Consultative selling differs from problem-solving selling in that this type of selling is focused on helping customers reach their strategic goals, not merely solving immediate problems or filling immediate needs. Salespeople do so by providing valuable information to buyers and using their problem solving skills to benefit the buyer is firm. To engage in consultative selling, the salesperson must possess a great deal of knowledge about the customer’s business and industry. This is necessary so that the salesperson can provide the customer with insight into all areas of his/her business that influence their ability to reach their strategic goals. First, Jeff should always pay attention to weather conditions that may create delays and plan accordingly and he should better prioritize his main his main points. If he is going to run late, Jeff should make sure his customers know. The company should implement training requirements for different length sales pitches. Jeff should reschedule appointments if he believes doing so is necessary for him to have adequate time to conduct his sales call. Jeff needs to remember his goal is to develop a trust-based relationship, and that such a relationship is developed through sales dialogue, not a sales monologue. During the early stages of the sales process, Jeff should make sure that he asks the customer questions that will help him learn about the customer is unique needs. This means the customer should be doing most of the talking early on. It is only after he understands the customer is unique needs that he will be able to discuss how his company can deliver customer value. The final step of the sales process is enhancing customer relationships, and it is an important part of the continuing evolution of personal selling. As personal selling evolves from a transaction-oriented process into a relationship management process, the ability of the salesperson to enhance relationships will become increasingly important. So, Jeff should be prepared for abrupt endings to meetings resulting from unforeseen circumstances. He should have well-rehearsed contingency plan in place so he can end the meeting professionally and with a some degree of commitment to a “next step.”