>The “I can get it cheaper” Close</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting More Business from Existing Clients</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/getting-more-business-from-existing-clients/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/sellingskills/getting-more-business-from-existing-clients/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:22:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Selling Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qualifying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales closing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talking with clients]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=883</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In my comprehensive selling skills book, How to Master the Art of Selling, I teach three ways to get more business from existing clients (Chapter 18). I like to think of it as &#8220;expanding your sales volume.&#8221; One system for expanding your sales volume covered in that chapter involves using your imagination. Keep thinking of [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/qualifying/qualifying-potential-clients/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Qualifying Potential Clients'>Qualifying Potential Clients</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/prospecting/ignoring-clients-lost-sales/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Ignoring Clients = Lost Sales'>Ignoring Clients = Lost Sales</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/prospecting/referrals/keeping_in_touch/become-a-valued-resource-for-your-clients/ ' rel='bookmark' title='Become a Valued Resource for Your Clients'>Become a Valued Resource for Your Clients</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>The Alternate of Choice Close</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-alternate-of-choice-close/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-alternate-of-choice-close/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:06:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Closes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asking for the business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closing sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales closing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=880</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In my sales training, the Alternate of Choice question is usually used to get a date or time commitment to visit with a future client. The Alternate of Choice is a question with two answers — either answer is an agreement. The key is to give two solutions that both lead toward the sale. Another [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/the-basic-oral-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Basic Oral Close'>The Basic Oral Close</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/the-benefit-summary-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Benefit Summary Close'>The Benefit Summary Close</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/if-you-say-yes-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='“If you say yes” Close'>“If you say yes” Close</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>The Competitive Edge Close</title>
		<link>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-competitive-edge-close/</link>
		<comments>http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/closes-closing_sales/the-competitive-edge-close/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:36:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom Hopkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Closes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asking for the business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closing sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales closing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/?p=876</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you’re faced with a client who doesn’t want to make a decision about your product, service, or idea, you can tell a competitive-edge story to help them along. These stories don’t need to be elaborate, and they’re not meant to talk your clients into anything they don’t want or need. The stories just remind [...]
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<li><a href='http://www.tomhopkins.com/blog/closing_sales/the-gaining-vs-losing-close/ ' rel='bookmark' title='The Gaining vs Losing Close'>The Gaining vs Losing Close</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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