As we all rush out to do some holiday shopping and retailers put their best foot forward, as a small business owner you want to be sure that your sales don’t cripple your business. Attracting new customers is great, but what you want is repeat business and customer loyalty. Stick with these tips and build a relationship, not a sale. Listen to your customers While it is … [Read more...]
Women in Sales
Sales can be a scary thing to do for anyone and can seem especially daunting for women. It is generally seen as the realm of the men, the car salesman and the schmoozer. While it is the home of the smooth talking male it actually is the realm of women and an industry which seems to be ahead of the curve in terms of evening out the work force. Direct Sales as an industry … [Read more...]
Inc Magazine’s 10 Tips on How to Research Your Competition
Inc. Magazine recently ran a piece titled, "10 Tips on How to Research Your Competition." If Tweets, Likes and LinkedIn Shares are any indication, this piece by Darren Dahl, has generated quite an online buzz. Must be a compelling topic... The interest and importance of researching your competition is a no-brainer. Obviously it's important, no matter what industry you're … [Read more...]
Those Who Can Speak Close More Sales
One of the very best speakers I've had the privilege to hear isn't necessarily someone you may have heard of. He doesn’t make his living earning speaking fees; in fact, he probably has never received a payment for speaking services. He speaks to get his message across and to facilitate sales for his company. He presents within his industry only, so—unless you're a … [Read more...]
The 3 Elements of Infomercials Every Business Should Employ
Blog from Maribeth Kuzmeski of Red Zone Marketing Infomercials help brands sell over four billion dollars of products and services every year. While some members of the advertising industry view infomercials as second-rate campaigns, in general, they work. That’s why they are on all of the time! So whether you use the medium or not, following these 3 elements of … [Read more...]
Using Benefit Language to Communicate Your Value
If you've ever had an introductory course in sales, you know what WIIFM’s are. WIIFM stands for “What’s In It For Me?” and these statements focus our sales efforts on how our product or service benefits the customer. They are meant to shift our mindset from our own agenda to what the customer wants and needs. It has been my experience that using this benefit language is … [Read more...]
Upgrading Performance Closes More Sales: Lessons learned from 14 year old hockey players
Performing at your highest level is difficult to do over and over again. It’s not your talent that fluctuates. You may alter and upgrade your game plan and knowledge level, but at the end of the day true high-level performance seems to be driven by something other than talent alone. I believe winning at the highest level, closing the biggest or the most sales, is based on … [Read more...]
Recession-Inspired Smart Changes to Your Business
I just want to be done hearing about - and living - this recession. All of the analogies, comparisons, sound bites, and talk. Most of the firms I know are getting down to business, marketing and focusing on their target market of prospects. But it is true that the recession is still here and there continues to be stories of businesses folding or becoming unrecognizable in … [Read more...]
Just Say “No”
Post by Jane K. Stimmler, contributing Women on Business writer For those of us out here in the business world, the name of the game is seeking opportunities to get new clients and new assignments. We give and receive tips on how to build relationships, promote our accomplishments and communicate effectively – all with the end game of getting more and better work. For … [Read more...]
Generic Answers Lead to Lost Opportunities
If you find yourself constantly resorting to generic answers when people ask you questions about yourself – it’s time to rethink your approach. We can so often drift through our day, not even seeing the opportunities in the conversations with others. From the simplest Hey, how are you? to the more complex questions you are asked throughout your work day - how often do you … [Read more...]