James Mailley’s Post

Hello from Sydney An old story to share :) 👇 Imagine being woken up at 3 AM, groggy and disoriented, with your sales rep on the line, asking you to catch a 4 AM flight. Your first thought? It must be for a significant deal. So, when the number 'a few thousand dollars' was mentioned, you can imagine the skepticism and surprise. Yet, what unfolded was a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating world of sales. Boarding that flight, I was fueled not just by caffeine but by a sense of purpose and a dash of curiosity. The goal was clear: deliver exceptional value, no matter the perceived size of the deal. This wasn't just about closing a sale; it was about demonstrating commitment, showcasing our solution's potential, and building a lasting partnership. As the meeting unfolded, it became evident that our willingness to go above and beyond - to take that early flight, to engage deeply with the client's needs, and to offer tailored solutions - was making an impact far beyond what the initial figures suggested. The outcome? We closed a deal worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, far exceeding the initial 'few thousand' estimate. >>> This experience underscored a vital lesson: never underestimate the power of grit, dedication, and the willingness to deliver more value. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the story behind them, the effort, and the determination to exceed expectations. So, to those grinding in the sales trenches, remember: your willingness to go the extra mile, to show up for your clients, and to deliver unparalleled value can and will turn the tides in your favor. Here's to embracing the unexpected, to the early flights, and to the deals that remind us why we do what we do.

Sales in Europe is stuck and 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞-𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬-𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 is a major reason 𝐰𝐡𝐲. The harsh reality is that Europe isn’t a single market but a diverse mosaic of cultures, each with its own expectations, norms, and preferences. The six largest economies—Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands If you want to succeed in sales, especially in Europe, you need to adapt or fail.

Cultural awareness in hospitality sales is everything! 🌍✨ Writing our latest blog, 'Why Cultural Awareness is Important for Hospitality Sales Success', made me think about how understanding cultural nuances can completely transform your sales approach. From building trust to refining proposals, being culturally aware isn’t just a nice-to-have... it’s a must. We believe it’s how you stand out, win business, and create lasting relationships in today’s diverse marketplace. If you're curious about how to up your cultural awareness game, then check out the blog below for tips and insights to empower your team! 👇 https://lnkd.in/eTkDnecw #HospitalitySales #CulturalAwareness #SellingSavvy #SalesSuccess

👋 Meet Alexandra Sutton, Good Travel Management’s Sales Manager.  Alex gives us an insight into her role of creating, leading and engaging new clients as part of the inbound leads and enquiries. ✨ She offers advice for anyone looking to go into this industry, saying, “Always stay positive, focus on being driven, building a team, a pipeline and structured goals. Remember teamwork is important and always keep in mind what is best for the business and the customers.” 👇 Head to the comments below to read more about Alex's journey to becoming Sales Manager.  

The commercial attaché looked at me, stunned, “You may be the toughest man I have every met” She didn’t mean it as a compliment I had an appointment set with a senior official in an Asian market. The US commercial attaché was coming with me. When we arrived, several people were gathered in a room. The official was not there. Another, lower ranking official, who I knew was not able to make a decision and I knew would not have the pain points of my customer, introduced himself. “Please present to me, I will take notes and present to my boss”. I said no. He looked like we might have a small misunderstanding in the language. He repeated himself. I said, “no, I can wait. I came this far,I will wait to speak to the official. I had a meeting set, I will wait until she is free”. Everyone was shocked. There was a flurry of discussions. The room emptied;tea was brought. After a while, the official came in and we discussed the problems she faced and if we could help her solve those problems. She had the problems, they were serious, I had the solution. We could find a way to do business. In the car to the airport, the attaché said to me, “I can’t believe you did that”. I said. “If I had presented to the assistant without discussing the problems that they have and if I can solve them, we would have no chance of a deal” #globalsalesmentor #internationalsales #sales

