Steve Barriault

Global tech/software sales management wizard with experience spanning continents (APAC, EMEA, Americas). MS CS + MBA. English, French, Chinese, Japanese.

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

HUNTERS vs FARMERS

This is one of the most popular questions in an interview for a Sales position. They are said to be mutually exclusive.

Sure, there are specialists. But many can do BOTH - and so should your organization!
#sales #management #hunters #farmers

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Salespeople often promise the moon without explaining *how*. Technical decision-makers hear 'blah blah blah.' Credibility is lost when there's no evidence. Explain your software's 'how' to build trust and move forward. #SalesTips #TechSales

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Sales organizations need a 'navigator' for the 'sales continuum river.' From lead generation to closing, blockages can occur at any stage. Without someone to diagnose and solve these issues, revenue won't materialize. #SalesProcess #RevenueGrowth

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Crossing borders can be stressful, but this time it was smooth. In a world needing collaboration, international business makes us richer, more sustainable. We must keep working together, despite global challenges. Our interconnectedness is key. #GlobalBusiness #Collaboration

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

The #1 rule in business? Client is king. Without clients, there's no profitability, no business. Even when they push back, contracts make them a constitutional monarch. True client satisfaction is key to long-term, profitable relationships. #BusinessStrategy #ClientFocus

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Japan's politeness goes beyond simple courtesy. It's a deeply ingrained cultural practice, expressed through nuanced language to show deference and humility. When in Japan, always prioritize politeness; it truly pays off. #JapanCulture #BusinessEtiquette

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

International resellers need more than just a signup. Unlike in-house teams who can ask colleagues, distributors are distant. #InternationalSales #ChannelPartners #SalesSupport

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

In embedded software, the lines blur between pre-sales and post-sales. Teams doing both demos and deliveries build deeper trust and better answer tough technical questions, leading to more effective client solutions. #EmbeddedSystems #SoftwareDevelopment

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

On pensait qu'un vendeur ne devait pas trop connaître son produit, mais c'est faux ! Pour vendre une solution, il faut comprendre le problème du client et savoir comment votre produit le résout. La confiance se bâtit sur cette expertise. #Vente #Conseil

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

销售人员不应回避产品细节。销售软件的关键在于理解客户痛点，并清晰说明你的产品如何解决问题。无法说明产品价值，客户就不会信任你，更不会购买。 #销售技巧 #产品知识

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

AI: a brilliant dog eager to please, but can get stuck chasing its tail. It excels at automating grunt work but needs human direction for true ideation. Without guidance, it repeats itself. A human in the loop stops the infinite loop and finds inventive solutions. #AI #Tech

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Navigating Korea? Knowing a few Korean phrases makes a big difference! 'Annyeonghaseyo' for hello, 'juseyo' to ask for things (like 'maekju juseyo' for beer), 'mianhaeyo' for apologies, and 'gamsahamnida' for thank you. Simple words, big smiles! #KoreanPhrases #TravelTips #Korea

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Service is declining in the name of efficiency. But what if doubling down on personalized, quality service is the ultimate competitive advantage? Clients are yearning for that white-glove approach. #CustomerService #BusinessStrategy

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Salespeople often focus solely on price, which isn't profitable or successful. Clients invest more in solutions and great service, not just the cheapest option. Focus on value and solving problems, not just price. #SalesTips #BusinessStrategy

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

「自社ソフトを知りすぎるな」は嘘。営業は技術を理解し、顧客の問題解決につなげるべき。ソリューションがどう課題を解決するか理解できなければ、信頼は得られず、戦略も非効率に。自社ソフトの習得は全営業の責任であり、知識が深まれば効率は向上します。 #営業 #ITセールス #課題解決

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

销售时，直接说“我不要”是令人不适的。更有效的回答是“我们考虑一下”，但要警惕这并非真实意愿。理解对方说“不”的原因至关重要，可能是不理解或需要更多信息。 #销售技巧 #沟通

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Sales and solutions engineers are rare because they thrive on the unexpected, bridge technical and commercial worlds, and handle high-stakes pressure. It's a challenging yet fulfilling niche. #SalesEngineering #SolutionsEngineering #TechSales

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Turn your current sales into future opportunities by strategically adapting software. Document generic solutions, then partner with marketing to promote the compatibility. #SalesTips #MarketingStrategy

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

AI is forcing universities to rethink education. The challenge shifts from information scarcity to discerning AI-generated 'beige slop' from valuable insights. The future belongs to those who can prompt AI effectively and retain critical thinking. #AI #Education

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Dans la vente, un 'non' initial est souvent plus précieux qu'un 'oui' ambigu. Le 'oui' peut cacher une hésitation, tandis que le 'non' ouvre la porte à la compréhension et à la résolution des objections. #Vente #Négociation

[Steve Barriault @BarriaultSteve]

Negotiations can break down when demands become too outrageous. Unpredictability raises deal costs and erodes trust. And emotions often trump logic, even when it means a country stands to lose more by holding a hard line. #Negotiation #BusinessStrategy #InternationalTrade