Phil Whitebloom — The Sales Fixer
Turning Stalled Teams Into Top Producers — Fast.
Today’s topic: You’d Fire a Human for This—So Why Tolerate It from Your Automation
By Phil Whitebloom, Founder of BeenThere Consulting Services
Customer Service Is Sales:
Don’t ever believe for a second that customer service is not part of selling. Not every person in your company has to carry the title of Sales to be involved in sales. Selling begins with the first contact that is made when they call your business.
The Most Underrated Salesperson:
I have been in business for over four decades. One of the lowest paid employees, ironically, was also one of the most important. That person was the receptionist. There were more times than I could count where customers would comment on the professionalism and pleasantness of the receptionist.
All too often, there was not much praise given to this person. Their job was expected to be professional and pleasant. However, the minute there was a complaint, the phones would ring to that person’s supervisor. Sometimes it was simply taken for granted that the customer was always right. If the receptionist was in the wrong and did not take corrective action, the receptionist was fired and replaced.
Why? Because the first contact a customer has when calling your business is too important not to be a positive experience.
Now Enter the Machines
Now, the norm is becoming first contact with an automation system. Apparently, positive first experiences are no longer important to business. Automation answers the call and gives a list of options that rarely include what you need. When you try to get through to a human, it is very difficult, if not impossible.
Is It Really Efficient If It Drives Customers Away?
Automation is about efficiency and cost savings. But I ask the question:
If a customer has a poor or aggravating first experience, is that efficient?
If they hang up the phone and go to a competitor to purchase their products and services because your company is miserable to deal with, how does that produce cost savings?
If It Were a Person, It Would Already Be Fired
If your automation were a person, it would already be gone. In fact, you might even fire the first line supervisor for not taking corrective action sooner.
For those of you who are C-level members of your company, call in as if you are a customer. Go through the process yourself. Then decide if that first experience is acceptable.
Customers Are Already Making the Decision for You
Ultimately, your customers will make the decision for you.
As someone who has been in sales leadership and held responsibility for making the company’s sales targets month after month, quarter after quarter, and year after year, I would be in your office explaining that if we don’t get our automation system to the level of a human, we will never know how many opportunities are being lost before they even reach the sales department.
Our current customers, who are looking for quality support, love our products and hate our automation. That’s why they are considering, or have already moved to, our competitors.
First Contact Isn’t Optional — It’s a Sales Touchpoint
First contact is a critical part of the sales process.
If closing sales is your number one priority, make sure your prospects have a positive experience at first contact so they lean in, not walk away.
Ready to Fix This?
If your sales are stalled, slipping, or just not scaling fast enough, your automation could be one of the silent killers. You need more than a system audit. You need a sales expert who can spot the problem, fix it fast, and turn missed opportunities into closed business.
That’s what I do.
I’m Phil Whitebloom — a nationally respected sales coach with more than $1.5 billion in sales to my name. As a former VP of Sales at companies like Sony Electronics, I now work with leaders across industries to correct broken sales performance and get immediate traction.
I’m not a trainer. I’m a coach — focused on turning your processes and pipelines into closed sales and growing revenues.
With over 40 years of experience building and leading high-performing sales teams, I bring
tactical, real-world coaching that delivers measurable results — starting in the first session.
You don’t need another strategy deck.
You need someone who turns chaos into clarity and clarity into revenue.
📅Book your 15-minute session now
It might be the most valuable conversation you’ve had all year.
Unlock the Secrets to Closing More Sales with “Handling Objections: Clues for Closing the Sale”
Are you tired of hearing “no” or struggling to close the deal? In Phil Whitebloom’s book, you’ll learn how to turn objections into golden opportunities to secure the sale. Whether you’re new to sales or have years of experience, this book is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your approach to closing deals.
Here’s what others are saying:
Kelley Ridings says, “This book is a valuable resource! It opened my eyes to the psychology and problem-solving involved in sales. If you need to understand sales better, this is the book for you!”
Richard O., a successful small business owner for 35+ years, calls the book “a breath of fresh air” and says it’s packed with useful ideas for closing deals.
Brianna Hendley points out, “An objection is not a NO. It’s an opportunity to ask more questions and uncover your client’s true needs. A fun and impactful book I refer back to regularly.”
David Illig reminds us that everyone is a salesman in life, “Whether it’s a product, an opinion, or a point of view, Phil Whitebloom will guide you to a successful conclusion.”
Bryan Lilly describes the book as “a good tour of ideas and examples” that help you navigate different objections with key principles.
M.J. James highlights, “If you’re in a sales slump, this book will teach you how to embrace objections and turn them into catalysts for closing more deals.”
Don’t wait—level up your sales game and turn those “no’s” into “yes’s.” Get “Handling Objections: Clues for Closing the Sale” now and take the first step toward mastering the art of closing deals.
Purchase here.
PURCHASE YOUR COPY BY CLICKING HERE!
The BeenThere/SoldThat Podcast
Join Brianna Hendley of Achievant Business Coaching and Phil Whitebloom as they discuss practical strategies to enhance your sales and business skills. Get ready to achieve your goals and dreams! Listen here.
More from BeenThere SoldThat
Want to know what programs you can participate in to grow your sales and business? Go to BeenThereSoldThat.com and see what programs are available.