There are two types of sellers in the world: Traditional and Modern.

And this is why the Modern Sellers will win in 2024:

First, let’s talk about Traditional Sellers.

Ah, the Traditional Seller. Imagine it’s the 1980s. Big hair, shoulder pads, and, of course, the golden age of sales tactics. Our Traditional Seller is someone who swears by the teachings of Sandler and Dale Carnegie. They believe that to be an incredible salesperson, you must dial and email 100 times a day. And if there’s a tiny response rate of 1 to 2%? Well, that’s just part of the game.

These sellers are like machines. They follow what they know and do as they’re told, pushing through endless cold calls and standardized emails. The goal is volume, sheer numbers, and the occasional hit that keeps the whole cycle spinning. It’s a bit like trying to win a marathon by sprinting the entire way. Sure, you might finish, but not without a lot of effort and exhaustion.

Then we have Modern Sellers.

Now, let’s step into the present. We’re talking about 2024, people! The age of LinkedIn, AI tools, and a whole new way of thinking. Modern sellers look at the traditional methods and laugh. They’ve realized that traditional selling is inefficient, ineffective, and impersonal.

Modern sellers aren’t sales robots attempting to book meetings through brute force. It’s like trying to play piano with boxing gloves on. Sure, you’ll hit the keys, but the music will be a disaster. Instead, they treat sales as a science. It’s all about experimenting and A/B testing to find what truly works.

And what’s currently working? Video and voice outreach, using AI tools for personalization, and social selling. Why? Because it’s more human, personal, and effective. Imagine receiving a personalized video message instead of yet another generic email. It’s a breath of fresh air, and it works.

Becoming a Modern Seller is all about letting go of the norm.

Instead of using the same tired tactics (cold calls and emails) and scripts as every other salesperson, modern sellers do what no one else is doing. They find ways to stand out from the crowd by experimenting, stepping into their prospects’ shoes, and being DIFFERENT.

Their selling strategy is a constant iteration:

1. Take what’s worked for someone else (e.g., video prospecting).
2. Learn about the strategies and tools they used.
3. Adjust to your own target audience.
4. Put it into action and track results.
5. A/B test and reiterate to improve.

It’s 2024, not 2020, not 2015. Stop focusing solely on traditional sales methods. Start selling the modern way.

The Rise of AI Tools

Modern sellers embrace technology like never before. AI tools are their secret weapons. These tools help them personalize their outreach, analyze data, and automate repetitive tasks. With AI, sellers can gather insights about their prospects that were previously unimaginable. It’s like having a crystal ball that tells you what your prospect needs before they even realize it themselves.

Social Selling: The New Frontier

Gone are the days when social media was just a place to share cat videos and vacation photos. Today, platforms like LinkedIn are gold mines for modern sellers. Social selling is all about building relationships and trust through these platforms. It’s about sharing valuable content, engaging with prospects, and becoming a thought leader in your industry. When done right, social selling can turn cold leads into warm opportunities.

Video Prospecting: The Personal Touch

In a world where everyone’s inbox is flooded with emails, video prospecting stands out. Imagine receiving a personalized video message from a seller who has taken the time to address you by name and speak directly to your needs. It’s like receiving a virtual handshake. Video prospecting adds a human touch to the sales process, making it more engaging and effective.

A/B Testing: The Path to Perfection

Modern sellers are not afraid to experiment. They understand that what works today might not work tomorrow. That’s why they constantly A/B test their strategies. By comparing different approaches, they can identify what resonates best with their audience. It’s a continuous cycle of testing, learning, and improving.

The Human Element

Despite all the technology and data, modern sellers never lose sight of the human element. They know that at the end of the day, people buy from people. Building genuine relationships and understanding the needs and pain points of their prospects are at the core of their approach. They listen more than they talk and provide value before asking for anything in return.

The Results Speak for Themselves

So, why will modern sellers win in 2024? Because their methods are not just theories; they deliver results. Studies show that personalized emails can improve response rates by up to 20% compared to generic ones. Social selling leaders create 45% more opportunities than their peers with lower social selling indexes. And video prospecting can increase engagement rates by up to 300%.

Embracing Change

One of the biggest challenges for traditional sellers is letting go of their tried-and-true methods. Change is hard, and stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy. But in today’s fast-paced world, adaptability is key. Modern sellers understand this and are always on the lookout for new tools, techniques, and strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

The Importance of Continuous Learning

The world of sales is constantly evolving, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Modern sellers are lifelong learners. They attend webinars, read industry blogs, and participate in online courses to keep their skills sharp. They understand that knowledge is power, and staying informed about the latest trends and technologies is crucial for success.

Building a Personal Brand

In today’s digital age, having a strong personal brand is more important than ever. Modern sellers invest time in building their online presence. They create valuable content, engage with their audience, and showcase their expertise. A strong personal brand not only builds trust but also sets them apart from the competition.

Leveraging Data

Data is the backbone of modern selling. With the help of advanced analytics tools, modern sellers can track their performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. They can see which strategies are working and which ones need improvement. By leveraging data, they can optimize their approach and achieve better results.

The Power of Storytelling

Modern sellers understand the power of storytelling. They know that facts and figures alone are not enough to persuade prospects. Instead, they use stories to connect with their audience on an emotional level. Whether it’s a success story of a satisfied customer or a personal anecdote, storytelling makes their message more relatable and memorable.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Gone are the days of the lone wolf salesperson. Modern selling is all about collaboration and teamwork. Modern sellers work closely with their marketing, customer success, and product teams to provide a seamless experience for their prospects. By aligning their efforts, they can deliver more value and close deals faster.

The Future of Selling

As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, it’s clear that the landscape of sales will continue to evolve. The rise of new technologies, changing buyer behaviors, and increasing competition will shape the future of selling. Modern sellers who embrace these changes and adapt their strategies will be the ones who thrive.

Conclusion: The Modern Seller’s Playbook

So, what’s the key takeaway here? Modern sellers will win in 2024 because they are adaptable, tech-savvy, and customer-centric. They leverage AI tools, embrace social selling, use video prospecting, and continuously A/B test their strategies. They understand the importance of building genuine relationships, staying informed, and being different. And most importantly, they never lose sight of the human element in sales.

It’s time to leave behind the old ways of traditional selling and embrace the future. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, adopting the mindset and practices of a modern seller will set you on the path to success. Remember, it’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter. So, gear up, embrace change, and get ready to conquer the world of sales in 2024 and beyond.