探花精选

Remember the ShamWow guy? Here's a refresher in case you don't:

This video is practically a tutorial on what not to say when you're trying to sell something.

Now, Vince might have moved some ShamWows. But if you're selling a complex product or service in the B2B market, you'll probably want to avoid phrases such as "I don't know, it just sells itself!" and "Call within the next 20 minutes, because we can't do this all day."

In the vein of cringe-inducing pitches, Jeff Shore listed six particularly odious sales phrases in his post "." Some are obviously awful (example: "Here's what I love about [product]"), but others are seemingly harmless ("Are you the decision maker?") Read through the list to ensure you're not serving a side of cheese with your sales presentation.

After you do a bit of linguistic damage control, peruse five more of the week's most thought-provoking sales articles below.

1) by Jill Konrath

Sales expert Jill Konrath slays a sacred cow. Prepare to question a deeply entrenched sales belief.

2) by Georges Le Nigen

If you go into a cold call totally cold, you're doing it wrong.

3) by CJ Ng

Ng argues that the concept of a "sales superstar" is, itself, misguided. Find out why.

4) by Joanne Black

Your customers can sell on your behalf. They're called referrals. Learn how.

5) by Thomas Ellis

Show me a pitch deck that includes company history, and I'll show you a sleeping prospect. Avoid these mistakes at all cost.

What were your favorite sales articles this week? Share in the comments.