Sell First, Ask Questions Later

6 Comments

starting line

Sell first, ask questions later is a section title in Ryan Blair’s book, Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain. It struck me that most people are in a position to make money with their business, but they’re waiting for their bank account to be set up, forms to be filed, and business cards to arrive before doing their first deal.

The truth is, you don’t need any of that. You don’t need a certification, nor do you need a website. You don’t need testimonials or a big time endorsement.

You need to sell.

If not now, then when?

Don’t get caught up in the details. Get off your butt and sell something.

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Posted on September 8, 2011

  • Ivan Bickett

    Ooof!

    Did you hear that? That was the wind getting knocked out of my by that punch to gut you just delivered!

    I SWEAR! It’s like every time I start feeling like I’m making it happen I realize there’s something else I haven’t done!

    I’ve started a blog. Building relationships with new people daily. Got my business license. Purchased a domain. In talks with getting my “official” site built. Met with a client. Contact 2 more. Am attempting to build some models to make sure it’s financially feasible (guess I might should have done that first). And a few more things.

    But I still don’t have my first sell. No cash has changed hands.

    There. Just sent another followup email w/a perspective client.

    REALLY looking forward to being able to FOCUS more on getting http://abetterwayofbusiness.wordpress.com/ up and running.

    ~Ivan

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    Those details are all important, but at some point you need to make some sales. Make it happen!

  • David Robertson

    This is BIG! For years I would let the details be the excuse of why I had not sold anything. Slowly, I’m working toward the opinion that I’ve been using the wrong excuse. 

    Instead of using the details as an excuse I’m moving toward making the sale the excuse for why I need the details. Seems like a much better (and more profitable) approach.

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    Less excuses = more action, David.

  • http://twitter.com/jasonvandehey Jason Vandehey

    Ivan, have you thought of having local “free” talks / events?  Something useful to the listeners, but would leave some wanting for more?
    I just did a “mostly pro-bono” portrait shoot for a friend, but those types of shoots could easily lead to 2 or more paid shoots if I wanted some.  Also, get some free e-books or articles published? (with link-backs)

  • Ivan Bickett

    Jason! Thanks for throwing out suggestions for me. I REALLY appreciate it. I swear I’ve seen your name other places. We need to connect and talk some more. Find me on Twitter @ivanbickett and on Facebook too! My email is ivan.bickett [at] gmail.com. My site is: http://abetterwayofbusiness.wordpress.com/ I like your ideas and would love to share some of the things I have coming down the pipeline. Your suggestions are hitting REALLY close to home.