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In today's Sales Pulse, gain insight into how:

• Client-first strategies can bridge cultural nuances and global operations to strengthen trust and drive satisfaction across markets.

• Crafting a compelling brand story can set your product apart, resonate emotionally with customers, and build lasting retailer loyalty.

• Developing habits of exceptional service, and avoiding common pitfalls, can solidify client trust, foster loyalty, and boost renewals.

For the uninitiated: Sales Pulse is a free, biweekly newsletter designed for the innovative sales leaders of today and tomorrow. Each article featured below is penned by a member of Forbes Business Development Council, a community of successful sales executives shaping the future of business.

Let’s dive in!

What It Means To Be Client-First In A Global World

Being "client-first" goes beyond intention; it’s about embedding your client’s goals into every aspect of your operations. This becomes even more complex as companies scale across global markets, where cultural nuances and local needs challenge the promise of consistent, client-first leadership.

Here’s how companies can stay client-focused, globally:

🌎 Balance Universal Strategy with Local Intelligence: Focus on trust through strong relationship-building. Use structured relationship management and regular communication checkpoints to remain aligned. Lastly, create client advisory boards across regions to inform product and service offerings.

🤖 Use Technology As An Equalizer: Leverage AI for tasks like data analysis, freeing teams for strategic work. Tap virtual tools to enhance global collaboration while saving costs.

📈 Scale Client-Centered Strategies Effectively: Bridge global-local gaps by setting shared priorities (e.g., sustainability) and driving actionable tasks locally.

Read The Full Article >

The Shelf Doesn’t Sell The Product, The Story Does

In a crowded retail world, a product’s story, not just its packaging, drives sales. While eye-catching colors and designs grab attention, it’s a brand’s authenticity and mission that create lasting connections with both shoppers and retailers.

Here’s how to make your story your strongest selling tool:

🔥 Sell Emotion, Not Just Features: Share the "why" behind your brand, like a founder’s personal journey or mission-driven values. Avoid fluff, build a story that’s authentic, emotional, and rooted in purpose.

🛠️ Weave Storytelling Into Every Touchpoint: Ensure your story lives in your packaging, marketing materials, and sales pitch. Train store reps to share your story with shoppers; it’s not just about selling but about connecting.

🤝 Equip Retailers to Advocate for Your Brand: Give retailers a reason to believe beyond the product, your mission provides shelf life during slow weeks. Make it personal; when emotions align, sales follow.

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Top Habits of Great Service (& Three to Avoid)

Client loyalty doesn’t hinge on taglines or campaigns; it’s built on consistent, reliable service that makes their lives easier. The little things, like clear communication and follow-through, often matter most. Want to build lasting relationships?

Focus on these habits:

👥 Be Accessible at All Levels: Ensure senior leaders are reachable, as it signals accountability.

🤝 Act as a Partner, Not a Vendor: Bring ideas, anticipate issues, and contribute strategically.

📈 Prove Your Value: Use metrics and reporting to validate outcomes and internal impact.

🔄 Stay Flexible: Adapt to shifting priorities without losing progress.

💬 Be Transparent: Honest conversations about capabilities build trust over empty promises.

3 Habits to Avoid:

• Overstretching: Don’t spread resources too thin—it leads to mistakes.

• Slow Follow-Through: Good intentions mean little if execution lags.

• "Set It & Forget It": Stay engaged; service relationships need ongoing attention.

Read The Full Article >

Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Forbes Business Development Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together seasoned sales and business development leaders.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on Forbes.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Forbes Business Development Council today, and become part of a group driving meaningful innovation in business.