Why Virtual Selling is in Your Future

The COVID economy has forced many manufacturers in Minnesota to re-think how they deploy their sales teams in a culture that discourages personal contact. Suddenly the concept of virtual selling has become critically important to many companies and sales expert Jeb Blount is convinced that the efficiencies of virtual selling are here to stay.

Jeb is the bestselling author of ten books on sales, leadership, and customer experience. His most recent, appropriately, is called Virtual Selling.  An in-demand speaker, he spends more than 250 days each year delivering speeches, workshops, and training programs to high-performing sales teams and leaders. We are more than thrilled that Jeb agreed to sit (virtually!) for an in-depth Q&A for the summer issue of Enterprise Minnesota® magazine. This is a big deal for us.

“Virtual selling is here to stay,” he says. Many manufacturers have learned that tactics used to ride out past economic downturns haven’t worked as well in the COVID economy. “Early in the pandemic, many manufacturers shut everything down, cut costs as fast as they could and just hunkered down to ride it out. That might have worked in other manufacturing cycles, but this recession isn’t like any we’ve ever had.

“Buyers have changed,” he says. “They expect more and they expect different. My pitch for manufacturers is that if you don’t start learning how to sell in a virtual environment, you’re going to be at a competitive disadvantage to those businesses that do. A recent McKinsey report on B2B sales found that 77% of buyers prefer dealing with existing vendors in a virtual environment.  Manufacturers who are selling to existing customers should know that those buyers would much prefer a virtual interaction than an in-person interaction.”

This massive shift doesn’t mean that manufacturers should abandon in-person sales, he says. “It just means that manufacturers and buyers see the same efficiencies in virtual relationships. Salespeople can have a greater impact; they can make more calls, have more conversations. My elevator pitch is this: if you don’t start learning how to master virtual selling, you are going to be at a disadvantage in the next iteration of the economy.”

The interview will reveal tips on how to prepare emotionally for the transition as well as tips about the technical aspects of affordably setting up your operation. He talks about how to maintain eye contact and read body language during a call. And, of course, he has a few words for the folks who think a virtual sales call is a ticket to wear sweatpants and a hoodie. (Spoiler alert: It isn’t!).

Our next magazine is due to publish on May 18th.
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Events Calendar

June 3 – Investing in Your People to Create Leaders at All Levels
Talent and Leadership expert Abbey Hellickson will be discussing how to determine and develop leadership competencies in your organization to help foster a company culture of growth and resilience. Online via Zoom  Learn more and register

June 9 – Continuous Improvement for Your Business
Learn how to take your lean 1.0 operation to lean 2.0 with expert Ally Johnston. Strengthen and sustain your continuous improvement efforts across your organization. Online via Zoom  Learn more and register

June 23 – Business Strategy for Growth
Learn how to create a strategic roadmap for your business that will help you overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Online via Zoom  Learn more and register

See more upcoming events

Industry News

Moorhead native turns headband hobby into $2 million business
As a college student, Leah Kay Krabbenhoft couldn’t find a good headband, so she decided to make her own – and her business has blossomed. Apr. 19, Detroit Lakes Tribune  Read more

DEED awards $1.64 million to JunoPacific expansion
The Brooklyn Park expansion is expected to create 136 new jobs over the next five years, with an average wage of $21.44 an hour. Apr. 13, Red Lake Nation News  Read more

Minnesota-based manufacturers discuss internal vaccination efforts 
MN DEED held a roundtable discussion with local manufacturers to discuss their internal vaccination efforts, which include informational material and incentives. Apr. 17, WDIO Duluth  Read more

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