Today we need to all be GIS salespeople

Sales I hear you say. Yikes!

But its true: today we need to all be GIS salespeople. Why?

GIS is still our technology. Our little secret. The in-crowd get the value and power of a GIS. The multitude of questions GIS can answer. Business questions: saving money, making money.

Want your boss and colleagues to know your true value: sell GIS.

Want your GIS company to grow (exponentially): stop fishing in the same pool, go after the 90% who know nothing about GIS but (without knowing) need it desperately: sell GIS.

Today we need to all be GIS salespeople

On our recent ArcGIS Speedo trip to the Cayman Islands, my daughter took great delight in the many frogs living in lamp-posts.

Each would come out at night and sit quietly waiting for flies to pass. Dinner. We noted some of the more adventurous frogs were more proactive, chasing (hopping) after geckos.

Sometimes it feels as though we as GIS professionals are like the frog above. Sitting quietly waiting. Business as usual. Chasing geckos is tough. To be successful it needs thought, a strategy, and effort. In our terms that means taking a new approach. Selling. And not just to the usual crowd (other GIS savvy folk or companies) but to others in your organization and those who know nothing about GIS (but have questions which need answers).

Think differently. Take a new approach. Fail. Learn. Keep going.

I’m reminded of my friend Matt. He sells GIS constantly within his organization. “Why?” I asked, “Are you given an incentive?”. “Not at all” was his reply, “If I sat back and waited for work, I would still be a glorified map maker. I see the value GIS can bring to staff within the organization. I help make them more successful”.

Selling is Scary

How do you deal with potential client (staff) responses like:

“I (we) already have maps thanks. Google maps!”

“GIS? Yes, we have an (old) system so we are all good”

???

The answer: find problems, and show how modern GIS can provide solutions.

Demonstrate value

Your real challenge is uncovering the problem.

So yes, today we need to all be GIS salespeople; to build your career, grow your company. Opportunity knocks!

Contact us for more information on 801-733-0723.

Categories: ArcGIS Online, cloud GIS, location data, Mobile ArcGIS, Mobile GIS, Web and mobile GIS

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