Do You Have Muffin-Top Sales?
I was recently reading a magazine on a plane (I’m always flying to speak at conferences) and ran across an ad for jeans that “banish your muffin-top”.
I laughed out loud (OK – I think I actually SNORTED) and the guy beside me looked at me with a smile and a raised eyebrow.
With a smirk I said…
“You’ve got to be a woman to really appreciate this advertisement!”
Muffin Top
The dreaded spillage caused from wearing too tight pants.
It’s your basic nightmare.
But being the strange sales coach that I am…I immediately thought…
“Hmmmm….most women are experiencing MUFFIN TOP SALES!”
So What The Heck Are Muffin Top Sales??
Well cupcake…just as we’re responsible for creating muffin-tops in our jeans – you’re also responsible for creating Muffin Top Sales.
They occur when you’re trying to make sales:
- Wearing rates that are too tight
- Accepting too many clients that pay the tight rate
- Seeing spillage because there isn’t any room in your business ie/not enough time, money or even room for new and better customers.
How Do You BANISH Muffin Top Sales?
You know me as your bossy Sales Diva.
Well my clients know me as the..
“Super-Bossy-Sales-Manager-Who-Made-Me-Increase-My-Rates-
And-Drop-Bad-Customers”
You’ve got to push away from the table lady.
Whether you work for yourself or for someone else – you can still have Muffin Top Sales.
You’re overloading yourself with clients who don’t pay enough. (And you let them.)
The only growth you’ll see from these customers will be the increased demands on your time.
Will You Accept My Sales Diva Dare Sales Tip?
It’s time to get rid of the Muffin Top.
Go through your client list and identify your Bottom 20%.
You know. The clients who pay the least, expect the most and who take up the bulk of your time. They’re costing you money in a big, big way.
The clients who aren’t going to grow WITH you.
And make sure you drop me a line letting me know how you DROPPED your Muffin Top Sales!
Love from Your Sales Diva,
Kim
P.S. I’m devoted to helping as many women entrepreneurs and women in sales as I can. If you know of someone who would love to learn HOW TO SELL THE RIGHT WAY, then please encourage them to sign up at www.salesdivas.com and we’ll get them on the track to success!
I loved this article! What a clever way to grab my attention and remind me to take a moment and REALLY look at the bottom line. In this economy, and particular my job in the hospitality business, I am looking at gaining market share, and not reflecting on whether or not that share of the business is good for me. Thanks for the reminder!
Comment by Sales Diva Sandra — February 24, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for the note! Who knew that something GOOD could come from the phrase MUFFIN TOP? ha.
Kim
Comment by kimduke — February 24, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
Hey Darling Diva!
Love the analogy. I’m working on my real muffin top and ditched a MAJOR muffin top client recently. Totally true – what a relief not having to wear my Thanksgiving pants every day.
Great article hon!
Patricia
Comment by Patricia — February 24, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Well you have just reminded me (once again!!) to stop trying to be all things to all people. I admit that I try to please everyone and it really wears me down!! I am actually going to tape a picture of a muffin right next to my phone to remind me to quit being a “muffin head” with too much spilling out the top eliminating any room for new ideas! Thanks Kim – you always manage to give me the right advice at just the right time!!
Thanks, Sandi
Comment by Sandi — February 25, 2010 @ 7:46 am
Hi Sandi!
I think cutting out the muffin pic is a FAB idea!
Thanks for your post – I appreciate your comments.
Kim
Comment by kimduke — February 25, 2010 @ 9:08 am
What a great analogy! I agree that this is about the only good thing I have heard coming from the words “muffin top.”
This is similar to what Sprint did to back in 2007 when they dropped around 1,000 of their most expensive customers (those who excessively called customer service at an average of 25 times a month). And although it was a bit of a controversy in Sprint’s case, I would image it turned out to be a very good decision financially. And in a small business, could make a huge difference in an economy such as ours.
Comment by Lauren Fournier — February 28, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Thanks Lauren!
Didn’t know about the Sprint story – thanks for sharing!
Kim
Comment by kimduke — March 1, 2010 @ 9:19 am
Dearest Diva,
I am perpetually working on my physical muffin top, but in my business I am struggling to have the muffin rise, and when it does, I will hark back to these comments so my top doesn’t overflow!.. Thanks Lois
Comment by Lois Ehrenfeld de Buren — April 15, 2010 @ 8:53 am