I’ve been in this business a long time and I’ve had great success selling wine, but there’s something that I feel that I need to keep reiterating: I am not the best sales person. By a long shot.
Okay, okay, this post comes with a disclaimer. Last month I was the top sales person in the country—but it was for the first time ever. In over a decade.
Think about it: I’ve been with this company for 13 years, which means I’ve had 156 opportunities to be the top sales person of the month (13 years x 12 months = 156) and I juuuuuust hit that benchmark for the first time.
So, see? I’m definitely NOT the best sales person in the company. I’m not the top recruiter, I’m not the best at getting tastings on my calendar, and I’m certainly not the most charismatic/outgoing/personable member of the company.
But I still manage to create a business that works really well for me and my lifestyle. Why? Because I focus on offering the best service.
Focus on Service
If you think about it, WineShop at Home has a lot of competition simply because of the nature of our business. We sell wine. But guess what? So does Trader Joe’s! Half the grocery stores in the country, and every liquor store on every corner of the United States (where it’s allowed, you know what I mean) and like 2,000 wineries in the US.
So what will make a customer purchase wine from a consultant instead of going to A-OK Liquor and picking up a (likely less expensive or lesser quality) bottle from them?
One thing: service.
Our consultants offer a personal touch that is fun, that builds community, and that feels really individualized. Everyone knows that they can go around the corner and get wine, but the liquor store guy isn’t going to help you put together invitations for your tasting and brainstorm with you about ideas for which appetizers to serve!
Not to mention that the liquor store guy isn’t going to come over to your house and explain to your friends the difference between a Malbec and a Cabernet (…and would you really want him to, anyway?).
My business is about service. It’s about being a great tasting leader and giving everyone a fun, inclusive experience that they remember fondly.
Serve Your Team Members
Service doesn’t just come into play when it comes to your hosts and customers, it’s also important when it comes to your team.
Which of your new recruits needs a little extra attention? Who just overcame a big personal hurdle and deserves a shout-out? Where do you see your team members struggling that you could offer an extra coaching session to help everyone move forward?
When you serve your team members, you’re serving your business because they are such an integral part of your success. When your team members trust you and feel supported by you, they’ll see more success in their businesses, which benefits everyone!
I suggest that, this week, you take a few minutes to look at the different areas of your business and consider where you can come from a place of service. Is there an area where you’ve been struggling that could be softened by an attitude of service? My guess is that the answer is yes.
If you’re considering joining WineShop at Home, let’s talk. Click HERE to speak with me directly.