So here I am, 27 years in (as a sales consultant that is), and I am still amazed by companies that question their need for a sales consultant or trainer. Now I know that “want” a sales trainer trumps “need” a sales trainer every time, but c’mon people, there are some clear indicators that you better bring in someone or else…and the else is not a pretty picture:

You know you need a sales consultant / trainer when:

• Your sales have been flat lining for an extensive period of time and you don’t know why (stop blaming the economy for all of your woes)
• You can’t retain your sales staff
• You’re working in a very unprofitable segment of the market and don’t know how to swim “upstream” to more profitable clients
• You’re using the same sales tools as you did 5 years ago
• You believe that social media is “not for you”
• You can’t win new business; you can’t grow existing accounts
• Your competition is eating your lunch
• You’re considering shutting down because getting new clients is just too tough
• You’re thinking of adding a partner because you think that they will bring in new clients

And sure there are more. I’m not saying that some of these statements /reasons aren’t valid and should be discounted. I’m simply saying that if you find yourself thinking any of these thoughts then perhaps a conversation with a sales expert might be in order to help clarify, validate and or simply, help to turn around a negative situation.

Just sayin’.