OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The 60 Second Sale" by David V. Lorenzo.]

This book caught my attention because I am currently mentoring a few women who are wanting to start their own businesses. I figured I could pick up some skills and ideas to share with them. In that respect, The 60 Second Sale by David V. Lorenzo did not disappoint. I did find some valuable information within its pages. However, it was intermixed with gimmicky sales pitches and some ideas that I disagreed with.

The overall premise of the author’s philosophy is that sales should be based on creating relationships and meeting people’s needs rather than pushing a product. His model for success includes seeking out people who have a problem you can help solve or a goal you can help them achieve. This seems a very noble mission, and he gives some concrete advice on how to achieve it.

He starts by encouraging the reader to meet new people and renew old relationships. There are scripts of questions to ask people to find out about their goals and needs. The next step is to create a database of everyone you know and set up a system to keep in touch with them via personal contact as well as newsletters. One strategy I especially admired was his encouragement to introduce or refer people that can help each other even if it has no benefit to your own business. Creating these connections that help people will set you up as a person who values others. There are also tips on how to seek out your ideal clients and how to attract their attention. Other topics covered include speaking, publishing, internet presence, advertising, networking, and of course closing a deal.

I like the author’s emphasis on building relationships and meeting needs. This is not your typical pushy sales pitch. However, sometimes his methods seemed insincere or even manipulative. There are numerous scripts to follow when interacting with potential clients. The reader is encouraged to personalize these, but they still felt gimmicky. Also, even though the seller is supposedly focusing on relationships, the end goal is still to make a sale. It’s sort of a “follow these steps and say these words and they will buy your product.” It felt like a contradiction to the idea that the relationship was the most important thing.

I am really torn about rating this book. On the one hand, I have already implemented some of his strategies. I did find value in his core philosophy and many of the suggested action steps. On the other hand, I felt the author was trying to manipulate people with tricks such as listing what they need to solve their problem and then listing his own qualifications which, of course, match perfectly or scaring them with a picture of what will happen if they don’t buy his product. Maybe I’m just not meant to be a salesperson. I would really like to give a 2.5 for this book, but I have decided to round up and rate it 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about running a successful business and is willing to sort out the gems among things they may disagree with in the book.

******
The 60 Second Sale
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like teacherjh's review? Post a comment saying so!

I also love the idea of introducing others when it has no benefit to you. There is always value in helping other people meet their end goal - especially in setting yourself up as the "good guy".
Great review.

It sounds an interesting book for those starting a new business or want to expand their business. Thanks for this great review.

This sounds like a good resource for the use you described. Like you, I find gimmicky sales pitches a turn-off. I enjoyed your review.

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑26 Aug 2018, 02:56 I also love the idea of introducing others when it has no benefit to you. There is always value in helping other people meet their end goal - especially in setting yourself up as the "good guy".
Great review.

It’s a good life philosophy to help others. Thanks for leaving a comment.

I agree with the idea that good marketing involves meeting people's needs and building good relationships because these are two strategies that have worked very well for me in the past. At the same time, I can certainly see how the author can come across as manipulative by advocating for the same approach that they use to market their own sales. If I do read this book I think it would be important to keep that in mind so I can filter out the most useful information above everything else. Thanks for the review!

Neat review! I see a shift in your review when you agree and disagree with the points on this book. I agree with you on the rating. Thank you for your review!

"However, it was intermixed with gimmicky sales pitches and some ideas that I disagreed with. "
I don't think I will be reading this one but I completely understand why you would feel torn on what to rate this book.

I am not a sales person, I have to do a little bit for work, but it's hard for me to be someone I'm not and that always how I feel like when I step into the world of marketing. Thanks for the review.

Well, I KNOW I'm not meant to be a salesperson. I'm glad that there were somethings in the book to appreciate and implement, but I think I'm just going to skip the whole thing. It's not a book that would appeal to me, nor do I think I would use it much. Thanks.

Thanks for your insightful review. I might have to check this book out. I'm not into the gimmicks but I did like how you mentioned introducing people to each other that don't actually benefit yourself. That creates good karma.

Good job on your review. Thanks again

kvlegaux wrote: ↑27 Aug 2018, 16:06 Thanks for your insightful review. I might have to check this book out. I'm not into the gimmicks but I did like how you mentioned introducing people to each other that don't actually benefit yourself. That creates good karma.

Good job on your review. Thanks again

It reminds me of how people here help each other so we all do better.

I am not a salesperson but in my small businesses I have had to do my best. So, I often enjoy this sort of book. But, it sounds like this one may be exactly what I dislike about marketing. I can appreciate your struggle with rating it. Sounds like there are some nuggets but I would dislike wading through the smarm. Thanks for a great review.

Eva Darrington wrote: ↑27 Aug 2018, 18:47 I am not a salesperson but in my small businesses I have had to do my best. So, I often enjoy this sort of book. But, it sounds like this one may be exactly what I dislike about marketing. I can appreciate your struggle with rating it. Sounds like there are some nuggets but I would dislike wading through the smarm. Thanks for a great review.

I appreciate the compliment and the comment.

Thank you for the review! In my line of work, it would be useful to learn about these techniques. Although you mentioned that some of it feels insincere and gimmicky, I think I'll still give it a read since you also mentioned that you found some use out of the book