There is no such thing as losing to “No Decision”

by Ed Kless on January 24, 2012

While teaching Sage Consulting Academy last week, I had what my mentor would call a BFO – blinding flash of the obvious – a sale is never really lost to “No decision.”

artworks-000012084925-nwyyay-originalFirst, “No” is a decision and therefore, by definition is a …

Second, while a prospect may not select either you or a competitor, the prospect’s money is going to be spent on something. This could either be continuing to pay another third party to manually do what your system does, or they might simply be buying a new boat for themselves instead.

In either case the message to you (and your competitors for that matter) – You have done a lousy job communicating and convincing the customer that you and your potential solution create value for their organization.

Think about it, if you were the CEO of a small company and had the choice between a new ERP system and a boat, which would you choose? This is yet another reason why your value proposition must be a strong one.

The next time you think you have lost to “No decision",” I suggest you pause and reflect rather than just caulk it up to a confused potential buyer.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Adrianne Machina January 24, 2012 at 8:46 am

I love this scene from Boiler room. There is no such thing as a No Sale Call – you sell them, or they sell you! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDO32ij91O8&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL69A0F6C8559ECBB7

Ed Kless January 24, 2012 at 9:04 am

Neat clip, thanks Andrianne.

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