The Center for Sales Strategy Blog

This is our second edition of The Center for Sales Strategy's summer reading list. If you missed last year's, here it is. We've compiled 9 books (nonfiction) that have inspired us over the last year.

9 Books to Read This Summer

Girl Boss
Sophia Amoruso

Tina Rice, Elearning Developer:

"It’s a wild ride full of risky behavior and swear words, and unbridled success."

Scary Close
Donald Miller

Emily Estey, VP/Senior Consultant:

"This is a great book for me as a coach."

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Susan Cain

Tirzah Thornburg, Talent Analyst:

"My 12-year-old is massively introverted, and this book helped."

My sister is an elementary school teacher in Portland, and for the last two years, has wanted a change. She recently decided to pick up everything and move to San Antonio (and before you ask, the answer is no, she’s never been there). She applied for three jobs: two teaching positions in the San Antonio School District, and one at an educational services company selling science curriculum to school districts. 

A couple weeks ago, we were talking internally about the sales process. The topic of proposals came up, and the conversation became spirited.

I asked several colleagues,

What's the one thing you should always include in a winning proposal?

and they came back with amazing answers. These are tried and true solutions from winning sales consultants, so keep this list handy!

1. A Dotted Line

This one might sound obvious,

We've talked a lot about thought leadership, and what it means for you and your business. Positioning yourself as a thought leader will not only bring more people to your website, but it'll present you with new business opportunities, invitations to speak at conferences, and more.

Last weekend, I was watching the NFL playoffs, when I saw a commercial featuring Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. My ears perked up when he said something about talent. 

My friend Nancy mentioned recently that she was finding it difficult to source good candidates for a particular position she had open in her company. So she decided to ask her social network if they knew anyone who might be a good fit. (Here at The Center for Sales Strategy, we think asking your social network is a smart idea in most cases.)

What a great week! There are some great gems from our writers here, and wonderful news from around the web. Read on!

The Center for Sales Strategy Weekly Wrap-Up

• Monday, Steve Marx gave us a a dose of serious slump medicine.

• Tuesday, John Henley wrote about the most important planning meeting we could hold for 2015.

What a great week! There are some great gems from our writers here, and wonderful news from around the web. Read on!

The Center for Sales Strategy Weekly Wrap-Up

• Monday, Steve Marx gave us a list of tough questions sales leaders would really rather not be asked.

• Tuesday, Greg Giersch wrote about the sales funnel, and asked several gut-check questions.

What a great week! There are some great gems from our writers here, and wonderful news from around the web. Read on!

The Center for Sales Strategy Weekly Wrap-Up

• Monday, Steve Marx told us five things we need to know about our best accounts.

• Tuesday, John Henley gave us hints and tricks on how to win on Twitter (at least in the short term).

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. It's my favorite holiday, hands down. The focus is on being together, and sharing a delicious meal, that took hours to prepare, and reflecting on the past year, with an emphasis on gratitude.

There's nothing to buy, no gifts to exchange, and no expectations except to be present and eat more than your fill.