By Phil Whitebloom, Founder of BeenThere Consulting Services
With over $1.5 billion in sales under my belt, I know one thing for sure—you can’t fake your way to success.
If you’re sitting here scrambling to figure out why Q1 didn’t go as planned or wondering whether your pipeline is strong enough to hit your yearly targets, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: You’re not screwed—if you take action now.
Sales leaders, top performers, and business owners don’t wait until it’s too late—they
assess, adjust, and attack.
A Forecasting System So Accurate, It Predicted Sales 18 Months in Advance
Before there were CRMs and into the era of CRMs, I managed a sales pipeline that was so accurate, effective, and dependable that we could predict our sales within ±20% as far out as 18 months from the current date.
The closer we got to the desired measurement date, the more precise the forecast became—down to identifying exactly which deals were going to close and which were not.
The keys to success?
1. Keeping the pipeline current in real-time, all the time—without fail.
2. Absolute honesty about the status of every opportunity.
With a dependable data-driven system, we were able to plan, pivot, and ensure we hit our sales targets.
What’s working? What’s broken? What needs a total overhaul?
This is where the real winners separate themselves from the pack. In this article, we’ll break down:
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How to analyze Q1 and course-correct fast
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Why your sales pipeline might be setting you up for failure
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The strategic moves that can make or break your year
Did Q1 set you up for a record-breaking year—or did it expose the cracks?
Let’s find out.
📩I want to hear from you! Email me at Phil@BeenThereCS.com with your biggest takeaways, and I’ll send you a FREE eBook copy of my book, Handling Objections – Clues for Closing the Sale.
What Is Your Sales Funnel Telling You?
Regardless of whether you crushed Q1 by exceeding your sales plan or fell significantly short, your sales funnel—or what’s officially known as your sales opportunity pipeline—will tell you the truth about how your business really looks for the full fiscal year.
First, you need to analyze your Q1 sales results with total honesty. No sugarcoating. No excuses. Just the facts.
Then, you need to take a hard look at what’s in your funnel for the remainder of the year. Because if your sales pipeline isn’t where it needs to be, you’re already setting yourself up for
a disaster in Q2 and beyond.
What Is a Sales Opportunity Pipeline?
Your sales pipeline—commonly called the sales funnel—is the step-by-step process prospects move through on their way to becoming customers. It represents:
1. Leads entering your pipeline (new opportunities)
2. Qualified prospects progressing through key stages (engagement, demos, proposals)
3. Deals closing—either won or lost
A healthy sales funnel should always have:
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Enough new leads coming in to sustain future sales
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A strong conversion rate at each stage of the pipeline
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A balance between short-term and long-term opportunities
First, Analyze Your Q1 Results
Before you can adjust and accelerate, you need to break down exactly where your Q1 sales came from. A deep dive into your sales data will reveal patterns, strengths, and gaps that determine your trajectory for the rest of the year.
Ask yourself:
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Where did your sales originate? Were they from opportunities you had forecasted, or were they unexpected surprises?
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How many sales were rollovers? Did some deals from Q4 slip into Q1 instead of closing as planned?
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How many physical sales were achieved? What was the actual volume of transactions versus projected?
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Was Q1 revenue dominated by a single deal? Did one major sale carry your numbers, or was success built on multiple, steady wins?
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What forecasted sales didn’t close? And more importantly—why? Was it timing, competition, lack of urgency, or something else?
This analysis isn’t just about understanding past performance—it’s about using that data to course-correct and improve execution moving forward.
Next, Review Your Funnel for Q2, Q3, and Q4
Now that you’ve broken down your Q1 results, it’s time to look ahead. A strong sales funnel isn’t just about having deals in the pipeline—it’s about having the right deals at the right time to keep you on track.
The 80/20 Rule Applies Here, Too
Just like everything else in business, 80% of your revenue will come from 20% of your customers. That means a handful of key accounts will drive the majority of your success.
Another universal truth? If your sales funnel for any measurement period—whether it’s a quarter or the full fiscal year—is at least 5 times the size of your sales plan, you will hit your number. Anything less? You’re at risk.
Why Work with BeenThere Consulting Services?
Sales champions don’t rely on luck—they build a predictable, scalable pipeline and execute with precision. The most successful business owners, executives, and sales professionals know that forecasting isn’t guesswork—it’s a structured process that ensures sales success.
📩 Regain Control of Your Sales—Schedule a Call Today.
Why Work with BeenThere Consulting Services?
Sales champions don’t rely on luck—they build a predictable, scalable pipeline and execute with precision. The most successful business owners, executives, and sales professionals know that forecasting isn’t guesswork—it’s a structured process that ensures sales success.
📩 Regain Control of Your Sales—Schedule a Call Today.
