If a supplier claims a product is selling well, ask for proof. If someone on the phone says they have been told to call you by a colleague, your marketing group or someone else, ask for proof. If a landlord makes a promise, ask for proof – get it in writing. If a salesman makes a claim about being better than a competitor, ask for proof – get it in writing.
Too often in our channel we are too trusting of what we are told. You’ll often find that asking for proof, evidence or documentation of a position put is ignored or declined – meaning it’ open to you to not trust what the have said.
There have been some grand lies told to newsagents, individually and collectively, over the years, lies that have cost individuals and the channel dearly.
Asking for proof is basic due diligence.
It’s healthy to be suspicious and trusting when you are provided appropriate evidence.
A newsagent called me abut this yesterday. They has a sales person in who was making promises that sounded too good to be true. Some were in an area of the business where I have some knowledge. I was able to provide evidence that counters the sales person’s pitch.
I’m grateful to this newsagent for doing their homework and not automatically believing what a professional looking and smiling sales person says.