Everyone makes mistakes in sales. It’s part of the process. But the real mistake comes when we don’t learn from them. Every lost deal or missed opportunity is a chance to improve and grow stronger in the future.
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Main Point: Review Lost Deals and Make Small Improvements
The best salespeople don’t avoid mistakes—they learn from them. If you lose a deal, don’t just move on to the next one. Instead, take a step back and ask yourself, “What went wrong?” and “What can we do better next time?” Analyzing past mistakes helps you identify areas for improvement and make small changes that can lead to big successes over time.
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Window & Door Example: Reviewing a Lost Project
Let’s say you lost a project for new windows or doors. Instead of just moving on, review the situation with your team. Maybe the client didn’t fully understand the Uw values (which represent the thermal efficiency of your windows), or maybe they felt your quote wasn’t fast enough.
For instance, let’s say a customer asked about the energy efficiency of your windows, but your team didn’t explain the Uw values in detail. This lack of clarity might have led the client to choose a competitor. In this case, you can improve your sales pitch by ensuring your team explains the thermal efficiency of your windows and how this will help the client save on energy bills.
Or, if a delayed quote was the reason for losing a project, work with your team to streamline your quoting process, so that the next potential client receives a quick response.
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Marketing Tip: Use Insights to Create Helpful Content
Once you understand why you lost a deal, you can use those insights to improve your marketing efforts. For example, if customers often express concerns about energy efficiency or performance of windows and doors, you can create blog posts or guides that answer their questions.
A blog titled “Top 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing New Windows” could be a great way to address customer doubts and show that you understand their needs. When potential customers see that you’re proactively addressing their concerns, it builds trust and positions you as an expert in the industry.
Example Blog Title Ideas:
• “How to Choose the Right Energy-Efficient Windows for Your Home”
• “What to Look for When Upgrading Your Front Door”
• “The Importance of Proper Window Installation and What to Know”
By sharing this type of helpful content on your website and social media, you show that you’re not just selling a product, but offering valuable knowledge to help customers make the right choice.
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Conclusion: Embrace Mistakes as Opportunities to Improve
Mistakes happen, and that’s okay. The key is to embrace them, learn from them, and make improvements. By reviewing lost deals, identifying what went wrong, and making small adjustments, you can become a more effective salesperson. Use the insights from each lost deal to create better sales scripts, improve your marketing, and ultimately increase your sales in the future.
So, the next time you lose a deal, don’t just brush it off—take the time to learn from it and grow stronger. Every small improvement adds up over time, and soon you’ll be closing more deals and becoming a trusted expert in the window and door industry.