How to Save a Bad Sales Week

Picture of Meridith Elliott Powell & Mark Hunter

Meridith Elliott Powell & Mark Hunter

Sales Logic Podcast

Every sales professional knows the sting of a week that just doesn’t go your way. Deals stall, prospects disappear, and suddenly you’re questioning your approach, your mindset, and even your future in the business.

This episode of Sales Logic dives into the strategies and mindsets that can help you turn around a rough stretch—and prevent a bad week from snowballing into a bad month or quarter.

Attitude First, Always

A bad sales week isn’t a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Both Meridith Elliott Powell and Mark Hunter opened up about recent struggles and emphasized the importance of perspective.

You can’t outrun adversity—it’s part of the territory. That means your attitude is your first defense. “Part of sales is having a bad sales week. It doesn’t always work in your favor and I think you need to just not fight it and accept the fact that sometimes things are not going to turn out as they need to.” —Meridith Elliott Powell

Reflection is the Reset

When things go sideways, take a breath and ask yourself: What went wrong? What went right? What can I do more of—and what should I avoid next time? Meridith Elliott Powell shared how even the worst two weeks, filled with bank issues, canceled flights, and missed deals, offered valuable lessons.

“It’s amazing how when you give some referrals, it just starts to change your attitude.” —Mark Hunter

Don’t just stew. Write down the positives, tap into opportunities, and seek out referrals. Sometimes, helping others is the best way to restart your own momentum.

Activity Calms Anxiety

When anxiety hits, don’t freeze up. Activity is the antidote.

“Focusing on other people and focusing on what you do calms anxiety,” Meridith Elliott Powell explained. Reach out, make calls, and get back to basics—each small step shifts your mindset and moves you forward. The faster you get back into action, the quicker your mood and results change.

Compartmentalize and Move On

Don’t let a single deal or week bleed into your future. Mark Hunter stressed: “You can’t allow one bad call, one bad activity, one bad week to suddenly impact others.” Compartmentalize your setbacks, learn from them, and get back in the game.

Adversity Makes You Stronger

Without adversity, you won’t grow. Meridith Elliott Powell shared how being forced out of her comfort zone made her more resilient and resourceful.

“If there is some adversity, if there are problems, it is amazing at how we become stronger.” —Mark Hunter

Confidence Builders

If you’re missing your goals, take Monday to call existing customers. Not to close, but to remind yourself where you’ve already succeeded. Sometimes you just need a shot of adrenaline and affirmation. Don’t sit in a corner—make the calls, create motion, and reconnect with what you do best.

Outside Perspective

Get feedback and insight from peers or mentors. Sometimes, you’re too close to the problem to see a simple solution. Ask for help and let others help you find your blind spots.

Gratitude is Your Anchor

Sales can tie your identity in knots. Step back and list things you’re grateful for. As Mark Hunter notes, “It’s amazing how it begins to change your attitude, it change your perspective, and you really begin to realize how much you have that is really going good.”

Every Week Starts Fresh

Don’t drag last week’s disappointment into Monday. The scoreboard is always reset to zero. All it takes is one call, one meeting, one surprise—keep going and trust that things can turn around.

Lightning Round: Top 10 Worst Sales Questions to Ask

  1. How did you hear about us?
  2. Just checking in
  3. What keeps you up at night?
  4. Did you see my previous email? (I’m resending it again)
  5. Are you the decision maker?
  6. Are you ready to buy? Are you ready to make that decision today?
  7. So tell me about your company
  8. What is it that you do here? Tell me about your job
  9. Do you have a few minutes?
  10. Okay, so you’re not the decision maker, who should I be talking to?

    Bonus: What do I need to do to earn your business?

Bad weeks happen to everyone. What matters most is how you respond, reset, and reach for the next win.

Lightning Round: Top 10 Worst Sales Questions to Ask

Question: Jason of B2B Tech asks, “I’ve missed my goals four weeks in a row. I feel like throwing in the towel. Any ideas on how to turn things around – this year is going downhill fast?”

Book: ’30 Days to Sales Success’ by Meridith Elliott Powell