Why “we never get asked for that” is a terrible response
Care to join the debate?
When you are considering your business operations, with a thought for your portfolio of offerings and what your prospective customers seek you out for, do you ever find yourself saying to potential suppliers “we never get asked for that”?
Do you also ever stop to consider why that might be? Could it be that it is so far away from your core business activities that it just wouldn’t happen – e.g. are customers likely to ask an IT reseller for HR assistance? Could it be that your business is seen as a very niche provider? Could it be that you seem unapproachable, or that your skillset is focussed?
Whether or not any of these reasons apply, wouldn’t you like to grow your business by helping more customers solve more business problems and you are their “go-to” person for all advice? For me, “Trusted Advisor” is an extremely aspirational position to be in where your knowledge, experience, and opinions are deemed valuable
I have been around a while and seen some stuff for sure. I have experienced some good, some bad, and some indifferent. Some have been downright fabulous.
I am still hugely motivated to get up every day and be curious. I love tech and business, and most of all dogs, oh and people are ok too ;-)
Having been in sales most of my working life, I have a real interest in the art and science and am a committed lifelong learner - constantly frustrating my kids with my stock phrase "every day is a school day"
Personally, I’m a husband to one, and father to five amazing children (none of them is now a child, but independent adults) and my golden lab, Archie, who is always pleased to see me. (edit - We said goodbye to my boy in Feb 2025, and in July 2025 we welcomed rescue "Cally" into our home and hearts - a 4 YO boxer/staffy cross, and a really sweet girl
I was blessed with becoming a Granddad in February 2021 (a very proud and somewhat besotted one) and another grandson arrived in October 2022 to keep their parents busy and for me to spoil. My second eldest then added a third to the mix, in 2026, so now a granddad to 3 fabulous boys x
I am also a mad keen lover of the oval ball game and a lifelong supporter of Leicester Tigers. As an Englishman, that's therefore England at a national level and the British and Irish Lions.
If I can be of service in any way, including any area of developing a channel sales and support business or ecosystem partnerships, and or sales coaching or development, you can find me at the link below, and contact me via the form also.
One of my favourite "quotes" is
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, with a beer in one hand, shouting "Whoo, what a ride!!"
Views here are 100% my own. https://grahambunting.bio.link/
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Graham Bunting -The Partner Catalyst 