In 45 seconds The world felt overwhelming as a kid. Turns out, I’m an HSP (highly sensitive person) – 15-20% of us out there, according to research. My sensitivity, once a burden, became my strength. I built a business on emotional intelligence and empathy, creating a more human way to do business. It wasn’t just boardrooms – injustice sparked my activism. Being HSP is tough, but we’re also deeply empathetic, intuitive, and creative. I learned self-compassion to quiet anxieties, and to channel empathy into action for positive change. Mindfulness helps manage the noise, and I don’t try to carry ..read more

In 30 seconds Curiosity, often seen in children, is essential for success, driving continuous learning and adaptation. It’s especially crucial for top salespeople and achievers across fields, fostering a desire to understand the world, technologies, and customer needs. Curiosity enhances problem-solving, encourages continuous learning, and aids in understanding others’ needs, adapting to change, and building trust. These traits are key in not just sales but all professional areas, allowing for a deeper connection with clients and staying ahead in an evolving world. Embracing curiosity can lead ..read more

In 30 seconds Theory of Mind (ToM) is all about understanding that others have unique thoughts, feelings, and viewpoints. It’s key for navigating any relationship, from work colleagues to family. By seeing things from someone else’s perspective, you can build trust, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts. Active listening, open-ended questions, and empathy are all ways to develop your ToM skills. While originally highlighted for salespeople, ToM benefits everyone – managers, teachers, friends – anyone who interacts with others. It’s a lifelong journey, but by practicing these skills, y ..read more

In December 2023 we published Barrett’s 12 Sales & Business Trends for 2024. This is a summary of that report, in case you missed it. For decades, the business world has been dominated by what looked like opposites to choose from. You could be a hunter or a gatherer, a manager or a leader. These concepts have been pitched to the business community as opposing and mutually exclusive choices, forcing a binary mindset. These polarisations don’t apply to modern businesses and sales operations – and they haven’t served us well for some time now. In 2023 we’ve worked with businesses across indus ..read more

In 30 seconds Tech is great, but it’s only as good as the people using it. That’s especially true for communication. But wait, there’s a catch. Tools like Slack and Teams, while helpful, can cause information overload and misunderstandings. Constant messages, unclear chats, and brief texts lacking context can create a communication mess. On top of that, company culture and our own communication styles can add to the problem. Unclear goals, fear of speaking up, and even hidden biases can make it hard to talk openly. The good news? These challenges can be fixed. Strong communication builds bridg ..read more

In 20 seconds Today’s sales need a customer-centric makeover. Traditionally focused on transactional deals, salespeople must now prioritise understanding customer needs and building relationships. This requires emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a focus on long-term value. Sales leaders must guide this shift by identifying skill gaps, providing training, and fostering a customer-centric culture. This empowers salespeople to thrive in the new era of sales. In 2 minutes Customer-centricity is now a common focus of many businesses, and while most of those think of themselves as customer-c ..read more

In 30 seconds Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024. As the call for gender equality grows, so too does the number of women thriving in sales and leadership. These careers offer women a unique path to empowerment, equipping them with valuable skills and opening doors to advancement. Unlocking this potential requires action: highlighting female leaders, increasing their representation, and fostering inclusive cultures. Importantly, studies show diverse sales teams outperform others, bringing fresh perspectives and boosting revenue. Businesses that embrace women’s talent not only create a f ..read more

This is Sales Trend 3 from Barrett’s 12 Business and Sales Trends for 2024. You can download the full report here. In 30 seconds This trend is about the pivotal role that the synergy of humans and technology brings to advance business success. Humans bring innovation, creativity, and customer-centricity, while technology facilitates data-driven decisions and operational efficiency. This collaboration ensures adaptability, robust risk management, and heightened productivity. The amalgamation of ethical considerations benefits from technology-enabled monitoring and human ethical reasoning. Busin ..read more

This is Sales Trend 2 from Barrett’s 12 Business and Sales Trends for 2024. You can download the full report here. In 30 seconds For the last few decades, developing and cultivating leadership qualities has been a key trend and has become a billion-dollar global industry. However, this often neglects essential business and people management skills. While there was a surge in prioritising leadership, businesses are now realising the importance of building effective systems and processes for effective team operation. This trend recognises that successful sales leaders must balance both leadershi ..read more

In 30 seconds Soft skills are now essential for everyone, not just salespeople. In a complex, connected world, automation threatens certain tasks, but people crave human connection. From building trust with clients to leading diverse teams, soft skills like communication, empathy, and ethical influence equip you to succeed. These skills go beyond just getting ahead; they’re crucial for building a better future. Imagine businesses fuelled by trust, leaders driven by empathy, and teams excelling through collaboration. Invest in your soft skills development, share the message, and join the moveme ..read more