How a Power Partner Relationship Transformed Our Businesses
In January 2022, while visiting a business networking group, I introduced myself and my company, BeenThere Consulting Services, LLC, a sales coaching firm. I made it clear to the group:
“Business coaches shouldn’t see me as a competitor, but as a value-added collaborator.”
That statement caught the attention of Brianna Hendley of Achievant Business Coaching, who immediately said, “We need to have a one-on-one conversation.”
The rest is history and here it is.
Today, Brianna isn’t just a connection—she’s my closest collaborator, business partner, trusted advisor, and friend. Her tagline says it all:
“Achievant Business Coaching is your GPS to Success.”
She promises to double your profits and triple your time off, and as Alex Hormozi would say, “You’d be stupid not to work with Brianna.” I’ve seen her live up to that reputation time and time again.
Why Our Partnership Works
Brianna creates the roadmap for business success—helping companies set the right goals, overcome obstacles, and build a success-driven environment. But without growing sales, none of that happens. That’s where BeenThere Consulting Services comes in.
- Brianna lays the foundation—helping businesses develop strategies for sustainable growth.
- I help them turn that strategy into a scalable, results-driven sales system—from design to implementation, customer retention, and ongoing optimization.
- We ensure businesses stay ahead of market shifts, leverage new technologies, and refine sales skills to maximize results.
It’s the definition of a win-win-win.
The Power of Collaboration
Our power partner relationship has expanded far beyond that first meeting:
- Co-hosting the Been There Sold That Podcast—with over 35 episodes available on all major platforms.
- Launching the BeenThere/SoldThat Mastermind—focused on doubling sales.
- Conducting workshops and speaking engagements together.
- Becoming widely recognized in the business community as a power duo.
It’s not just great for business—it’s fun. When we show up individually, we constantly hear, “I just saw your partner at…”
Behind the scenes, we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders, toughest advisors, and accountability partners. We celebrate wins as if they were our own, support each other on the tough days, and push each other to keep growing.
The Lesson? Don’t Underestimate Power Partners
Next time you hear a networking group say, “Meet your power partners”, don’t dismiss it. The right power partners will grow your business, strengthen your network, and improve your life.
How to Identify Your Power Partner
Our power partnerships aren’t just limited to our collaboration. I’m currently teaming up with an HR specialist company to help business owners hire better salespeople—ensuring they bring in top performers who can drive real results.
And soon, you’ll hear about an exciting new role I’m stepping into with a tremendous company—a power partnership on steroids.
If you want to leverage the power of partnerships to grow your business, here’s what to look for:
Key Traits of a Strong Power Partner:
1. Shared Audience, Different Services – They serve the same target market but aren’t a direct competitor.
2. Reputation for Excellence – They are known for delivering high-quality results and maintaining integrity.
3. Reciprocal Value Exchange – The partnership should be mutually beneficial, not one- sided.
4. Proactive Connector – They actively introduce you to potential clients and opportunities.
5. Aligned Business Values – They operate with ethics and principles that match your own.
6. Complementary Strengths – Their expertise fills gaps in your services, and vice versa.
7. Proven Success – They have a track record of helping clients succeed.
8. Willingness to Collaborate – They see partnerships as an opportunity, not a burden.
9. Long-Term Mindset – They are in it for the long haul, not just a quick win.
10. They Make You Better – They push you to improve and hold you accountable.
The right power partners don’t just help grow your business—they make it more valuable.
And just as importantlyi, you do the same for them.
Why Work with BeenThere Consulting Services?
Sales champions don’t go it alone—they leverage the right partnerships to win.
The most successful business owners, executives, and sales professionals understand that sales isn’t a solo game. Walking into a meeting without a plan—or without the right power partners—is walking into failure.
If your sales team is winging it, they’re losing deals. If they don’t know how to control the conversation, prospects take control instead. And if they’re not leveraging strategic collaborations, they’re leaving money on the table.
I Help Business Leaders and Sales Teams:
- Prepare like top performers, turning uncertainty into confidence.
- Master tactical conversations that move deals forward and eliminate hesitation.
- Create a sales process that makes buying from you the obvious choice—again and again.
- Build a network of power partners that drive referrals, trust, and long-term revenue growth.
Are You Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Winning?
You have two choices:
1. Keep hoping for better results while your competition out-prepares, out-connects, and out-sells you.
2. Work with a sales coach who sharpens your strategy and helps you build the right power partnerships—so you win more deals with less effort.
I make the next step easy. Let’s have a 30-minute conversation where I show you exactly how to turn preparation, partnerships, and process into profit—and make every sales interaction a revenue-generating opportunity.
Regain Control of Your Sales—Schedule a Call Today
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.