Most sales problems within any organization are not very difficult to diagnose. Fundamentally, anyone who thinks there is a problem with sales will generally base it on one primary source: revenue. That makes sense because either sales revenue is meeting our needs and expectations, or it is not. While other key performance indicators such as profit or leads are important, revenue is usually the first metric to grab our attention. When sales stop flowing, it’s clear there’s an issue somewhere in the pipeline. But what exactly do we mean by the term ‘sales pipeline’?
A sales pipeline is the structured progression of potential buyers through various stages of the sales process, from initial contact to closing the deal. It’s so straightforward that we rarely think much about it—just like the water pipes in our homes and offices. We assume everything is working as it should, but once we notice a decrease in flow, we call in the plumber. A Sales Pipeline Plumber is anyone who can apply a little honesty and common sense to how customers are—or are not—moving through the sales process. This person can look past the narratives of the sales team and see the real issues affecting progress.
Are We Prospecting?
If the early stages of the sales pipeline seem weak, it’s a safe bet that little to no prospecting is happening. If your marketing efforts are generating strong inbound leads, you might be okay. But if not, talk with your sales team, and you’ll likely discover that prospecting is either inconsistent or ineffective. A smart Sales Pipeline Plumber goes straight to the source. Remember, the number one reason for missing new business sales goals is a lack of prospecting.
Where Are Deals Getting Stuck?
You know that point when customers stop making decisions and the sale isn’t moving forward? Or that frustrating feeling when potential customers start ghosting you? A skilled Sales Pipeline Plumber recognizes that something is blocking the flow. More leads won’t fix a clogged pipeline—those deals will just get stuck too. The key is identifying the common sticking points and understanding why they happen.
Where Are Deals Getting Lost?
You’ve nurtured great opportunities that seem like the perfect fit, but somewhere along the way, they slip through your fingers. Maybe the customer lost interest, decided they needed excessive time to ‘think it over,’ or simply went with a competitor. As a Sales Pipeline Plumber, you recognize these as leaks in the system—holes in your process that need to be patched before more opportunities drip away.
Keep the Flow Going
Just like water pipes, a sales pipeline requires regular maintenance to prevent leaks and blockages. The key is not just generating more leads but ensuring that opportunities move smoothly from one stage to the next. Diagnose, fix, and optimize—because a well-maintained pipeline keeps revenue flowing consistently.