Our Bournemouth office has had its best-performing year ever. It’s all down to the team in this picture. Collectively, they’ve worked across: Information Technology (IT) Services Manufacturing Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Finance and Fintech Logistics and Supply Chain Construction and Real Estate Energy and Utilities Professional Services Wholesale and Distribution Recruitment And much more! They’ve booked over 500 meetings, often with people their clients couldn’t get in front of by themselves. They’ve averaged 70% attendance and have seen clients renew and continue working with them for three consecutive campaigns. Why? A few reasons: From a meeting qualification standpoint, they only book meetings when they determine the prospect has a problem their client can solve and the motivation to fix it. Secondly, this is the anti-sales floor. No competitiveness, just a “you win, I win” mentality—constantly helping each other get better and holding each other accountable. Proud to learn from them. Well done, team! Emma Harrison Louie Patterson Megan Harvey Freya Bailey Jack Heavingham & My Sick Chest

For the international sales people, I thought you might enjoy one of my cross-border business stories—this one is a testament to having a clear target and the magic of cultural grasp. Picture this: it was a foggy evening, and I was driving to meet a casino manager as a potential client. Lost in the haze, I called to inform him I’d be late, but the delays just kept piling up. As the hours ticked by, he finally said his working day was over and that he was about to leave. But I wasn’t about to let that happen! I had a mission to sell and a belief in what I was offering. With unwavering confidence, I said: "I’m sorry, but leaving isn’t an option until you meet me. I have the best products for you—products that will transform your business. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!" And you know what? He waited. Three hours later, I arrived. We met, and not only did I win him over—he became my client. This story reminds me that a bold spirit, a belief in what you bring to the table, and a dash of determination can work wonders—even when you’re three hours late! But… I would only recommend this approach in Italy and a select few other amazing countries where charm and persistence are appreciated. Do not try it in the Netherlands or Switzerland—it likely won’t end as well! 😉 #internationalsales #crosscultural #culture

🍀 Facing the Challenges of Door-to-Door Sales in Ireland 🍀 Door-to-door sales in Ireland isn't for the faint-hearted. As someone who has pounded the pavements all over Munster, Here are some of the key struggles and how we can tackle them................. 1. Weather Woes: The unpredictable shit Irish weather can be a real hurdle. Rain, wind, or even the occasional snow can dampen spirits and make the job physically demanding. Investing in good rain gear and always having a backup plan for particularly bad days is crucial. 2. Cultural Resistance: Irish people value their privacy, and there can be a natural resistance to door-to-door sales (everyone thinks there is a catch). It’s essential to approach each door with respect and a genuine smile, understanding that building trust takes time. 3. Rejection and Resilience: Hearing “no” repeatedly can be disheartening. However, it’s important to remember that rejection is part of the process. The majority of closed sales start with a 'no we are fine'. 4. Connecting with the Community: Irish communities are tight-knit and value relationships. Especially in new estates if you are a prick at the door one singular text in a community/friends group chat can make your day very difficult. To my fellow door-to-door sales professionals across Ireland—keep going! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance are what make you stand out. Let’s continue to learn, adapt, and thrive in this challenging but rewarding field.💪 #DoorToDoorSales #IrishSales #SalesStruggles #Resilience #CommunityEngagement #SalesMotivation #Ireland

Here's why I believe international sales is a game-changer: 1️⃣ Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with clients from various backgrounds enriches our understanding and broadens our horizons. 2️⃣ Market Expansion: Tapping into new markets unlocks unparalleled growth opportunities. 3️⃣ Cultural Immersion: Every interaction is a chance to learn and adapt, fostering a global mindset. 4️⃣ Innovation: Exposure to diverse needs and solutions drives creative thinking and innovation. 5️⃣ Resilience: Overcoming language barriers and logistical challenges builds unmatched resilience and problem-solving skills. But what makes international sales truly special? It's the connections we forge across continents, the mutual growth, and the shared success stories. 🌐🤝 💬 What’s your most memorable international sales experience? Share your stories, tips, and insights below. Let's inspire each other to reach new heights! 🚀👇 #internationalsales #globalbusiness #salesjourney #culturalexchange #businessgrowth

"Sales don’t stop at national borders – that’s where they really begin." Many companies underestimate how different sales strategies can be across countries. It’s not enough to offer a product in a new market – you must understand the culture, expectations, and especially the mindset of your customers. During my experience in managing projects in Turkey, I learned that building trust was much critical. The key takeaway? Local partnerships are the foundation of international success.