Selling is Human to Human (H2H), from Customers to Advocates

Arno Diepeveen always said, “Nothing happens till somebody sells something”. Successful selling is not only about your product or service but also about delivering. Does your client receive more than what they expected? Successful sales and consultancy are not only about the product or service. After closing the deal, your business really starts. Can you execute your customers’ needs? In recent blogs, we came with tips about the selling process. But how do you manage to keep selling and make your clients become not only your loyal customers but also your ambassadors? Selling is human-to-human (H2H), and word of mouth is the strongest lead generator for your business success.

Best Books to Read about Sales/Consultancy

We’ve compiled this list in no particular order.

1. Zero to One by

   Peter Thiel This title is available from Audible; I listened to the Audible version on my way to the Alps.
   A must hear/ read for everyone. 
   

2. Good to Great by Jim Collins

   “Greatness is not a function of Circumstance. Greatness is largely a matter of
   conscious choice and discipline.”

3. Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

   If you thought Good to Great was old (written in 2011), this title was written in 1937.
   It was the first book to sell out in six weeks (5,000 copies). I think this is a must-read for everyone.
   It’s built on the Mastermind principles. The author notes that an individual with desire, faith and
   persistence can reach great heights by eliminating negative energy and thoughts and focusing on
   the greater goals at hand. The 13 steps listed in the book are as follows: desire, faith, autosuggestion,
   specialized knowledge, imagination, organized planning, decision, persistence, power of the mastermind,
   the mystery of sex transmutation, the subconscious mind, the brain, and the sixth sense

4. Influence by Robert Cialdini

   This title is about the science of persuasion. I love this video:

5. The Trusted Advisor by

   David Maister

   This one is very practical. It addresses the components of trust (via the trust equation),
   the process of trust creation (including the most common trust-breaking mistakes) and
   a series of key trust “tools,” including mindsets and skill sets.

6. Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss
   

   This book gives you step-by-step advice. The most recent version was completely updated for
   today’s consultants.

7. Rasputin for Hire by Michael A. Goodman
   

   A valuable look inside consultancy. Goodman walks through key characteristics that
   help determine whether someone is a good fit or not. He spends time on creativity, actionable
   insight and even how to write a proposal. It includes five keys to consulting success and much
   more for new or experienced consultants.

8. The Ultimate Question by Fred Reichheld
   

   I couldn’t end this blog without mentioning this book. I love this one. I think it shows the
   ultimate way to build a business through reputation. It’s about building a customer-centric
   culture throughout the entire organization and is the story of how to engage your customer to
   advocates. Selling is Human to Human. This Book will help to engage Customers to Advocates.

If we missed one, please feel free to add it in the comments.
We’ll add it to the list.